“Christianity is a worldview, and therefore it needs to be evaluated as a worldview. Despite what many seem to think today, Christianity isn’t something you can just clip onto your ordinary, everyday life like some kind of religious accessory. It isn’t a Sunday pastime: churchgoing as an alternative to golfing or fishing. Christianity isn’t merely a moral code, a social identity, a collection of religious traditions and practices, or a set of theological propositions— although it includes all of those things. No, Christianity is far more significant and wide-ranging in its depth and scope. Christianity is nothing less than a comprehensive, all-encompassing worldview.” (James Anderson, Why Should I Believe Christianity?)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! This time, there’s a good variety of links, so hopefully there’s something for everyone! Enjoy!

• Do you ever find it hard to rejoice with those who rejoice? How can we, as part of the Body of Christ, grow in gratefulness to God for blessing others who are also in the body? Betsy Childs Howard knows what that struggle is like, and gives some timely counsel that can soothe the hurting soul.
• Michael Kruger recently wrote a response to Andy Stanley’s controversial message on evangelizing unbelievers by focusing less on Scripture and more on Jesus. Denny Burk linked to it, along with his own sermon in response as well. Nicholas Batzig seeks to answer a common question related to Stanley’s message: how do I know that Jesus loves me?
• Dr. Keith Mathison, Systematic Theology professor at Reformation Bible College, is starting a series on what he believes to be the top five books on the five Solas (one of which I mention every Weekly Links post). This may not sound exciting, but it just means you haven’t read his post yet!
• Ever hear the claim that the Gospel of Mark merely presents the humanity of Jesus, while the Gospel of John elevates Jesus as God? Hidden in that claim is the assumption that Mark had a low view of Jesus. In case you have an opportunity to present the deity of Christ in Mark, here’s a good place to start.
• Tim Challies has written a small guide for believers in handling conflicts with each other by knowing the type of conflict you’re in and how to resolve it. Consider going through this in your small group or reading it with an older, wiser brother/sister.
• In line with our Mission, Marshall Segal focuses on our responsibilities as Christians to make disciples. No exceptions. How are we doing in this area?
• Richard Phillips asks and answers why complementarianism remains important. If you didn’t think it was important, this article is for you.
• What is the difference between knowing biblical truth intellectually and knowing it spiritually? John Piper, with the help of Jonathan Edwards, brings out an aspect of God’s Word that may help in your perspective of the Bible as truly revealed by God.
• Is Christianity compatible with Darwinism? Biologist Wayne Rossiter thinks not, and you may want to read some of his reasons why.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos and College Life, as they will be meeting tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The measure of a person is faithfulness, not numerical success. The real issue continues to be the kind of people we are producing in our churches. What is the body of Christ like when the lights are out, the doors are locked, and the parking lot is empty?” (Bill Hull, The Disciple-Making Pastor: Leading Others on the Journey of Faith)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The weekend is here, so it’s time to be blessed by what’s been posted online this week. Enjoy!

• When we think of ministry success, what comes to mind? Large churches? Dynamic speaking? Amazing worship (AKA cool songs)? Caleb Kolstad re-calibrates success according to God, and what He finds worthy of commending. Even if this may be directed at pastors, this is something every member of a church needs to keep in mind, and not have unreal expectations on their leaders. May we all hold onto biblical priorities of success to God’s glory.
• What kind of counsel would you give to a pregnant mom? Loaded question, I’m sure, but Jeanne Harrison’s recent post on giving hope to miserably pregnant moms (her words, not mine) seems like a good place to start.
• What are the criteria for disciplining your children, parents? Kevin DeYoung provides some wise counsel, specifically when you’re tempted to become angry.
• What is it like to raise children with special needs? Andrew and Rachel Wilson were recently interviewed about the many challenges and blessings they have encountered in this crucial stage of life for both them and their kids. This has more to do you than you may realize.
• What do you say when someone tells you concerning a decision, “I have a peace about it?” Pastor Eric Davis has some biblical guidance to direct us to think according to Scripture, rather than our feelings of peace.
• Curious as to how the Intelligent Design movement is doing? Check out a recent interview with one of their leading advocates, William Dembski. Note: This is not a full endorsement of ID, but it is an area that many Christians have an interest in, especially those who have a science background.
• Listen in on the most recent Truth in Love podcast from ACBC, led by Heath Lambert, or read the transcript: “Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the Dallas Police Massacre.“
• Jim Newheiser recently moved from CA to NC to become RTS Charlotte’s Counseling Program Director. He gave the convocation address to start off the new school year, speaking on “The Relationship Between Biblical Counseling and Preaching in the Local Church.” This is not something you should miss!
• Justin Brierley from the Unbelievable? radio show in the UK recently traveled to Northridge, CA to record a show between Ryan Bell, the former pastor who took a year off from following God and ended up becoming an atheist, and Sean McDowell, a Christian professor and apologist who had his own doubts before coming to the conviction that Christianity is true. You can either watch or listen to the program here.
• R.C. Sproul answers a hard, but common, question: if God is sovereign, why pray?

That’s all for this week! Remember it’s flocks week, so none of the affinity groups will be meeting tonight. Hope you all can enjoy time getting to know some new people tonight and tomorrow! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We might do well to identify the fact that, when atheists use evidences from their fields of study to make a case against the existence of God, they do not consider themselves to be acting on religious motives, but when a theist does similarly in defense of God, they are accused of religious bias.” (Brian & Wayne Rossiter, Mind Over Matter: The Necessity of Metaphysics in a Material World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Summer is officially over, but the links just keep on coming! Here they are!

• Andy Stanley, son of Charles Stanley, recently preached a message calling for his congregation to base our faith not on Scripture, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some have confused, to say the least (how do you know about the resurrection and its meaning?). Pastor and SBTS Professor David Prince calls his statements for what it is: old liberalism.
• Can your small group ever replace the church? Not so much. Pastor Sam Allberry gives three reasons why this is the case.
• During this election season, have you thought to consider the unity believers ought to have with one another? Jesse Johnson lays out the practical unity we must have, even if we don’t agree on who should be elected, and also three forms of unity that should exist around the gospel. This is what we need to be focused on this year.
• If you are dismayed by what has been reported on the news concerning the election, or the moral degradation in our culture, Paul Tripp may have anticipated your next question: “Why even bother?”
• What does the Bible say about transgenderism? You may think Scripture is silent on the issue, but there is much to examine. Kevin DeYoung gives a small foundational primer answering this vital question today.
• Muslim convert to Christ, and RZIM speaker Nabeel Qureshi has publicly announced his diagnosis of stage IV stomach cancer, and has asked the church to pray. His ministry is far-reaching, and one that has been used by God to draw many to Himself, some of them Muslims. Please consider a few moments to pray for recovery, as well as a deeper trust in his commitment to Christ.
• What would you say to someone if they tell you there is no evidence for God’s existence? Alan Shlemon provides some help to counter that claim. On the flip side, Steve Hays concisely argues there is no evidence for atheism.
• Michael Kruger chips away another misunderstood Christianese phrase: we have freedom in Christ. Read on to find out more!

That’s all for this week! Make sure you keep Lumos and College Life in prayer, as they meet tonight. You are definitely invited! See you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

In studying the Reformation, we remember what the church is all about, and we remember how easy it is for the church to lose its grip on the gospel. If he said it once, Martin Luther said it a hundred times: “The church’s true treasure is the gospel.” (Stephen Nichols, The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another blessed week! And another week of thoughtful links from godly leaders! Here they are!

• What is a biblical view of missions? Many in the evangelical world would classify social justice as under the umbrella of missions, but is it? Pastor Joel James began a series last week on this very issue, followed by eight reasons (two posts) why it isn’t the case, and a look into the book of Acts to give general guidelines as how Scripture defines missions. For anyone missions-minded, this is essential reading.
• IBCD, a biblical counseling center located in Escondido, was recently featured on ACBC’s blog, focusing on how this ministry emphasizes the importance of the local church. You will both learn and appreciate the necessity of biblical counseling and the local church after reading this.
• Denny Burk has, I believe, written the post of the week. He writes of the coming conflict that every faithful believer will be facing in the near future with respect to our convictions on the LGBT issue. Burk also gives a helpful and biblical description of what persecution looks like. Are we ready for what’s to come? Also, David French writes of a new report by two of the leading psychiatrists in America on the lacking scientific evidence of the ‘born this way’ mantra. Ryan T. Anderson gives further details of the report.
• With the wrap-up of the Olympics, and the many newsworthy items to share, one that came up was the Olympic runner who has an intersex condition. Denny Burk sheds light on the condition, drawing us to look at the right questions (parts one and two) to ask about intersex athletes. This is an area that Christians must be informed of, and to model how to graciously discuss ethical issues like this with those around us.
• CCEF continues its Live online workshop with Winston’s Smith’s session on Scripture’s perspective on negative emotions and its role in our relationships with God and others.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos, as they kick off the year with “Back to School Night,” as well as College Life! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Submission to the lordship of God and His Christ (i.e., obedience to the will of God) is the evidence of saving faith. While it is heretical even to entertain the thought that faith plus works equals salvation, it is biblical, orthodox, and historically Christian to believe and proclaim that works are the result of salvation and a test of its authenticity.” (Paul Washer, Gospel Assurance and Warnings [Recovering the Gospel Series Book 3])

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! A lot of variety this week, so I hope there’s something of interest for everyone!

• When speaking of the uniqueness of Christianity, do you know what to emphasize as the main differences between it and all other religions? Eric Davis gives three main ideas that also qualify as three reasons to give thanks to God.
• Pastor and professor David Murray wrote some criticisms of Heath Lambert’s new book A Theology of Biblical Counseling, inviting Lambert to respond to some of his questions concerning his book. Lambert accepted, and made some clarifications that would be worth pondering.
• Shannon Popkin writes about a lesson concerning submission that is definitely worth reflecting on, even for husbands!
• Have you been watching the Olympics? If so, here is a report on the recent outreach done by Ligonier Ministries in Rio, as well as a status report on the gospel in Brazil.
• Recently, the New York Times published an article asking, “Is God Transgender?” New Testament scholar Robert Gagnon provides a thorough response to the author’s claims. On the topic of transgenderism, Denny Burk highlights what David French warns is taking place in our culture over the threat of disagreeing with the ideology of the transgender revolution. Christian philosopher and professor James Anderson explains what the Christian response to transgenderism looks like.
• Is there ever a time where we need to forgive God? Pastor Chris Brauns writes a very great answer!
• Michael Kruger just finished teaching a series on Romans for women at RTS Orlando, and made the videos available on Youtube! This looks to be a very profitable study for anyone to listen in on!
• CCEF biblical counselor Julie Lowe recently gave a workshop on how to discuss sex and personal safety with your children. The event was recorded, which they are making available on their CCEF Live page, along with other workshops that are worth watching. Each workshop has a resource bundle to go along with it.
• Biblical counselor Stuart Scott challenges us all to make sure we use our Bibles in our counseling, and not be quick to jump to resources for homework or supplementary reading. Simple but needful reminder!

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for tonight’s last combined Bible study for the summer! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We could sum up our emotions this way: they usually proceed from our hearts, are given shape by our bodies, reflect the quality of our relationships, bear the etchings of both the goodness and the meaninglessness of work, provide a peek into how we fare in spiritual battle, and identify what we really believe about God.” (Ed Welch, Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been a while, but glad to be back and pass along some great resources from this week. I pray they will be helpful as they have been to me, so without further ado, here are this week’s links!

• SB 1146, the controversial bill that proposed to remove state funds from religious education institutions in CA that enforced beliefs and conduct among students that aligned with the institution’s religious tenets, has been amended to keep exemptions to anti-discrimination laws related to sexuality in place. This would keep religious schools to be able to provide grants to students from low-income families, and allow these schools to function in light of their beliefs to be observed by both students and faculty. Christianity Today gives a quick background of the bill. David French gives the implications of passing the bill before the change as well as the way forward in light of the change.
• An objection people may have against the Bible is that God allows evil to exist, and yet will also object when God decides to act to stop evil. Apologist Tim Barnett explains the inconsistency as atheists having their cake and eating it too.
• Denny Burk gives some take-aways (eight, to be exact) as to the debate about the eternal relationship within the Trinity between the Father and the Son. If you have or haven’t kept up with all the articles, this would be a good way to stay abreast of the issues.
• Biblical theologian Paul Tautges is releasing a 10th anniversary edition of his book Delight in the Word: Spiritual Food for Hungry Hearts, and gives six reasons why every believer must delight in the Word. These are some great meditations!
• Parents, how do you help your kids trust in God? Ed Braswell provides four ways to draw your kids to trust Him the way you do (assuming you do trust Him).
• Professor Michael Kruger explains an essential key to understanding the development of the New Testament canon. Don’t hover over this link!
• Did you know that, where the Olympics are currently being held in Rio de Janeiro, there was an early Calvinistic mission there? Tim Challies passes along an article that sheds some historical insight into the past, what really matters and what kind of crown truly doesn’t fade.
• The Gospel Coalition just came out with their August issue of Themelios, which includes many great articles, and many, many book reviews. This is probably the best contribution this theological journal provides, so make sure you spend some time and check it out!
• Are there any good arguments for God’s existence? How do we use them in a way that still maintains Scripture as the ultimate authority? Shaun Doyle provides some helpful starting points, and resources for further reading.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for tonight’s combined Bible study at 7p, and come if you can! You are all invited! See you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Joy is not an emotion. Joy is a settled certainty that God is in control.” (Jim Engle, quoted by Greg Forster, The Joy of Calvinism: Knowing God’s Personal, Unconditional, Irresistible, Unbreakable Love)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week, another moment to thank God for all He has provided. Through His church, He has provided many links to learn and read from. Here’s a select few for this week’s links:

• Have you ever wondered why we as believers are called to obey Christ completely? Professor offers three simple reasons, the first of which I think is more than enough.
• While the debate on the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son continues on, Pastor Jesse Johnson gives a summary of the debate in 200 words (with additional footnotes). And in case you’re wondering why this debate matters, I find Tony Reinke’s interview with Pastor Michael Reeves extremely helpful in calibrating our mindset to delight in the Trinity. I hope and pray our minds are full of delight in how God has chosen to reveal Himself, and we would worship Him as He truly is.
• Over at The Glory Books blog, Nicholas Melonas makes the case that believers should consider learning the biblical languages, while missionary Robert Zink explains the detrimental effects of pride on our devotional time with the Lord.
• Biblical counselor Bob Kellemen was recently interviewed about his book Gospel-Centered Counseling. A transcript of this interview has been made available to read. This is a good summary of its contents, along with his thoughts on the biblical counseling movement as a whole. Stimulating and encouraging.
• Last week, some of the ladies from our church, as well as other LBC churches, attended The Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference. All the sessions have been posted online. You would be wise to give your time to this, ladies!
• Tim Challies makes mention of an event for Christians to gather at the National Mall next month, calling for a million people to come gather together there. Challies exercises discernment in evaluating the purpose of this upcoming event. This can be an opportunity to bring the gospel to bear in conversation with both believer and non-believer, so be prepared to discuss this.
• In light of the recent Orlando attack, some backlash has come in the vein of calling everyone to come together by loving each other, as Jesus and Muhammad taught. David Wood fact-checks this kind of thinking.
• Over the past number of months, Crossway has been coming out with posts entitled, ’10 Things You Should Know About…’ Well, now you can access all of them in one spot. Guess what? There’s a lot we should know, and now you have a good place to start!
• John Piper recently dealt with a couple ‘Ask Pastor John’ podcasts on summer, one on bikinis and modesty, and the other on a theology of summer vacations. Listening to these is a great start to not waste your summer.
• Eugene Merrill provides some thoughts on typical objections to the Bible in terms of Old Testament historical credibility. Great insights.
• Al Mohler recently discussed on his daily program The Briefing the issue of character in leadership and whether it still matters, given the current election. He also wrote an essay about that as well. Sane and biblical thinking to meditate on.

That’s all for this week! Please remember to pray for all attending VBS next week, including the staff who have been preparing, and also the parents who will have opportunities to discuss with their kids the truths that they learn. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Though the absolute sovereignty of God over our lives is consistently taught throughout Scripture, it is not the uncaring sovereignty of a despot but of a God who is just as loving and caring as He is sovereign. But we have to by faith believe that truth when His ways are different from that which we desire.” (Jerry Bridges, God Took Me by the Hand: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Summer is coming, and you may be thinking about vacations or fun times. Let this be a call to not waste your summer. Having said that, here are this week’s links:

• Is it possible to worship God as idolatry? The True Woman blog has some great insight about false worship that’s worth giving your time to.
• In conjunction with the TGC Women’s Conference, a new album is available for free download: ‘When Trials Come: Resurrection Songs for a World of Suffering.’ This looks like a great new album to listen to.
• Steve Lawson writes about self-discipline: what it isn’t, what it is, and what it’s worth. If you find yourself in need of self-discipline, may this be a helpful corrective of your current thinking.
• With the recent shooting in Orlando, a number of responses followed. Here are the ones I’ve found most helpful: Al Mohler, David Wood, James White, and David Inserra.
• Do you know what to look for in a church? Can you give wise counsel to someone who is transitioning to a different stage of life and plans to move in the near future? If so, consider seasoned counselor Jim Newheiser’s list of 10 qualities of a good church.
• What do you know about apologetics? How about biblical counseling? Well here’s 10 things to know about the former, and 10 more things to know about the latter.
• What are some reasons families fail at family worship? It helps to know the problem before coming to a wise solution. May this be a catalyst to pursuing growth together as a family, to God’s glory.
• If you still want to follow the discussion concerning the Trinitarian issue concerning the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son, this post seems to collect all the relevant posts in order from oldest to newest.
• Over at the Women’s Hope podcast, Felecia Stephens discusses God’s blessing of cancer. Such a beautiful perspective on suffering with hope in our good God.
• There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the recently discovered ‘Gospel of Jesus’ Wife.’ Michael Kruger gives a summary of the most recent discovery: the author of the forged document.
• Tim Challies continues his series on why he isn’t many different positions, this time a paedobaptist.

That’s all for this week! Please keep the LBC ladies who are attending the TGC Women’s Conference in prayer for their edification and return tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“As Jesus grew as a man, his human capacities developed, and with them the pressure of temptation (Lk 2:52). In that context he developed in obedience, not from imperfect to perfect, but from infancy to maturity. When he cried out on the cross “It is finished” (Jn 19:30; see also 17:4) and with royal dignity committed his spirit into the hands of his Father, he was the first person to have lived a life of perfect obedience and sanctification. In his resurrection his sanctified human life was divinely transformed into what the New Testament calls “the power of an indestructible life” (Heb 7:16). Because this has taken place first in Christ our representative, it is possible for it to take place also in us through the Spirit. Christ himself is the only adequate resource we have for the development of sanctification in our own lives.” (Sinclair Ferguson, Christian Spirituality: Five Views, ed. by Donald L. Alexander)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The week is at an end, but the links have just begun! Enjoy!

• Ligonier Ministries uploaded the audio and video of their West Coast conference on the gospel, which looks to be a helpful conference to jump into, so dive in!
• There’s been recent discussion concerning the relationship between the Father and the Son in theological circles, specifically whether the Son is eternally subordinate to the Father or not. Some well-known theologians are accusing other well-known theologians of heresy with respect to this view. Denny Burk has the round-up. This is worth digging into because it lays out the positions clearly, and it focuses on theologians who are faithful to the Scriptures. May we all grow in our discernment through this discussion.
• Joe Carter provides a lowdown of California bill SB 1146, which would limit religious exemption to seminaries, whereas Christian colleges and universities would no longer qualify. Time to read, and pray.
• Professor Greg Welty interacts with UC Irvine professor Donald Hoffman’s case against reality, arguing the implications of evolutionary theory should lead to a rejection of evolutionary theory. This one’s a thinker.
• ACBC’s Truth in Love podcast recently invited Dr. Stuart Scott to speak on godly leadership in the home. Here’s the transcript, in case you haven’t had a chance to listen to it.
• Everyone has probably heard of Brock Turner, and the outcry of injustice that came due to his six-month sentence. Amy Hall illustrates how people want a just judge when it comes to others’ sins, but not their own. Very revealing.
• Tim Challies continues his series of what he is not, writing this time on why he isn’t Arminian. If you think he’s talking about the ethnicity, this post is definitely for you.
• Is Proverbs 22:6 a promise? Eric Davis over at The Cripplegate would argue it to be a warning. If you’re a parent, you’d be wise to read the case he makes.
• The Women’s Hope podcast features apologist Mary Jo Sharp, who discusses how to have gospel conversations with other non-Christians. This is definitely one worth listening to, ladies!
• Over at The Glory Books blog, Dr. Phil Wages gives four tips/hacks for beginner Bible study students. If you’re just starting to read the Bible or have been doing it for a while, there’s definitely something to glean from here.

That’s all this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos, as their last Bible study for the school year is tonight, and also for the UCSD students who are graduating this weekend! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The human comforter is a sorrow sharer who points people to the supreme Comforter by incarnationally entering the sufferer’s earthly story.” (Robert Kellemen)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Yes the weekend is here, and yes, so are your weekly links! Enjoy!

• Do you think it’s possible for people who advocate for abortion rights can change their mind? If so, how long do you think it takes? For some, it can be in a matter of minutes. Stand to Reason and The Daily Signal reports on a video that lays out the procedure an abortion doctor performs that has convinced a number of people to become pro-life. After watching, you may be as well.
• Tim Challies continues his series on why he isn’t (fill in the blank): last week being an atheist, this week being Roman Catholic. Along the same vein, Bill Webster spends some time discussing the differences between the Roman Catholic gospel and the biblical gospel.
• Jared Oliphint writes about the consequences of relativizing gender in light of the push to normalize transgenderism. This article qualifies as must-read. Professor David Murray teases out what Christians should do in response, D.A. Carson reminds us that we aren’t entitled to the world’s respect, and Jeanne Harrison provides some conversation pointers for parents to discuss this issue with their kids should it reach their school.
• Over at the True Woman blog, their 25 Women Who Impacted the World for Christ series continues this week highlighting the life of Esther Ahn Kim. If you love this, you’ll love her own retelling of her story in If I Perish, which I can personally testify is a great read!
• Can you give a biblical case for the doctrine of the Trinity or the deity of Christ? Well, I’m sure you’ll have some help in these posts by Nathan Busenitz.
• Here are some great how-to articles: how to evangelize professing believers, and how to honor your parents as an adult.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Andy Lin and Esther Cheng, as they marry tomorrow(!), and the Argentina team presents on Sunday. See you all then!

Soli Deo Gloria