“Justification is the gracious act of God in which, by uniting us to Christ through faith alone, God counts us perfectly righteous solely by imputing to us his own righteousness accomplished by Christ, thus satisfying all the law’s demands for our punishment and perfection through Christ’s own suffering and obedience on our behalf. Sanctification is the gracious act of God, distinct from justification, and not part of it, by which God progressively frees us from sinning and conforms us to the character of Christ. Historic Protestant faith has always believed that anyone who is truly justified will be truly sanctified. One of the main points of this book is that the reason this is so is that the same faith that unites us to Christ for justification is also the conduit for the power of God’s Spirit for sanctification. And that faith is profoundly and pervasively future-oriented.” (John Piper, Future Grace, Revised Edition: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another week of His working in our lives to conform us into the image of His Son! I pray these links will help towards that end, so have at it!

• Do you know what righteous anger looks like in contrast to sinful anger? Most wouldn’t find it hard to point out the latter, but the former may be mistaken as the latter. This is a good time for a heart check on your anger, friends.
• How would work be affected when biblical truth is at the forefront of your mind? Read and apply directly to the forehead.
• What is the true meaning of manhood? If Jesus is not at the center of your answer, you are sorely missing the mark. Phillip Holmes provides a helpful primer. Related to this is an interview with Don Whitney on the issue of family worship.
• In light of what Pastor Patrick has been preaching in the book of Titus, here are some observations on church-planting and the local church in light of Titus 1:5.
• Jared Wilson makes a pretty good case that theological study is for everyone.
• How do you respond when a fellow brother or sister tells you, “Was Jesus neither a Democrat nor a Republican?” Michael Kruger gives a wise response. Jim Hamilton addresses a different, but related, question: will following Jesus make you a liberal?
• Though a book recommendation, the subject matter may be relevant to many of you: What About Free Will? by Scott Christensen comes endorsed by both Andy Naselli and D.A. Carson. Don’t forget the link Naselli gives at the bottom of the post, which is a talk he gave along with a fairly detailed handout.
• Can God’s love for us (and Christ) increase? Mark Jones has a very compelling (and surprising) answer.
• Robert Kellemen provides answers to eight ultimate life questions that the Bible asks, contending not only with how the world answers, but how they ask the questions. Here’s part one and two.
• A recent discussion took place between Fred Butler, from Grace to You Ministries, and Adam Tucker, campus director of Ratio Christi at UNC Greensboro, on the issue of apologetic methodology. Butler advocates pressupositionalism, while Tucker advocates classical apologetics. This will definitely be useful for those who seek to honor Christ in their defense of the faith.

That’s all for this week! Hope you all are enjoying your time at flocks this week! Looking forward to worshiping the Lord together at His house this Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria