Biblical love is an affectionate disposition that motivates the lover to consistently act for the welfare of another, whether or not the other deserves it or reciprocates. (Robertson McQuilkin)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope this week has been a week filled with worship towards God and love for others. With today’s national recognition of, whatever it’s called, let’s keep our eyes on Christ, first and foremost, yes? Ok, now let’s dig into these links!

• How do we create a culture of evangelism among God’s people in the local church? Mack Stiles provides some thoughtful pointers in this direction. I highly recommend everyone read this and apply accordingly.
• Unless you’ve been fasting from media or talk of Christianity in the public sphere, you’ve most likely heard about the recent debate between Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis and Bill Nye “the science guy” (a show I thoroughly enjoyed growing up). The reviews and analysis of the debate has been voluminous. I direct your search to the following: Creation Ministries International, Rick Phillips, Al Mohler, Casey Luskin (Intelligent Design advocate), Dr. Jay Wile, David Coppedge, Ken Ham’s post-debate comments, and James White (video). I’d also recommend Randy Guliuzza’s message at TMS Chapel, “Engaging the Evolutionist” (video), along with AiG’s resources specific to responding to Bill Nye’s claims.
• Speaking of evolution, Joe Carter continues his series on apologetics and worldview with his fourth installment, “Should You Trust the Monkey Mind?” I’d highly recommend you read this and his previous articles.
• What is the need of the church, our country, and the world at this time? J.I. Packer believes it to be a renewal for personal holiness in the church. Take some time to watch the message of an 87-year old saint. I believe he has earned our attention.
• For the dads and husbands preparing to be dads, here’s an article that deals with how to come home relying on the Gospel, while your children and wife await you. I think I may need to read this multiple times myself in preparation for marriage.
• Wheaton College recently invited Rosaria Champagne Butterfield to come and speak concerning her past as a former radical leftist, feminist, lesbian professor, and her transformation upon coming to know Christ, leading to a silent protest among some of the students. President Phil Ryken issued a statement, Mrs. Butterfield answered some questions concerning this event, and a concerned open letter was written to the students involved in the protest. May the Gospel guide all conversations following this.
• Since some of the affinity groups are studying the attributes of God this year, I thought it would be fitting to make mention of a new book by David Wells, called God in the Whirlwind: Understanding the Holy-Love of God, in which he explains how God’s holiness and love removes shallow theology from infecting the church. Read this blog interview done by Crossway, or the video series Crossway is putting out in promotion of the book (parts 1 and 2 so far).
• How often do you stick up for yourself? Not in physical fights, but in conflict with those around you, those you love, those who know you well or best? Jared Wilson has some timely thoughts on crucifying defensiveness that I know I will turn to again and again. Something tells me I’m not the only one.
• When should you go public with your faith at work? Here’s some good help in this area.

That’s all for now! Hope you all have a blessed weekend, and remember to pray for the LBCLA church plant inaugural service (and don’t forget LBC East Bay and LBCSJ)! See you Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria