“You can’t physically see the gospel; it’s simply truth. But when we encourage community that is obviously supernatural, it makes the gospel visible.” (Mark Dever & Jamie Dunlop, The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Just another week of great links to pass on to you. So…here we go!

• Elyse Fitzpatrick has written the well-known book (in biblical counseling circles) Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone. If you haven’t delved into this book, but would like to get into knowing your heart, P&R Publishing created a devotional from the book that’s free for the taking. One application of this study can be found in the idol of education. This may be a very revealing study, so be prepared for what will be exposed.
• In light of recent events on the UCSD campus regarding an exhibit depicting photos of aborted fetuses, a similar situation occurred at Purdue University, leading to Pastor Barry York’s thoughts (as a father) on what took place. Very thankful for his wise words.
• What does it mean to pray “in Jesus’ name”? Pastor David Murray points out what Scripture says about this phrase.
• Ever wonder why grumbling is a sin? Pastor Clint Archer starts off by explaining what the scope of grumbling condemned in Scripture is, and then gives the two types of complaining that Scripture addresses. Straightforward, so get ready to apply directly to the forehead.
• Is there any benefit to listening to expository preaching? Pastor Derek Thomas gives six reasons this kind of preaching benefits the church body.
• Michael Kruger continues to deal with common objections to Christianity, this time dealing with the claim by many that early Christianity was very diverse with the majority comprising of ‘heretics’ as early as the second century. He lays that one to rest.
• In a previous Weekly Links post, I made mention of an annotated version of B.B. Warfield’s article on the Trinity. Professor Scott Swain, from RTS Orlando, contends with certain aspects of Warfield’s essay, from a lecture which you can watch and follow the brief outline provided by Justin Taylor.
• Another commonly abused text of Scripture is Romans 10:13, which the Grace to You blog expounds upon.
• The Los Angeles Bible Training School recently had their Men’s Conference, the audios of which have now been uploaded! Don’t miss out on being blessed from this!

That’s all for this week! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Pride and selfishness, rather than Christ’s principles of humility and sacrificial love for others, control much of what is called God’s work. All too often God’s work becomes a matter of ego, a competitive game, or a ladder to success in the big business of religion.

Strauch, Alexander; Peterson, Robert. Agape Leadership: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership from the Life of R.C. Chapman

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been quite a week, but what’s a week without links? A weak one! Well, let’s finish it strong by getting into the links that have been provided by some of God’s people this week.

• Here’s a slice of Michael Reeves’ story in overcoming unbelief by a deeper pursuit and study of God through His Word. Also a lead in to John Piper’s very anticipated book on the self-authenticating nature of Scripture.
• David Powlison recently spoke at RTS on depression and suffering, which Justin Taylor highlighted on his blog. You can watch the video and follow the brief outline below.
• If you have never heard the story of Rosaria Butterfield’s conversion, this would be a good place to start.
• Ken Sande continues addressing how to change habits through the lens of the gospel. There is much that will help you here.
• The Grace to You blog continues their series on Christian cliches, covering the common slogan, “Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.“
• Continuing his series on gospel conversations, biblical counselor Robert Kellemen gives two portraits of what a gospel conversation looks like.
• When seeking to apply forgiveness, it’s best to have a working knowledge of how Scripture defines forgiveness in light of what the culture perceives forgiveness to be. Mark Snoeberger provides a short summary of this beautiful, and difficult, theme.
• Over at the True Woman blog, Kimberly Wagner writes 10 ways for wives to love their husbands well. The majority of these ways can be applied to the other gender, so men, pay attention!
• Denny Burk provides his reasoning on why, when it comes to presidential elections, he’s a single-issue voter. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve read it.
• Here’s a couple posts to bookmark: James Dolezal gave a series of lectures on the doctrine of God, specifically on His simplicity, at the 2015 RBAP Conference, and Pastor Gavin Beers spoke on God’s impassibility, which David Murray highlighted and included a number of follow-up articles on the subject. All in all, these speak more of the God we worship, so dig in!
• You might be surprised to know that, for Christian professor Mitch Stokes, he encourages athiests to be more consistent in their athiesm. To understand why, check his recent post at the Crossway blog.
• On The Glory Book’s Women’s Hope podcast, Carolyn Lawson seeks to give hope to those who would call themselves lonely by fault, and by no-fault. To understand what that means, take a listen (make sure to read the post below as well).

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for College Life, as they will be at CL Retreat, with Pastor Scott Ardavanis from Grace Church in the Valley! See the rest of you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Note that Jesus did not expose the rich young ruler’s pretensions to holiness by disputing his claim to sinless perfection.  Instead he tested his love for God.  Was God first in his life, or was something else?  By instructing the man to give away his possessions Jesus was not saying that we can win our way to heaven simply by giving away our wealth.  The requirement for salvation is faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.  The rich ruler was willing to keep some of the commandments but he refused to surrender his standard of living for the glory of God.  One writer says “for this man to choose insolvency for the sake of joining Jesus’ movement was to choose a kind of social death”.  What do you suppose Jesus would tell you or me to give up for the kingdom of God?  Jesus would tell us to give up anything that we love more than we love Him.” (Dr. James Benecke)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has flown by, but the links keep on coming! Without further ado, here they are!

• If you have ever wondered how to explain to someone, whether a co-worker or a kid, why we shouldn’t take the Lord’s name in vain, Philip Graham Ryken gives a thorough and clear answer.
• Matt Smethurst explains three ways to share the gospel this week, which if you haven’t done, can always begin today! Pastor Clint Archer also lays out three different things to pray for in sharing your faith in Christ as you proclaim Him.
• Grace to You blog continues their series on Christian cliches by addressing the phrases ‘travelling mercies‘ and ‘backsliding.’
• How would you respond to someone you love if they broke your trust? You may need to look at how Jesus treated Judas in order to see how you should be with your betrayer.
• If you had to choose between a knowledgeable, but immature believer, or a mature but simple believer, which would you choose? Kevin DeYoung gives his answer, but also explains why neither is sufficient.
• Randy Alcorn gives a plea for Christians to raise the bar in their book-reading. I think all lovers of books would give a hearty ‘Amen!’ Brother, sister, if you don’t like to read, please read and heed Alcorn’s advice.
• Michael Kruger continues to deal with common objections to the faith, this time answering someone who believes Christians didn’t accept Jesus was God until much later. Don’t get caught without an answer to this one.
• Would you believe that married couples have contributed to an increase in singleness? It depends on how the marrieds speak of their spouses, especially in the presence of a single. Katie Van Dyke provides some corrective wisdom for married couples in how they can help with the singleness epidemic, primarily by enjoying our marriage to God’s glory.
• For the sake of fairness, Ken Samples deflates 7 common myths about old-earth creationism that we should be mindful of, especially if we are seekers of truth, and want to represent our brothers in Christ accurately.

That’s all for this week! Don’t forget that we’re on break for affinity groups, and have flocks instead. Members, don’t forget we have members meeting Sunday night. For the rest of you, see you all Sunday morning!

Soli Deo Gloria

“You do not have the luxury of sitting out the battle for knowledge. No Christian can afford to be on vacation from speaking the truth in love in the strength of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:15). Eternity is too long and God’s glory too important to do Christianity on the cheap.” (Douglas Groothuis)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope your weeks have been filled with time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer. Now that the week is coming to a close, I pray these links will only draw you to a closer look to His Word and a deeper trust in Him.

• Ligonier Ministries is making their book Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue by R.C. Sproul free to download for the rest of this month. You would be wise to get your (digital) hands on this book! Don’t miss the link to his video/audio series on abortion at the end. To give you a taste, Sproul addressed the issue of whether one who has had an abortion can be forgiven.
• The Grace to You blog has begun a series addressing the many Christian clichés that pop up in discussions amongst our own. First up, “Ask Jesus into your heart.“
• What does the term, ‘evangelical,’ mean? Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason gives a short, succinct answer.
• Michael Kruger addresses a claim, in academic circles (and becoming more mainstream), the idea that Christianity was more diverse than what many Christians think. So much so, in fact, that to speak of early Christianity would be misleading; rather, it would be more accurate to say, ‘early Christianities.’ Don’t be surprised when you hear this at the university, and take in what Kruger writes.
• Robert Kellemen continues his series on how to have gospel conversations by finishing his five portraits of a loving biblical counselor with the latter three portraits. Make sure you read the previous posts, as they are very helpful things to consider in counseling others.
• It’s common to hear that idolatry only took place in the past or currently in a religious context, but it can occur in the habits that have formed in our lives. Ken Sande zeroes in on what an idolatrous habit looks like, and what the cure is.
• How can Christians who are pro-life honor a pro-choice president? John Piper writes a helpful primer.
• In this week’s Glory Books Women’s Hope podcast, Kim Wine, Kimberly Cummings, and Brandi Huerta provide some sound wisdom for ladies in how to pursue a holy marriage. Just so the guys don’t feel left out, Pastor Phil Wages gives a great overview of the structure and content of the Old Testament, in anticipation of the New (Testament and upcoming post). Ladies, this post is for you, as well.
• If you wonder how you’re doing in the art of communication, Joel Beeke provides seven ways for us to grow in that area. Every Christian needs to grow in the area of talk, and hopefully, this will lead you in the right direction. Dads, this is definitely an encouragement for you to teach your children in the way they speak (and the original reason for this post).
• Don Whitney recently came out with a book on family worship, from which Crossway posted a snippet of it: husbands, it’s time to start leading family worship. May we all, whether with or without children, take the charge humbly.
• Here’s one to bookmark and give some time to: the 2015 Bahnsen Conference, named after presuppositional apologist Greg Bahnsen, has a number of presentations related to the issue of apologetics from a number of speakers/authors/pastors/professors. Also included is a debate about the existence and attiributes of God. I don’t expect everyone to agree with everything presented, but I am thoroughly looking forward to watching Jeff Durbin, K. Scott Oliphint, and E. Calvin Beisner’s presentation (Gordon Clark vehemently differed with Cornelius Van Til, and Bahnsen was not a fan of Clark, either).

That’s all for this week! Don’t forget to keep the youth and collegians in prayer, as they meet tonight at church for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“God’s very existence is witnessed in the creation, and His immutable truth is clearly proclaimed for all to observe. Even science itself— we might even say, especially science— verifies the hand of a Creator in our universe. The Bible, unique and beautiful in its account of human history from the beginning, becomes the foundational textbook in which we begin our search for truth.” (Henry Morris III, Exploring the Evidence for Creation: Reasons to Believe the Biblical Account)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It definitely can be challenging to limit how many links to include for the Weekly Links, so all the more reason to thank God that many believers seek to bless the church with insights and biblical thinking to many of the current challenges from the culture today. With that said, I hope these links will bring a deeper devotion to our Lord and Savior!

• At the recent Urbana 2015 conference, led by InterVarsity, Michelle Higgins chided pro-life advocates for spending their time and energy focusing only on the unborn, and not on other issues related to those out of the womb. There have been a number of responses, but I have found Rich Poupard’s post clear-headed and simply gracious. Also, as this Sunday is recognized by many churches as Sanctity of Life Sunday, here are some pro-life resources that will equip you to be a bold witness for Christ and life.
• Have anyone tried stumping you with an objection that the Bible promotes slavery? How would you answer the skeptic? Denny Burk gives a very helpful answer.
• Justin Taylor was given permission to post an assignment from David Powlison’s Dynamics of Biblical Change course at CCEF, which is a study in Philippians as it relates to how God seeks to change you and how you can be an agent of change in the lives of others. It looks like it’s worth your time.
• With his usual clarity and simple explanations of complex subjects, R.C. Sproul explains the difference between spirituality and righteousness, their relationship, and how to pursue both biblically.
• How does the gospel apply to adopted teens? Ellen Castillo provides some sound wisdom that will be of use if you are considering adoption or know of those who have.
• We’re aware that Barnabas was known as an encourager; his name is translated “son of encouragement.” Yet, how can we become and raise others to be encouragers? Pastor James Ferris helps us along the way.
• In an ongoing series on having gospel conversations with one another, biblical counselor and trainer Robert Kellemen uncovers the method that God uses in getting His Word into our lives, and it involves His people. Then, he lays out two (out of five) portraits of a loving biblical counselor. If you desire to be used by God, you will be helped in that area with what Kellemen writes.
• Over at the Glory Books website, a new podcast geared towards ladies premiered, called Women’s Hope. This first episode deals with the temptation for ladies to have meaningless chatter, and the pursuit of having godly conversations with one another. This looks like something to bookmark for future listening.
• Church historian Stephen Nichols provides a meaty overview of the church and why every Christian should be involved in a local church. If you’re curious as to the trajectory of what God has said concerning the church, this would be a great place to start.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos and College Life today, and don’t forget to pray for those considering membership, as membership class begins tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“After reading Scripture, we must ask God for light to scrutinize our hearts and lives, then meditate upon the Word. Disciplined meditation on Scripture helps us focus on God. Meditation helps us view worship as a discipline. It involves our mind and understanding as well as our heart and affections. It works Scripture through the texture of the soul. Meditation helps prevent vain and sinful thoughts (Matt. 12:35), and provides inner resources on which to draw (Ps. 77:10-12), including direction for daily life (Prov. 6:21-22). Meditation fights temptation (Ps. 119:11, 15), provides relief in afflictions (Isa. 49:15-17), benefits others (Ps. 145:7), and glorifies God (Ps. 49:3).” (Joel Beeke, Feed My Sheep)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week closer to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! And another week or providing links that will hopefully draw you closer to Christ. So let’s jump right in!

• Denny Burk points us to a recent interview between Ryan Anderson and Mary Louise Kelly on gay rights as a civil liberty at The Atlantic’s inaugural LGBT forum, and the respect displayed by both sides in the interaction. Anderson continues to be a clear thinker on this issue, and hope to see his tribe increase in the public square.
• Bob Kellemen just finished blogging a series of posts related to how to counsel ourselves and others through anxiety. May God use you to bless others in providing a biblical perspective on this debilitating issue, to His glory. And don’t forget his list of top 15 biblical counseling books that appeared in 2015!
• Thanks to Veritas Domain, a recent chapel message from TMS covered the importance in maintaining humility while engaging others in defense of the Christian faith. Oh, how we need to hear this message today!
• John Piper has continued to provide slow gazes into passages of Scripture in his ‘Look at the Book’ labs, recently going over John 1:1-3, 14 to argue that God lived among us. A fitting theme for us to remember during this Christmas season. In part two, he hones in on Scripture’s emphasis that the glory of God in Christ is found in the Word of God.
• Ever wonder where we get the rate of divorce in the US from? Glenn Stanton breaks down the number, and also lays out the risks of a higher divorce rate, given certain factors. This can be a helpful guide in discussing how our beliefs affect marriage, and dispel the myth that those in the church have the same divorce rate as the general population.
• What are the benefits of systematic, long-term Scripture memorization? Pastor Chris Brauns lists seven, so you don’t want to miss this!
• Every Christmas, there’s always posts that focus on how to observe the holiday with Christ at the center, and also articles that denigrate the Christ of Christmas. First up, professor Michael Kruger gives a healthy dose of skepticism to an article that denies Jesus’ existence.  Jonathan McIatchie argues for the historicity of Christmas, pastor Mark Jones reminds us of some truths of the incarnation to meditate on, Paul Tripp provides a number of resources on Advent (including a devotional, sermons, and videos), and Richard Phillips discusses the incarnation of Christ in this week’s Glory Books podcast. These are subjects worth pondering before Christmas.
• With the new release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Peter Jones writes on the worldview presented in the film that every believer should be aware of. May we continue to be discerning in what we watch.

That’s all for this week! Be in prayer this weekend for our Lumos Christmas Party / Lock-In! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The two halves of God’s story pivot around one central point: the coming of Jesus to rescue God’s wrecked and ruined creation — BC and AD.” (Andreas Kostenberger and Alexander Stewart, The First Days of Jesus: The Story of the Incarnation)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! My, this week has come and gone! But who can let this week go without your weekly links? Not me! Check it out!

• IBCD has been a true blessing, particularly with the number of resources that they provide on their website for free (a biblical counseling introductory course, audio from previous conferences, etc.). Now, they have begun a podcast called The Care & Discipleship Podcast. Their first episode focuses on how to counsel someone through anger, and also gives a list of recommended resources for further study. They also put out their Winter Newsletter. See how God is using their ministry for His purposes of restoring biblical counseling to the church in the northern San Diego area!
• Do you know the story behind who would be later identified as Santa Claus? John Aloisi provides a very short summary of the life of St. Nicholas, and a very interesting little bit of his involvement in church history.
• In light of the event that occurred in San Bernardino, here is one mother’s response that is worth reading (and having). Justin Taylor provides resources that give a crash course on Islam that is worth watching.
• Tom Shreiner has written a new book on justification involving texts and church history called Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification. SBTS published a post that summarizes Shreiner’s book, as well as give some of his reasons for writing yet another work on justification. It’s more interesting than it sounds, and more relevant than ever. You may end up wanting to pick up a copy after reading this.
• Professor Michael Kruger informs us that Reformed Theological Seminary provides a weekly video by faculty every Wednesday on topics relevant to Christian faith,called ‘Wisdom Wednesday.’ This week, Professor Kruger answers the question, ‘How Can Seminary Students Keep Their Devotional Life Strong?’ Make sure you bookmark this weekly video series for your edification!
• Parents, have you wondered how to conduct family devotions with your children? The Glory Books Podcast conducted an interview with Ed Braswell on this very issue. May your home become a beacon of light for your children with this crucial discipline.
• Randy Alcorn address the consequences of debt in a person’s life. This is particularly relevant for the collegian, and even youth, to consider should they go to college. A must-read.
• In evangelism, are you confident to express a deeper view of Scripture than, “The Bible says it, I believe it”? If asked specific questions regarding the doctrine of Scripture, would you be able to guide another believer (or unbeliever) through some of the theological terms? Here to help, Kevin Gardner provides a list and succinct definitions of the key terms we use in discussing a full-orbed view of Scripture.
• Since Christmas is coming up, and gifts are already being considered, here to help with some great books to buy friends and family are Kevin DeYoung’s top ten books of 2015,  Aaron Armstrong’s favorite books published this year, David Murray’s massive list of recommended reading (in 21 categories, no less!), and last but not least, Tim Challies’ list of top books. Get them while you can!
• If you are in need of resources surrounding the issue of intelligent design and evolution, Casey Luskin gives a very helpful post worth bookmarking for future reference.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the upcoming Christmas Concert at our church, and please consider coming! See you tomorrow and Sunday, Lord-willing!

Soli Deo Gloria

“This Thanksgiving, YOU are not going to convince your relatives and friends of the truth of the gospel. You can present evidence or argue with them till you are blue in the face, and they are not going to budge. A least you cannot win them over by argument alone. Remember, the reason people do not change their minds about what they believe is because their affections control their reasoning, their motivations, their presuppositions and their intuitions (John 3:19-20; Rom 1:18-21). Affections shape and bias the way we all process information and so people tend to rationalize on behalf of outcomes they want to see. People are skeptical of, and hardened toward, information they don’t want to believe and have deep motivations to protect information they do want to believe. So evidence, by itself, is a really bad way to try to convince someone of the gospel. But join your evidence and the gospel with your persistent heartfelt prayers for your friends and family and God may show up and surprise you. The seeds you plant and water may be germinated by the Spirit. So do not stop reasoning and persuading, but remember that understanding the gospel is a supernatural event where God changes hearts of stone to flesh (Ezek 36:26; 1 Cor 3:7; 12:3; 1 Thess 1:4, 5) so continue to look up in prayer for God’s help as you lovingly communicate the only truth which can deliver them from their captivity, of which we all once were a part.” (John Hendryx)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Thanksgiving! Since most are on vacation during this time, I’m presenting a beefed-up post of links for you all to enjoy while recovering from dinner. I pray this set will fill you up with thanksgiving to our great God and Savior!

• Our church has greatly benefited from the work that The Master’s Seminary has done to train men to preach and teach God’s Word. Every fall and spring brings about a new issue from the TMS Journal that covers a lot of theological ground, most of which would bless the church layman. Make sure you catch this Fall’s issue!
• As Thanksgiving has come and gone, there’s still time to be thankful for all that God has given. Here’s what I’ve found: learning to be thankful, finding out how thankful you are, why we are thankful, the benefits of being thankful, how Thanksgiving Day began and its meaning, 33 ways to enjoy highly relational holidays, and the inescapable, theological nature of Thanksgiving.
• Jason Engwer of Triablogue has an updated post of Christmas resources from this year that deals with apologetic issues related to the birth of Christ. This will be a great source to reference during the holiday season when it comes to presenting an informed view to those who don’t believe.
• David Powlison provides a short word to Christian men: your identity is not the same as your role. Ray Ortlund advises young dads to enjoy their kids.
• When engaging in apologetics with an unbeliever, sometimes the endeavor seems fruitless when providing evidence after evidence for the truth of the Christian worldview. Using a real-life example from counter-terrorism efforts, pastor (and former USMC vet) Jim Lee lays out a simple distinction between evidential and presuppositional apologetics.
• Alex Chediak, engineer and physics professor, is interviewed about his new book, Beating the College Debt Trap: Getting a Degree Without Going Broke. Collegians, parents of youth and collegians, this one is a definite must-read.
• Is there a way to demonstrate whether the Qur’an is not the Word of God? Jonathan McIatchie provides a simple reason, along with the issue of Paul’s relationship to the Jerusalem church. Gary Habermas also provides some responses to the claims made by Muhammad concerning Jesus.
• If you’ve ever been curious about understanding the ontological argument for the existence of God, especially if you’ve taken an introductory philosophy class, this may be a good place to start.

That’s all for this week! Hope to see you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Paul’s starting point is the analysis of idolatry in Romans 1:18–32. Jews thought of idolatry as a matter of worshiping the wrong gods, and therefore something that only Gentiles could do. Paul thought more deeply on the matter. He saw that idolatry was a disease of human freedom, found as widely among Jews as among Gentiles.

Idolatry begins where faith begins, in the perception of human existence as contingent and needy. But whereas faith accepts such contingency as also a gift from a loving creator from whom both existence and worth derive, idolatry refuses a dependent relationship on God. It seeks to establish one’s own existence and worth apart from the claim of God by effort and striving (“works”) of one’s own.” (Luke Timothy Johnson, Reading Romans)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! There’s so much to be thankful for, so let us continue to thank our God for all He has provided! May these links bring even more thanks to Him!

• How do you become an effective witness at work? Is it even possible to witness and be a good worker at the same time? Tom Nelson, who has written a book on the doctrine of vocation, provides some wisdom in this area that everyone who works should heed.
• With insightful precision, biblical counselor David Powlison points believers, men in particular, to consider the true identity they have in Christ. Consider it an arresting introduction to true, biblical masculinity.
• Have you wondered, in light of Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson’s beliefs, what Seventh-Day Adventism is all about? Well, worry no longer.
• If you were looking to confide your struggles, hopes, fears, and doubts to someone, what kinds of ministry skills would you like them to possess in order to provide biblical counsel? Pastor Matt Mitchell asked his Sunday School class what should every Christian possess, and here’s their response.
• Much has been written and spoken concerning the attacks that occurred in Paris last week, including the news of an increasing influx of Syrian refugees into the US in the near future. To help wrap our minds around this, John Piper has written principles to relate to Muslims and those of other religions, Pastor Eric Davis addresses whether ISIS can be considered true Islam, Joe Carter lays out the facts about the Syrian refugees, and Molly Hemingway offers three tips for a more civil conversation about this issue.
• There are many doctrines of the faith, but many are unsure of which is primary and which is secondary. Exercising some ‘theological triage,’ Pastor Mike Riccardi examines Paul’s condemnation of the Judaizers (along with other passages) and sees what to make of teaching that is essential to believe and be saved and what can rule someone outside of Christian faith.
• In a recent Truth in Love podcast, ACBC Executive Director Heath Lambert interviews ACBC Member Hannah Carter, a counselor at her church, former missionary, and a single, about the blessings and struggles of singleness. I think this will truly be a blessing for you to listen to, whether you’re single or married.

That’s all for this week! Don’t forget the upcoming Thanksgiving potluck this Sunday evening! See you all on Sunday morning!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The pastor recognizes the effects of Adam’s sin upon the body; he, therefore, has no problem working side-by-side with a physician who treats the counselee’s body as he counsels him about its proper use. From the days of Paul and Luke, pastors have found kinship with medical personnel. Why, then, does the psychiatrist present a problem? Certainly it is not because of his medical background. The problem is that he will not stay in his own backyard. He keeps setting up his lawn chairs and moving his picnic table onto the pastor’s property.” (Jay Adams)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Why is it feliz? Because we have some links for you below!

• Regarding the Starbucks cup fiasco, please read this.
• Now that we got that out of the way, here’s some questions Pastor Kevin DeYoung has for married couples to diagnose the state of their marriage.
• Challies has written some great posts this week. Make sure you take a look at his ten serious problems with the book Jesus Calling, and his theological quizzes (on the Trinity, Christology, and bibliology), now in PDF format!
• RTS Professor Michael Kruger deals with the common objection to Christianity that all religions are equally valid yet have only small glimpses of the truth. Similar to the story of the blind men and the elephant. Let’s just say he knocks this one out of the park.
• If grace covers all our sins, why not sin? Stand to Reason gives a gracious response.
• Have you ever wondered what the self-authenticating nature of Scripture is all about? Well, if you have (now that I mentioned it), Nicholas Batzig gives a very helpful discussion on this issue that brings clarity to the subject. It would be worth your time to look into it.
• Glory Books posted a podcast discussing Eric Weathers’ testimony as a believer in the workforce that will definitely pique your interest. From working nearly 20 years at FedEx, to being let go, he has a lot of wisdom concerning how to be a faithful witness in whatever vocation you’re presently in. This is some good stuff worth listening to.
• How should churches deal with apostasy in their local context? David Murray, echoing John Owen’s counsel, provides sound wisdom in this area.
• How does biblical counseling and the sovereignty of God relate to one another? Jay Adams, founder of nouthetic counseling, gives an address focused on answering this very question. Make sure you give yourself time to read this one. It’s on the longer side of posts.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for both College Life and Lumos, as well as for the upcoming baptism service Sunday night. See you all in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s Day!

Soli Deo Gloria