“The deepest wound of all wounds was the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered more than anyone ever had or ever will, and with the greatest possible effect. His cry was the apex of all laments: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27: 46; see Psalm 22: 1). It is only because of this lament that our laments gain their ultimate meaning. If the perfect Son of God can lament and not sin, so may we. Further, that anguished cry was answered by his resurrection from the dead on the third day.” (Douglas Groothuis, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness–A Philosopher’s Lament)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! There are many links to get to, so don’t let me stop you from enjoying what you see! Happy reading!

• Historian of science Michael Keas continues his interview with Christian apologist J.P. Moreland on the issue of scientism and its many problems.
• On this week’s Truth in Love podcast, Dale Johnson interviews Pastor Rush Witt on his new book, Diehard Sins: How to Fight Wisely against Destructive Daily Habits. This book comes highly endorsed by many in the biblical counseling community. You might want to pick up the book after!
• RTS Charlotte President Michael Kruger gives seven lessons for evangelical scholars in the secular academy based on Thomas Oden’s switch from liberalism to evangelical Christianity. These lessons are not just for the scholar, but for every believer seeking to make an influence in the academic realm, wherever that may be.
• Paul Tripp argues that the good news of Christmas can truly be embraced and enjoyed when you truly accept the bad news of Christmas.
• Joshua Harris, author of the very popular book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, has since interviewed many people about the influence his writing had over 20 years ago. He filmed a documentary with the varied responses, and Harris’ own thoughts now. Tim Challies wrote a mini-review, including a link to where you can view the documentary for free. Exploration Films recently released a statement that Harris requested his books on the issue be discontinued from publication.
• Reports have surfaced of an American missionary, John Chau, being killed by a small tribe in India, and many have offered their thoughts on the matter. Albert Mohler addressed it on Monday’s edition of The Briefing, while Denny Burk highlights an interview of the director of Chau’s missionary agency, All Nations, that corrects many of the criticisms placed on Chau and his decision to evangelize the Sentinelese. Ed Stetzer writes in The Washington Post about the culture’s response to Chau’s decision and how it differs from how a Christian might respond. Pray for Chau’s family, as they mourn his loss, and for the Sentinelese, that they may hear the gospel soon.
• Christopher Yuan has written a new book advocating for a life of holiness, as opposed to heterosexuality, when dealing with the struggle some have over their homosexual desires. Randy Alcorn reviews Yuan’s new book, and links to a video of his testimony to the power of the gospel. Make sure to watch!
• Fred Sanders, Professor at the Torrey Honors Institute, presents a lecture on the revelation of the Trinity in Scripture. That alone should interest you enough to give 75 minutes of your time to learn and enjoy God’s triune nature.
• Now, I know the main focus should be on resources that have come out this week, but I had to mention Triablogue’s Christmas 2018 resource list that was posted last Friday. This is one of my favorite posts to link to every year. If you are looking for anything related to Christmas, and its historical veracity and theological significance, this is the post to bookmark.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the many flocks meeting tonight and tomorrow, and for the women heading to Tri-City Bible Church for the Women’s Christmas Coffee event. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria