“You can grieve for me the week before I die, if I’m scared and hurting, but when I gasp that last fleeting breath and my immortal soul flees to heaven, I’m going to be jumping over fire hydrants down the golden streets, and my biggest concern, if I have any, will be my wife back here grieving.

When I die, I will be identified with Christ’s exaltation. But right now, I’m identified with His affliction.” (R.C. Sproul, A Taste of Heaven)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! As Christmas comes upon us, I pray we continue to give thanks to God for the love and care He gives us, and the grace He offers through the fellowship of His saints. With that, I pray these links will serve you in your growth in Christ.

• It is with great sadness to hear of Dr. R.C. Sproul’s passing yesterday, after being in the hospital his last 12 days due to respiratory difficulties worsened by the flu and complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Founder and former chairman of Ligonier Ministries, former pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, FL, former chancellor of Reformation Bible College, he leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Vesta, two children, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was 78 years old. Chris Larson of Ligonier Ministries gives the initial news on Ligonier’s site, while Ligonier Chairman Robert Godfrey and teaching fellow Stephen Nichols gives a tribute to this great man of God. Al Mohler writes of Sproul’s influence on his own life, as does John Piper. Justin Taylor gives a detailed obituary of his life here on earth. He will be deeply missed by many who knew him, and many more who didn’t. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
• Denny Burk comments on Pope Francis’ desire to change the phrase “lead us not into temptation” to “do not let us fall into temptation.” We would do well to point Roman Catholics to the true and only infallible authority given to the church, the Word of God.
• Jason Engwer at Triablogue gives yet another reason why Christmas apologetics merits discussion: the decrease of Americans’ belief in a Christian view of Christmas. May God grant us opportunities to share Christ’s birth with those who don’t yet know Him.
• Pastor Chris Brauns began a series of messages at his church titled, “Leading Our Emotions Through the Holidays” this month. You can read a summary of his first message, “Leading Our Emotions I – Depression,” which includes a link to the audio.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for our SDSU collegians, as they go through finals through next week, and for our Christmas concert tomorrow! We look forward to continue celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. See you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria