“Take away the Gospel from a Church and that Church is not worth preserving. A well without water, a scabbard without a sword, a steam-engine without a fire, a ship without compass and rudder, a watch without a mainspring, a stuffed carcase without life, all these are useless things. But there is nothing so useless as a Church without the Gospel.” (J. C. Ryle, Light from Old Times)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I pray your weeks have been a blessing to others, and a pointer for others to Christ and His loving Lordship. May this week’s links be another encouragement towards that end. Here they are!

• Conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro recently interacted with a college student on the issue of abortion, which has been shared and liked by many who are pro-life. Timothy Brahm warns of using Shapiro’s tactics in personal dialogue with those whom we disagree with three differences/tips to use instead. I wholeheartedly agree.
• RTS President Michael Kruger sat with Bill Mounce, President of BiblicalTraining.org, and talked (for three hours!) about the New Testament canon and its origins. You would be wise to listen in and learn from both men on this vital topic today.
• Tim Challies, with Andy Naselli’s help, writes 10 strengths (and dangers) of systematic theology, with the hope that you would be aware of the benefits and pitfalls in delving into this area of study. I’d add that this would definitely be useful for younger guys to read and heed.
• Pastor Kim Riddlebarger answers a common question believers have: why does God command us to rejoice always?
• Kevin DeYoung gives a wonderful illustration of the truth that the internet is not a library. It may make you want to pay a visit to your local library again.
• Natasha Crain argues the case that Facebook can make you a better parent. Intrigued? Click on the link to find out why she would write such a thing.
• Ana Maria Dumitru offers a story, likening embryo-destructive research to an orphanage. Before you consider that a worthy comparison, you should read how she makes them parallel, and it may not be quite what you expect.
• Dan DeWitt gave a talk answering the question, “how can there be a supernatural God when there is science?” Make sure to pass this on to anyone who is in need of answers and encouragement concerning this important topic.
• Challies is also writing a series on how to advance in different areas of the Christian life for believers in their teens and 20s. This time around, he is covering wisdom. You know what to do.
• Here’s something you don’t read every day: a positive view of Christianity in The Huffington Post through the work of Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for all the SDSU students who are graduating this weekend. Congrats! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria