Youth is the seed-time of full age, the molding season in the little space of human life, the turning-point in the history of man’s mind.

By the shoot we judge of the tree, by the blossoms we judge of the fruit, by the spring we judge of the harvest, by the morning we judge of the day, and by the character of the young man, we may generally judge what he will be when he grows up. (J.C. Ryle)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Time has flown since we last had this. Well, before we get another week to fly by, here’s this weeks’ links!

• James Anderson gives some short and sweet responses to four common objections people have against Christianity. You would be wise to read and be prepared the next time you’re faced with these challenges to the faith. Michael Kruger has additional commentary on the fourth objection, FYI.
• Ever read books by Jerry Bridges and wanted to pick his brain about some spiritual topic he’s written about? Well, in this post, some have done so. As he’s about to publish a memoir of his life, it’s good to get in on some of the discussions he’s had in the past. This is a short sampling, but learning how to preach the Gospel to yourself from someone who does it regularly would be worth your time.
• Andy Snider (this year’s Single Life retreat speaker) invited a ministry friend to post on his blog about reevaluating what we find most precious and valuable to us. This is always on my heart and mind, and I hope it is for you, too.
• Sometimes, getting reports from a certain ministry you are personally involved in can be a welcome source of encouragement. Especially if you see them on the frontlines of getting the Gospel to penetrate not in areas where there is no Gospel witness, but also in areas where the Gospel is not dominant in people’s lives. Peacemaker Ministries is one ministry I am continually thankful for, mainly because they are living examples of workers who truly believe and see the fruit of biblical peacemaking take root in the lives of believers. Especially when they themselves didn’t think it was possible that certain conflicts could be resolved in the light of Scripture. Here’s their quarterly monthly report. Be encouraged.
• How do you comfort a brother or sister in Christ? What immediately comes to mind? Can I suggest that giving words of truth about God in Scripture would be good for the body of Christ to hear? Corresponding to our series of the attributes of God, here’s some good counsel given by God Himself concerning Himself, relayed to us by an ordinary pastor.
• Though written for the church leader, I think anyone can benefit from learning some biblical reasons why we all should learn to memorize Scripture, and to do it together. Anyone up for it?
• Piggybacking off Pastor Patrick’s message this past Sunday, here’s more thoughts on fellowship that may be just what we need to stay on the path in our Christian walks. May you take advantage of the means of grace that God has given every believer in His family.
• What do we really need in marriage? Mark Altrogge gives some great thoughts on some real expectations marrieds should have of their spouse.
• Paul Tautges has begun a 10-part series, giving a theological primer for counselors. So far, he’s covered theology proper, bibliology, the lordship of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Satan and his demons, the doctrine of man, and the doctrine of sin. Check next week for the completion of the series!
• Here’s a practical outworking of the sufficiency of Scripture that I think will be immensely useful. And it’s the beginning of a series! Bonus points!

That’ll do it for this week! Please pray for the Singles, who will be away for their retreat this upcoming weekend! See you back here in a week!

Soli Deo Gloria