“But make no mistake about it, truth alone is not enough either. Factual claims about God (or anything else for that matter) can sound like little more than ‘Blah, blah, blah’ if they are delivered apart from an authentic relationship with someone who truly cares about you. Theology and apologetics can seem empty if we don’t connect truth to how we live. God calls us to truth and relationship. He possesses and demonstrates the perfect balance between justice and mercy, law and grace.” (Sean McDowell & J. Warner Wallace, So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Here are this week’s links to lead you into Memorial Day weekend!

• There is confusion about what occurs in an actual abortion procedure. Dr. Anthony Levatino used to perform abortions, and has given testimony to what occurs in an actual abortion procedure.
• Philosopher of biology Paul Nelson reports on the ID the Future podcast on Cambridge University’s recent conference on the dissatisfaction some scientists are having with respect to modern neo-Darwinianism. Brazilian scientist Marcos Eberlin gives further evidence of foresight in solving problems that are necessary to make earth habitable, like water and lightning.
• Martha Peace gives some counseling tips on the Truth in Love podcast, with the experience of 30 years as an ACBC certified counselor. This is definitely a must-listen.
• On the Mortification of Spin podcast, Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt talk about the extent of responsibility church leaders and members are to have with other people in the church, in light of the Poway synagogue shooting recently. Pray for our presence on social media to lead people closer to Christ, and not further away.
• Astronomers David Block and Kenneth Freeman do some myth busting with respect to the relationship between science and faith. There’s five, so it’s short and sweet.
• From his work on apologetics, R.C. Sproul wrote an encouraging post for the Christian to go on the offense when presenting the claims of Christ to those who don’t believe. Our goal is not to answer defensively in every encounter, but to point to the futility of unbelief and the superiority of the Christian faith.
• Can a Christian lose their salvation? R.C. Sproul gave a good answer, and it’s still a good answer.
• On this week’s Crossway Podcast, Desiring God communications director Tony Reinke is interviewed on his recommendation to do a digital detox (and what that means), discerning how to use social media as a habit, and even how Avengers: Endgame shows us how this world is filled with media.
• Denny Burk points out in discussing the role of teaching in the church, there is a conflation between teaching and prophecy with respect to women. Keeping the distinction in view will clarify much about complementarianism as applied practically in the local church.
• Author Aaron Armstrong writes of the bittersweet feeling that comes from no longer supporting a child through Compassion International, a sponsorship program designed with the aim to “release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.” This is definitely worth considering if you are thinking through supporting a child to be cared for financially and spiritually.
• Do extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence? Find out in this interview with Christian philosopher Tim McGrew.

That’s all for this week! Pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight for Bible study and fellowship. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria