“The doctrine of providence teaches Christians that they are never in the grip of blind forces (fortune, chance, luck, fate); all that happens to them is divinely planned, and each event comes as a new summons to trust, obey, and rejoice, knowing that all is for one’s spiritual and eternal good (Rom. 8:28).” (J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I found a few more links than usual, so make some extra time for this week’s links!

• Stand to Reason has been making videos outlining, in a visual way, their tactical approach to engaging unbelievers with questions. This week, Greg Koukl focuses on how to make a point using questions to expose a weakness or flaw in someone’s beliefs against Christianity. Make sure to check out the previous videos linked on the same page.
• D.A. Carson and Michael Kruger discuss the common misconception made by skeptics that the church created the Bible. Carson was also interviewed, with Rebecca McLaughlin, concerning the fear that comes with sharing the gospel, and what ways we can overcome those fears.
• Sam Crabtree continues to write on the issue of how to raise your children in a way that honors our Lord. First is an article on how to teach your kids to tell the truth, and second, four essential things to remember when disciplining your kids.
• If you have yet to see the hour-long documentary American Gospel, it is available to watch for free online! This gives a clear presentation of the true gospel in light of exposing the prosperity gospel, which is no gospel at all.
• Al Mohler writes on the recent decision made at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) to uphold a biblical view of marriage and sexuality. This comes at a time when the UMC as a denomination has grown more in Africa than the US. Only time will tell what will come as a result of this decision.
• Professor Denny Burk of Boyce College gave two talks recently, one on homosexuality, another on transgender, and their relationship with Christianity. There was a Q&A following both lectures, and you can watch the videos here.
• James N. Anderson provides a succinct, yet detailed, summary of Islam that will definitely inform and help you to develop a love for Muslims, and a desire to see them come to know Christ.
• Randy Alcorn mentions the Houston Chronicle report on Southern Baptist sexual abuse, and deals with the claim that this is just another attempt by unbelievers to slander the church of Christ. In light of the list of convicted perpetrators of these abhorrent acts, Alcorn provides a list of consequences that he reviews, reminding himself of what would happen should he, or anyone in ministry, would ever go down that road of sin. Extremely sobering, to say the least.
• How do we break free from thinking that our performance of the Christian life will determine how God will treat us? Biblical counselor Shannon Kay McCoy gives a helpful description of the performance trap, and a helpful way forward.
• The Cripplegate has been a great resource to go to lately (honestly when has it not been this way?), especially with what has been going in in evangelical circles. Jordan Standridge writes of the discouraging news of Francis Chan’s recent partnership with false teachers like Benny Hinn and Todd White. Also, despite what the culture thinks the Bible’s view of women is, Eric Davis lays out 10 reasons why the Bible regards women higher than all other systems of thought. We should not be ashamed to share, from Scripture, God’s view of women with anyone.

That’s all for this week! Continue to pray for our youth and collegians, as they meet tonight for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria