“Lament can be defined as a loud cry, a howl, or a passionate expression of grief. However, in the Bible lament is more than sorrow or talking about sadness. It is more than walking through the stages of grief. Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.” (Mark Vroegop, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope you have been given many opportunities to thank God for all that He provides, whatever that looks like in your life, primarily the provision of His saving grace! Here are this week’s links!

• This week on The Crossway Podcast, Dane Ortlund is interviewed on the life and legacy of Jonathan Edwards. That should be enough to have your attention.
• No matter how long you have been in the faith, do you examine your life to see if it is bearing fruit? Meaning, does your life show a life of repentance and growing in godliness? Author Lindsey Carlson gives some clear markers from Scripture to know where to examine growth in your life. May it be a regular practice for those who love Christ to show our love by examining ourselves.
• Pastor Michael Riccardi considers the often-neglected question: “Can I adapt the gospel message to make evangelism easier?” This is a very good post.
• When you hear Romans 8:28 quoted, you may wonder if it applies to you. You may agree with what it says, but wonder if it specifically applies to you. How can you know whether God is for you? Sinclair Ferguson provides some context to the verse that is very hope-giving. Give it a read.
• Have you ever wondered whether it is required to believe in Christ exclusively to be saved? Have you ever been asked to show where in Scripture does it say that Jesus is the only Savior? Theologian Bruce Ware provides much by way of biblical support for the exclusive view of Christ as sole Savior and a conscious faith in Him to receive forgiveness of sins and salvation from judgment. If you are not sure of Scripture’s position on these twin issues, this is an excellent place to start. This may be the most important link I’ve shared in a long time. Read and meditate on this!
• The Grace to You blog has been featuring snippets from John MacArthur’s book Final Word, which focuses on the necessity, trustworthiness, and sufficiency of Scripture. This week, he covers the unequally yoked relationship between our desire for Scripture and our desire for sin. It cannot be mixed, and the apostle Peter points out why. This is solid food.
• There are certain Christian cliches that tend to go around among believers, yet may be hard-pressed to find them in Scripture. Practicing discernment is key to knowing what sounds good from what actually is good. Pastor Derek Brown covers the common cliche, “Bloom where you’re planted.”  If you think you know where this falls under, read on.
• Another Christian cliche is “God says it…that settles it!” Thankfully, more can be said about that!
• ACBC counselor Julie Ganschow writes of how to give hope to a suffering believer through the book of 1 Peter. This might apply more to you than you originally thought.
• Ever wonder what a biblical response to mental health looks like? Well, you will definitely be glad to know that a recent conference was held that covered that exact topic! CCEF counselor Ed Welch and ACBC Executive Director Dale Johnson spoke on the issue in eight sessions! From the sufficiency of Scripture to address such issues, to a biblical view of anxiety, to depression, and more, this definitely looks to be worth your time.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight for Bible study, and for Salt n Light as they enjoy a day at the park tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria