“If Jacob had realized that when Joseph left for Shechem, the back of his head was the last Jacob would see of his beloved boy for twenty years, I’m not sure he would have sent him. God, though, was in control of the circumstances. It was actually better for Joseph to be isolated from his home but in the center of God’s plan than to be at home but isolated from God’s purposes. Similarly, we make a mistake when we try to determine God’s guidance on the basis of what is the most comfortable, acceptable, and rational to us. God’s providential dealings overrule, even in the fracturings, separations, and jealousies of life.” (Alistair Begg The Hand of God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope this week has been a blessing, despite the many things happening in the world recently. I pray this week led you into a deeper time in the Word, and in prayer. Hopefully these links will push you in the right direction, so enjoy!

• This past Resurrection Sunday, bombs went off in four cities in Sri Lanka. Ajith Fernando, teaching director for Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka, gave a personal report of some of the people affected by the evil acts, and provides the church five ways to pray for the persecuted believers there. Let us be faithful to the task of “pray[ing] for one another” (James 5:16).
• What results from believing in the Resurrection of Christ? Pastor Clint points to two effects, which comes from acknowledging the truth of what really happened 2,000 years ago.
• With the recent laws related to abortion expanding when women can have one, it is up to us ordinary Christians to step in and speak out. Pastor Tim Counts writes of eight ways we can fight against the killing of the unborn.
• ACBC’s Truth in Love podcast features an interview with Caroline Newheiser, who talks about the issue of gossip in the church, and how to replace it with God-honoring speech.
• On the Crossway blog, Pastor Kevin DeYoung warns of being passionate at the expense of being theologically precise. This is a lead-in to his new book on an old confession, of which he wrote at Desiring God: the history of the Canons of Dordt. This is where we identify the origins of the five points of Calvinism. If you have only heard of TULIP but aren’t sure of the history behind it, this is a good place to start.
• The Gospel Coalition’s Themelios journal is out, and it looks great! Some highlights include a debate on cessationism vs. continuationism, a way to show the reliability of the gospels, and a load of book reviews. Check it out!
• This is a great story of how John Piper’s influence began to increase, because of one man’s desire to use the talents God gifted him with to expose Piper’s teaching to the world. I, for one, am definitely a beneficiary of Moe Bergeron’s faithfulness in getting the Word of God out through the ministry of Desiring God.
• Ligonier Ministries has a new podcast, Simply Put, that will explain a theological term in a way where all believers can understand. Their first term: original sin. This looks like it’s going to be very helpful for the layman.
• C.S. Lewis’ book The Abolition of Man is considered by many to be one of Lewis’ most important works. A book is in the works from Crossway about this book, and Justin Taylor highlights a set of doodle videos that correspond with each chapter in the book. Make sure to go to the specific videos’ YouTube page to get more info on each doodle.
• RTS President Michael Kruger deals with an interesting question: when is the first time we see a New Testament book used as Scripture? You may be surprised at his answer.
• On The Crossway Podcast, Rebecca McLaughlin was interviewed about themes from her new book, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion. She comments on the secularization hypothesis and two of the most common objections against the faith. This is currently what believers will face when receiving push back from the culture, so this is something worth paying attention to.

That’s all for this week! I pray most of you will enjoy flocks tonight, and have great discussions of this past week’s message about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Theology is narrower than religion or godliness, for theology is not the whole life of devotion, but specifically the engagement of the mind with truth as the foundation for the religious life.” (Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology [Vol. 1]: Revelation and God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Good Friday! Today we celebrate the immeasurable sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. May these links draw you closer to Him this special weekend.

• Why is Good Friday good? Pastor Jon English Lee gives a great answer by explaining the doctrine of the atonement.
• Dan DeWitt writes about the extremes those who are interested in apologetics can get into at times. He writes a helpful post explaining those extremes, and how to avoid them.
• Though we may be fans of the 5 Solas, we may not always be able to explain the meaning behind each concept. RPTS President Barry York gives a short explanation of one of the Solas, Sola Scriptura.
• RZIM speaker/writer Vince Vitale writes of the fact that there are academics out there who do believe in the resurrection of Christ.
• Al Mohler recently spoke on the relationship between nature and Scripture, and how both reveal God. This is definitely not something you want to miss! In a similar vein, theologian J.V. Fesko wrote a journal article concerning the relationship between Geerhardus Vos’ and Cornelius Van Til’s theory of knowledge, while Christian philosopher James N. Anderson comments on it. Central to the discussion is Van Til’s view of this same relationship of nature and Scripture, which will definitely interest the apologetics aficionado.
• Justin Taylor deals with a common question people wonder about during Easter season: what hour was Jesus crucified?
• Christian apologist Rob Bowman has written a two–part response (so far) to anti-Trinitarian writer/blogger Dale Tuggy’s criticism of his argument for the doctrine of the Trinity. I put this here to give you exposure to his previous eight-part series on the biblical case for the doctrine of the Trinity. I hope it gives you much to think about, and lead to a deeper worship of our Triune God.
• Here’s a well-illustrated video of an argument for the case of Jesus’ resurrection, based on five well-accepted facts of history. This is an approach made popular by apologist Gary Habermas, and is made with kids in mind. A very simple introduction to the One who historically rose from the dead.
• Because the culture is heading quickly towards secularization by rejecting biblical morality, there have been many voices who have been silenced as the wave of intolerance has only grown, with no sign of stopping. One mom writes to a newly announced presidential candidate about the problems that brings. This may have been one of the most honest (and fearless) responses I have ever read. Check it out.

That’s all for this week! Hope to see you all tonight at church for our Good Friday service. If not, see you on Resurrection Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“I’m convinced that at the heart of an ability to influence others is a compelling life of fearless conviction and a transcendent, divine message. A man who lives in the fear of God and boldly speaks His truth to the world is the kind of leader God promises to bless (Isa 66: 2). Where are such men today? The world’s model leader is someone of financial means, political power, or social popularity, but these shouldn’t be premium qualities in the church. Yet, evangelicalism has suffered four decades of insipid leaders who fear men and compromise truth. It’s no wonder that so many books on leadership can’t put their finger on the dynamics of spiritual influence. We must get back to the biblical principles which God says will make us useful to the Master (2 Tim 2: 21). When a man’s life manifests a righteous character and the spiritual convictions which cannot be shaken, others can’t resist following such moral strength.” (Jerry Wragg, Courageous Churchmen: Leaders Compelling Enough to Follow)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! New week, new links! Have at it!

• Pastor Justin Dillehay wrote an article on how pastors can introduce the area of textual criticism to their congregation, and I think he does a good job of not only doing that, but introducing textual criticism.
• John Piper writes of the life and legacy of missionary Adoniram Judson. He lived a life of suffering for the sake of the gospel.
• Do you ever feel afraid to tell someone the gospel? Especially if you are the only Christian in the conversation (or group conversation)? Elliot Clark, former church planter in Central Asia, writes of the wisdom of having another brother or sister tag along to complement your witness of Christ to another. I think he’s onto something.
• So, Crossway began a podcast, and has begun posting some that are really good! This week, Paul Tripp was interviewed about parenting kids with eternity in mind in daily life.  Check it out!
• Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley have begun writing articles at the Crossway blog in light of their new book on systematic theology. Their first article is on the possibility and impossibility of knowing God, while their second article is on the importance of systematic theology.
• Oxford mathematician John Lennox wrote a great article on the Christian’s character at work, and the importance of keeping the two main aspects of work in its proper place. Trust me, it’s worth your time!
• Are we supposed to enjoy God? According to the Bible, yes! It’s a command, and Pastor Sinclair Ferguson reminds us of four means, given by God, to enjoy Him.
• For many people who are broken over their sin, they may ask themselves, “How can God ever forgive me?” Amy Hall points to the Word of God for an answer, and it is a glorious answer! His Word is true, and His promise is secure.
• Biblical counselor Caroline Newheiser gives four reasons why every counselor needs to incorporate the doctrine of glorification into their counseling. This will provide some much-needed comfort to those you counsel.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight at church. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria