Conversion is the radical turn from an enslaved life of pursuing sin to a free life of pursuing and worshiping God. Conversion is a change of life, not merely a decision. This change is not a matter of moral rectitude, self help, or mere behavior modification. It is not accomplished by outward displays or religious practices like “walking the aisle.” It cannot be accomplished by human effort but only by the power of God. (Thabiti Anyabwile, “What Is a Healthy Church Member?”)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Many topics to highlight, so let’s get to it!

• If you consider yourself to be complementarian with respect to gender roles, here are four dangers you need to avoid in order to represent Scripture faithfully.
• Continuing the theme of advice for singles from last week, Pastor David Murray chimes in with 12 struggles all singles face in varying degrees and at various stages within singleness.
• Tim Challies writes about some of the financial lessons he learned over the years since he and his wife got married. Look and learn from the financial mistakes made as well as mistakes they avoided.
• How would you counsel a hurting member of the body of Christ through depression? This post gives some thoughts, along with homework, that aims at the root of this debilitating problem. I’ll be sure to link to part two when they post.
• One of the big events that takes place every year is the meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. This year, they are in San Diego, and have many biblical scholars present speaking on various subjects of interest for the believer. One of the speakers, Bob Kellemen, will be presenting on biblical counseling that I wanted to make you all aware of. The title is, “Theo-Drama and Gospel-Centered Counseling: God’s Redemptive Drama and Our Ultimate Life Questions.” I would invite you to read and learn from a knowledgeable and gracious biblical counselor on this subject.
• For all of you philosophy types out there (I’m not the only one, right?), Westminster Theological Seminary professor Vern Poythress came out with a new book in his series on incorporating a biblical worldview with respect to various subjects. Titled Redeeming Philosophy: A God-Centered Approach to the Big Questions, he gets at the heart of the pursuit of what is real, how we are to live, and how we know anything at all. Best of all, you can download the book for free! This would be a great resource to inform your mind in conversing with those deeply in search for meaning in their lives.
• Struggling with anxiety? In this week’s PeaceMeal, attention is drawn to applying thankfulness to God for removing the sin of anxiety, which is rooted in pride and selfishness. Very fitting, given the celebration of Thanksgiving next week.
• Speaking of Thanksgiving, as Christians, we can be thankful for the grace of God in the sending of His Son to redeem us from the consequences, power, and presence of sin. RTS President Michael Kruger argues Romans 3:21-22 is the most import ant passage in Scripture, and after reading it, you might agree. Whether you do or not, having that passage in our Bibles gives us the ultimate reason to be thankful!

That’s all for this week! Make sure to welcome Pastor Jim Kang from LBC East Bay this Sunday, as he will be in the pulpit, and don’t forget our All-Church Annual Thanksgiving Potluck later that night!

Soli Deo Gloria

Please pass me the Cup, Lord. It’s as necessary for me as it was for You. Give me strength and courage because what I ask is a fearful thing to me. Change me into a vessel fit for receiving not only what You would have for me, but also whom You would have me become. I have no strength to do this but by You. Strip me of me, and replace it with You. Have your own way with me. Thy will be done on earth—my earth, my life—as it is in heaven. Amen. (Greg Harris, The Cup and the Glory)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! This week has been a very productive week in the Christian blogosphere, so let’s jump in!

• Stephen Altrogge has three crucial bits of wisdom for the single man and woman. There is no doubt in my mind that it will definitely benefit all in SingleLife (and CollegeLife, too). Pastor Aaron Menikoff also gives some timely encouragement that I hope is heeded.
• How can our evangelism be more believable? Jonathan Dodson highlights Jesus’ approach in evangelism with His encounter with the rich, young ruler. Read, and evangelize.
• CBMW has a stern article on men and marriage that challenges every husband and father to grow up. Consider yourself warned.
• Recently, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (federal appeals court) affirmed the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as the union between a man and a woman. Al Mohler has some helpful analysis regarding this timely decision.
• In the news again is Simcha Jacobovici (remember the Jesus family tomb a few years ago?) who, along with Barrie Wilson, have just come out with a book about their claim that a lost gospel has been translated to ‘reveal’ Jesus having been married to Mary Magdalene. They’re also planning to come out with a documentary about this as well. RTS President Michael Kruger has some preliminary thoughts worth checking out. Expect to see this in the news.
• Is evangelism a spiritual gift? You may be surprised at the answer.
• Tim Challies has been working on a series of articles concerning productivity, or how to get things done efficiently, which I hadn’t really paid attention to, until his article on taming the email beast, which really caught my attention. Needless to say, this series is worth giving some time to spend, so spend it!
• Do you engage in family worship? Would you know how to start? If neither, and you would want to know how to begin, here are five tips for grace-filled family worship.
• If you have studied Mormonism to any extent, you may have come across the claim that Joseph Smith had more than one wife in his life. Christian apologists have been pointing this out for years, and now the LDS Church has come to admit this. Mormonism Research Ministry (a ministry you should become familiar with) has devoted time to review the articles that have been published on the LDS website admitting to Smith’s polygamy, and would highly recommend further look into this, to be prepared when speaking with Mormon missionaries (MRM’s website is a gold-mine of information related to witnessing to Mormons).
• How do dispensationalists, covenant theologians, new covenant theologians, and progressive dispensationalists differ in their hermeneutics? Mark Snoeberger gives a quick summary that looks helpful.
• If you’ve talked to me long enough, you’ll know that Psalm 119 is my favorite chapter in all of the Bible. Not because of its length, mind you, but the focus and devotion to the Word of God unbroken in this chapter is one worth emulating. So, I was very excited to see The Cripplegate put this chapter on display at their blog with the A-Z’s of Christian living from that psalm, along with recommended resources for further study. Get into this!
• How would you encourage young pastors to develop long-term convictions? John MacArthur has some wise advice.

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

Soli Deo Gloria

“Thousands of humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools…God wants to bring the man to a state of mind in which he could design the best cathedral in the world, and know it to be the best, and rejoice in the fact, without being any more (or less) or otherwise glad at having done it than he would be if it had been done by another. God wants him, in the end, to be so free from any bias in his own favor that he can rejoice in his own talents as frankly and gratefully as in his neighbor’s talents—or in a sunrise, an elephant, or a waterfall. He wants each man, in the long run, to be able to recognize all creatures (even himself) as glorious and excellent things. He wants to kill their animal self-love as soon as possible; but it is His long-term policy, I fear, to restore to them a new kind of self-love—a charity and gratitude for all selves, including their own.” (C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters)

by Stephen Rodgers

Alright…time for some more free resources!

• Free Audio Book: AW Tozer’s The Attributes of God (Volume 1). You should absolutely get this!
• Free Ebook: Carol Purves’ From Prussia with Love. I haven’t read it, but it’s about George Muller and it looks good.
• Free Devotional: November’s Tabletalk entitled “Semper Reformanda.” It goes without saying that you should check these out. If you like that, you know that we created an giant index of the Tabletalk archive right?
• Free Conference Audio / Video: Ligonier’s 2014 Regional Conference on the topic of “The Truth of the Cross.” If you like that, you should check out all their other conferences as well.

And that’s it!

Pro Rege

by Stephen Rodgers

I’ve updated the original Strange Fire Conference post (again) with material that has become available since the original post went up.

“An unforgiving heart is an unforgiven heart.” (Tim Keller)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Reformation Day! In light of our celebration long ago for what God has done through the faithfulness of many men, we will highlight some that have led us to where the church is today. So let’s get to it!

• Ligonier Ministries is known for their strong emphasis on Reformed Theology, and their affirmation of the Reformation. So, in light of that, instead of their usual $5 Friday sale, they are making some of their Reformation resources available for free, including a teaching series (Luther and the Reformation and Reformation Profiles), eBooks (books on John Calvin and Martin Luther), and an audiobook of R.C. Sproul’s Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism (great resource for knowing the differences between what Rome teaches and what Scripture teaches). DO NOT miss out on this great deal, which is free!
• Pastor Voddie Baucham addresses the argument that the issue of same-sex marriage is the civil rights issue of the day, much like racism against African-Americans a generation ago was the issue then. He gives two talks that answer this and other common objections against the biblical position of marriage consisting of a man and a woman.
• How do you bless the socks off your pastor? Stephen Altrogge’s answers are as good as, if not better than, the actual question itself. Read and make sure our pastor’s socks come flying off!
• Our past retreat, which can be accessed (video or audio), dealt with the issue of suffering and God’s glory. For the blessing and growth of our church, we received both Dr. Greg Harris’ book and study guide. For those who are more audio-inclined, Dr. Harris has read his entire book in audio format. Listen, and give thanks to our God for what He has done in Dr. Harris’ life!
• In honor of Reformation Day (take a back seat, Halloween!), Steve Lawson writes a profile of the leading theologian of the Reformation, John Calvin. Make sure you read the background of the events leading up to the Reformation, and the other theologians who took part in this amazing outbreak of biblical preaching. Even Pastor Jim Kang from LBC East Bay gets into it with an article that gets even deeper on Martin Luther’s life. Enjoy!
• With all the reasons one can give to joining a church, here’s an article giving some of the bad reasons people give in joining a church, and how to respond with wise counsel.
• Ligonier Ministries has just come out with their results of a survey to Americans about different theological statements, and it seems worrisome, yet at the same time, very promising. Here’s Pastor David Murray’s summary and notes.
• Seeing that two big conferences from CCEF and ACBC took place in Southern CA recently, Pastor and biblical counselor Jim Newheiser has written a look at the highs that took place there, and the return to daily ministry that he calls, “Down from the Mountaintop on Monday.”
• What is the proper criteria for voting? Mark Snoeberger has some biblical wisdom to impart in this area.
• What happens when evil triumphs over good? Professor Robert Gagnon has written a mini-post summarizing the state of the church with regards to the issue of same-sex marriage in answer to the question. This may be the best post I have read thus far on the subject. Gagnon later interacts with author Matthew Vines, who is leading the way for the church to embrace and affirm same-sex marriage.

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to spending this weekend focusing on Christ and His true character!

Soli Deo Gloria

If we feel discomfort at some of the Bible’s teaching, is it really because the Bible is a product of its time, or because we are? (Barry Cooper, Can I really trust the Bible?: and other questions about Scripture, truth and how God speaks)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! What better way to start off your weekend than with this week’s links? Here they are!

• In anticipation for the release of two new books on a biblical view and methodology of counseling (Gospel-Centered Counseling and Scripture and Counseling), Al Mohler provides the foreword for Scripture and Counseling: God’s Word for Life in a Broken World, the second book of a new collaboration of pastors and counselors, edited by Robert Kellemen. Mohler’s thoughts basically sums up the current state of Christian counseling, and I would commend it to you (as well as the books!).
• Peter Enns was a former Old Testament professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, but has since rejected evangelical belief in the inerrancy of Scripture, and has recently come out with a book critiquing the inerrancy of Scripture, primarily in the Old Testament. Parroting many of the common criticisms of the Bible, Enns yet still affirms the Bible as the Word of God. Professor Michael Kruger has written a very measured and pointed critique to Enns’ work, that will be of help to the church at large in responding to the types of criticisms you hear amongst many non-Christians. Take up and read.
• Last week, I quoted from an article, “Caring for the Distressed” by Craig Marshall. Now you can read it in their online newsletter, along with other things happening at the Institute of Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, which is located in Escondido!
• Here’s a helpful resource for collegians who encounter this objection when sharing their faith: Evil and Theodicy by Cornelius Van Til is now available in ePub, Mobi, and PDF. Fresh off the (digital) press!
• Ed Stetzer has written a couple of posts showing the problem of biblical illiteracy in the church, and possible solutions to remedy that. Mark Jones has a post on the Reformation21 blog that addresses the same issue, but calls it Bible ignorance, instead.
• Recently, two ordained ministers (a husband and wife) were told by city officials that to not officiate a same-sex wedding could lead to jail time along with an unending fine, until they do so. Ryan Anderson provides context and some strategies for how to respond.
• Joe Carter continues his series of articles on argument, persuasion and rhetoric for Christians with a post on how to and how not to argue the slippery slope.
• Dan Phillips has given a clear example of Strange Fire occurring in the ‘ministry’ of Pat Robertson, and explains the main problem with his influence: rejection of the sufficiency of Scripture. A sobering reminder that we need to trust in the Scriptures, and not man, for growth in godliness.
• Going from observer to lover of the church involves a number of steps, one of which includes a mind shift from seeing what the church can provide for you to what you can provide to the church. This was recently highlighted in Katie Van Dyke’s post, “How I Learned to Love the Church”, who provides a quick layout of how believers have been influenced by the culture to make decisions from a me-centered perspective, and how to turn to an others-centered perspective. Probably my favorite post this week.
• Matt Perman has a wonderful post on the proper emphasis of accountability in Scripture: the leaders being held accountable to those they are leading. Don’t miss this one.

That’s all for this week! We hope this weekend will be a blessing to all who are able to attend All-Church Retreat! Pray for Greg and Betsy Harris for their travel to Pine Valley, and for those who are staying for church this Sunday, that God will continue to minister His Word to your life, and draw you closer to Him.

Soli Deo Gloria

“The independent, self-sufficient culture in which we live causes many people to lose sight of how interrelated the body of Christ is meant to be. God intends for us to truly depend upon one another. A person in the midst of a serious struggle, however, often feels shame over his condition and reluctance to reach out to others for help. Mental difficulties may make it necessary for that person to learn to trust others to help him understand what is true, because his mind is not always reliable. Such trials can serve as opportunities to bring the body of Christ together, poignantly demonstrating how incomplete we really are without one another. It is not just the weak who need the strong. Paul reminds us that the weaker parts are indispensable, and God has designed it in this way so the body together can glorify him (1 Cor. 12:14-27).” (Craig Marshall, “Caring for Those in Distress” Modern Reformation Magazine July/August 2014 Vol: 23 No: 4)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Are you excited for this week’s links? Well, here they are!

• Pastor Jeramie Rinne reflects on the mentor who guided him into becoming a shepherd at his first pastorate, and gives some godly wisdom for believers to become mentors to those under our care in the church. Are you a mentor to someone currently? If not, are you being mentored?  Maybe it’s time to begin the process.
• The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) has written a series of articles on how to practically live out biblical masculinity. When the leading spokesmen for biblical manhood write about biblical manhood, it’d be wise to listen up. Better yet, let’s apply their counsel.
• In this culture of celebrity hookups and breakups, glorifying relationships rather than the Creator, Fabienne Harford gives an honest, inside look into her thoughts regarding singleness and how her struggles have helped her shift her view upward towards God and outward towards others. A fascinating read.
• John MacArthur comes back with an article that he’s written for The Master’s Seminary Journal, but is being posted on the Grace to You blog in parts. Entitled, “Strange Fire Redux,” MacArthur writes concerning the background of the charismatic movement, along with a critique from Scripture and church history. If you haven’t read the book or watched any of the sessions, this can be a good primer to jump into it.
• With the recent death of an American doctor who contracted Ebola, and another just diagnosed, Miguel Nuñez gives some answers to the many questions that have been of concern to us in the states about this disease.
• Pastor David Murray writes about the passive and aggressive natures found in many husbands who neglect or have abandoned the biblical ideal of leading and loving their wives. Addressing the passive husband, here are five ways to lead your wife.
• Since some of our members went to the Institute for Creation Research conference recently, I thought I’d point people to their Acts & Facts Magazine, which is their monthly magazine detailing new discoveries that confirm biblical creation as the best model for origins. Their October magazine is titled, “Doing the Lord’s Business” and has some really interesting articles. Check it out!
• Going back to the theme of marriage, biblical counselor Ed Welch has some seasoned words of wisdom concerning some spouses’ sense of hopelessness in marriage. Read and prepare (or apply).
• A simple but insightful look from this week’s PeaceMeal deals with the priority of peace in your many relationships. Which comes first? Read on and find out.
• Is there pain in your marriage? Do you know why it’s there? This may be a good article to be reminded of that reality.
• We live in a world of believers and unbelievers, but sometimes, when spending periods of time with believers, we may be taken aback that when we encounter an unbeliever who sins. Surprisingly, Puritan John Owen has some great advice for those who expect unbelievers at times to act like believers.
• In his extended series on apologetics and worldview analysis, Joe Carter addresses the common subject of time and infinity (more common when discussing math than any other time) as pointers to a Creator. Collegians, take note(s)!

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to another weekend in worshiping our all-knowing, all-wise God!

Soli Deo Gloria

Creation is either the result of an eternal, personal, and intelligent being or the accidental effect of eternal, impersonal, and mindless matter with unknowable origins. It should be the life quest of every responsible and thinking individual to determine which account of the cosmos best answers the ultimate questions and sufficiently accounts for our day-to-day lives. (Dan DeWitt, Jesus or Nothing)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Let’s get to this week’s links!

• Call this an example of the reason we need to engage in apologetics with those whom we may not feel comfortable speaking with. David Wood points to the childhood and, later, the horrendous act of Alton Nolen as an example of someone who was raised in the church, yet abandons the faith and adopts Islam, with an inaccurate understanding of his prior Christian upbringing. Wood answers the objections Nolen raises against Christianity and brings out the apologetic implications of one who was raised in a religious home and left unprepared to handle objections from other religions without a proper understanding of Christian faith, and where it could lead (not that it necessarily leads one to where Nolen went). Very eye-opening.
• Highlighted this week at Triablogue, Joseph Mizzi, who has a website dedicated to evangelizing Roman Catholics, has written a short book on the issue of justification that looks to be very clear and helpful. Called ‘Right with God,’ Mizzi explains the concept of justification biblically, and the relationship between justification and Christ, the law, grace, and faith. There are no shortages of books on this subject, but there will always be a need to understand this doctrine, even more so to remind us that our faith is a gift of God, not of works.
• On Monday, the Supreme Court turned down every appeal from a number of states on the issue of same-sex marriage. Al Mohler reminds us that Supreme Court Judge Antonin Scalia predicted that when the Supreme Court rejected sodomy laws back in 2003, it could lead to the embracing of same-sex marriage, since the moral disapprobation would no longer be there, leading to this week’s news. Ryan Anderson responds with the legal ramifications of upholding lower court laws, and also the way forward. We must pray for the state of our nation and plead with God to bless America with repentance.
• When it comes to issues of the canon of Scripture, Michael Kruger stands out as a leading evangelical scholar today. On his blog, he responds and refutes an article that argues that the church created the canon, exposing the vacuous objections for what they are. If you have discussed the canon with a Roman Catholic, a Mormon, or even an agnostic, you are bound to discuss this issue. Come prepared.
• Tim Challies gives six reasons to study doctrine. You’d be surprised at the reasons he gives, and none of them involve being a Bible geek or seminarian (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
• Though it has been a few years since R.C. Sproul Jr. lost his wife to cancer, he reflects on one of his biggest regrets: not holding her hand more. Husbands, please read this and hold your wife’s hand more.
• In anticipation of Vern Poythress’ next book, Redeeming Philosophy: A God-Centered Approach to the Big Questions, Poythress calls believers to engage in philosophy as an act of love to those who think they have the answers to the big questions, especially since we actually know the One who created us to ask those questions in the first place. Being a philosophy major certainly draws you to think more deeply about the ultimate issues of life, but if you want a short summary of the ultimate problem in philosophical activity, look no further.
• If you aren’t in the know, this month is pastors appreciation month! In celebration, Crossway has decided to make one of their books available for free download: The Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson . To turn a famous phrase, “One does not simply walk (away from a free D.A. Carson book).” Be wise and click that link!
• Pastor Matt Mitchell, author of the book Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue, has created a series of videos that goes into a deeper study from the book related to gossip. Best thing is, it’s free! Spread it around (I promise it isn’t gossiping if you do so).
• In this week’s PeaceMeal (Peacemaker Ministries’ weekly devotional), there are some statements that Satan promotes, which believers can be susceptible to accepting. If you’ve heard of any of these statements, be aware of Christ’s response to Satan’s lies, and learn.
• Denny Burk asks a simple question that is worth considering, given recent events: Do you have a confidence in Christ that can handle Ebola?

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to another weekend to celebrate and worship our God with you all!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

So we delayed the the Weekly Links from Friday until today in the hopes that more deals and free resources would appear over the weekend, but sadly that wasn’t the case. So in any event, here’s what I did manage to find (it’s not much).

• The free book of the month from christianaudio.com is He Wins, She Wins…which seems to be a book on marriage. I don’t know how good or awful it is.
• The free book of the month from Logos is The Crucified God by Jurgen Moltmann. I haven’t read this one, but I have a vague familiarity with Moltmann (he’s a modern experimental theologian who was famous a few years back for espousing a view of eschatology called “a theology of hope”), and what I know would cause me to be a bit skeptical and cautious about anything he puts out. So I’d probably pass on this one.
• Finally, something I can recommend: the October edition of Tabletalk is on the topic of Biblical Dichotomies.

Like I said…slim pickings.

Pro Rege

Nothing renders us so like unto God as our love unto Jesus Christ, for he is the principle object of his love; in him doth his soul rest, in him he is always well pleased. (John Owen, quoted in Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower, Kindle Locations 380-382)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The weekend is fast approaching, so let’s jump right in!

• Can men and women be friends? You would think that the answer would be obvious, but apparently not. Jen Wilkin writes about the necessity of men and women being friends, especially at church. I’d invite you to read and consider your current circle of friends: does it include both genders, or just one?
• If you’ve ever been interested in learning New Testament Greek, this post lists a couple suggestions that are available for free, and may actually help you in your pursuit of knowing Christ more by studying the language in which the New Testament was written. (FYI, this may require you to purchase David Alan Black’s Learning to Read New Testament Greek, which is one of the required readings in New Testament Greek at The Master’s Seminary).
• How come our evangelism doesn’t work? Jonathan Dodson gives two very big reasons, which I hope we all would heed. Leon Brown gives a corollary post that emphasizes wearing Christianity on your sleeve.
• Though this was back in June, the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship held a conference addressing how to deal with your past. One message that was highlighted this week was Pastor Steve Viars’ message “Handling Evangelism Opportunities in Counseling.” Make sure you check out the first link to find the handout that accompanied this message, as well as the other messages for your benefit.
• R.C. Sproul gives some necessary words of wisdom that was generally assumed a generation ago as he answers the question, “Is Marriage ‘Just a Piece of Paper’?”
• I would consider this the highlight article of the week: a biblical perspective on encouragement. Have you used that word recently (in conversation, in an email, in a text)? Read this article to test your understanding and learn some practical ways of encouraging the church. Hoping to see an overabundance of notes in the encouragement box this coming Sunday. =)
• Robert Kellemen reminds us that growth in grace is done through the church, not apart from it.

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to learning more about finances this weekend from Jim Rickard! Hope to see you all there!

Soli Deo Gloria