“In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” (William Booth)

by Stephen Rodgers

It’s the first Friday of the month, and that means that you get me. And not just me, for I travel with links as my boon companions. Here we go…

• The free audio book of the month from christianaudio.com is Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler & Michael Snetzer. I’m not familiar with it, but historically Matt Chandler books have been quite good.
• Logos is going a bit crazy this month: first up, they have their free resource of the month, which is The New Testament Library Series: Ephesians by Stephen E. Fowl.
• Second, they’re also giving away the Folger Digital Texts Shakespeare Collection (42 vols.). If you’ll pardon a second quote: “Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?”
• Lastly, they’re also giving away a free resource for every day of Advent. So if you’re a devotee of the Logos platform, you won’t want to miss that.
• If there’s any other Shakespeare snobs out there, you might quibble with my use of the previous quote. “But Stephen,” you’ll say to me, “with all these free resources, you’d have been better off quoting Macbeth: ‘Nought’s had, all’s spent,Where our desire is got without content.’ ” If that’s you, then you’ll be pleased as punch to know that the December issue of Tabletalk magazine is on the topic of Contentment.
• When it comes to apologetics books, Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands a Verdict doesn’t quite rise to my if-I-were-stuck-on-a-desert-island list, but I’m still rather happy that there’s apparently a free online version of it now.
• And last but not least, if December’s attendant vacation days wouldn’t be restful without some additional reading material, fear not: there’s a new issue of the TMS journal, a new issue of the JBMW, and last but not least, the folks over at RPTS decided to throw their hat into the ring and start a journal as well. Enjoy!

That’s it for this time around, see you Sunday! (Unless of course you’re just reading this on the internet with no connection to an LBC church, in which case, hopefully the folks at your particular church will see you on Sunday, and vice versa). But if you’re near one of our churches, either in San Diego or elsewhere, we’d welcome you to join us.

Pro Rege

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

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

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

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

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

Soli Deo Gloria

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

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

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

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

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

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

Soli Deo Gloria

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

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

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

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

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

Soli Deo Gloria

“Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are no strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you.” (JI Packer)

by Stephen Rodgers

I know a lot of folks at LBCSD are in a bit of a tizzy since they’re getting ready for the All-Church Retreat, so I’ll keep this one brief:

• The free audio book from christianaudio.com this month is Paul David Tripp’s Sex & Money. Get it.
• The free resource of the month from Logos.com is Hermeneia: Matthew 1-7. I genuinely have no clue about this, but hey, if you’re a Logos user, knock yourself out.
• This month’s edition of Tabletalk from Ligonier is on the issue of “The Christian Sexual Ethic.” Given recent cultural shifts, that’s going to be something we could all stand to do a bit more reading on.

That’s it! Told you it’d be brief.

Pro Rege

“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

“It shall greatly helpe ye to understande Scripture, if thou mark not only what is spoken or wrytten,

• But of whom,
• And to whom,
• With what words,
• At what time,
• Where,
• To what intent,
• With what circumstances,
• Considering what goeth before,
• And what followeth.” (John Wycliffe or Miles Coverdale)

by Stephen Rodgers

Alright, it’s the first Friday of the month, which means you get me instead of Cesar, and you get FREE STUFF. Because that’s how I roll.

• The free audio book of the month from christianaudio.com is Follow Me by David Platt. I don’t know this book specifically, but David Platt’s stuff is normally somewhere between “good” and “great,” so odds are this is absolutely worth your time.
• The free book of the month for Logos is…take a deep breath this is a long one…Luther in English: The Influence of His Theology of Law and Gospel on Early English Evangelicals by Michael S. Whiting. Again, I’m not familiar with that particular work, but it might be worth checking out if that’s up your alley.
• There a new issue of Tabletalk out, entitled “The Hard Sayings of Jesus.” If you’re looking to read more back issues of Tabletalk, you should check out either Ligonier’s archive of issues, or our own archive of issues here on the Beacon.
• There’s also a new issue of the 9Marks eJournal, which I think they are just calling the “Journal” now (sans ‘e’). In any event, it’s on the subject of “Multi-Ethnic Chuches,” and there’s an article in there from someone you should all recognize, who’s name rhymes with “Lastor Latrick.” If you’re looking for more back issues, check out either their archive our the archive we maintain here on the Beacon.
• There’s a new issue of Credo Magazine, dealing with the topic of children and children’s ministry. In terms of recommendation, my wife read it and said, “this thing is actually really good,” which is high praise indeed coming from her! If you’re looking for back issues of Credo Magazine, you can check out their archive.

That’s pretty much it. Enjoy the free stuff, and see you Sunday!

Pro Rege