Our pursuit of knowledge ought to be motivated by love for those whom it might benefit, whether inside or outside of the church, living or not yet born. It ought also to be marked by love. The manner in which we treat those with whom we engage in our intellectual work—our classmates, our colleagues, those whom we study, those with whom we debate—ought to reflect the selfless love of the triune God. (Derek Halvorson)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Short and sweet, so have at it!

• Though I haven’t written about him in awhile, a lot has happened since David Daleiden posted videos exposing the character of some of the top leaders of Planned Parenthood. Randy Alcorn gives a small update. Please be in prayer for him.
• In a recent Ask Pastor John podcast, John Piper discusses the issue of Target’s new transgender bathroom policy. Make sure you take a listen to this. Also having a compassionate approach would be a great addition to having a winsome apologetic in this culture.
• Fred Butler contends that many who are in the classical apologetics camps misuse Scripture regularly, and shows how they do this with a number of passages that are regularly cited when discussing apologetic method. This will be a helpful corrective in service to the church.
• How much is the Church responsible for our corrupt culture? Dr. James Benecke provides a response that needs to be heard (or read, in this case).
• Tim Challies writes about why he is not an atheist. That should be enough to pique your interest.
• In case you missed the Truth in Love podcast, ACBC posted a transcript of an interview between Heath Lambert and David Powlison on having a biblical response to panic. There is much wisdom to glean from these two. So glean!
• Al Mohler predicted that court-ordered same-sex marriage cannot deliver on its promises. Professor David Murray agrees, providing support from professor Jason Hill, who identifies as gay.
• What is the prayer of faith, and how is it demonstrated in the life of a believer? Sinclair Ferguson writes a simple answer that has dramatic ramifications. You may never look at prayer the same way again.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the Czech Missions Team from LBCLA as they will be giving a presentation and a lunch fundraiser on Sunday! See you then!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We must be honest about the hostility, or we’ll have wrong expectations and give up on evangelism. But we must also be excited about the hunger, or we’ll have no expectations at all, and never start evangelism. Hostility and hunger: that’s what you’ll find as you tell others about Jesus.” (Rico Tice, Honest Evangelism: How to Talk about Jesus Even When It’s Tough)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope your week has deepened your knowledge of God and your love for God. Hopefully, these links will serve to that end. So here are your week’s links!

• Many theologians practice what is called, ‘biblical theology,’ which is the discipline of studying the progressive nature of divine revelation, seeing how these truths are given to us by God chronologically. They seek to trace the many themes of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of reading Scripture in this progressive manner. While many adhere to this perspective, Jesse Johnson mentions one theme that is interestingly silent in theologians’ treatment of the subject: Israel. It’s more interesting than It sounds. Read on.
• How can marriage be lived to the glory of God? John Piper spends 22 minutes answering that. Carve out some time for this!
• How does one grow in humility? Geoffrey Thomas provides an answer devoted to the life and death of Christ.
• Dr. Howard Glicksman has been writing a year-long series of articles explaining the design of the human body as evidence of an intelligent designer. This is a fascinating look at the intricate detail which God has structured the body to function, and you would be remiss in skipping out on this stimulating study. This week he covers the role of calcium in the body. Don’t miss out!
• If you wondered how to become knowledgeable in Christian ethics, who better than Russell Moore to provide an answer? Well, here it is!
• The Master’s Seminary recently posted some videos detailing some of their distinctives as a seminary. Currently, they’ve posted on having a high view of God and a high view of God’s Word.
• Stand to Reason interviewed Christian screenwriter and author Brian Godawa on his new book, God Against the gods: Storytelling, Imagination and Apologetics in the Bible, who advocates pursuing beauty and subverting the cultural narrative to show the superiority  of the Christian worldview, as exemplified in Scripture.
• Joe Carter created a mini-glossary of a number of terms that have been used in discussing gender identity, and the revolution that is at the forefront of media coverage. This can be a great tool to be informed and share about these issues with those around you. This will be especially helpful in light of President Obama’s letter issued today, calling for all public schools to accept those who identify as transgender to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Denny Burk provides an initial analysis.
• Professor Michael Kruger gave a workshop at The Gospel Coalition’s 2015 National Conference answering the question, ‘How do we know the Bible is God’s Word?’ Trust me when I say this was one of the best answers I have ever heard. Listen carefully!

That’s all for this week! Pray for the upcoming SDSU graduates, as this will be their time of transition into post-college life. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The Christian church has long been understood by the culture at large to be the guardian of what is right and righteous. But now the situation is fundamentally reversed. The culture generally identifies Christians as on the wrong side of morality.” (Albert Mohler, We Cannot Be Silent: Speaking Truth to a Culture Redefining Sex, Marriage, and the Very Meaning of Right and Wrong)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The week is nearly over, but the links abound! Without further ado, here you go!

• Who do you think is the greatest missionary of all time? You may be surprised at the answer. In another co-written post, Andrew Naselli and J.D. Crowley lay out 12 (biblical, I might add) principles for disagreeing with other Christians. This is well worth your time.
• What does a Muslim think about a given topic? The proper response should be, “Which Muslim?” Professor James Anderson gives a broad picture of the many Islamic traditions that would be helpful in your witness t them.
• Are you aware of Satan’s strategies to sway you from following Christ? Ed Welch writes of his many deceptive tactics that are more subtle than you think. Be prepared for battle against the enemy.
• When Christians are accused of believing in blind faith, is there any merit to it? Craig Biehl would argue the opposite: atheism is accepted on blind faith, and when you read his explanation why, you won’t be dismayed when the opportunity arises to make that clear.
• If you have doubts as to whether false teachers can come to embrace true, saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I would simply point you to the grace of God in the life of Pastor John Samson. A former Word Faith teacher, Samson has now come to the truth and shares his story of God’s patient and powerful grace.
• Students, are you ready for finals week and summer break? Well, whether you are or not, there’s some wisdom from the pen of Peter Krol, who gives a plan conducive to productivity for the glory of God. He even dares you to prove him wrong. Take up the challenge!
• In a world where retaliation is accepted to a certain extent in our culture today, what does Scripture have to say about that? Mary Kassian provides some godly wisdom in this area. This is probably more pervasive than we think. Along similar lines, Ken Sande recently spoke on gospel-centered relationships, which will be a helpful strength for us to cultivate in our everyday friendships.
• How do we obey the commands to feel when it doesn’t seem that we are in control of our feelings? John Piper recently did a lab working through 1 Peter 3:8-9 that I think will be of help to you in this area.
• The Women’s Hope podcast features Gloria Furman discussing her upcoming book Missional Motherhood: The Everyday Ministry of Motherhood in the Grand Plan of God. This is a conversation that looks like it will spark great conversations between moms and women in general (Furman even states the book is for all women, not just moms), so make sure you give it a listen!

That’s all for this week! This week is flocks week, so make sure you spend some time getting to know the church body and blessing one another with discussing the sermon together! See you all tomorrow at banquet! And Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The central problem of our age is not liberalism or modernism, nor the old Roman Catholicism or the new Roman Catholicism, nor the threat of communism, nor even the threat of rationalism and the monolithic consensus which surrounds us [nor, I would add today, postmodernism or materialistic consumerism or visceral sensualism or whatever].  All these are dangerous but not the primary threat.  The real problem is this: the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, individually or corporately, tending to do the Lord’s work in the power of the flesh rather than of the Spirit.  The central problem is always in the midst of the people of God, not in the circumstances surrounding them.” (Francis Schaeffer, No Little People)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has quickly flown by! But this week cannot go by without some awesome links, so here they come!

• What happens when a married couple don’t see eye-to-eye on things? At the True Woman blog, Shannon Popkin gives a personal story that lays out the beauty of the biblical truth of submission. In a similar vein, Steve Lawson writes about the blessing of an excellent wife, to which I give a hearty ‘Amen!’
• Michael Kruger deals with the myth that early Christianity was hostile towards women. A definite must-read.
• Brad Hambrick recently published a book on building relationships with people who struggle with same-sex attraction, and had presented on the topic, of which you can view the video of the event, and a panel discussion following his talk.
• Looking for a Bible study method that’s simple yet effective? Check out the CSGMA Bible Study Method.
• Michael Riccardi answers the common claim that Jesus never addressed homosexuality.
• What do you do when you notice someone is falling into sin or is starting to embrace a dangerous doctrine? Do you leave it to the pastors/elders of the church? Jordan Standridge argues against that mindset, calling it the ‘Genovese syndrome in the church.‘
• Is it likely that Christianity is dying out with the claimed exodus of youth from churches all over the US? The Bible doesn’t seem to agree with that idea. May we always trust the Scriptures, even above what surveys indicate.
• Is there a relationship between God and mathematics? Vern Poythress seems to think so, and has been recently interviewed concerning the topic. He has degrees in theology and mathematics, so he definitely has something worth contributing to the discussion, and you would be blessed in listening to this.
• Robert Kellemen continues his series on half-biblical counseling to the suffering by writing about climbing in the casket (you need to read it to find out what he’s talking about), five marks of compassionate biblical counseling, four Christlike characteristics of a biblical counselor, gospel listening, and listening to five gospel principles of gospel listening.

That’s all for this week! Keep Lumos and College Life in prayer as they meet tonight. And if you’re in 6th-12th grade, or a collegian, and would like to join a Bible study for your age group, you’re invited! Come to church hungry for the Word of God!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Where in my life am I blurring the lines of truth? Such inward examination should not make us fearful. It is necessary as we seek to fix our eyes on Christ. We don’t keep the course of steadfast faith accidentally. It’s a costly path that requires diligence, repentance, and the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work.” (Kristyn Getty)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has come and gone, but the links will last…for a while longer. Here’s your week’s links!

• John Piper was recently interviewed by Michael Reeves for an hour concerning his newest book, A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal Their Complete Truthfulness. Put up your feet for this one. You’re in for a real treat!
• Some people think that believing in God is like believing in Santa. Is that the case? You might be tempted to agree, but I think this is a great case of a false analogy.
• Robert Kellemen continues his series on half-biblical ministry to the suffering by emphasizing empathy in our counsel to those who hurt, and contrasting Job’s friends with this biblical model.
• In light of Heath Lambert’s new book, A Theology of Biblical Counseling, pastor and professor David Murray has been writing some critiques of the book. Robert Kellemen decided to jump in the discussion to add his thoughts (Part 2 is here). I think this will benefit anyone who reads both sides, so make sure you check Murray’s questions and Heath’s response (which Kellemen links to in his post).
• Ladies, if you’ve been looking for an older woman to mentor you in your walk with Christ, or if you’re about to mentor a younger woman, how would you foster that kind of relationship? Well, here’s 100 questions that will definitely get both older and younger off the ground and into one another’s lives. Guys, a lot of these questions are transferable, so don’t be afraid to take a look at these questions yourselves.
• Does God love you and have a wonderful plan for your life? Paul Tautges gives a biblical and pastoral response to this common claim made by many within Christian circles.
• If you have ever heard the name Francis Schaeffer, you know he taught the church much with his insights and life as a godly man. Just to give a taste, here’s 10 things you should know about Schaeffer. May you be challenged to follow his example.
• Have you ever wondered how the missionary family, whose card is on your refrigerator, is actually doing? How can we encourage them, even today? This post is a great a step in the right direction.
• Over at The Glory Books blog, Dr. Greg Harris writes of the fact that the Old Testament speaks of Jesus, and shows us where Scripture reveals it. At the Women’s Hope podcast, Jen Wilkins discusses the subject of women’s need to study the Bible, and talks about how to begin the process.
• Many in the culture believe Christians are intolerant and try to claim tolerance while denying same-sex marriage as a civil right to those who desire it. Ben Crenshaw at The Public Discourse provides a thorough response.
• Richard Mouw believes Mormons are moving towards orthodoxy. Brett Kunkle of Stand to Reason gives some compelling reasons why this isn’t the case.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos, as they will be having their lock-in this weekend. And pray for Pastor Patrick as he will be away speaking at New Life Community Church’s retreat, while Chris Gee will be speaking this Sunday.

Soli Deo Gloria

“Jesus helps us see here why the doctrine of the inerrancy of Scripture matters. It’s not merely because we want to assert that documents don’t err but, more importantly, so thatwe don’t err. In preserving the Bible from error, God is loving us. The Scriptures are meant to protect people. Truth leads to freedom (John 8:32), and error leads to bondage (2 Tim. 2:25–26). Truth saves (2 Thess. 2:10); error destroys (2 Thess. 2:11). Truth enlightens (Ps. 43:3; Eph. 5:9); error deceives (Prov. 12:17; 2 Cor. 11:13). Truth gives life (1 John 5:20); error brings death (2 Sam. 6:7). Therefore, God is concerned not only for his own glory in being a God of truth (Rom. 3:7); he is concerned also for us when he guards his word from error.” (John Piper, A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal Their Complete Truthfulness)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I pray your weeks have drawn you closer to Christ, and your growth as believers bring you closer to one another! Here are this week’s links!

• Randy Alcorn points out that one of the reasons people leave the church may come from a deeply critical attitude, and one way to dispel that sinful mindset is to teach and be taught about the happiness of God. Parents, do your children know that God is happy, not only by you teaching them such a truth, but by your demonstration of that truth in your life?
• What’s at stake in the complementarian view of biblical manhood and womanhood issue? After reading Greg Gibson’s article, you may be convinced that God’s glory is truly at the heart of it.
• Thom Rainer gives some wise advice in today’s day of podcasts: seven reasons your pastor is more than a podcast. Church, we need to heed this bit of wisdom today. Read, and reread  again.
• Did 2nd century church leader Papias know the apostle John? Here’s Michael Kruger’s answer to that question.
• Sadly, this month is considered to be Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Justin Holcomb provides a list of 10 things that we should know about sexual assault. May the Lord bring awareness to His church, and may the gospel radically transform lives affected by this heinous sin.
• With recent attacks in San Bernardino, Paris, and Brussels, how are Christians to respond to jihad? Nabeel Qureshi, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, answers questions related to this in light of his new book Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward. This is a great start to this complex reality.
• How can parents raise missions-minded children? Over at the The Glory Books women’s podcast, Women’s Hope, missionary BJ Lawson of Hope and Help International focuses on answering this subject that gives encouragement to those who have this in mind.
• Biblical counselor Robert Kellemen addresses the half-biblical counsel one can give to those who suffer by not identifying with their suffering, but to strictly point them to God’s design for suffering. Kellemen challenges this view, offering a fully biblical view that not only offers God’s perspective, but our sympathy to those who suffer as well. He follows up with another post on what Scripture identifies as the consequences of using a half-biblical model of counseling are to those who are hurting. He then responds to objections from those who would argue that identifying with others in their suffering by using a term like “incarnational suffering,” leads to murky theology. All of it is fascinating reading, and hope it brings deeper fidelity to Scripture in guiding us in our counseling others to God’s glory.
• Did God “break the law for love”? Tim Challies answers a recent claim made by a pastor that is emotionally appealing, but biblically dangerous.

That’s all for this week! Please keep Lumos and College Life in prayer today, as they meet tonight. Also, don’t forget about our church’s Women’s Seminar featuring Janie Street! And, all members are highly encouraged to attend the members meeting on Sunday, so hope to see you all this weekend!

Soli Deo Gloria

“This Gospel, then, is that God is our holy Creator and righteous Judge. He created us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever, but we have all sinned, both in Adam as our representative head, and in our own individual actions (Rom. 5:12; 3:23). We therefore deserve death—spiritual separation from God in hell (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:3)—and are in fact already spiritually stillborn, helpless in our sins (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:6-8; Eph. 2:1) and in need of God to impart spiritual life to us (Ezek. 37:1-14; John 3:3). But God sent His Son Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man (Phil. 2:5-11), to die the death that we deserved, and He raised Him up for our justification, proving that He was God’s Son (Rom. 5:1; 1:4). If we would have Christ’s perfect righteousness credited to us, and the penalty for our sins accounted to Him, we must repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation (2 Cor. 5:21; Mark 1:14-15).” (Mark Dever & Paul Alexander, The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Good Friday! I hope you all have been reflecting and meditating deeply on Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. I hope this week’s links will contribute towards that end. Here they are:

• This whole week has been focused on remembering the last week of Jesus’ life here on earth, prior to His death and resurrection. Holy Week is ending, but Ligonier Ministries has compiled a list of resources to enrich our understanding of what Christ did during His final week pre-crucifixion. There is more than enough to last you through next year! Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive a DVD series on the work of Christ for a donation (ends today)!
• Like clockwork, criticism concerning Christ and the resurrection has arrived in the publication of Bart Ehrman’s new book, Jesus Before the Gospels. Melinda Penner from Stand to Reason provides a short response that addresses the fundamental claim to Ehrman’s work, and the evidence that disproves it.
• Susan Heck stops by the Women’s Hope podcast to share a Scripture memory method that has led her to memorize 23 BOOKS of the Bible. Hopefully, this will be a starting point for you to bring God’s Word into your heart and mind.
• If you are engaging Muslims about the claims of Christ, or would like to, you need to bookmark and read through this primer on Islam and Christianity.
• If you’re wondering how to encourage your kids to have a deeper faith, consider a special time for them to ask questions. And just so the rest of you think you’re exempt from this since you don’t have kids, Voddie Baucham calls us all (according to Scripture) to engage in expository apologetics (don’t miss the audio interview at the end).
• Continuing their series of ’25 Women Who Impacted the World for Christ,’ Revive Our Hearts turned their attention to Corrie ten Boom. May you be reminded, by her life, of God’s love for you in the face of trials.
• In dealing with popular teaching on the Christian life, Don Whitney clarifies the biblical view of effort in the Christian life, and refutes the ‘let go and let God’ approach to sanctification in two posts. Highly recommended.
• James White received backlash for writing on Facebook about the effects of fatherlessness, Planned Parenthood’s genocide of black babies in the womb, rebellion against God and authority, and the Gospel which is race-blind. The observations he made on his Dividing Line webcast are timely, and need to be said. Make sure you give some time to watch or listen to this.
• CCEF has made available a sermon, published in the Journal of Biblical Counseling, from Ray Dillard, former OT professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, in preparation of Easter. May you meditate on the cup that Christ drank, and the cup we drink as believers in Him.

That’s all for this week! We invite you to come and remember the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior tonight and Sunday. Please consider coming to learn more about why Jesus came to die. Hope to see you soon!

Soli Deo Gloria

“What we suffer from…is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert–himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt–the Divine Reason.” (G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has come and gone, and God is still in charge. What a great truth that will never change! Here are your links for this week! Enjoy!

• Ever wondered how Sunday School started? Over at the True Woman blog, Katherine Ferguson is recognized for her contribution in impacting the world for Christ in this very way. Learn, and be grateful to God in using an ordinary life in an extraordinary way.
• Glory Books continues to pump out new and helpful material for the church body, some of which I’d like to highlight: a continuing series on studying the Bible with this week on observing the passage, a post on Christian contentment, and a new podcast offering hope to those who have had an abortion.
• A new movie on Jesus’ childhood came out last week. Curious to see it? Well, before you do, it would be wise to see what Scripture records Jesus saying as a boy. Suffice it to say, it’s more than what I’ve written for this bullet point.
• With the many portrayals of Jesus in the media and the internet, especially during the time of Easter, it helps to gain an understanding as to why our Lord was hated while on earth to dispel some of the false portraits. Kevin DeYoung provides a succinct answer.
• Crossway has been publishing some great books recently, some of which I wanted to bring to your attention. Mitch Stokes came out with his book on skeptics and the bankruptcy of their worldview, How to Be an Atheist: Why Many Skeptics Aren’t Skeptical Enough. Justin Taylor recently interviewed him about it. He also interviewed David Mathis on his new book of the spiritual disciplines, Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines, of which you can download for free on PDF. Also, today is the last day you can download Why Trust the Bible?, Greg Gilbert’s newest book, either on PDF or as an ebook.
• Kenneth Samples follows up with his article on encouraging intellectually-minded believers with an article on how they can fit within the evangelical church.
• One of the many arguments for the reliability of the gospels that has come around of late is the ‘undesigned coincidences‘ found in the four Gospels. You may want to become familiar with this tool in your belt.
• Back at the True Woman blog, the issue of women and division in the church body can run amock. Laura Elliot provides some necessary counsel on unity within the female members. Kelly Needham identifies self-improvement for what it is: self-sufficiency.
• Tim Challies distills some much-needed counsel on engaging with others online. Everyone who interacts on social media must read this. Now!
• John Piper addresses the root of mental health, and to help supplement his writing, IBCD uploaded their Spring Conference messages, ‘Medical Issues and Biblical Counseling.‘
• And the Shepherds Conference (general) sessions are up!

That’s all for this week! Please pray for those who are attending membership classes this weekend! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“This generation listens with its eyes & thinks with its feelings.” (Ravi Zacharias)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The Lord has gotten us all through this week, and continues to work through His saints in providing rich content to digest. I hope you enjoy this week’s links!

• This past Sunday, Jerry Bridges went home to be with the Lord at 86 years of age. Tributes have been written about him all week, most of which have been collected by Don Whitney. Paul Tautges wrote what most of us would consider our perspective: Bridges as an unseen mentor. Also, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, in honor of Bridges’ life and ministry, have made available some of the messages he gave at their Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology for free this month. Make sure you get a chance to continue to be blessed by the faithful life of one of God’s servants.
• Jason Engwer annually posts about Easter and the number of topics that come up around this time on the Triablogue website. Here’s his post for 2016, which also includes links to previous years’ posts. This is a great tool to get involved in apologetics about the central event in all of Christianity, actually in all of history.
• Danielle Spencer writes of the importance of thinking of the next generation as our culture continues to spiral downward into moral darkness, providing a few goals for those involved in the discipling of children in the church, whether they’re your own or someone else’s. Natasha Crain addresses a common question many kids eventually ask: “why does God matter so much?”
• On church history matters, Kenneth Samples gives a crash course post on Augustine, while Steve Lawson was recently interviewed on his newest book about Pastor Martin Lloyd-Jones. Time to marvel again at the work God has done in the past, and thank Him for leading us to the truth still.
• In a day where psychological ideas run rampant in the culture, and in the church, Kelly Needham writes the truth about self-pity and low self-esteem.
• Recently, at the 2016 Ligonier National Conference, a statement on Christology was presented to the attendees, and made available to the church at large. Stephen Nichols gives the reasons why they made a statement, which includes affirmations & denials, an explanatory essay, and more. This could be a great resource for further study into the Person and work of our Savior. They even translated it into 15 languages (including Spanish and Chinese)!
• Michael Kruger writes of the problem of the lukewarm church. Trust me, it’s a bigger problem than most people think!
• How should we approach the Bible? Robert Zink shows us nine aspects that not only engage the mind in reading it, but also the heart.

That’s all for this week! Keep our collegians in prayer, as finals are coming up for both UCSD and SDSU very soon! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“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