“I sometimes wonder if one reason for the failure of the evening service reflects more on the failure of the church to understand she is a family, where relationships are to be cultivated, not taken for granted. The early church gave themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42). The time after the services on the Lord’s day is a wonderful opportunity for God’s people to fellowship, ask questions about how each other is doing, see how we can better pray for one another, and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11). Why do some Christians consistently love to leave so quickly after church?” (Mark Jones)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been quite a busy week in the blogosphere, with much to pass along. I hope the week has been fruitful and that these links will draw you closer and closer to Christ!

• The Center for Medical Progress has posted their 11th video highlighting an abortion provider of Planned Parenthood discuss how she performs a second-trimester abortion procedure. CMP argues this is identical to performing partial-birth abortion, which is illegal. Joe Carter addresses what effects current state-level anti-abortion laws are having in the US today.
• Sundays may be hard to prepare for, but this may be an area that we need to grow in. Specifically aimed at fathers, Jeremy Kimble at CBMW advises men to shepherd their families before, during and after the Sunday service. Are you prepared to receive God’s Word this coming Lord’s day?
• Do you happen to know the many names of God written in Scripture? If not, and you’re what the point of looking at His many names are, look no further.
• For most in the church, seminary isn’t an option many consider, even if one goes into full-time ministry. For those in the pew, how can laymen (and women) get some further training? Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie provides some solid advice for women, though I’d consider this solid advice for men as well.
• Who would you list as examples of masculinity? Who comes to mind as the epitome of manhood? Would you be surprised that Scripture points to Jesus as the perfect example? Nicholas Batzig provides quite the compelling case.
• Tomorrow will be the 498th anniversary of the Reformation, which celebrates the posting of the 95 theses by Martin Luther on the doors of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. If you aren’t aware of what the issues were that brought about that momentous act, Eric Davis writes an informative overview. Stephen Nichols sums up the events that led to the posting of those theses, and elsewhere considers if the Reformation still matters today.
• Glory Books, which is Dr. Greg Harris’ website, has a podcast that covers various topics in the Christian life. The most recent episode deals with Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling, assessing whether it has theological merit and is worth picking up. May be of interest to you.

That’s all for this week! Remember that Lumos and College Life are meeting tonight, and that we will be having our annual Fall Festival tomorrow night, all at church. See you then!

Soli Deo Gloria

“God, the Father, gave his best. He gave us His Son; both absorbed great personal loss to restore our relationship and rescue us from our sin. This same principle will probably hold true for you as well. We are showing the value of the relationship by what we are willing to sacrifice for it!” (Ernie Baker, Help! I’m in a Conflict)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Hopefully, the week has been filled with an awareness of God at work in your life! With that said (or typed), here are this week’s links!

• Rick Phillips answers a curious question, given evangelicals’ emphasis on all things gospel-centered: “Did Jesus Have a Gospel-Centered Ministry?“
• Over at the Feeding on Christ blog, Nicholas Batzig writes on how ministers can overcome discouragement in (pastoral) ministry. Though written primarily for pastors, it would be helpful for church members to be aware of how to encourage and help minister to our pastors, which God has sovereignly placed to care for us. May we grow to be a joy, and not a burden, to our shepherds.
• Tim Challies recently created a quiz on the Trinity to test your knowledge of God’s self-revelation. Now, he has a new quiz on our Lord, Jesus Christ. After each question comes the answer and the reasoning behind it. Even if you get a perfect score, you’ll learn a lot along the way. Ready? Begin!
• RTS President and Professor Michael Kruger answers a common apologetic question, “What is the Earliest Complete List of the Canon of the New Testament?“
• Andy Naselli recently recited the book of 1 Corinthians at his church, by memory! For our edification, he writes 14 reasons we should memorize an entire book of the Bible, and 11 steps to memorizing an entire book of the Bible.
• How do you handle worry when it comes into your life? Pastor Dave Mitchell has three words for you: Remember what’s true.
• Parents, how would you answer your son/daughter if they ask, “How do we know the Bible is God’s Word?” Pastor Chris Brauns provides a great response.
• Randy Newman, known for his use of questions in evangelism (not the same guy who wrote, ‘You Got a Friend in Me’), spends some time on how to have gospel conversations in the age of texts, tweets, and distractions.
• Though I don’t agree with everything William Lane Craig says, I can give credit where credit is due. He was interviewed (for 2 hours!) by a non-Christian on various subjects related to Christianity, and was very well-composed in providing answers. Consider this an example of how a Christian ought to communicate with a non-Christian on spiritual matters (even if the original post is commending the non-Christian in asking good questions!).
• If you were only able to express three truths about God to a new believer, what would you say? Here’s Suzanne Evans‘ attempt.

That’s all for this week! Don’t forget that this week is flocks week, so no Bible study for Lumos and College Life. For the ladies, Table for 6 is tomorrow morning. Don’t miss out! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Rereading the Bible over and over will help you make sense of Scripture. And reviewing Scripture over and over will help you see more of Christ. To see Christ on every page requires a familiarity with the entire Bible.” (Tony Reinke, Newton on the Christian Life)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! A treasure trove of links await you, so let’s dive right in!

• Ken Sande draws lessons from his mother and mother-in-law in pointing us to a picture of the fruit of the gospel. How can you cultivate godly attitudes now that will lead you more into being a treasure amongst others, and not a trial? Read on to find out!
• John Piper writes a meditation on the truth that if you are found in Christ, you are no longer enslaved to your past. How rich are the blessings found in the power of the gospel!
• What have we learned since the first undercover video of Planned Parenthood? According to The Federalist, at least five things. Great summary post of where the issue lies currently. Also, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards this week announced the end of reimbursement for donating tissue for medical research, begging the question: if this was a legitimate practice, then why cancel it? Lastly, Abigail Larsen writes two biblical responses to abortion in light of the recent exposure of Planned Parenthood.
• Have you ever felt tempted to impress God in some way? May these truths work to help remind us believers of our acceptance in Christ.
• Princeton scholar B.B. Warfield wrote a magnificent article on the doctrine of the Trinity over 100 years ago, and has been a very helpful defense of the doctrine from Scripture. Systematic theologian Fred Sanders has recently posted an annotated version of the article, with his own notes for clarification. This is definitely worth plowing through. May it be a blessing to you.
• What books do you think theologian J.I. Packer would recommend reading? Well, look no further than his own list, stemming from his own endorsements of 50 (you read that right) books. Time to add more into your book budget.
• Pastor Jordan Standridge answers several objections to evangelism that believers may be tempted to offer to avoid obedience to Christ’s commands. Related to that is knowing how to handle the possible charge of intolerance by non-Christians. Can you tactfully address this without coming across as unloving, and yet not compromising your convictions in the process? Finally, what reasons would you give for why you believe the Bible? Erik Raymond has a handy index card that may be worth memorizing.
• Did the early church believe in transubstantiation? Nathan Busenitz answers.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for our upcoming members meeting (don’t forget to attend if you’re a member!). See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Our debt to God, then, puts our complaints into proper perspective. Given our rebellion against God, our every breath comes by the mercy of God not giving us what we deserve, and our every blessing comes by the grace of God giving us what we do not deserve. And while mysteries remain, we have a proper starting point to engage difficult questions: God owes us nothing while we owe God perfect love, honor, and obedience. Thus, more appropriate than asking why bad things happen to good people is asking why such good things happen to those who willfully disregard their obligation to love, honor, and obey their excellent and gracious Creator.” (Craig Biehl, God the Reason: How Infinite Excellence Gives Unbreakable Faith)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The links are here, so what are you waiting for? Click on!

• If you weren’t aware, October is Pastor Appreciation Month! If you’re wondering how to encourage your pastor, Pastor Brian Croft has some great suggestions to get you started.
• Denny Burk highlights the protest that occurred outside the recent Association of Certified Biblical Counselors national conference. The conference was on transgenderism and homosexuality, yet those who were against ACBC believed they were promoting reparative therapy. ACBC Executive Director, Heath Lambert, addressed the protest, and the opposition to it from both the protestors and ACBC. So thankful the spotlight is on this ministry, as they seek to be faithful to Scripture in a faithless culture.
• Mark Altrogge lays out Paul’s lifestyle of evangelism that has every bit of relevance today as it did then. You will be much the wiser by incorporating these elements into your own life as a witness to the power of the gospel. Over at The Cripplegate, Jordan Standridge lays out the marks of a faithful evangelist. May we never be ashamed of the gospel!
• At the LDS General Conference this past weekend, Mormon Apostle Neil Andersen advised all Mormons to get past Joseph Smith’s history and move forward in their faith. Sharon Lindbloom of Mormonism Research Ministry responds.
• Professor Michael Kruger addresses the common claim that the New Testament is not worth trusting due to the idea that the manuscripts we possess today of the original copies were made by untrained, unprofessional scribes. You should be happy to know that he lays that objection to rest.
• Kevin DeYoung answers one of the most common questions asked of Christians, “Are good works necessary to salvation?” With the help of Reformer Francis Turretin, this one is really worth checking out.
• Over at the True Woman blog, Jeanne Harrison gives some wise advice to women who are battling with embracing biblical womanhood. Make sure you don’t miss out on the recommended links at the bottom of the page.

That’s all for this week! Remember to pray for the youth and collegians as they meet tonight, and to get ready to worship together this coming Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Throughout the Bible, acceptable worship means approaching or engaging with God on the terms that he proposes and in the manner that he makes possible. It involves honouring, serving and respecting him, abandoning any loyalty or devotion that hinders an exclusive relationship with him. Although some of Scripture’s terms for worship may refer to specific gestures of homage, rituals or priestly ministrations, worship is more fundamentally faith expressing itself in obedience and adoration. Consequently, in both Testaments it is often shown to be a personal and moral fellowship with God relevant to every sphere of life.” (David Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Shorter post this time, so let’s get right to it!

• Randy Alcorn gives a very clear answer to the question of why churches should study systematic theology. After reading this, I hope that becomes a priority in your life as a Christian.
• How do we engage with other believers on social media? Nicholas Batzig has some biblical guidelines every Christian who posts ought to heed.
• With the number of study Bibles growing, every year it seems, how are Christians to use them well in their study of Scripture? Justin Taylor has some suggestions. While we’re on the issue of Bible reading, New Testament scholar D.A. Carson has some great insights into reading the Bible and doing theology well, while pastor David Murray addresses the believer who has found the Bible to be boring and how to rekindle love towards God’s Word.
• What are the rights of Christians in a public school? It might be worth your time to read on and find out.
• If you haven’t noticed, the Pope came to the U.S. this week. Seeing as we are not Roman Catholics, why bring it up? Well, this can be an opportunity to talk with those who call the Pope their spiritual leader. Over at The Cripplegate, Jordan Standridge addresses why we cannot be together, as well as recommended books on addressing Roman Catholicism from a biblical perspective. Do not miss these resources to build up the true church.

That’s all for this week! Continue to pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight for Bible study. Don’t forget to come worship together on Sunday! And make sure to join us for FiTS after!

Soli Deo Gloria

Wherever mission communities were around the world, the Moravians sought first to root them in Bible meditation along with ecstatic hymn singing and prayer. The Bible was a book about a missionary Father with a missionary Son who was wedded to a missionary Bride. (Evan Burns, “Moravian Missionary Piety and the Influence of Count Zinzendorf”)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope your weeks have been a joy to our Lord and a time of blessing to others. Hopefully, that continues on into the weekend, so here’s some links that will point you to our Savior!

• How do we engage the culture around us with a faithful Christian witness? Greg Koukl has spent his life teaching believers how to be winsome ambassadors of Christ, and has distilled his insights in ‘Diplomacy or D-Day?‘ Believe me when I tell you: this is must reading if you want to grow to be a more faithful witness to Christ and His gospel.
• Evangelist Jeff Durbin has begun airing a series of talks from his Apologia Academy that will be of interest to some of you. His first talk connects how to do presuppositional apologetics in critiquing Mormonism. Hopefully, it will benefit you long after watching.
• Over at the Grace to You blog, a new series is being posted, dealing with Frequently Abused Verses. So far, the eye of the needle and judging have been covered.
• If the occasion came to speak to your kids about death, what would you say? Jeff Robinson has some biblical insights worth considering.
• With the recent posting of the 10th video from the Center for Medical Progress, some may argue that the focus of these videos is on the ugliness of abortion. Though that may come through in some of the graphic images, the focus is more on Planned Parenthood profiting from the sale of baby parts. Keep that in mind.
• In light of the videos surrounding Planned Parenthood appearing nearly every week, now would be a good time to prepare for discussions concerning abortion. Learning to present a view towards life that honors God and shows love to those who have had an abortion requires training. To help towards that end, Wretched Radio is working alongside Scott Klusendorf of Life Training Institute to create a tv show dedicated to defending a pro-life view. It would also be helpful to know that medical science is on the side of life, in case you were wondering.
• How do you move from head to heart knowledge? In other words, what is most helpful to practically apply what you learn from God’s Word? Here are five ways to get you going.

That’s all for this week! I hope your weekend will bring many opportunities to represent Christ well, wherever you are. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

Many disparate believers, in many ways, have helped me toward the Lord.  How could I be ungrateful?  I don’t believe that verses like Romans 12:10 apply only to other Reformed believers.  My heart has been stretched out beyond that circle, without diminishing my own convictions, and for that too I am grateful. (Ray Ortlund)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I pray this week’s links helps you to strive to live under Christ’s Lordship. Here we go!

• As the culture continues to shift away from a biblical worldview, many areas of Christian living need to be addressed with one another as believers in a post-Christian society. CBMW has been faithfully making headway into this by writing on how parents can teach their children biblical gender roles in all of life, how fathers can train their boys to be courageous, and even starting a new podcast, first of which is an interview with Pastor Ligon Duncan on parenting, family life, and challenges to complementarianism today.
• A lot has happened since the incarceration of Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. A lot of writing has happened as well. The best I’ve seen thus far have been from Harry Reeder, Richard Phillips, Lydia McGrew, and Ryan Anderson.
• A video that makes the claim, “I am a Christian but…” has gone viral this week. Denny Burk provides a clear response.
• Medical doctor Charles Hodges writes about new developments concerning medications, depression, and biblical counseling, specifically on the issue of serotonin and treatments.
• Using the example of a blind 8th-grade runner and her guide-dog, Ken Sande asks us a simple question: how much do you trust God?
• Another end-time prediction is looming on the horizon: four blood moons on September 28th is claimed to signal the end of the world. Clint Archer provides some simple and profound thoughts for believers to heed.
• This is a good heart check for everyone: ten more ways churches drive away first-time guests. Linked on that page is the first 10 ways (this is the next 10 ways). Please read and consider.
• R.C. Sproul has beena a trusted Bible teacher for quite some time. Consider his advice in getting a basic overview of the Bible. This is especially for those who aren’t sure where to start in their Bible reading.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the youth and collegians as they meet tonight at church, luau tomorrow, and corporate worship on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

We assert that all human life is sacred and belongs to God because all people are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). Since every human being is created by God and in His image, every human being has intrinsic rather than relative value. People are not valued according to their quality of life or their usefulness to serve the desires of others. They are not to be destroyed when “unwanted” by us. God, in making them, wants them. They are not to be discarded, sacrificed, or euthanized because they are useless to others. They have sovereign use to God. (John Ensor, Answering the Call: Saving Innocent Lives One Woman at a Time)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! As the new school year begins, new opportunities to speak the truth in love abounds. Not only at school, but also at work, with family and friends. To prepare for this, this week’s links are geared to help you be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you. Here you go!

• The Center for Medical Progress continue their series of sting videos with Planned Parenthood representatives discussing the selling of fetal body parts this week. This most recent video reveals StemExpress, a biotech supply company, as a company that partnered with Planned Parenthood to buy human fetal parts, some possibly born-alive infants. Since then, Planned Parenthood has sought to discredit these videos. The Daily Signal reports on CMP’s response.
• How do you prepare for entering the university setting? Most students coming from a Christian home are instructed to stay away from parties, study hard, and make good decisions. However, the intellectual arena is largely untouched in the preparation of a young believer. Professor Michael Kruger gives some sound advice as to how to be ready to represent Christ well in this post-Christian culture. Youth, collegians: click that link!
• In an effort to address a common misunderstanding of what the Bible is all about, Pastor Jared Wilson provides a helpful corrective in his article, “The Bible Is Not an Instruction Manual.” Let us never get tired of what we need to be reminded of in this article.
• The Biblical Counseling Coalition has been working on a series related to biblical counseling and higher education. This week, Dr. Robert Jones offers eight reasons why theology and theological training matters. Lilly Park offers a female perspective on pursuing biblical counseling training, and Kevin Carson explains why you should pursue further training in this area. If anything, I hope your desire to offer biblical counsel is heightened by reading these posts.
• In a very simple yet biblical manner, R.C. Sproul gives us a peek into how he would counsel someone who is unsure of their salvation. I hope this will be bring much comfort to those who are struggling in this area.
• A common objection to only recognizing marriage as the one-flesh union of a man and a woman is that there are many couples who are infertile, thus pointed out that marriage doesn’t require every couple to have kids, since some can’t. Ryan Anderson responds. Over at The Federalist, another article addresses why same-sex ‘marriage’ will never measure up to the real thing.
• Examining the bumper stickers of a car while driving, Michael Kruger lays bare the common mantras you hear promoted in our day. A beautiful display of sound, biblical thinking.

That’s all for this week! Make sure you pray for the collegians, as College Life begins the new school year tonight! See you at church on Sunday (and at FITS)!

Soli Deo Gloria

 A man who only opposes the sin in his heart for fear of shame among men or eternal punishment from God would practise the sin if there were no punishment attending it. How does this differ from living in the practice of the sin? Those who belong to Christ, and are obedient to the Word of God, have the death of Christ, the love of God, the detestable nature of sin, the preciousness of communion with God, and a deep-rooted hatred of sin as sin to oppose to all the workings of lust in their hearts. (John Owen, The Mortification of Sin)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope this one, which has some serious content, will draw you all to pray and seek the Lord in this time of rebellion from the culture around us. God is still in control!

• The Center for Medical Progress released their seventh video exposing more and more the ugliness of Planned Parenthood. Justin Taylor links to the previous videos and provides more resources to be a winsome advocate of life wherever you are. Alan Shlemon from Stand to Reason gives some thoughts to consider concerning the issue of rape and abortion with a real life situation in Egypt.
• Collegians, want to know how to be successful in college? Here are five prerequisites. Also, while you’re at it, seeking biblical friendships may be hard, of which Jonathan Holmes offers a reason why that is, and suggests five ways to practically form friendships that isn’t weird or forced.
• Joe Carter asks and answers a very neglected question: “Is there any actual demand for same-sex marriage?“
• Did you know that a new NIV Study Bible is about to come out, and that D.A. Carson is one of the editors behind it? Andy Naselli gives a very informative post that will get you up to speed. This is an exciting time!
• Robert Zink gives a timely devotional on being men and women of our word, which he sees as a subtle problem in the church. Heed the call to integrity.
• Rico Tice simply lays out the implications of a passage that transformed his evangelism. Hopefully, the same happens with you.
• Justin Taylor has written a very thoughtful post on the reality and vision of Christian education, and it probably isn’t what you’re expecting! In relation to school, here are 35 things an older adult wish they knew while in high school. Youth, this one’s for you!
• This one may be a little long, but definitely worth reading. If you are researching the claims of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church, knowing what they are and the lack of evidence shown in this post will definitely be of benefit to you and those you seek to minister the gospel to.
• CBMW highlights how to counsel a woman after they suffer a miscarriage. How can you show them the love of Christ in this very difficult time? Allow Brittany Lind to offer five thoughts to help counsel those who are hurting, maybe even today.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the joint volleyball tournament tomorrow at LBCOC, and that we would welcome guest preacher Morgan Maitland this coming Sunday as he brings God’s Word to us on Sunday.

Soli Deo Gloria

The gospel of justification by faith alone proclaims a mercy so great, so full, that it compromises nothing.  This is forgiveness God feels good about.  His conscience is happy about this way of forgiving inexcusable sinners.  Therefore, our consciences too may quietly come to rest, really rest, in the finished work of Christ on the cross for us. (Ray Ortlund)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! A whole new month, a gamut of links ready for your consumption!

• With the rise of Islam worldwide, believers need to be prepared to explain and defend their faith to them, in the hopes that God would lead them to an understanding of the truth. Stand to Reason has given some excellent resources for the church body: starting a conversation with a Muslim, and an apologetic strategy that will point out an inconsistency in their worldview.
• Amid the flurry of all things Planned Parenthood, how are Christians to respond? Well, to catch you up to speed, Justin Taylor provides links to all (currently) six videos posted from the Center for Medical Progress along with resources for Christians to give a reasoned defense against abortion. Michael Kruger responds to claims made by Planned Parenthood and their supporters in defense of their horrendous actions. Courtney Reissig gives timely wisdom on how moms can show their pro-life commitments, even in the hustle and bustle of taking care of the little ones.
• To extend the argument that those who defend life inside the womb also care about their lives outside the womb, Crossway is making a FREE e-book available by Russell Moore called Adoption: What Joseph of Nazareth Can Teach Us about This Countercultural Choice. If you are considering adoption, or aren’t sure whether it’s worth pursuing, this may be just the thing to read.
• Whenever discussions concerning the Trinity come up, focus is usually drawn on understanding what the Bible teaches about God, and rightly so. At the same time, not much attention is drawn on how our response should be to the glorious truth of the Trinity. Michael Reeves draws our eyes to the beauty of the Triune God of Scripture by calling all believers to delight in Him as Trinity.
• For those of you ministering to Roman Catholics, Leonardo de Chirico has a helpful lecture that will be definitely be of interest: “Understanding and Evaluating the Appeal of Roman Catholicism.“
• Since there are some upcoming first time dads at our church (or have recently become one), biblical counselor and pastor Deepak Reju lists out 12 things every first time dad should know.
• For parents of teens and youth workers, knowing how to engage teens and technology cannot be emphasized enough. Erin Davis points out three things we may be missing when dealing with this issue. For parents in particular, another area to address is how to discuss biblical manhood and womanhood with your children.
• Recent news has appeared pointing out the admission by the Mormon Church that Joseph Smith did claim to use a seer stone to dictate the text of the Book of Mormon. Many apologetic ministries had already pointed this out in their dealings with Mormons, but were denied by Mormon authorities until now. Rob Bowman argues that isn’t the real issue, and it would be helpful for us as ambassadors of Christ to know what the real issue is.
• If you are interested in getting a grip on apologetics, Fred Butler gives a list of great resources to get your feet wet. I personally have benefited from some of these books, and would commend them to you.

That’s all for this week! Be sure to remember to pray for Pastor Patrick and Eugene as they will be in Argentina through this week and next, and for the youth to grow closer to our Savior at this weekend’s Lumos retreat!

Soli Deo Gloria