“The lordship of Christ is the criterion by which gifts are assessed. In other words, our gifts aren’t a manifestation of ourselves or of our own abilities but are intended to communicate the truth that Jesus is Lord.” (Thomas Schreiner, Spiritual Gifts: What They Are & Why They Matter)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! We’re back, after a bit of a break, but the good stuff keeps on coming, so here are this week’s links!

• John Piper, in light of the doubted veracity of John 7:53-8:11, argues very well for the trustworthiness of the New Testament in the light of the discipline of textual criticism. This is a great intro to knowing how blessed we are to have as many manuscripts as we do in order to determine the original reading.
• Is God in control when tragedy strikes? Cameron Cole, who suffered the loss of his three-year-old son, provides a direct, biblical answer to the question. This is one question that needs to be informed by Scripture, and not our feelings, so make sure you read and meditate on the glorious truth of our glorious and sovereign God.
• CCEF celebrates its 50th year of biblical counseling ministry, and has put out a special edition of their yearly magazine, CCEF Now, entitled CCEF Now and Then. Articles include reflections over these past 50 years, interviews with current staff, tracking growth in biblical counseling, and even international ministry efforts. This is definitely worth your time.
• How would you share the gospel with a teen? Jacquelle Crowe, based on her recent book This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years, wrote a tract that lays out in a way that will speak to a youth-aged person how Christ can save a sinner as young as they are. Read, be encouraged, and pass it on to a youth!
• The Cripplegate blog has been quite busy lately, writing a number of posts that look to benefit the church as a whole. Some examples include a Q&A on race, justice, and the church’s mission, three passages to study with unbelievers, and answering a difficult question related to Christians and suicide.
• Phil Johnson gave a talk on whether the apostolic gifts have ceased, based on 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Make sure you give some time to watching this.
• What are some of the toughest questions people are asking today about the Bible? That’s the topic of this week’s Biola podcast, Think Biblically. Jonathan Morrow is the guest, who authored the book Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible’s Authority.
• Ligonier Ministries, in hosting their many conferences, have accumulated a number of answers to questions many Christians have been asking. They are now putting together a series of videos where many pastors/scholars/theologians give succinct and biblical answers to these very questions, some of which you may have yourself. This will definitely be a place to bookmark and refer back to.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for tonight’s study in God’s attribute of omniscience. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“If your primary concern in life is protecting yourself, you are going to create a prison for yourself in your mind and throw away the key. But if your primary concern is glorifying God by His grace, by the enabling work of the Spirit who produces power, love, and a sound mind within you, then you’ve found the key to be free even if your body is locked up in a real prison.” (Wayne A. Mack and Joshua Mack, Courage: Fighting Fear with Fear)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s that time again! I hope these links will be an added bonus as we come to the weekend.

• In the case of Christian florist Barronelle Stutzman, who denied a same-sex couple her services to their wedding ceremony due to her religious convictions, the Supreme Court decided to send her case back to the lower courts. This comes in light of the new decision by the Court in favor of Christian baker Jack Phillips. Joe Carter has an update on Stutzman’s case. Also in recent news, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of pro-life pregnancy centers for the sake of free speech, leading to implications involving religious freedom as well.
• For parents and Children’s Ministry staffs, here are four ways to bring the Bible to life for kids, eight things to remember when teaching your kids theology, five reasons churches should teach theology to kids, and one very important thing parents can do this summer. For more ideas to do this summer, here are four that parents can do with their kids, a great way to not waste your and your kids’ summer.
• Have you ever wondered if indulgences constitute a fundamental denial of the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, you’re in luck! James White recently debated Catholic apologist Peter D. Williams on that very topic! Check it out!
• Greg Welty wrote a new book dealing with the problem of evil, which has been endorsed by a number of solid pastors/theologians/philosophers. He was recently interviewed by Fred Zaspel, where they dive into some of the issues raised in the book. You might be convinced to purchase a copy and learn how to be more equipped on the matter.
• Can beauty be evidence for God? Ann Gauger argues yes, and points out the alternative if there is no God. Short and (very) sweet.

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

Soli Deo Gloria

“If men would love Jesus they would be real men. If men would love Jesus they would find a power over the most notorious sins. Real men do love Jesus. Real men would have the courage to take a bullet for the gospel. Real men always have.” (Byron Yawn, What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Some have finished school, and summer has almost arrived! But what will always be here on Fridays are links for you to enjoy. So have at it!

• As Father’s Day approaches, sime may wonder if those who have experienced a miscarriage in their family, would they be considered fathers or not? Equal Rights Institute trainer Andrew Kaake argues yes  and you may gain some insights into fatherhood and abortion as you read. At the ACBC blog, Executive Director elect Dale Johnson writes on what fatherly discipline looks in contrast to worldly discipline.
• What are some barriers to Christian hospitality? Rosaria Butterfield mentions two, so humble yourself and read (or watch) her explanation.
• Darby Strickland continues her brief sereies on sexual abuse by pointing to some clear signs that an abusive relationship may exist within a marriage and how to help point that out to wives.
• How can we apply difficult passages in Scripture today? CCEF counselor Mike Emlet provides three questions that will better help you see the freshness and relevancy of every passage of God’s Word.
• Paul Tripp, in this week’s Wednesday’s Word, highlights the necessity of viewing ministry as life and life as ministry. For the health of the church, read this timely article.
• How do we help teens grow in their faith? Impact 360 Institute Director of Cultural Engagement, Jonathan Morrow, and Mitch Aldridge discuss how challenges play a critical role at this stage of life as we disciple them. Parents and youth staff, listen in!
• Identifying as complementarian, or believing God established equal but gendered roles in marriage and in church, can lead to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. Gavin Ortlund identifies four dangers us complementarians must be aware of if we use the label.
• An upcoming conference, called Revoice, is turning heads as it addresses LBGTQ+ issues, using terminology that sounds more like an endorsement than a call to biblical fidelity. What’s more, the conference is being headed up by a PCA church with PCA speakers, from which the denomination has historically been theologically conservative. Tim Challies mentions some concerns being raised and links to many articles that shed light on those concerns and provide a biblical perspective on the topic.
• What are the main differences between the Bible and the Qur’an? Pastor Eric Davis begins a new series that will highlight the main differences between what Christians and Muslims believe. His first post gives an introduction to Islam, the life of Muhammad, and the creation of the Qur’an. Don’t miss the recommended resources at the end.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth as they meet for their last Bible study this school year, and all the moms, who are spending time at TGC Women’s Conference currently, and will return tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Lots of people call God Creator but live like evolutionists. It’s as if life is about the survival of the fittest rather than about living like a dependent creature— trusting our Creator rather than ourselves— and according to our Maker’s instructions.” (David Murray, Reset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Here are some links to brighten up your weekend!

• A current bill in CA is being considered in the Senate, which is worrying a number of Christians. On a recent podcast, Coffeehouse Questions, host Ryan Pauly interviews Neal Hardin about this bill and some objections raised against it, including whether the Bible is expected to be banned with the passing of AB 2943. Make sure to tune in.
• Biophysicist Ken Dill, in a TEDx Talk, argues that the proteins in your body are actually machines. There doesn’t seem to be a greater implication for design by a former president of the National Academy of Sciences.  Also, Stephen Meyer and SUNY biologist Scott Turner discuss the concept of homeostasis, and its ability to question Turner’s acceptance of evolutionary theory.
• Julie and Greg Lowe gives their adoption story, which I’m sure will be a blessing for us all to hear.
• Can you recognize sexual abuse in marriage? Biblical counselor Darby Strickland provides some signs of an abusive marriage, and how you can begin to help them.
• Sean McDowell shares a video on how to talk with someone from another religion. Pastor Jordan Standridge gives an example by sharing his conversation with a member of the World Mission Society Church of God.
• Colorado baker Jack Phillips won his case to refuse to bake a cake for a same-sex couple, which has been in the courts since 2012. Here is Phillips’ first interview since the decision.
• Ryan McGraw, in his current series on preaching Christ at Reformation21, writes of every individual person’s part in the preaching of the Word, and the implications of this biblical reality.
• John Piper wrote a letter to a mother who is caring for her 20 year-old disabled son. Here is his letter.
• Former trauma and critical care surgeon Kathryn Butler makes a case for believers to consider advanced directives, highlighting the recent brain injury suffered by Christian apologist Melinda Penner of Stand to Reason. This gives us much to pray for, with respect to end-of-life issues, and for Melinda. Please read and pray for her.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight at church for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“One cannot be truly educated without taking some interest in Christianity. Christianity is at least one of the most fundamental influences in the formation of Western culture. Within that culture, not only religion, but also art, philosophy, science, economics, and politics have to some extent been either developments of Christian ideas or reactions against Christianity.” (John M. Frame, Christianity Considered: A Guide for Skeptics and Seekers)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise the Lord for another week! I hope your hearts are closer than ever to the One who saves and sanctifies us. I also hope these links will help towards that end as well. So here we go!

• Sometimes, we think being discerning includes being heartless towards those who are susceptible to false teaching. Reagan Rose at the TMS blog writes about the biblical way believers should engage in discernment, and how it should reflect the heart of our Savior.
• Have you ever seen emotional support animals? Is there a biblical way to view this? ACBC Executive Director Heath Lambert gives some wise thoughts on the issue.
• Awhile back, I linked to a series of articles written by a physician who argued that the various functions of the human body demonstrate that we have been designed by our Creator. Dr. Howard Glicksman speaks on the ID the Future podcast to make his case with the complexity of our blood flow systems to make the same point. Very fascinating.
• On the Christ the Center podcast, PRTS church history professor William VanDoodewaard talks about the rise of pastoral care among various reformers in the Protestant Reformation, including Martin Bucer and John Knox. This should definitely be of interest to you history buffs.
• What hope do people have when they are sexually abused? Capitol Hill Baptist Church associate pastor Bobby Jamieson offers, by way of Scripture, seven ways the gospel brings renewal in the hearts of victims who have suffered in this way.
• Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman talk about deacons, their roles in the church, and how they differ from elders. You can never go wrong when you listen to these men talk about church together.
• CCEF faculty member Julie Lowe gives some insights for parents who have teens that either seen or heard of the show 13 Reasons Why. Make sure to read her first post on this topic.
• What should we know about God’s communicable attributes (those attributes that we can emulate)? Author Jen Wilkin provides a list of 10 things we ought to know, and she is definitely on the right track.
• What are some lessons we can learn from the recent Women’s March? Pro-life advocate Rachel Crawford gives us five that I think everyone on both sides would agree on.
• How do you counsel those who have lost loved ones? Jim Newheiser gives nine principles that will definitely give us much to work on in our care for others.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the many flocks meeting tonight and tomorrow, as well as the men’s seminar tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The heart and soul of all Christianity is our relationship with Christ. Our salvation begins with Him, our sanctification progresses with Him, and our glorification ends with Him. He is the reason for our being, and thus He is more valuable to us than anyone or anything.” (John MacArthur, The Power of Integrity: Building a Life Without Compromise)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The time has come for new links in your life. Will you respond? Here we go!

• In the latest 9Marks interview, Jonathan Leeman asks Mark Dever questions about the sufficiency of Scripture, what it means and how we can practically apply it in our lives.
• What would The Master’s University Dean of Students, Joe Keller, have to say to graduating Christian students as they leave college? Here’s his open letter.
• Jonathan Morrow at the Impact 360 Institute talks with Life Training Institute speaker Megan Almon about how to make a case for life on the issue of abortion. Over at the Equal Rights Institute blog, Rachel Crawford helps us to be more accurate and gracious in our interactions with pro-choice advocates, in light of conservative thinker Matt Walsh’s video refuting bodily rights arguments.
• Wives, how can you respond to anger from your husband? Caroline Newheiser gives five lessons based on Abigail’s response to her husband, Nabal.
• If you desire to pursue biblical counseling, sometimes you may need help in knowing how to help your counselee practically apply the Scriptures to their lives. Julie Ganschow writes of a very practical tool that can come in handy in your times of helping those in need.
• Sometimes hearing stories of how biblical principles can be applied in real-life situations can give us encouragement to be faithful to our Lord. Here is how peacemaking helped prevent the termination of a Bible translation project. Amazing!
• Tim Challies asks two questions about your phone apps, and you may be surprised at your own answers. He also links to an article that offers two rules that can free you from your smartphone and be more productive at the same time! What a concept!
• Do we need to unhitch ourselves from the Old Testament? A well-known pastor recently argued we should, and many have rightly pointed out the errors in doing so. Wyatt Graham provides three reasons we should trust the Old Testament.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the youth and collegians, as they will be at Bible study. Pray for their eyes and ears to be opened to hearing the Word of God, and seek to apply it immediately in their lives. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“God has put his love into our lives by pouring his Spirit into our hearts. So when we desire to love Jesus more, we are not limited to loving him out of our own small affection, but can love him with the abundant love that he freely gives.” (Philip Graham Ryken, Loving Jesus More)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Time to click those great links below!

• What is the goal of apologetics? Sometimes, we forget to focus on what is most important, even while trying to defend the faith towards those who don’t believe. Brian Seagraves at the Stand to Reason blog gives a timely reminder to tell others the gospel, for that is the ultimate answer to, ultimately, every question you will be asked.
• Sean McDowell and Eric Johnson have teamed up to write a book on how to effectively engage Mormons in conversation, in hopes of them coming to know Christ as Lord. McDowell interviewed Johnson about some of these issues. As short as this interview is, you will learn a lot about how God can equip you to be an effective ambassador for Christ to Mormons.
• What advice would you give an engaged couple in preparation for marriage? What do you think is the biggest concern for the church today? Tim Challies answers both questions.
• Pastor Jared Wilson gives a select passage from every book of the Bible about what it says concerning itself.
• Jonathan Leeman and Mark Dever talk with Jonathan Gibson about how the Reformation changed Sunday gatherings through their worship.
• How does a church create a culture of counseling? How can you help deal with conflict in the church? And how do you disciple your kids? Lighthouse Community Church pastors deal with each topic, which is crucial to a healthy church.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for tonight’s Bible study for the youth and collegians. And congratulations to our graduating SDSU students! See you Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Conversion makes us citizens of Christ’s kingdom, places us inside embassies of that kingdom, and puts us to work as ambassadors of heaven’s righteousness and justice. Churches are the cities on hills, said Jesus. Not America.” (Jonathan Leeman, How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has come and gone, but not without some links to bless you. Here we go!

• Is Intelligent Design detectable by science? Stephen Meyer, Director of the Discovery Institute, makes a clear case for design detection in nature, which is consistent with what Scripture says in Psalm 19. This is a great introduction to what intelligent design is all about.
• Recently, the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors hired Dr. Dale Johnson as their new Executive Director, replacing Heath Lambert. Lambert interviewed Johnson last week, and continues his interview this week about his journey into biblical counseling. May we all pursue counseling those around us biblically and lovingly.
• How would you counsel one who is tempted to commit suicide? Biblical counselor Paul Tautges provides some words of hope that is worth meditating on.
• Rosaria Butterfield was interviewed recently on her new book on hospitality. Definitely worth a read!
• What do you do/say if a member wants to leave the church? Pastor Brian Croft gives some pastoral wisdom on his most recent podcast.
• What are some of the most crucial archaeological discoveries related to the Bible? RTS Professor John Currid details 10 that confirm or correlate what Scripture reports as historical fact. Very fascinating!
• Bethlehem College and Seminary had a recent conference called Theologians on the Christian Life, with talks on seven of some of the most influential Christian leaders in the last 300 years. You can watch all the videos of the sessions now. Learn what they have learned, and apply it to your life in Christ.
• Mark Dever interviewed Pastor Jonathan Leeman on his new book, How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age. This looks like this is the book to read this year. Don’t miss out!
• Many teens are in need of the gospel, and older saints have the resources to help them know and live in light of it. Whether you are a parent of a teen, work in youth ministry, teach, or are involved with teens in some capacity, don’t overlook your opportunity to be a blessing to them.
• The Gospel Coalition came out with their new journal issue of Themelios, which includes some great articles and nearly 40 book reviews. Check it out!

That’s all for this week! Please pray for flocks this week, as we reflect on what was preached last Sunday. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“When an essential truth of the gospel is condemned, the gospel itself is condemned with it, and without the gospel an institution is not a Christian church. This is simply another way of saying that the gospel is an essential, if not the essential, of biblical Christianity, and that it is the first mark of the church.” (R.C. Sproul, Getting the Gospel Right: The Tie That Binds Evangelicals Together)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another week, by His grace. May these links draw you ever closer to the love of our Savior.

• It’s been 25 years since the cult group, the Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, was sieged by authorities, leading to a gruesome group suicide. Here’s nine things you may have never known about them.
• Parents, have you thought about putting your kids into a youth athletics program? If so, do you know the risks and benefits of doing so? Mary Kassian, known for her many writings for women and being a co-founder of the True Woman Movement, has lived among athletes in her family for many years, and has much wisdom for you to consider. Click and ponder her thoughts.
• Every wonder why you should study theology, since it seems so impractical? Pastor Scott Slayton gives three practical reasons to learn theology, and you may just never ask that question again.
• John Piper writes a brief snapshot of the life of David Brainerd and his worldwide impact on missions, 300 years after his birth. May his life continue to impact our lives today to be faithful, no matter the cost.
• Abortion advocates typically object to those who argue for the life of the unborn because they promote a religious worldview, which is not considered acceptable in the public square. While many Christians argue for a pro-life position in light of Scripture, sometimes we may not be able to make a case from Scripture for the personhood of the unborn. Pastor and apologist James White wrote an article many years ago on how Exodus 21 highlights the personhood of the unborn within Old Testament law. May we all be ready to give an answer with gentleness and respect.
• Together for the Gospel hosted their biennial conference last week, but there was also a pre-conference hosted by The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The focus was on the Nashville Statement, which released last year. Four sessions were presented by Ligon Duncan, Al Mohler, Denny Burk, and Sam Allberry. Make sure you give some time for this.
• On the topic of counseling, IBCD recently released an interview with biblical counselor Jim Newheiser on how to offer counsel to those with medical or mental issues. Julie Lowe speaks on how to protect those who are vulnerable in the church.
• RTS President and professor Michael Kruger begins his series on the 10 commandments of progressive Christianity by dealing with the first: “Jesus is a model for living more than an object of worship.”
• 9Marks published their most recent journal this week, focused on the priority of the church over politics, and its implications. With the constant barrage of politics in the media, there is much to glean here. Let us be salt and light in this dark and hopeless world.
• Lastly, Tim Challies vlogs on the vital issue of Christians, mentors, and mentoring.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the Salt & Light retreat this weekend, as LBCSD, LBCOC, and LBCLA will be meeting out of town. Also, pray for the collegians and youth, who will be meeting tonight at church for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“When the New Testament uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church, it speaks of a unity in diversity. The human body is composed of various parts that individually and together are functionally necessary to the health of the whole. The eye is as vital as the ear, though performing different functions. In the church there are different tasks and different gifts, all of which are vital to the church’s well-being and are necessary for fulfilling its mission.” (R.C. Sproul, Getting the Gospel Right: The Tie That Binds Evangelicals Together)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! We have a great list of links for you today, so hope you enjoy what you see!

• John Piper was recently asked the following questions on the Ask Pastor John podcast that are worth listening to: “Have I really forgiven someone if I keep remembering their wrong?” and “When do we intervene in other people’s conflicts?”
• Tim Challies is beginning a series of vlogs on some of the greatest modern-day sermons preached in our lifetime. His first post focuses on Paul Washer’s message to youth entitled, “Shocking Message.“
• Pastor Ryan Davidson writes five lessons he’s learned from counseling severe cases. This article affirms the sufficiency of Scripture in even the hardest cases a counselor will face. May we all take heed of these lessons refined in the counseling room.
• RTS President Michael Kruger is beginning a series of blog posts evaluating and critiquing, what he calls, the ‘10 commandments of progressive Christianity.‘ You don’t want to miss this.
• A new documentary is coming out, featuring some of the New Testament manuscripts. Called, ‘Fragments of Truth,’ NT scholar Craig Evans will make the case, along with other scholars, that the New Testament is reliable and that the variants within the many manuscripts do not call into question to its authority. Phoenix Seminary Assistant Professor of NT, Peter Gurry, provides an informative review along with links for further reading.
• Recently, the Center for Biblical Apologetics at Cedarville University hosted their second annual conference. Titled, “Living Water: Living & Sharing the Gospel in a Sexually Broken World,” Rosaria Butterfield, Sam Allberry and Dan DeWitt each gave a session, followed by a Q&A. The sessions have been posted online, and look to be well worth watching.
• What does biblical hospitality look like? This is a Christian practice that led Rosaria Butterfield to saving faith, and she describes a bit of her journey to Christ through it, and how we can use it to bring the aroma of Christ to our neighbors.
• What does true, biblical friendship look like? There are some amazing principles in Scripture, but one that often gets overlooked is the practice of calling one another to repentance. God’s wisdom truly is above our own.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians tonight, as they will be meeting at church for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria