The happiness promised us in Christ does not consist in outward advantages—such as leading a joyous and peaceful life, having rich possessions, being safe from all harm, and abounding with delights such as the flesh commonly longs after. No, our happiness belongs to the heavenly life.

Christ enriches his people with all things necessary for the eternal salvation of souls and fortifies them with courage to stand unconquerable against all the assaults of spiritual enemies. From this we infer that he rules—inwardly and outwardly—more for our own sake than his.

Thus it is that we may patiently pass through this life with its misery, hunger, cold, contempt, reproaches, and other troubles—content with this one thing: that our King will never leave us destitute, but will provide for our needs until, our warfare ended, we are called to triumph. (John Calvin)

by Richard Shin

• April 15 is past, which means there’s less than six months before the filing deadline for those who requested an extension (haha). You may want to meditate upon what Clint Archer (and Jesus) says about taxes.
• Paul Tautges continues to share helpful resources on the topic of suicide. I’d like to refer you to them, in chronological order of posting: 11 myths and misconceptions on suicide, helping a suicidal friend, conducting a funeral for someone who died of suicide, and having hope for the suicidal mind.
• Jason Helopoulos posts on Kevin DeYoung’s blog in his absence on the topic of why pastors quit. I appreciate that he not only gives reasons, but encouragement to overcome those difficulties. These can be applied to all of us, not just the pastors.
• Gavin Ortlund shares a short piece on the difference between responding in repentance and responding with defensiveness. You can find it here.
• There are a handful of sensitive, personal topics to which many of us are, quite frankly, idiotically oblivious. Ben Reed shares 18 things you should never say to a woman (or couples, for that matter) in regards to the topic of pregnancy.
• Grace to You is hosting the Strange Fire conference as a continuation of the Truth Matters Bible conferences. John MacArthur gives an introduction here.

Good weekend, y’all.

Coram Deo

 The gospel is the good news of our final and full enjoyment of the glory of God in the face of Christ. That this enjoyment had to be purchased for sinners at the cost of Christ’s life makes his glory shine all the more brightly. And that this enjoyment is a free and unmerited gift makes it shine more brightly still. But the price Jesus paid for the gift and the unmerited freedom of the gift are not the gift. The gift is Christ himself as the glorious image of God—seen and savored with everlasting joy. (John Piper, God is the Gospel)

by Richard Shin

• Warning: there are some graphic details in the following posts. The Kermit Gosnell case has (kind of) taken center stage on the ongoing debate about abortion. You can find more information here. There is a short commentary here. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t heard of it for these reasons here.
• If you haven’t heard, Pastor Rick Warren’s son committed suicide. In light of this, there have been a number posts revolving around the topic of mental illness and suicide. You can find a couple of them here and here. You can also find a collection of resources here.
• I know it’s not Easter anymore, but it’s never a bad time to remind ourselves of Christ’s resurrection. Taking it a step further, Challies expands upon 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and shares what happens if dead men don’t rise.
• I’m beginning to enjoy Jesse Johnson’s articles at the Cripplegate more and more. Here, he begins a 2-parter on the distinction between the Law and the Gospel. He then follows with three reasons the Law/Gospel’s absolute distinction is incorrect here. And it’s a bit of a prelude to his review of Tullian Tchividjian’s book Jesus + Nothing = Everything here.
• Married men, do you find yourself getting lost mentally when your wife starts talking with (to… at) you? Here‘s some practice advice for both the husband and wife.

Fewer bullets, but I think that’s plenty. Enjoy!

Coram Deo

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” (Charles Colson)

by Stephen Rodgers

I didn’t manage to sneak this in before Easter, but better late than never right? Let’s start out with the links to the new resources for April, and wrap up with the Easter-related treasures.

RESOURCES FOR APRIL

• The folks at 9Marks have changed the way they release their ejournal, and it has royally confused me.  That being said, the new journal for March/April is out, and it deals with Pastoring Christians in the Workplace.
• Ligonier Ministries is giving away RC Sproul’s book The Truth of the Cross for free until the end of the month.
• Speaking again of Ligonier, RefNet is now available on both Android devices and Kindle Fires.
• Ligonier is just getting all the attention this month! They also have a new edition of Tabletalk out, this one dealing with Defining Personhood.
• I’m skeptical of the value of this one, but the free audiobook of the month is Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley.
• Almost certainly of more substance though, would be the free resource from Logos: The Works of John Newton, Volume 1.

RESOURCES FOR EASTER

• The world-famous Triablogue has quite a collection of articles relating to Easter. Of particular interest is this year’s round-up, which includes links to previous year’s material as well. If you were looking for a place to start investigating the various apologetic claims and counter-claims, this is about as good as it gets.
• They also have a category for articles that deal specifically with the resurrection. This year, Jason Engwer also posted a round-up of evidence for the resurrection that actually appears outside the New Testament text. So the next time someone tells you that doesn’t exist…you’ll be ready.
• And last but not least, Steve Hays has a great article that examines the question of whether it’s possible for the Bible to be proven wrong in the first place.  He comes at it from a variety of angles, and it’s well worth your time.

That’s it!  See you Sunday!

Pro Rege

So it was necessary, since God had purposed to save his church, to transfer the punishment from them who deserved it but could not bear it, to one who had not deserved it but could bear it.

This transfer of punishment by divine dispensation is the foundation of the Christian faith, indeed of all the supernatural revelation contained in Scripture. (John Owen)

by Richard Shin

• As we meditate on this week’s significance as Holy Week, David Mathis from Desiring God shares how every Calvary step that Jesus took was a step of love.
• As Easter approaches, Philip Yancey reflects on his experience with the Newtown shooting, and the message of hope that comes with our faith. It’s quite powerful, and so I would encourage you to read here.
• This is a short but powerful post about God and suffering by Randy Alcorn and John Stott.
• Mark Altrogge has an ongoing series on the seven words that Jesus shared on his way to the cross. They begin with words of forgiveness, then salvation, relationship, abandonment, and now distress. By my count, that’s five. So stay on the lookout for two more.
• The craze of March (half, and half-April) Madness is in full effect. In light of this, you can find the audio version of C. J. Mahaney’s book, Don’t Waste Your Sports, for free here.
• Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the kingdom of God?” Matt Smethurst from The Gospel Coalition shares an interview of a book on this very subject.
• C Michael Patton shares fifteen myths about Bible translation. Do you believe any of these? You can find them here.

I hope you have a happy Easter!

Coram Deo

Jesus Christ is not merely the means of our rescue from damnation; he is the goal of our salvation. If he is not satisfying to be with, there is no salvation.

He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved. (John Piper)

by Richard Shin

• Jeremy Walker finished his series on being wisdomous on the Interweb. You can find the hub post here.
• Paul Tautges looks at Hebrews 11 and the way faith looks forward as an inherent quality.
• In case you didn’t know, the new pope was installed this past week. Leonardo De Chirico voices three concerns the voting conclave thought the new pope needed to address that the previous pope did not succeed in doing. You can find the three reasons here.
• Speaking of popes, Steve Meister from the Cripplegate blog posits that a humble pope does not exist.
• Tim Cocks from Matthias Media exposits Romans 12:1-2 in a very understandable format as the go-to alternative from living legalistically and living licentiously.
• Church-planting is an awesome thing, and I’m glad Lighthouse Bible Churches aren’t the only churches committed to it. Christine Hoover shares 25 lessons she has learned as a church planting wife as an introduction to her book.
• C Michael Patton shares why Charles Darwin left the faith: meaningless suffering. Find out more here.
• Lastly, Colin Smith from the Gospel Coalition shares seven traits of false teachers and how to spot them. There’s a hilarious pic in there too, in case you’re interested.

God speed, my friends. Have a great weekend.

Coram Deo

The true Christian is the only happy man, because his conscience is at peace. That mysterious witness for God, which is so mercifully placed within us, is fully satisfied and at rest.

It sees in the blood of Christ a complete cleansing away of all its guilt. It sees in the priesthood and mediation of Christ a complete answer to all its fears. It sees that through the sacrifice and death of Christ, God can now be just, and the justifier of the ungodly. It no longer bites and stings, and makes its possessor afraid of himself.

The Lord Jesus Christ has amply met all its requirements. Conscience is no longer the enemy of the true Christian, but his friend and advisor. Therefore he is happy. (J. C. Ryle)

by Richard Shin

Read, read, read!

• Jeremy Walker has an ongoing, beast of a series on engaging in social media. If you read the Beacon, chances are you are engaged in it as well. If you don’t read anything else in today’s Weekly Links, read this series. Here are what’s available now: part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4.
• Marshall Segal has a few helpful suggestions for those who are not yet married. You can find them here.
• Fighter Verse Songs collected a list of Old Testament stories that were recounted in the New Testament. You can find that list here.
• Art Lindsley at the the Gospel Coalition blog shares a compilation of quotes of C.S. Lewis’ thoughts on the difference between selfishness and self-interest. This is an important distinction to make in the life of the believer.
• Controversy is all around us, even in the church. And most of us will fall in between engaging in every debate and no debate. Burk Parsons shares a list of ten questions one should ask oneself before deciding to do either one.
• And when you do find yourself arguing with another, you might want to pay attention to this list of 15 common logical fallacies. Don’t do them.
• Kevin DeYoung has a 2-parter on revival. He first shares what revival isn’t here and shares what it is through the example of Josiah here.

Pray for us as many of the singles will be away at retreat. For the rest of you, enjoy your weekend doing what you do.

Coram Deo

by Stephen Rodgers

Greetings from the Shepherds’ Conference.  It’s been a wonderful time up here, and if you’re interested, they’ve been livestreaming the sessions, and the audio for everything should be up shortly.

So briefly, here are a few articles and updates that you’ll want to know about:

• Tim Challies is continuing his series on essential doctrines, and he’s now added Hell and Worship to the list.
• The new edition of Tabletalk is out, and it deals with a topic that is of significant to the church right now: Youth-Driven Culture.
• I’m not personally familiar with either resource, but the free christianaudio.com resource of the month is Choose Joy by Kay Warren, and the free logos.com resource of the month is Life in a Risen Savior by Robert S. Candish.
• And if you like modern renditions of hymns, then you’ll want to know that Page CXVI is giving away all their albums for this month only.

See you Sunday!

Pro Rege

Love begets a likeness between the mind loving and the object beloved. A mind filled with the love of Christ as crucified will be changed into his image and likeness. (John Owen)

by Richard Shin

Another edition of weekly links is here. Enjoy!

• With all the hype about being gospel-centered, it’s easy to neglect or even question the power of the Holy Spirit. Tim Brister tackles this idea and shares how one is indispensable without the other.  
• Dr. Al Mohler, Jr. writes in Christianity Today about the recent announcement Tim Tebow made that he will not speak at the First Baptist Church of Dallas. It is a sobering reminder, and perhaps a wake-up call for some, that this is not an issue that only he faces.
• Addiction to pornography is becoming a rampant issue, even among many Christians. In light of this, Zach Nielsen shares some ways on how parents can raise their kids in a pornified culture.
• Over in Thom Rainier’s blog, Chuck Lawless shares seven steps to moving members into being involved in the life of the local church.
• David Powlison writes for the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) and says that the local church is the natural place for face-to-face biblical counseling.
• Last but definitely not least, over at the Theology Network, Kevin Vanhoozer shares a primer on the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. It’s a tad long, but well worth the read.

That it, folks. Have a great weekend!

Coram Deo

When God poured out his justice on Christ, he was not only destroying his Son, but destroying the barrier between himself and us. How amazing! The more God vented his holiness on Jesus, the more he was venting his love for us.

On the cross, the holiness and love of God, otherwise in tension, were in complete, brilliant cooperation. The more his holiness expressed itself, the more his love was satisfied; the more his love expressed itself, the more his holiness was satisfied. (Tim Keller)

by Richard Shin

• Paul Tautges rounded up a few articles on marriage counseling. They are: Building intimacy with a Spouse who has a different interest than yours, How do you counsel a husband who has revealed a struggle with pornography to his wife?, and 25 Years of evangelizing my husband.
• Matt Smethurst writes about the sad state that Michael Jordan finds himself in. It’s a sobering reminder that we are all merely human.
• Nick McDonald shares seven ways one can do a bad word study with the Bible. One would do well to heed these warnings.
• 9Marks has a book review of Tim Keller’s new book called Center Church. Click through to check it out.
• Seth McBee has a post on what it means to be an extroverted or introverted evangelist.
• Eric Davis from the Cripplegate has a 3-part series on “Why Reformed Pastors Need Not Be Charismatic.” You can find them here, here, and here.
• Last but not least, Art Lindsley has a piece on the image of God and the dignity of work. It’s well worth reading here.

Coram Deo

We are too big in ourselves when we do well, and too little in Christ in our failings. O that we could learn to be nothing in ourselves in our strength, and to be all in Christ in our weakness! (Samuel Bolton)

by Richard Shin

• This is huge: The Master’s Seminary unveiled their Theological Resource Center, which is their online hub of resources from the seminary, The Master’s College, Grace Community Church, and Grace to You. Everything on the site is also free. So much goodness in there.
• I imagine we shared this before, but Ligonier Ministries has a weekly $5 sale of various resources, including sermons, books, and lecture series. So even if we don’t necessarily highlight it every week, you should try to head over there on Fridays for anything that might pique your interest.
• We don’t particularly link to many Christianity Today articles here, but here’s a conversion story that’s worth highlighting. Praise God for the gift of salvation that He grants to those whose hearts of stone are replaced with hearts of flesh.
• You’ve probably heard many times the problem of evil that atheists pose against Christianity. Nathaniel Schmucker addresses the counterpart, the problem of good.
• Justin Taylor seeks to answer a tough question, “How could God command genocide in the Old Testament?” His answers are biblical, consistent, and God-glorifying.
• Here’s an elephant of a topic: giving. John MacArthur shares a word on the Grace to You blog on how we ought to give generously, abundantly, and sacrificially.
• In case you didn’t hear, the Pope of the Church of Rome announced his plan to resign due to health reasons. Russell Moore offers an evangelical’s perspective on Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.
• Justin Taylor has a round-up of a few quotes and articles on how to stop gossip in the church. You can find them here. I particularly thought Dan’s article on the Pyromaniacs blog would be quite effective.

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone. Shalom!

Coram Deo