“Put simply, works are not the means of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation…Good works do not make a person good, but a good person will do good works.” (Erwin Lutzer, Rescuing the Gospel: The Story and Significance of the Reformation)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Not as many links this week, but I hope this will keep you busy over the three-day weekend! Plenty of time to catch up on previous weeks as well!

• Pastor Mark Dever recently gave a few talks on some of the nine marks he has written and spoken about for years. If you’re looking for a good introduction to these issues, you would do well to start here.
• How do you forgive someone who refuses to say sorry? Pastor Jeremy Pierre gives a succinct answer to that question. Don’t miss out on Pastor Chris Brauns’ links to other articles on the issue of forgiveness, and even the quiz on forgiveness to get you thinking about this topic. Also, if you are in need of some instruction in how to handle personal conflict, Pastor Steven Cole has been preaching a series of messages on the church, with his most recent on how to resolve personal conflict in the church.
• Tim Challies notes a musician’s observations that technology seems to have the (un)intended consequence of removing human interaction altogether. After reading this, you may want to talk to someone about it. In person.
• Is regeneration monergistic or synergistic? If you aren’t sure of the answer, or even what any of those words mean, Steve Lawson may be of some help here.
• What is the role of the believer in the local church? Well, according to Scripture, every Christian is to be involved in ministry. Pastor Eric Davis, in what I would deem the article of the week (and month, for that matter), lays out the biblical case and importance of being equipped by your church for the sake of ministering to others.
• Fred Butler, a self-identified young-earth creationist, has been reviewing old-earth creationist Hugh Ross’ book Navigating Genesis, and pointing out some of the issues that arise from his reading of the book. This week’s post is part 5, so you’re going to want to catch up, which he provides links to.
• Pastor David Prince gives some good reasons not to trust what you normally hear in graduation speeches, specifically in reference to following your passions outside of God’s glory and His church. So don’t be too quick in heeding Will Ferrell’s advice, even if his speech is trending!
• Kermit Gosnell, the abortionist who was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of seven babies and third-degree murder of a woman, had written a justification for his practice with five Bible verses, since he claims to be a Christian. Pastor Jesse Johnson reviews Gosnell’s “inspired” list of Bible verses and responds to each of them.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for flocks as they meet this week. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Part of the reason grace bothers us so much is because self-righteousness distorts our perception of reality. We see our goodness as far better than it really is, and we see others’ sins as worse than they really are. In the midst of such unclear vision, grace makes no sense at all.” (Randy Newman, Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! We have a number of links for you to power through and enjoy, and so we hope you do!

• A new book has been making its rounds in the abortion discussion from an abortionist who claims to be a Christian. Author Charles Bellinger reviews the book and gives an overall indictment of pro-choice literature in its lack of awareness of pro-life arguments. Very well-argued.
• Pastor Ben Edwards gave a presentation on the Sunni Muslim worldview, addressing the top four elements and answering the main seven questions every worldview has to answer. This is a good summary of the largest Muslim group within Islam.
• Joss Whedon, famous director of The Avengers movies, has created a short film in support of Planned Parenthood, that is on its way to going viral. Over at the Life Training Institute blog, Clinton Wilcox calls it a ‘propaganda piece,’ giving some context for what is really going on with Planned Parenthood. Don’t miss this testimony from a mom who just graduated college in response to Whedon’s video.
• Pastor Brian Croft just posted video messages from the Sacramento Gospel Conference 2016, where he addresses the gospel in relation to the church, home/family, and sickness/death. Pastor Greg Gilbert was also a speaker there, and gave talks that addressed the components of the gospel. Here is the playlist that has all the talks from both, including a Q&A session with Croft and Gilbert.
• At the True Woman blog is a story of a marriage tainted by sin, but renewed by God’s grace in forgiveness.
• Our smartphones are changing us, and surprising remarks come from actor Denzel Washington about that. Author Tony Reinke gives us 12 gospel themes to address with others in relation to our smartphones. May it be a help and source of encouragement to be creative in your bridging the gospel in every conversation.
• Amy Hall at Stand to Reason, gives some great advice, and links, to many resources for how a high schooler can get involved in Christian apologetics. Though we may not entirely agree on everything with regards to method, there is much value in learning from seasoned apologist who have been on the field for many years.
• There is a horrifying new practice from an Australian jeweler to turn frozen embryos into jewelry for their parents. Abigail Dodds at Desiring God points out the wickedness of the practice, and the inconsistent labeling of the embryo as a baby from the practitioners of death. Pray that this ends ASAP.
• What does true, Christian friendship look like? When Desiring God Ministries answers this question, you know it will be a very God-centered answer. Take a look, and pray you become that kind of friend for others.

That’s all for this week! Continue to be in prayer for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Take away the Gospel from a Church and that Church is not worth preserving. A well without water, a scabbard without a sword, a steam-engine without a fire, a ship without compass and rudder, a watch without a mainspring, a stuffed carcase without life, all these are useless things. But there is nothing so useless as a Church without the Gospel.” (J. C. Ryle, Light from Old Times)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I pray your weeks have been a blessing to others, and a pointer for others to Christ and His loving Lordship. May this week’s links be another encouragement towards that end. Here they are!

• Conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro recently interacted with a college student on the issue of abortion, which has been shared and liked by many who are pro-life. Timothy Brahm warns of using Shapiro’s tactics in personal dialogue with those whom we disagree with three differences/tips to use instead. I wholeheartedly agree.
• RTS President Michael Kruger sat with Bill Mounce, President of BiblicalTraining.org, and talked (for three hours!) about the New Testament canon and its origins. You would be wise to listen in and learn from both men on this vital topic today.
• Tim Challies, with Andy Naselli’s help, writes 10 strengths (and dangers) of systematic theology, with the hope that you would be aware of the benefits and pitfalls in delving into this area of study. I’d add that this would definitely be useful for younger guys to read and heed.
• Pastor Kim Riddlebarger answers a common question believers have: why does God command us to rejoice always?
• Kevin DeYoung gives a wonderful illustration of the truth that the internet is not a library. It may make you want to pay a visit to your local library again.
• Natasha Crain argues the case that Facebook can make you a better parent. Intrigued? Click on the link to find out why she would write such a thing.
• Ana Maria Dumitru offers a story, likening embryo-destructive research to an orphanage. Before you consider that a worthy comparison, you should read how she makes them parallel, and it may not be quite what you expect.
• Dan DeWitt gave a talk answering the question, “how can there be a supernatural God when there is science?” Make sure to pass this on to anyone who is in need of answers and encouragement concerning this important topic.
• Challies is also writing a series on how to advance in different areas of the Christian life for believers in their teens and 20s. This time around, he is covering wisdom. You know what to do.
• Here’s something you don’t read every day: a positive view of Christianity in The Huffington Post through the work of Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for all the SDSU students who are graduating this weekend. Congrats! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Alright…welcome to the first Friday in May! As is our custom, here’s a small pile of free resources that you can enjoy this month…

• The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones by Steve Lawson (free audiobook) – You’re definitely going to want to pick this one up. It’s a combination of a good author and a good subject, which typically results in a great biography.
• Live in Liberty: The Spiritual Message of Galatians (free Logos resource) – No clue about this one. It may be fantastic, or it may be abysmal. But it’s free in case you want to check it out.
• “Why Are We Reformed?” (May Tabletalk) – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Tabletalk is probably the most under-rated free Christian resource out there. If you haven’t checked it out yet, there’s no time like the present.
• Themelios 42.1 (free journal) – TGC’s journal is always an interesting read, if only for the book reviews. It can be a bit more academic than some people like, but it’s always worth skimming to see what you can find, even if you don’t read it cover to cover.

And since I always try to throw in at least one little bonus link, CredoMag has been doing a series of videos on the Reformers:

• Heinrich Bullinger
• Theodore Beza
• John Knox
• Martin Luther
• Huldrych Zwingli
• Guido De Bres
• Phillipp Melanchthon
• Caspar Olevianus
• Zacharias Ursinus

Enjoy!

“Christianity is not a religion that has its primary source in nature, or in experience, or even in an individual’s salvation. The source for Christianity is the Revealer, Jesus himself, who has much to say about nature, experience, and salvation. Our salvation is not something we can earn through works or that we deserve. Christianity comes to us as a gift from God.” [K. Scott Oliphint, Know Why You Believe (KNOW Series)]

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Apologies for the late delay, but here are this week’s links!

• Ligonier Ministries has produced a new album celebrating the Reformation called Post Tenebras, Lux, which is Latin for, “After Darkness, Light.” For a brief period, it’s free to download. Don’t miss out on this!
• Do you know how to present the pro-life case for the unborn? Nathan Apodaca, from the Life Training Institute, gives three steps that has come to be called the ‘Ten Second Pro-Life Apologist.‘
• Kevin DeYoung continues his theological primer series by giving a succinct summary of the term, ‘the 144,000‘ as found in Scripture. This is a crucial topic to spend some time on, especially if you talk with a Jehovah’s Witness about this area.
• You may be surprised by this, but Netflix doesn’t consider Amazon or HBO to be its main competitor. Who are they truly competing against, they say? Sleep. We may need to rethink our priorities based on that sole observation, as Tim Challies does.
• Professor David Murray tells 13 truths that a congregation needs to hear in light of their fallen pastor. This is worth reflecting, even if your pastor has not gone this route. This is also a reminder to pray for your pastor…right now.
• What are the implications of the doctrine of definite (aka limited) atonement? Most think negatively of the teaching, but Jonathan Gibson gives two that can bring about godly change within the body of Christ. This is sound doctrine as it’s meant to be taught.
• Randy Alcorn points us to an interview Tony Reinke did with Alastair Roberts, who offered 10 questions to evaluate the appropriate use of our smartphones. Chances are, you will not leave unscathed, so read carefully (especially if it’s on your smartphone!).
• Is there a way to read the Bible in order to find God’s signature in it and through it? Sounds like a question John Piper is asking, which he has, and has an answer to. This can revolutionize your Bible reading. Let him help you see the implications of God’s purpose behind the reading of His Word.
• Have you ever been told that you are a bad listener? That you talk too much? How can you grow in your listening skills? Timothy Brahm, of the Equal Rights Institute, gives a short answer that will train you to learn to allow space for the thinking pause. If you aren’t sure how this relates, watch or listen to his thoughts.
• Sean McDowell (son of Josh McDowell, in case you were wondering) interviewed David Marshall on his newest book, Jesus is No Myth! The Fingerprints of God on the Gospels. Whether you read the book or not, you will be fascinated with some of the questions he answers. Many of the topics he covers in his book is at the forefront of what you will hear whenever criticism of Christianity comes your way. You will not be disappointed.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for all the flocks that meet this week, and pray for God to be glorified in the lives of the saints this weekend. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We will never hunger or thirst if we are always coming and always believing in Christ. He is our sufficiency. Christ is the bread from heaven. We must feed on all of Christ, not just the parts that we happen to like. Christ is not the Savior of anyone unless He is their Lord as well.” (James R. White, Drawn By The Father)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Time has sure flown by, but not without some great links for your growth and benefit. Enjoy!

• Tony Reinke writes about FOMO – the fear of missing out, and its implications in our tech-savvy world.
• The recent dismissal of conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly provides an opportunity for biblical counselor Heath Lambert to warn us of the consequences of sin and several lessons we must learn now.
• New Testament scholar Thomas Schreiner gives a good argument for why Paul and James do not disagree on justification by faith alone. This subject will always be good for you to spend time digesting.
• Tim Challies is continuing his series on growing in godliness by addressing fellowship with older saints. We would all do well to heed his wisdom in this area.
• Bible Answer Man Hank Hanegraaff has recently converted to the Orthodox church, which has raised a lot of questions about the direction of his ministry, the Christian Research Institute. Answers in Genesis has made available a chapter from one of their recent books on Eastern Orthodoxy that is very informative.
• Is it possible to love missions and not the local church? Missionary Caleb Greggsen doesn’t think so, and offers suggestions for guiding a younger believer who may be gung-ho for missions but not so much for those who decide to stay and serve the Lord where they live. TMS professor William Barrick makes the case that, without the resurrection of Christ and belief in it, there is no basis for missions.
• Westminster Theological Seminary provost Jeffrey Jue provides a brief overview of the advance of the gospel in Asia that is sure to stir your heart to pray for God to continue His work among the nations.
• How much do you know about Charles Darwin’s contempt of races other than his own? You may be surprised at what your biology teacher doesn’t tell you.
• Ravi Zacharias provides a beautiful picture of how Christ embodies the truth, and to reject Him leads to rejecting reality. Captivating writing.
• Lydia McGrew was recently interviewed about her new book, Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts. The argument from undesigned coincidences is an old one for the authenticity of Scripture that is regaining popularity among Christian apologists. It’s time to familiarize yourself with this line of evidence.
• The Gospel of Matthew provides a fascinating case for the resurrection, while Kenneth Samples continues his series on 12 evidences for the resurrection, citing reasons #8 and #9
• Christian philosopher Paul Copan has an insightful article on learning how (not) to doubt. There’s some great wisdom here.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for youth group and College Life, as both meet at church tonight for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“It was not nails that held Jesus to that wretched cross; it was his unqualified resolution, out of love for his Father, to do his Father’s will—and, within that framework, it was his love for sinners like me. He really could not save himself.” (D. A. Carson, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Good Friday! In light of today’s observance of and remembrance of our Lord, Jesus Christ, dying on the cross, this week I want to bring to your attention some links that will focus our eyes on the One who gave His life voluntarily to redeem us from the consequences and power of sin. So, here they are:

• As we reflect on the good news of the gospel, it would be wise for us to look at what God has said about the cross, as well as the resurrection. Crossway has posted 7 passages to read on Good Friday, as well as 10 passages to read on Easter. Dr. James White and Islamic scholar Yusuf Ismail discuss whether Jesus was crucified on the cross on the Unbelievable? program. New Testament scholar Craig Evans gives a small window into ancient history and customs to connect us to the hope of Easter. Dr. Kenneth Samples has been writing a series of posts on the 12 evidences for the resurrection of Christ; this week is part five.
• Dr. Gary Habermas developed a 30 session series on the evidence for the resurrection of Christ, of which the audio is currently available online FREE! I’m not exactly sure when this will end, but don’t miss out now on learning from a great mind and scholar of the Christian faith.
• Some of the fellows at Ligonier gave a great response to the common  questions, “Who is Jesus? What did He do?” Make sure you follow the links to their Christology statement.
• R.C. Sproul explains the significance of the crucifixion in light of Old Testament prophecy. A great meditation for this day.
• Crossway has come out with a new book on how your phone may have already changed you, and yet you can redeem the purpose of your phone even today. They also cover 10 things you should know about your phone.
• Erik Raymond gives a concise set of arguments for why he believes the Bible. This is definitely one to bookmark and reference when you need to share a biblical perspective on the Scriptures, or to remind yourself of this.
• Pastor Dan Philips addresses the oft-repeated problem of pollsters who give weight to those who identify as believers but reject core doctrines of the faith. Very helpful in evaluating poll results with respect to Christianity.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for tonight’s Good Friday service, and that the gospel be proclaimed to all who need it. Please come if you don’t have a church to visit tonight or on Resurrection Sunday. See you all there!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Alright…happy Friday once again. Since this particular happy Friday is the first of the month, that means it’s time for a postload of free stuff. So, in no particular order…

• Know Why You Believe by Paul E. Little (audio book) – I’m not familiar with this particular book, but it’s free if anyone wants to check it out.
• Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Randolph and O’Brien (Logos resource) – I’m familiar with the central thesis of this book (that “WEIRD”…Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) readers are prone to misunderstanding or failing to understanding cultural and social norms that are foreign to our experience. And up to a point, that’s a completely valid observation. What I don’t know is whether this book occupies the “responsible scholarship” end of the spectrum, or the “nut with an agenda” end of the spectrum. Again though, it’s free if someone wants to roll the dice or is a collector.
• JBMW 21.2 (journal) – The latest edition of the Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is out, and I have no problem recommending it. Apparently Denny Burk lays out his vision for its parent organization, so that will be interesting to see.
• “Luther at 500” (magazine) – As I mentioned last time, CredoMag was advertising a year of Reformation-themed issues, and the first one has arrived! Again, this is a resource that I’m happy to recommend.
• “The 17th Century” (magazine) – Of course, I’m MOST happy to recommend Tabletalk. (Although they can only milk this “xxth century” theme a few more times before they’ll either run out of centuries or have to start in on the BC ones). Still…a name Tabletalk is always a good thing.

Enjoy!

“The difference between the true God and the gods of the nations is that the true God carries and the other gods must be carried. God serves; they must be served. God glorifies his might by showing mercy. They glorify theirs by gathering slaves. So the vision of God as one whose passion for his glory moves him to mercy impels missions because he is utterly unique among all the gods.” (John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! March is over, and April is right around the corner. I hope this week’s links will give you much to think about into next month. Here we go!

• Have you ever wondered if there is any presence of Reformed theology in China? Well, you can wonder no more as the TGC blog highlights the awakening of Reformational Christianity there.
• The Center for Medical Progress, who have become known as the organization exposing Planned Parenthood for illegally profiting from the selling of fetal parts, have uploaded a new video featuring a former Planned Parenthood implying she would engage in infanticide. The Equal Rights Institute gives some great analysis of this video. Unfortunately, David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt, the ones behind CMP’s videos, have been charged with 15 felonies based on recording alleged ‘confidential communications’ between complete strangers and at public conferences and restaurants. David French points out the blatant hypocrisy in this charge made in CA.
• With the new release of her new book This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years, Jacquelle Crowe writes of the important relationship that must exist between the church and teens. To that, I give a hearty ‘Amen!’
• Kevin DeYoung continues his theological primer series by writing on God’s infinity. Well worth your time (which won’t take much of it)!
• Pastor Jon MacDonald gives a biblical corrective to the ungodly (and overused) phrase, ‘Happy wife, happy life!’
• How should Christians respond when confronted with the claim that faith in God is irrational or that scientists shouldn’t believe in the supernatural? Scientist and Christian apologist Neil Shenvi gives a great answer!
• What would you say qualifies one to be a biblical counselor? Pastor Armand Tiffe gives a sound résumé.
• Over at The Cripplegate, Wyatt Graham writes a response to Rod Dreher’s book The Benedict Option with the gospel option. Luma Simms writes of her own story of adopting the Benedict option before it was dubbed as such, and the consequences of its application.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the church, as they all meet in their various flocks. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“For whenever we make the warrant to believe in Christ to any degree dependent upon our subjective condition, we distort it. Repentance, turning from sin, and degrees of conviction of sin do not constitute the grounds on which Christ is offered to us. They may constitute ways in which the Spirit works as the gospel makes its impact on us. But they never form the warrant for repentance and faith.” (Sinclair Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance–Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The week has finally come to an end, so why not spend some time focused on Christ? Hopefully, these links will accomplish this end!

• What is the best way to understand the Bible! Professor Leland Ryken believes it to be by becoming familiar with the literary forms of each book, and provides a summary list of each form for every book of the Bible. Take a look!
• Ever wonder in what ways the new covenant is better than the old? Pastor Jesse Johnson gives a solid list of nine ways. Take heart, believer!
• How can Intelligent Design help us understand physiology? South African anesthesiologist Philip Anderson gives some helpful examples. Read on!
• Christian philosopher J.P. Moreland answers a very common objection to Christianity with wit and wisdom: “What caused God?”
• Biblical counselor Ed Welch talks with Nancy Guthrie about how to teach those who struggle with shame, addiction or anxiety by introducing them to a Person.
• Biblical counselor Ron Allchin provides a biblical answer to the question, “Marriage: good idea or God’s idea?”
• How can we grow to bear much spiritual fruit? What does that even mean? Pastor Ed Fedor gives some much-needed counsel.
• Professor David Murray gives four pieces of advice for those who are anxious, stressed or burned out. Make sure to read his previous posts from this week located at the end of the post.
• Pastor Aaron Menikoff writes a great post on the comfort that the Father gives in adopting His children by way of Christ, through the power of the Spirit. Always a tremendous truth worth pondering and praising God for!
• Learn from Pastor Paul Tautges on how to make best use of your time. I think this qualifies as the post of the week.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Salt and Light, as they will be at their retreat this weekend, as well as the youth, who are meeting at church tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria