“No suffering, affliction, or evil is inflicted on us by God as punishment. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:31–39). God’s children may experience pain and suffering because we still live in a fallen world that God controls, but he redeems our pain and suffering for his glory and our good. Sometimes he takes our pain away, and at other times he asks us to endure it. But he never brings it upon us capriciously or for some ill purpose.” (Scott Christensen, What about Free Will?: Reconciling Our Choices with God’s Sovereignty)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another week of sustaining us! Amongst many other things to be thankful for, let’s thank Him for this week’s links!

• Over the years, Jay Adams, pioneer of the biblical counseling movement, has been asked multiple times how to counsel an unbeliever. Hopefully, this video will be a great resource in your witness to those who are in need of Christ as Lord and Savior.
• In case you may have missed some of the links from the summer, there was a discussion amongst theologians about how to understand the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son. Over at the Alliance of Comfessing Evangelicals blog is a “best-of” post that links to the relevant articles on the subject. Hopefully, this discussion will be of service to the church.
• Kevin DeYoung has some clear thoughts concerning the upcoming election, and we would do well to listen to wisdom from this pastor.
• What is the future of Christian hedonism, as articulated in the writings of John Piper? Well, Piper himself, along with others, held a conference recently that focused on this issue. If you wonder what the term means, and what Piper hopes this will lead the church toward, check out what they have to say.
• Sadly, Planned Parenthood is celebrating their 100th anniversary this Sunday. Genevieve Wood nails it on the head with this sentence: “It’s and odd, and frankly grotesque, commemoration for an organization that is responsible itself for ensuring over 7 million babies will never have the opportunity to celebrate even one birthday.”
• How do we evaluate claims of supernatural events in other religions? Dominic Tennant gives a quick but very informative response.
• Have you ever wanted to take a short course on the New Testament? Well, Dr. Keith Essex, from The Master’s Seminary, taught a ten-part series surveying the New Testament that would be of great benefit to the believer. Check it out!
• How do we make sense of the media narrative that there are no differences between same-sex households and opposite-sex households? Sociologist Mark Regnerus provides a brief, but helpful, analysis that provides clarity on the issue.
• What would be some danger signs of an unhealthy dating relationship? Tim Challies gives some much-needed wisdom in this area.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos and College Life, who meet tonight at church. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Hey everyone! As per our custom, the first Friday of the month is dedicated to free resources, and we’ve got some great ones today. Italicized text is the marketing blurbs for these items, not my writing.

So let’s get to it…

The Poverty of Nations (audio book)

The whole world has a stake in the war against poverty and leaders across the globe are looking for a permanent solution. That’s why economist Barry Asmus and theologian Wayne Grudem have teamed up to outline a robust proposal for fighting poverty on a national level. Speaking to the importance of personal freedom, the rule of law, private property, moral virtue, and education, this book offers a clear path for promoting economic prosperity and safeguarding a country’s long-term stability—a sustainable solution for a world looking for the way forward.

New Covenant Commentary: Romans (Logos book)

Craig S. Keener’s Romans is a helpfully concise commentary on Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Rome, which the Apostle wrote just a few years before the outbreak of Nero’s persecution. Keener examines each paragraph for its function in the letter as a whole, helping the reader follow Paul’s argument.

The 16th Century (October Tabletalk)

The October issue of Tabletalk looks at the sixteenth century. In particular, the goal of this issue is to introduce readers to the key events, people, publications, and ideas that shaped the Protestant Reformation. After explaining the necessity of the Reformation and the history of the sixteenth century, it will consider how the Reformation addressed a variety of topics such as theology (Scripture and justification), the church (worship and sacraments), the home (family and piety), and society (vocation and education). The issue will consider the vast scope of the Reformation in order to give a greater appreciation not only of its history but also of the need to continue the work of the Reformation today.

Doctrine Matters (Credo Magazine)

In this issue of Credo Magazine, several pastors and theologians help us understand just how much doctrine matters for the Christian life and for the church. We will discover that doctrine infiltrates the songs we sing, the sermons we preach, and the way we counsel each other as disciples of Christ. We will learn that nothing could be more critical to a right relationship with God and others than sound doctrine. Whether we realize it or not, doctrine is a way of life. The Christian life depends entirely upon sound doctrine. In short, doctrine matters.

“The upshot is that Christianity is founded on the Bible, and so the Christian worldview is none other than the worldview of the Bible, which is a worldview centered on Jesus Christ.” (James Anderson, Why Should I Believe Christianity?)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week comes and goes, but the links (tentatively) stay! Here are some of this week’s links!

• The Ask Pastor John (Piper) podcast continues to deliver solid content this week, focusing on how he, and by extension we, should test our interpretations of Scripture, as well as how students can minister to their other classmates this year. Make sure you give it a listen, and then pass it on to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
• A recent announcement from Crossway stated that the ESV Bible would no longer be updated, yet have come to see it as a mistake. Joe Carter gives a summary of the statement, and provides eight other facts about the ESV translation.
• Associates for Biblical Research Executive Director Scott Lanser gives a refreshing reminder to not only love God with all our hearts, but also to love Him with our minds!
• Back in 2014, Ligonier Ministries worked with LifeWay Research to conduct a study that would provide a deeper understanding of where our culture is in their knowledge of theology. They have decided to conduct another study this year, and have published their results. Ligonier reps Stephen Nichols and Chris Larson were interviewed about this survey, which also provides links to the study. There is much to be gleaned from this, and much to pray for concerning our nation.
• In light of this past week’s message on forgiveness, this week’s ACBC Truth in Love podcast has Heath Lambert discussing the issue, “Should I forgive someone who’s not sorry they sinned?“
• James Silberman at The Federalist reveals a chilling truth when it comes to the pro-life issue: those who are pro-abortion acknowledge the unborn are human, yet will kill them anyway. This is a serious matter for prayer, and engagement for the believer. May we be found faithful to represent Christ in this crucial area.
• Dan DeWitt reminds us that science does not make statements; scientists do. And therein lies the rub.
• ACBC certified counselor Paula Higuchi addresses fear in the life of a single woman (of which she is). You can also learn a little more about her counseling background in the video at the end of the post.
• Keith Mathison continues his series on top five books of the five solas with his top five on sola Scriptura. Time to get reading!

That’s all for this week! Tonight Lumos and College Life will be meeting, so make it out if you can, but always keep them in prayer. See you next time!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Christianity is a worldview, and therefore it needs to be evaluated as a worldview. Despite what many seem to think today, Christianity isn’t something you can just clip onto your ordinary, everyday life like some kind of religious accessory. It isn’t a Sunday pastime: churchgoing as an alternative to golfing or fishing. Christianity isn’t merely a moral code, a social identity, a collection of religious traditions and practices, or a set of theological propositions— although it includes all of those things. No, Christianity is far more significant and wide-ranging in its depth and scope. Christianity is nothing less than a comprehensive, all-encompassing worldview.” (James Anderson, Why Should I Believe Christianity?)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! This time, there’s a good variety of links, so hopefully there’s something for everyone! Enjoy!

• Do you ever find it hard to rejoice with those who rejoice? How can we, as part of the Body of Christ, grow in gratefulness to God for blessing others who are also in the body? Betsy Childs Howard knows what that struggle is like, and gives some timely counsel that can soothe the hurting soul.
• Michael Kruger recently wrote a response to Andy Stanley’s controversial message on evangelizing unbelievers by focusing less on Scripture and more on Jesus. Denny Burk linked to it, along with his own sermon in response as well. Nicholas Batzig seeks to answer a common question related to Stanley’s message: how do I know that Jesus loves me?
• Dr. Keith Mathison, Systematic Theology professor at Reformation Bible College, is starting a series on what he believes to be the top five books on the five Solas (one of which I mention every Weekly Links post). This may not sound exciting, but it just means you haven’t read his post yet!
• Ever hear the claim that the Gospel of Mark merely presents the humanity of Jesus, while the Gospel of John elevates Jesus as God? Hidden in that claim is the assumption that Mark had a low view of Jesus. In case you have an opportunity to present the deity of Christ in Mark, here’s a good place to start.
• Tim Challies has written a small guide for believers in handling conflicts with each other by knowing the type of conflict you’re in and how to resolve it. Consider going through this in your small group or reading it with an older, wiser brother/sister.
• In line with our Mission, Marshall Segal focuses on our responsibilities as Christians to make disciples. No exceptions. How are we doing in this area?
• Richard Phillips asks and answers why complementarianism remains important. If you didn’t think it was important, this article is for you.
• What is the difference between knowing biblical truth intellectually and knowing it spiritually? John Piper, with the help of Jonathan Edwards, brings out an aspect of God’s Word that may help in your perspective of the Bible as truly revealed by God.
• Is Christianity compatible with Darwinism? Biologist Wayne Rossiter thinks not, and you may want to read some of his reasons why.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos and College Life, as they will be meeting tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The measure of a person is faithfulness, not numerical success. The real issue continues to be the kind of people we are producing in our churches. What is the body of Christ like when the lights are out, the doors are locked, and the parking lot is empty?” (Bill Hull, The Disciple-Making Pastor: Leading Others on the Journey of Faith)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The weekend is here, so it’s time to be blessed by what’s been posted online this week. Enjoy!

• When we think of ministry success, what comes to mind? Large churches? Dynamic speaking? Amazing worship (AKA cool songs)? Caleb Kolstad re-calibrates success according to God, and what He finds worthy of commending. Even if this may be directed at pastors, this is something every member of a church needs to keep in mind, and not have unreal expectations on their leaders. May we all hold onto biblical priorities of success to God’s glory.
• What kind of counsel would you give to a pregnant mom? Loaded question, I’m sure, but Jeanne Harrison’s recent post on giving hope to miserably pregnant moms (her words, not mine) seems like a good place to start.
• What are the criteria for disciplining your children, parents? Kevin DeYoung provides some wise counsel, specifically when you’re tempted to become angry.
• What is it like to raise children with special needs? Andrew and Rachel Wilson were recently interviewed about the many challenges and blessings they have encountered in this crucial stage of life for both them and their kids. This has more to do you than you may realize.
• What do you say when someone tells you concerning a decision, “I have a peace about it?” Pastor Eric Davis has some biblical guidance to direct us to think according to Scripture, rather than our feelings of peace.
• Curious as to how the Intelligent Design movement is doing? Check out a recent interview with one of their leading advocates, William Dembski. Note: This is not a full endorsement of ID, but it is an area that many Christians have an interest in, especially those who have a science background.
• Listen in on the most recent Truth in Love podcast from ACBC, led by Heath Lambert, or read the transcript: “Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the Dallas Police Massacre.“
• Jim Newheiser recently moved from CA to NC to become RTS Charlotte’s Counseling Program Director. He gave the convocation address to start off the new school year, speaking on “The Relationship Between Biblical Counseling and Preaching in the Local Church.” This is not something you should miss!
• Justin Brierley from the Unbelievable? radio show in the UK recently traveled to Northridge, CA to record a show between Ryan Bell, the former pastor who took a year off from following God and ended up becoming an atheist, and Sean McDowell, a Christian professor and apologist who had his own doubts before coming to the conviction that Christianity is true. You can either watch or listen to the program here.
• R.C. Sproul answers a hard, but common, question: if God is sovereign, why pray?

That’s all for this week! Remember it’s flocks week, so none of the affinity groups will be meeting tonight. Hope you all can enjoy time getting to know some new people tonight and tomorrow! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We might do well to identify the fact that, when atheists use evidences from their fields of study to make a case against the existence of God, they do not consider themselves to be acting on religious motives, but when a theist does similarly in defense of God, they are accused of religious bias.” (Brian & Wayne Rossiter, Mind Over Matter: The Necessity of Metaphysics in a Material World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Summer is officially over, but the links just keep on coming! Here they are!

• Andy Stanley, son of Charles Stanley, recently preached a message calling for his congregation to base our faith not on Scripture, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some have confused, to say the least (how do you know about the resurrection and its meaning?). Pastor and SBTS Professor David Prince calls his statements for what it is: old liberalism.
• Can your small group ever replace the church? Not so much. Pastor Sam Allberry gives three reasons why this is the case.
• During this election season, have you thought to consider the unity believers ought to have with one another? Jesse Johnson lays out the practical unity we must have, even if we don’t agree on who should be elected, and also three forms of unity that should exist around the gospel. This is what we need to be focused on this year.
• If you are dismayed by what has been reported on the news concerning the election, or the moral degradation in our culture, Paul Tripp may have anticipated your next question: “Why even bother?”
• What does the Bible say about transgenderism? You may think Scripture is silent on the issue, but there is much to examine. Kevin DeYoung gives a small foundational primer answering this vital question today.
• Muslim convert to Christ, and RZIM speaker Nabeel Qureshi has publicly announced his diagnosis of stage IV stomach cancer, and has asked the church to pray. His ministry is far-reaching, and one that has been used by God to draw many to Himself, some of them Muslims. Please consider a few moments to pray for recovery, as well as a deeper trust in his commitment to Christ.
• What would you say to someone if they tell you there is no evidence for God’s existence? Alan Shlemon provides some help to counter that claim. On the flip side, Steve Hays concisely argues there is no evidence for atheism.
• Michael Kruger chips away another misunderstood Christianese phrase: we have freedom in Christ. Read on to find out more!

That’s all for this week! Make sure you keep Lumos and College Life in prayer, as they meet tonight. You are definitely invited! See you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Since it’s the start of a new month, here’s a few free resources for your consideration, along with their respective marketing blurbs.

The Boy Born Dead (Audio Book)

In 1953, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a baby boy was born–dead. The attending physician set his little body aside and tended to his mother for eighteen minutes. Now, more than sixty years later, that boy leads an internationally known ministry that encourages hundreds of thousands every year. The Boy Born Dead tells his incredible story from the perspective of his best friend, David Wideman. Full of hope, this moving story illustrates how friendship and love triumph over adversity. Anyone who faces tough times will treasure this story of hope and courage. This is a 2016 Audie Award winner.

What Is a Healthy Church Member? (Logos Resource)

What Is a Healthy Church Member? biblically and practically instructs church members in ways they can labor for the health of their church. Following the theme of Mark Dever’s book What Is a Healthy Church?, pastor Thabiti Anyabwile attempts to answer the next natural question: “What does a healthy church member look like in the light of Scripture?”

The Church (Tabletalk)

The September issue of Tabletalk looks at the doctrine of the church. Ecclesiology is often neglected by many Christians. Even when the church is discussed, it is framed in traditional or pragmatic terms more than in biblical categories. What is often missed is the relationship between the church and Christ. The doctrine of the church is inseparable from the work of Christ for His people. As a result, Christians cannot afford to discount the Bible’s teaching on the church, because to reject the bride is to dishonor the Groom. This issue draws together pastors and theologians from around the world to help Christians discover the importance of the doctrine of the church by considering how it reflects the beauty and glory of God in Christ.

In studying the Reformation, we remember what the church is all about, and we remember how easy it is for the church to lose its grip on the gospel. If he said it once, Martin Luther said it a hundred times: “The church’s true treasure is the gospel.” (Stephen Nichols, The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another blessed week! And another week of thoughtful links from godly leaders! Here they are!

• What is a biblical view of missions? Many in the evangelical world would classify social justice as under the umbrella of missions, but is it? Pastor Joel James began a series last week on this very issue, followed by eight reasons (two posts) why it isn’t the case, and a look into the book of Acts to give general guidelines as how Scripture defines missions. For anyone missions-minded, this is essential reading.
• IBCD, a biblical counseling center located in Escondido, was recently featured on ACBC’s blog, focusing on how this ministry emphasizes the importance of the local church. You will both learn and appreciate the necessity of biblical counseling and the local church after reading this.
• Denny Burk has, I believe, written the post of the week. He writes of the coming conflict that every faithful believer will be facing in the near future with respect to our convictions on the LGBT issue. Burk also gives a helpful and biblical description of what persecution looks like. Are we ready for what’s to come? Also, David French writes of a new report by two of the leading psychiatrists in America on the lacking scientific evidence of the ‘born this way’ mantra. Ryan T. Anderson gives further details of the report.
• With the wrap-up of the Olympics, and the many newsworthy items to share, one that came up was the Olympic runner who has an intersex condition. Denny Burk sheds light on the condition, drawing us to look at the right questions (parts one and two) to ask about intersex athletes. This is an area that Christians must be informed of, and to model how to graciously discuss ethical issues like this with those around us.
• CCEF continues its Live online workshop with Winston’s Smith’s session on Scripture’s perspective on negative emotions and its role in our relationships with God and others.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos, as they kick off the year with “Back to School Night,” as well as College Life! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Submission to the lordship of God and His Christ (i.e., obedience to the will of God) is the evidence of saving faith. While it is heretical even to entertain the thought that faith plus works equals salvation, it is biblical, orthodox, and historically Christian to believe and proclaim that works are the result of salvation and a test of its authenticity.” (Paul Washer, Gospel Assurance and Warnings [Recovering the Gospel Series Book 3])

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! A lot of variety this week, so I hope there’s something of interest for everyone!

• When speaking of the uniqueness of Christianity, do you know what to emphasize as the main differences between it and all other religions? Eric Davis gives three main ideas that also qualify as three reasons to give thanks to God.
• Pastor and professor David Murray wrote some criticisms of Heath Lambert’s new book A Theology of Biblical Counseling, inviting Lambert to respond to some of his questions concerning his book. Lambert accepted, and made some clarifications that would be worth pondering.
• Shannon Popkin writes about a lesson concerning submission that is definitely worth reflecting on, even for husbands!
• Have you been watching the Olympics? If so, here is a report on the recent outreach done by Ligonier Ministries in Rio, as well as a status report on the gospel in Brazil.
• Recently, the New York Times published an article asking, “Is God Transgender?” New Testament scholar Robert Gagnon provides a thorough response to the author’s claims. On the topic of transgenderism, Denny Burk highlights what David French warns is taking place in our culture over the threat of disagreeing with the ideology of the transgender revolution. Christian philosopher and professor James Anderson explains what the Christian response to transgenderism looks like.
• Is there ever a time where we need to forgive God? Pastor Chris Brauns writes a very great answer!
• Michael Kruger just finished teaching a series on Romans for women at RTS Orlando, and made the videos available on Youtube! This looks to be a very profitable study for anyone to listen in on!
• CCEF biblical counselor Julie Lowe recently gave a workshop on how to discuss sex and personal safety with your children. The event was recorded, which they are making available on their CCEF Live page, along with other workshops that are worth watching. Each workshop has a resource bundle to go along with it.
• Biblical counselor Stuart Scott challenges us all to make sure we use our Bibles in our counseling, and not be quick to jump to resources for homework or supplementary reading. Simple but needful reminder!

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for tonight’s last combined Bible study for the summer! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We could sum up our emotions this way: they usually proceed from our hearts, are given shape by our bodies, reflect the quality of our relationships, bear the etchings of both the goodness and the meaninglessness of work, provide a peek into how we fare in spiritual battle, and identify what we really believe about God.” (Ed Welch, Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been a while, but glad to be back and pass along some great resources from this week. I pray they will be helpful as they have been to me, so without further ado, here are this week’s links!

• SB 1146, the controversial bill that proposed to remove state funds from religious education institutions in CA that enforced beliefs and conduct among students that aligned with the institution’s religious tenets, has been amended to keep exemptions to anti-discrimination laws related to sexuality in place. This would keep religious schools to be able to provide grants to students from low-income families, and allow these schools to function in light of their beliefs to be observed by both students and faculty. Christianity Today gives a quick background of the bill. David French gives the implications of passing the bill before the change as well as the way forward in light of the change.
• An objection people may have against the Bible is that God allows evil to exist, and yet will also object when God decides to act to stop evil. Apologist Tim Barnett explains the inconsistency as atheists having their cake and eating it too.
• Denny Burk gives some take-aways (eight, to be exact) as to the debate about the eternal relationship within the Trinity between the Father and the Son. If you have or haven’t kept up with all the articles, this would be a good way to stay abreast of the issues.
• Biblical theologian Paul Tautges is releasing a 10th anniversary edition of his book Delight in the Word: Spiritual Food for Hungry Hearts, and gives six reasons why every believer must delight in the Word. These are some great meditations!
• Parents, how do you help your kids trust in God? Ed Braswell provides four ways to draw your kids to trust Him the way you do (assuming you do trust Him).
• Professor Michael Kruger explains an essential key to understanding the development of the New Testament canon. Don’t hover over this link!
• Did you know that, where the Olympics are currently being held in Rio de Janeiro, there was an early Calvinistic mission there? Tim Challies passes along an article that sheds some historical insight into the past, what really matters and what kind of crown truly doesn’t fade.
• The Gospel Coalition just came out with their August issue of Themelios, which includes many great articles, and many, many book reviews. This is probably the best contribution this theological journal provides, so make sure you spend some time and check it out!
• Are there any good arguments for God’s existence? How do we use them in a way that still maintains Scripture as the ultimate authority? Shaun Doyle provides some helpful starting points, and resources for further reading.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for tonight’s combined Bible study at 7p, and come if you can! You are all invited! See you on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria