“Why do we seek spectacles? Because we’re human—hardwired with an unquenchable appetite to see glory. Our hearts seek splendor as our eyes scan for greatness. We cannot help it. ‘The world aches to be awed. That ache was made for God. The world seeks it mainly through movies’—and in entertainment and politics and true crime and celebrity gossip and warfare and live sports. Unfortunately, we are all very easily conned into wasting our time on what adds no value to our lives. Aldous Huxley called it ‘man’s almost infinite appetite for distraction.'” (Tony Reinke, Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope your week has been a blessed one of growth in Christlikeness. Here are this week’s links!

• According to many in our culture today, science will eventually be able to explain away God as an explanation. Is this true? Christian apologist Tim Barnett gives a succinct answer that will move this conversation forward.
• What are some of the false messages directed at Christian women today, and how can they deal with an increase in anxiety and depression amongst believers? Author Lydia Brownback is interviewed on The Crossway Podcast this week about these topics and more.
• Pastor John MacArthur calls for every believer to pursue integrity relentlessly. May we all be faithful in this.
• How should you move in a conversation, especially when offering counsel, when the person you’re talking to has a moral relativistic mindset? ACBC counselor Lucy Ann Moll gives some helpful wisdom for you to consider.
• Is there benefit in using a certain cleaning method if Christ is not mentioned? Many have recently benefited from using the KonMari Method to cleaning their homes, but hold some reservations about some of her tips. Stephanie Anderson of Eternal Perspective Ministries points out the blessings of using Marie Kondo’s cleaning method, but suggests an examination of our own hearts to be a higher priority than the decluttering of our homes.
• Whenever you hear of a personal quiet time, what comes to your mind? How does it look like in daily practice? Do you even have one? In their Making Disciples Podcast, Pastor Robby Gallaty provides some helpful tips for how to begin a quiet time, and why many don’t do it. I think this is one you shouldn’t pass up.
• What does it mean to live well with others? Pastor Clint Archer explains 1 Peter 3:8 in answer to this question by laying out five characteristics of Christian relationships. I pray this is characteristic of every friendship within the body of Christ.
• Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition fact checks the claim that U.S. churches could take care of the orphan crisis alone. Whatever the numbers, we as a church should pray for those who are without one or both parents in need of care.
• Kenneth Samples gave some family characteristics of secular naturalism in two parts. This week, he posted part two. Make sure to read part one!
• Paul Tautges posted a snippet from Wayne Mack’s Your Family God’s Way, specifically 22 benefits of fearing God. Coming from a section specifically written for husbands, this applies to both men and women who fear the Lord. Very humbling, and very hopeful for every believer!

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for all who are meeting for flocks tonight and tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“But make no mistake about it, truth alone is not enough either. Factual claims about God (or anything else for that matter) can sound like little more than ‘Blah, blah, blah’ if they are delivered apart from an authentic relationship with someone who truly cares about you. Theology and apologetics can seem empty if we don’t connect truth to how we live. God calls us to truth and relationship. He possesses and demonstrates the perfect balance between justice and mercy, law and grace.” (Sean McDowell & J. Warner Wallace, So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Here are this week’s links to lead you into Memorial Day weekend!

• There is confusion about what occurs in an actual abortion procedure. Dr. Anthony Levatino used to perform abortions, and has given testimony to what occurs in an actual abortion procedure.
• Philosopher of biology Paul Nelson reports on the ID the Future podcast on Cambridge University’s recent conference on the dissatisfaction some scientists are having with respect to modern neo-Darwinianism. Brazilian scientist Marcos Eberlin gives further evidence of foresight in solving problems that are necessary to make earth habitable, like water and lightning.
• Martha Peace gives some counseling tips on the Truth in Love podcast, with the experience of 30 years as an ACBC certified counselor. This is definitely a must-listen.
• On the Mortification of Spin podcast, Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt talk about the extent of responsibility church leaders and members are to have with other people in the church, in light of the Poway synagogue shooting recently. Pray for our presence on social media to lead people closer to Christ, and not further away.
• Astronomers David Block and Kenneth Freeman do some myth busting with respect to the relationship between science and faith. There’s five, so it’s short and sweet.
• From his work on apologetics, R.C. Sproul wrote an encouraging post for the Christian to go on the offense when presenting the claims of Christ to those who don’t believe. Our goal is not to answer defensively in every encounter, but to point to the futility of unbelief and the superiority of the Christian faith.
• Can a Christian lose their salvation? R.C. Sproul gave a good answer, and it’s still a good answer.
• On this week’s Crossway Podcast, Desiring God communications director Tony Reinke is interviewed on his recommendation to do a digital detox (and what that means), discerning how to use social media as a habit, and even how Avengers: Endgame shows us how this world is filled with media.
• Denny Burk points out in discussing the role of teaching in the church, there is a conflation between teaching and prophecy with respect to women. Keeping the distinction in view will clarify much about complementarianism as applied practically in the local church.
• Author Aaron Armstrong writes of the bittersweet feeling that comes from no longer supporting a child through Compassion International, a sponsorship program designed with the aim to “release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.” This is definitely worth considering if you are thinking through supporting a child to be cared for financially and spiritually.
• Do extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence? Find out in this interview with Christian philosopher Tim McGrew.

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

Soli Deo Gloria

“The hope of the church has never been its cultural footing; the hope of the church has always been the resurrection power of Christ. The power of the church has never been within its measure of people, but always in its measure of the Holy Spirit.“ (Daniel Henderson, Old Paths, New Power: Awakening Your Church through Prayer and the Ministry of the Word)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week wraps up, as we begin our celebration of LBCSD’s 20 year anniversary! But first, some links for your spiritual growth.

• Did Jesus claim to be God? Some modern scholars don’t believe so, particularly Bart Ehrman. RTS President Michael Kruger points out some of the inconsistencies found in some of Ehrman’s criticisms against the deity of Christ.
• Rosaria Butterfield was interviewed this week in the Crossway podcast about how to be a loving and faithful witness to those who identify as LGBTQ+ and what role hospitality can play in that. Very moving story and very insightful perspective.
• What would be some helpful ways to share the gospel with someone? Well, here’s 101 different (and even creative) ways to get you going!
• The church has been facing its own version of the #metoo with members coming out and addressing abuse within its own community. How are the members of the body of Christ to respond? Rosaria Butterfield, Melissa Kruger, and Trillia Newbell offer some valuable ways to give help and hope to those who have suffered.
• How does the concept of mental health relate to the area of biblical counseling? ACBC Executive Director Dale Johnson talks with Dr. Sam Stephens, who is also ACBC Director of Training Center Certification, about the meaning of mental health, its history as a concept, and seeing it from a biblical worldview. They cover the idea of mental hygiene, and how modern psychology/psychiatry and culture are insufficient sources of help, while Scripture is more than sufficient to address the needs of men and women.
• Nancy Guthrie interviews Taylor Turkington and Courtney Doctor on their involvement with The Gospel Coalition’s Women’s Training Network, their growth in understanding and teaching Scripture, and their desire to teach this to women nationwide.
• Recently, Georgia passed new legislation called the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, which includes unborn children as persons and banning abortions after the point of heartbeat detection in the womb. This week, Tennessee and Alabama passed laws with similar goals. In a recent CNN interview, former Democrat Christine Quinn claimed “when a woman gets pregnant, that is not a human being inside of her.” Christian apologist Tim Barnett lays out the scientific error in that statement, appealing to current embryology textbooks.
• Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer wrote a VERY helpful summary of the incompatibility of Critical Theory and Christianity. They also link to Shenvi’s page, which includes the best presentation of the relationship between Critical Theory and Christianity that I’ve seen thus far.
• Matt Reagan, Director of Campus Outreach Charleston, writes six pieces of counsel for the high school graduates of 2019. I pray every student takes these words of wisdom to heart.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for our 20th anniversary service tonight, as we celebrate God’s faithfulness these past two decades. See you all then (or Sunday)!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The man is summoned by God to revere and protect the woman; the woman is summoned by God to respect and trust the man. This is the strongest argument in all the earth against masculine abuse and feminine distrust. Love is coded into the very body of the first man and the first woman.” (Owen Strachan & Gavin Peacock, The Grand Design: Male and Female He Made Them)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s Mexican Mother’s Day today, so let the fiesta begin with this week’s links!

• 9Marks published their journal for the month of May. The topic? “Church Membership: Following the Lord Together.”
• Abigail Dodds was interviewed on The Crossway Podcast this week, covering topics related to a biblical view of womanhood, including differences between manhood and womanhood according to Scripture, complementarianism, and how to discuss these issues from those who disagree. This looks to be a great conversation-starter.
• Christian philosopher James Anderson points to a journal article, which was originally a lecture he gave last October, on the theological foundations of modern science. You can either read the article or watch the lecture.
• For the moms out there, this post about Mother’s Day may challenge you to rethink the significance of that day.
• When you feel weary from ministry, what causes you to feel that way? Maresa DePuy points to the common broken cisterns that we may all be tempted to drink from, and the living water that comes from Christ.
• Brazilian biochemist Marcos Eberlin writes that the chicken-and-egg problem is extensive in biology, and points to a designer with the foresight capable of explaining these instances of causal circularity.
• Over at the Desiring God blog, Executive Editor David Mathis writes about the attention we give to social media platforms, and the importance of focusing our eyes on Christ. John Piper gave a message on the invincible power of joy for world missions for cowards, consumers, and the comfortable. This week is the 204th anniversary of Andrew Fuller’s death, and Piper wrote of his influence on past (and current) missions work.
• Overseas Instruction in Counseling Executive Director Wayne Vanderwier points out one of the most glaring deficiencies of the biblical counseling movement: a lack of requiring continuing education for certified counselors. After reading, you may end up agreeing yourself and ask God to help equip you to be more effective in your counsel. This is Part 1 (of 2), so be on the lookout for a detailed plan to address this blind spot.
• What does the Bible say a godly wife needs to build a godly home? There’s at least eight tools that God provides in His Word. Stock up!
• Jonathan Leeman interviews Pastor Greg Gilbert on what the gospel is, and what it is not. A very important topic. If you do not know what to say when sharing the gospel, this is the podcast worth listening to.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians as they meet for Bible study tonight. See you all on Sunday, and wish your mom (or a mom) a happy Mother’s Day!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Apologies for the unplanned absence, sometimes life happens. That being said, it’s a new month, so here’s some free stuff to get you started:

• Grace is Greater by Kyle Idleman (free audiobook) – I know literally nothing about this resource, so I can’t recommend it. It’s free this month from christianaudio.com though.
• A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (free Logos resource) – Again, I haven’t personally used this commentary series, but if you’re a Logos user, you might wish to pick it up. I can vouch that the author has written a number of other books that are well-regarded.
• The 19th Century (Tabletalk magazine) – And as always, I heartily recommend Tabletalk magazine. That’s a no-brainer.

Enjoy!

Pro Rege

“If Jacob had realized that when Joseph left for Shechem, the back of his head was the last Jacob would see of his beloved boy for twenty years, I’m not sure he would have sent him. God, though, was in control of the circumstances. It was actually better for Joseph to be isolated from his home but in the center of God’s plan than to be at home but isolated from God’s purposes. Similarly, we make a mistake when we try to determine God’s guidance on the basis of what is the most comfortable, acceptable, and rational to us. God’s providential dealings overrule, even in the fracturings, separations, and jealousies of life.” (Alistair Begg The Hand of God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope this week has been a blessing, despite the many things happening in the world recently. I pray this week led you into a deeper time in the Word, and in prayer. Hopefully these links will push you in the right direction, so enjoy!

• This past Resurrection Sunday, bombs went off in four cities in Sri Lanka. Ajith Fernando, teaching director for Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka, gave a personal report of some of the people affected by the evil acts, and provides the church five ways to pray for the persecuted believers there. Let us be faithful to the task of “pray[ing] for one another” (James 5:16).
• What results from believing in the Resurrection of Christ? Pastor Clint points to two effects, which comes from acknowledging the truth of what really happened 2,000 years ago.
• With the recent laws related to abortion expanding when women can have one, it is up to us ordinary Christians to step in and speak out. Pastor Tim Counts writes of eight ways we can fight against the killing of the unborn.
• ACBC’s Truth in Love podcast features an interview with Caroline Newheiser, who talks about the issue of gossip in the church, and how to replace it with God-honoring speech.
• On the Crossway blog, Pastor Kevin DeYoung warns of being passionate at the expense of being theologically precise. This is a lead-in to his new book on an old confession, of which he wrote at Desiring God: the history of the Canons of Dordt. This is where we identify the origins of the five points of Calvinism. If you have only heard of TULIP but aren’t sure of the history behind it, this is a good place to start.
• The Gospel Coalition’s Themelios journal is out, and it looks great! Some highlights include a debate on cessationism vs. continuationism, a way to show the reliability of the gospels, and a load of book reviews. Check it out!
• This is a great story of how John Piper’s influence began to increase, because of one man’s desire to use the talents God gifted him with to expose Piper’s teaching to the world. I, for one, am definitely a beneficiary of Moe Bergeron’s faithfulness in getting the Word of God out through the ministry of Desiring God.
• Ligonier Ministries has a new podcast, Simply Put, that will explain a theological term in a way where all believers can understand. Their first term: original sin. This looks like it’s going to be very helpful for the layman.
• C.S. Lewis’ book The Abolition of Man is considered by many to be one of Lewis’ most important works. A book is in the works from Crossway about this book, and Justin Taylor highlights a set of doodle videos that correspond with each chapter in the book. Make sure to go to the specific videos’ YouTube page to get more info on each doodle.
• RTS President Michael Kruger deals with an interesting question: when is the first time we see a New Testament book used as Scripture? You may be surprised at his answer.
• On The Crossway Podcast, Rebecca McLaughlin was interviewed about themes from her new book, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion. She comments on the secularization hypothesis and two of the most common objections against the faith. This is currently what believers will face when receiving push back from the culture, so this is something worth paying attention to.

That’s all for this week! I pray most of you will enjoy flocks tonight, and have great discussions of this past week’s message about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Theology is narrower than religion or godliness, for theology is not the whole life of devotion, but specifically the engagement of the mind with truth as the foundation for the religious life.” (Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology [Vol. 1]: Revelation and God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Good Friday! Today we celebrate the immeasurable sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. May these links draw you closer to Him this special weekend.

• Why is Good Friday good? Pastor Jon English Lee gives a great answer by explaining the doctrine of the atonement.
• Dan DeWitt writes about the extremes those who are interested in apologetics can get into at times. He writes a helpful post explaining those extremes, and how to avoid them.
• Though we may be fans of the 5 Solas, we may not always be able to explain the meaning behind each concept. RPTS President Barry York gives a short explanation of one of the Solas, Sola Scriptura.
• RZIM speaker/writer Vince Vitale writes of the fact that there are academics out there who do believe in the resurrection of Christ.
• Al Mohler recently spoke on the relationship between nature and Scripture, and how both reveal God. This is definitely not something you want to miss! In a similar vein, theologian J.V. Fesko wrote a journal article concerning the relationship between Geerhardus Vos’ and Cornelius Van Til’s theory of knowledge, while Christian philosopher James N. Anderson comments on it. Central to the discussion is Van Til’s view of this same relationship of nature and Scripture, which will definitely interest the apologetics aficionado.
• Justin Taylor deals with a common question people wonder about during Easter season: what hour was Jesus crucified?
• Christian apologist Rob Bowman has written a two–part response (so far) to anti-Trinitarian writer/blogger Dale Tuggy’s criticism of his argument for the doctrine of the Trinity. I put this here to give you exposure to his previous eight-part series on the biblical case for the doctrine of the Trinity. I hope it gives you much to think about, and lead to a deeper worship of our Triune God.
• Here’s a well-illustrated video of an argument for the case of Jesus’ resurrection, based on five well-accepted facts of history. This is an approach made popular by apologist Gary Habermas, and is made with kids in mind. A very simple introduction to the One who historically rose from the dead.
• Because the culture is heading quickly towards secularization by rejecting biblical morality, there have been many voices who have been silenced as the wave of intolerance has only grown, with no sign of stopping. One mom writes to a newly announced presidential candidate about the problems that brings. This may have been one of the most honest (and fearless) responses I have ever read. Check it out.

That’s all for this week! Hope to see you all tonight at church for our Good Friday service. If not, see you on Resurrection Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“I’m convinced that at the heart of an ability to influence others is a compelling life of fearless conviction and a transcendent, divine message. A man who lives in the fear of God and boldly speaks His truth to the world is the kind of leader God promises to bless (Isa 66: 2). Where are such men today? The world’s model leader is someone of financial means, political power, or social popularity, but these shouldn’t be premium qualities in the church. Yet, evangelicalism has suffered four decades of insipid leaders who fear men and compromise truth. It’s no wonder that so many books on leadership can’t put their finger on the dynamics of spiritual influence. We must get back to the biblical principles which God says will make us useful to the Master (2 Tim 2: 21). When a man’s life manifests a righteous character and the spiritual convictions which cannot be shaken, others can’t resist following such moral strength.” (Jerry Wragg, Courageous Churchmen: Leaders Compelling Enough to Follow)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! New week, new links! Have at it!

• Pastor Justin Dillehay wrote an article on how pastors can introduce the area of textual criticism to their congregation, and I think he does a good job of not only doing that, but introducing textual criticism.
• John Piper writes of the life and legacy of missionary Adoniram Judson. He lived a life of suffering for the sake of the gospel.
• Do you ever feel afraid to tell someone the gospel? Especially if you are the only Christian in the conversation (or group conversation)? Elliot Clark, former church planter in Central Asia, writes of the wisdom of having another brother or sister tag along to complement your witness of Christ to another. I think he’s onto something.
• So, Crossway began a podcast, and has begun posting some that are really good! This week, Paul Tripp was interviewed about parenting kids with eternity in mind in daily life.  Check it out!
• Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley have begun writing articles at the Crossway blog in light of their new book on systematic theology. Their first article is on the possibility and impossibility of knowing God, while their second article is on the importance of systematic theology.
• Oxford mathematician John Lennox wrote a great article on the Christian’s character at work, and the importance of keeping the two main aspects of work in its proper place. Trust me, it’s worth your time!
• Are we supposed to enjoy God? According to the Bible, yes! It’s a command, and Pastor Sinclair Ferguson reminds us of four means, given by God, to enjoy Him.
• For many people who are broken over their sin, they may ask themselves, “How can God ever forgive me?” Amy Hall points to the Word of God for an answer, and it is a glorious answer! His Word is true, and His promise is secure.
• Biblical counselor Caroline Newheiser gives four reasons why every counselor needs to incorporate the doctrine of glorification into their counseling. This will provide some much-needed comfort to those you counsel.

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

Soli Deo Gloria

“But Scripture never accepts such uncertainty. Instead, the biblical authors confidently declare from Genesis to Revelation that God does exist and that the reason we know he exists is that he is not silent. This speaking God has revealed who he is and what his will is for his people. In the eyes of the world the skeptic is considered the sage; in God’s eyes the skeptic is called the fool (Ps. 14: 1). God may be incomprehensible, but he is not unknowable. Any doubt is removed the moment God opens his mouth.” (Mathew Barrett, None Greater)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! We have another roundup of links that are itching to be read, so here they are!

• Pastor Tom Buck has recently posted a four-part series on concerns related to the ministry of Sam Allberry, Living Out, and their counsel to believers who struggle with same-sex attraction. If you have benefited from Allbery’s ministry, this just may be worth spending time reading. (Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4)
• Ben Shapiro recently interviewed Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Stephen Meyer on the scientific claims of Intelligent Design, and this may be a great introduction to ID, as well as a great overview of some of the criticisms of neo-Darwinian evolution. It was a fascinating interview, to say the least.
• Would you consider yourself a cage-stage Calvinist? Take this seven-sign diagnostic, and check your heart.
• How should we deal with our emotions? By engaging them, according to biblical counselors J. Alasdair Groves and Winston Smith, authors of a new book on emotions. They provide a four-step process to manage our emotions in a God-honoring way. This looks to be very helpful.
• New Testament scholar Michael Kruger gives a brief response to the question, “What about the ‘lost’ books of the Bible?“
• How can we tell if someone is in the early stages of spiritual danger? Taking Hebrews as his guide, pastor Sinclair Ferguson points to three warning signs. Be on the lookout for your own soul.
• Pastor Clint Archer writes of three common distractions people have that prevent them from following Christ, based on Luke 9:57-62. Make sure, when following Christ, you count the cost.
• Though it may look messy, Triablogue posted their Easter Resources for 2019. It’s a one-stop shop of all their posts from last year’s list of articles related to the apologetic significance of Easter. Take a look!

That’s all for this week! Please pray for all the flocks, as most meet tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“However much God stands in judgment over the world, he also presents himself as the God who invites and commands all human beings to repent. He orders his people to carry the gospel to the farthest corner of the world, proclaiming it to men and women everywhere.” (D.A. Carson, The Love of God, ed. by Christopher W. Morgan)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! For some, this may be the start of your Spring Break. If that’s you, then get a great start by enjoying this week’s links! (If you don’t get a break, you can check these links out, too.)

• Biblical counselor Mark Shaw began a three-part series on how to begin to understand autism biblically and how to help counsel someone labelled autistic. Pam Gannon finishes the series by addressing how to counsel a family of a person labelled autistic.
• Biblical counselor Alasdair Groves helps us understand why we may be tempted to lose our temper, and how Scripture gives us a plan of action.
• The 2019 Shepherds Conference audio/video is now available. Enough said.
• How does the doctrine of God directly affect our daily living? That is the focus of the latest Truth in Love podcast with Dr. Dale Johnson interviewing ACBC Fellow Dr. George Scipione.
• Pastor William Smith makes an excellent point about parents and the temptation to share the mistakes their kids make either in person, online, or on social media. Reading this may put that desire on pause, and for good reason.
• Mormonism Research Ministry recently interviewed former Mormon and influential author Sandra Tanner. Make sure to catch this three–part interview (each is a separate link).
• TGC editorial director Collin Hansen interviewed Rebecca McLaughlin on the hardest questions facing Christianity, which is the subject of her newest book, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion. Be on the lookout for this highly-praised book!

That’s all for this week! Pray for the youth, as they meet tonight, and for the UCSD collegians, as they finish up finals week and head into Spring Break. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria