by Stephen Rodgers

Another month, another Friday, another bunch of links for free resources.

• The Confessions of Saint Augustine (free audiobook) – Augustine of Hippo’s importance to the protestant faith really can’t be overestimated. Any serious study of church history has to deal with his magnificent contributions. I don’t know if this is a decent reading of his material, but even if it’s halfway-good, I’d recommend grabbing it!
• No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God by John Feinberg (free Logos resource) – This is Feinberg’s expanded treatment of the doctrine of Theology Proper. If you’re interested in such things, I’m betting that it’s pretty good.
• The Promises of God by RC Sproul (free Faithlife resource) – This Sproul’s treatment of the biblical covenants. I’m guessing he differs from LBC in a few places, but he was a great popularizer of Reformed theology. I’d pick it up.
• The Promised Messiah (December Tabletalk) – There’s a new edition of Tabletalk magazine. You know my feelings on Tabletalk by now: it’s always worth the time it takes to read.
• The Immutability of God (CredoMag) – There’s also a new edition of CredoMag out, which is generally time well-spent as well.
• Themelios 43.3 – There’s also a new issue of Themelios, which means a handful of articles and more book reviews than you can shake a stick at. At a glance, Pak’s article looks promising, and I’ll happily take the time to read anything that DA Carson takes the time to write, even if it’s just an introduction.

That’ll do for now. Enjoy!

Pro Rege

“The deepest wound of all wounds was the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered more than anyone ever had or ever will, and with the greatest possible effect. His cry was the apex of all laments: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27: 46; see Psalm 22: 1). It is only because of this lament that our laments gain their ultimate meaning. If the perfect Son of God can lament and not sin, so may we. Further, that anguished cry was answered by his resurrection from the dead on the third day.” (Douglas Groothuis, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness–A Philosopher’s Lament)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! There are many links to get to, so don’t let me stop you from enjoying what you see! Happy reading!

• Historian of science Michael Keas continues his interview with Christian apologist J.P. Moreland on the issue of scientism and its many problems.
• On this week’s Truth in Love podcast, Dale Johnson interviews Pastor Rush Witt on his new book, Diehard Sins: How to Fight Wisely against Destructive Daily Habits. This book comes highly endorsed by many in the biblical counseling community. You might want to pick up the book after!
• RTS Charlotte President Michael Kruger gives seven lessons for evangelical scholars in the secular academy based on Thomas Oden’s switch from liberalism to evangelical Christianity. These lessons are not just for the scholar, but for every believer seeking to make an influence in the academic realm, wherever that may be.
• Paul Tripp argues that the good news of Christmas can truly be embraced and enjoyed when you truly accept the bad news of Christmas.
• Joshua Harris, author of the very popular book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, has since interviewed many people about the influence his writing had over 20 years ago. He filmed a documentary with the varied responses, and Harris’ own thoughts now. Tim Challies wrote a mini-review, including a link to where you can view the documentary for free. Exploration Films recently released a statement that Harris requested his books on the issue be discontinued from publication.
• Reports have surfaced of an American missionary, John Chau, being killed by a small tribe in India, and many have offered their thoughts on the matter. Albert Mohler addressed it on Monday’s edition of The Briefing, while Denny Burk highlights an interview of the director of Chau’s missionary agency, All Nations, that corrects many of the criticisms placed on Chau and his decision to evangelize the Sentinelese. Ed Stetzer writes in The Washington Post about the culture’s response to Chau’s decision and how it differs from how a Christian might respond. Pray for Chau’s family, as they mourn his loss, and for the Sentinelese, that they may hear the gospel soon.
• Christopher Yuan has written a new book advocating for a life of holiness, as opposed to heterosexuality, when dealing with the struggle some have over their homosexual desires. Randy Alcorn reviews Yuan’s new book, and links to a video of his testimony to the power of the gospel. Make sure to watch!
• Fred Sanders, Professor at the Torrey Honors Institute, presents a lecture on the revelation of the Trinity in Scripture. That alone should interest you enough to give 75 minutes of your time to learn and enjoy God’s triune nature.
• Now, I know the main focus should be on resources that have come out this week, but I had to mention Triablogue’s Christmas 2018 resource list that was posted last Friday. This is one of my favorite posts to link to every year. If you are looking for anything related to Christmas, and its historical veracity and theological significance, this is the post to bookmark.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the many flocks meeting tonight and tomorrow, and for the women heading to Tri-City Bible Church for the Women’s Christmas Coffee event. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Our first and chief concern as Christians should be to guard and to preserve this precious, wondrous unity of the Spirit. . . . If we believe in God, we must ever feel that our first duty is to guard this unity, to preserve it at all costs, to strain every nerve and be diligent in endeavouring to keep it and manifest it.” (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1– 10)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Thanksgiving has come and gone, but the links are here to stay. Here are this week’s links!

• How can you help those who are sorrowful rejoice this holiday season? Pastor Spencer Harmon gives some great wisdom for many who may rub shoulders with those who are in this season of suffering.
• Scripture calls for believers to be hospitable. What does that look like? Kelsey Park invites you to join her in a life of service to believers you know and don’t know.
• Historian of science Mike Keas interviews J.P. Moreland about his new book, Scientism and Secularism: Learning to Respond to a Dangerous Ideology. The great thing is this will be a series of interviews, so I will try to post future interviews to come!
• Denny Burk reflects on the recent Evangelical Theological Society meeting held last week. You may be more interested in this than you think, so check it out.
• How much time do you spend each day reading the Bible? Do you think you don’t have enough time? Crossway recently published an infographic that will inform and surprise you in terms of how much time it really does take to read the Bible, and how quickly it can be done. This can definitely be something worth investing your time in.
• How does the Bible address contentment? ACBC Executive Director Dale Johnson speaks about this in the newest Truth in Love podcast.
• What does it actually mean to be taught by God to “number our days”? W. Robert Godfrey lays out the context of Psalm 90:12 and draws us in to the God who is eternal.
• How should parent-child conversations be prioritized? Which types of conversations should parents give more of an emphasis on than others? Pastor Andy Farmer offers five priorities that will, in the long run, give way to a fruitful relationship with your children to the glory of God.
• Some may have already moved on from Thanksgiving, and are beginning to prepare for Christmas. How can we as believers make the most of this upcoming season? Pastor John MacArthur gives some helpful thoughts for us to consider.
• UC Berkeley is drawing attention to itself with one of its student senators abstaining to vote to condemn the Trump administration for considering to a Title IX ban on sex discrimination in education on the basis of a person’s biological sex rather than on his or her gender identity. The student senator is a Christian who chose not to go against her conscience, and has demonstrated compassion and conviction in the face of intolerance by the ‘tolerant’ majority. May her tribe increase.

That’s all for this week! Happy post-Thanksgiving! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Tears in the preacher are evoked by deeply felt sympathy with the predicament of those who are listening, a predicament which the preacher shares but from which he has been rescued by the gospel which he is bringing. When that gospel is rejected, tears are drawn from the preacher as he earnestly seeks the good of those to whom he has been sent. Our modern gospel does not evoke tears in the preacher because the dimension of judgement has almost completely been eliminated. A gospel without tears, because without judgement, is not the gospel of the New Testament.” (Broughton Knox, The Everlasting God)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope and pray these links will be of use to you in your service to Christ and His bride. So read and enjoy!

• How do we deal with unhealthy friendships? What are some warning signs, and how can they be redirected to a healthy and God-glorifying type of friendship? Kelly Needham, in anticipation of her upcoming book on friendship, is interviewed to discuss friendship idolatry and how to turn a friendship Godward.
• Who first showed Ray Ortlund the beauty of Jesus? His father, and it’s a beautiful story.
• What is the current state of apologetics today? How can Christians be more effective in their witness of Christ and His glory to our neighbors, coworkers, family members, etc.? Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra lays out the current cultural landscape that many in the US face, and how a change in emphasis can draw people to see not only the truth, but the beauty and goodness of the gospel. This was quite a helpful read.
• How would John Piper argue for Christian Hedonism today? Well, here’s how! By the way, this was posted today, so this is quite an appropriate question to ask.
• Piper also has answered many questions over the years on his Ask Pastor John podcast. Desiring God created a top 10 post on what people have asked over the years about how to read the Bible. While you’re at it, you may also want to listen to his most recent podcast on seven ways APJ will kill your joy, the exact opposite of Christian Hedonism.
• What do medical experts say about hormone treatments and surgery with respect to changing one’s sex? Over at The Public Discourse, two outcomes to the current promotion of transgenderism are examined that can dramatically effect not only those affected by this, but those who seek to help those who are hurting. As a sign of love, stay informed.
• You have probably seen the many televangelists or Word of Faith preachers speak their false teachings on TV or online, but have you ever heard one of them confess their sin of representing the gospel inaccurately? Pastor John Samson, former Word of Faith preacher, does just this. You definitely want to hear about how the Lord drew Him to preach the biblical gospel.
• How would you apply Scripture to the difficult situations in life? The Biblical Counseling Coalition started a series of posts on how the Bible can be used effectively to help those suffering from PTSD. Greg Gifford discussed the importance of having a biblical view of man when addressing PTSD, Biblical counselor John Foldberg explains his counseling methodology with respect to PTSD, and Rachel Rosser discusses the distinct issue of addressing Complex PTS. Don’t miss Charles Hodges’ post, the last in the series, when it comes out on the BCC blog.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight for Bible study. Looking forward to seeing you all at church on Sunday for service, and Thanksgiving dinner!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Worry begins when a person is trying to love equally both the Creator and something in creation (or when they are not trying to love the Creator at all, having replaced him with something in his creation). That something may be ourselves, of course. And to love Creator and created equally is impossible.” (Timothy Lane, Living without Worry: How to replace anxiety with peace)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The links are here, waiting for you! So let’s get to it!

• The writers of The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel continue to expound on each article with…articles. Dr. James White focuses on Article 10: Sexuality and Marriage, and Pastor Tom Buck writes on Article 11: Complementarianism.
• Denny Burk focuses this week on two very contentious issues amongst believers and the wider culture: spanking and transgenderism.
• Guys tend to have trouble making close friends as they get older. How can we develop a deeper friendship with another man? Pastor Drew Hunter offers some context to the problem, as well as five tips to grow in this very unspoken but common issue.
• Every once in a while, SBTS President Al Mohler interviews a leading speaker/writer on a topic that affects Christians in the public sphere on his ‘Thinking in Public’ podcast. This week, he interviews senior writer for the National Review, David French, on American conservatism, past, present, and future. No matter where you stand politically, this is definitely worth giving a listen.
• Amy Hall writes of the common misconception that pursuing apologetics may expand the mind, but crowd out the heart.
• Gloria Furman gives some wisdom in how to start a conversation about Jesus with someone who doesn’t know Him.
• How does validating someone during counseling look like? Eliza Jane Huie lays out the meaning of validation, its benefits, and how to offer it to your counselee.
• What is an effective and honest way to deal with anxiety? Biblical counselor Lee Lewis argues humility is the way to go.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they will be meeting tonight. Don’t forget: baptism service is this Sunday at 4pm! See you all at church!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Alright…I had to wait until after the weekend for all the resources to be available, but here we go!

• Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (free audiobook) – This is a classic and rightfully so. If you don’t have this, it’s definitely worth picking up for the low, low price of free.
• New Covenant Commentary: 2 Timothy and Titus (free Logos resource) – This is a commentary series that I’m not particularly familiar with, so if you’re a Logos user, perhaps it’s worth it, or perhaps not.
• Living by the Word (November issue of Tabletalk) – The November issue of Tabletalk considers what it means for Christians to be a people of the book. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: if you only check out one resource from here, make it Tabletalk.
• 9Marks Journal – There have been a number of new issues of the 9Marks Journal on a variety of topics. You can check out their website, and I’ve updated our index of their issues.
• Glory Books – This past weekend was the all-church retreat with Dr. Greg Harris. I know a number of folks were excited at some of the resources he mentioned, including the free Chinese translation of the The Cup and the Glory. Now you can check it out.

Enjoy!

Pro Rege

“It is important to note that in their emphasis on “faith alone,” the Reformers did not deny the importance of good works in the lives of believers. They taught that saving faith is a repentant faith and they stressed obedience to the commands of Christ. Nonetheless, they insisted that good works ought to be viewed only as the fruit or consequence of salvation, rather than the root or cause of it. Thus, they could assert that although believers are saved by grace through faith alone, saving faith is never alone. True faith always gives evidence of itself through fruits of repentance and obedience.” (Nathan Busenitz, Long Before Luther: Tracing the Heart of the Gospel From Christ to the Reformation)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Since the Reformation is right around the corner, I decided to sandwich the links with ones focused on it. I hope it tastes great! Here are this week’s links!

• Have you ever wondered what the Roman Catholic Church teaches about justification? Well, if you’re wondering, now that I asked the question, R.C. Sproul gave a short summary of the material issue of the Protestant Reformation, justification by faith alone.
• Tim Challies writes a timely article for young believers that is a must-read by offering the following advice: give the Lord a lot to work with.
• What does it look like to live a Spirit-filled life when you identify as a cessationist? Pastor John Divito lays out three aspects of our life in Christ while living the cessaionist life. Denny Burk preached a sermon this past Sunday, answering the question: are prophecy and tongues still for today?
• What does it look like to live for the glory of God in every stage of life? Al Mohler wrote a book that answers that very question, and is making it available for free! Don’t miss out on learning from one of Christianity’s greatest living minds today!
• If you have never read about the life of Deborah from the Old Testament, let Kathleen Nielson show you how her life demonstrates how God makes women strong.
• Kevin DeYoung writes a ’10 things you should know’ post on the 10 commandments. Even if you might know all 10 commandments, you may not know these 10 things. He also writes of the meaning of the third commandment, to not take the Lord’s name in vain.
• How can a church begin to embrace biblical counseling as part of its ministry, especially in the first year of implementation? Tim Allchin, himself an executive director of a biblical counseling training center, provides four realistic goals a church can begin aiming for to be most effective in this area.
• Over at The Cripplegate, Eric Davis writes on how best to leave a church (yes, it actually is possible!), while Jordan Standridge focuses on three ways to best glorify God.
• Since this weekend comes before Reformation Day (oh, and that other thing people celebrate on October 31st), Michael Reeves focuses on why the Reformation still matters, 501 years after Martin Luther posted his 95 theses.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the church, as this week is flocks week, and the majority will be meeting tonight, and that God be glorified in the Women’s Ministry’s Table for Six fellowship event tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Maturity in Christians is marked not by gray hair, but by the fruit believers bear in keeping with their sanctification…If we’re going to see a generation of young men rise to the occasion and begin to disciple their families, it will be due in large part to the reestablishment of the biblical paradigm of mature believers pouring their lives into younger Christians, and demonstrating godliness and maturity to them by their daily lives.” (Voddie Baucham Jr., Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week has come and gone, and our God has been faithful to sustain us in every way. I hope this week’s links finds you well, and pushes you to greater holiness. Here they are!

• Ligonier Ministries has been conducting a survey every two years on the state of the American population on matters of theology, and every time, it has been very revealing. This week, they produced their biennial report, and you will again be amazed at the state of our country.
• Denny Burk, CBMW President, has begun a series of posts discussing the confusion in our culture concerning gender norms, expectations, and stereotypes. First, he discusses the state of culture and the affect it has in the church, then lays out instructions by way of Titus 2:1-6 to older men, older women, and younger women. Be on the lookout for his last post on instructions to the younger men.
• Josh Brahm of Equal Rights Institute gives a detailed response to the recent Netflix documentary Reversing Roe, which appear to present both sides of the debate, and yet shows its bias. Be sure to watch both the documentary, and the responses.
• Jonathan Morrow interviews Greg Koukl on how to present the gospel as a story that makes sense of reality, and how Christianity is the best explanation for how the world actually is. You will be helped in your approach to address non-Christians with the claims of Christ.
• Kevin DeYoung points out three Enlightenment myths that many people believe, and seeks to disabuse them (and some of us!) of.
• Michael Kruger continues his series on deconstructing the 10 commandments of progressive Christianity by addressing the mantra, “We should care more about love and less about sex.” Very perceptive and compassionate.
• Crossway has posted, from their Knowing the Bible series, a summary of how each book of the Bible gives a glimpse of the gospel. It’s a long read, but definitely worth bookmarking!

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!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Prayer is effective and God can and does work mightily in response to it, but He usually lets us wrestle with our habitual fears for a season. That’s because He wants us to grow to hate them and to desire to be free from them for the right reason: His glory.” (Elyse Fitzpatrick, Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for His blessing in guiding us through another week! May these links be another source of blessing, to draw you to His Word, and point you upward to Christ, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

• Al Mohler was recently celebrated for completing 25 years as president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A wonderfully made video chronicling his arrival, trials, and triumph was shown at a banquet for him. Watch, and give thanks to God for His faithfulness in Mohler’s life of faithfulness.
• We can definitely say we believe the gospel, but have we possibly turned the gospel into a form of legalism? Biblical counselor Rick Thomas points us to our friendships in the church and ask some very pointed questions that will draw us to live in light of the gospel. Be ready for some sharpening to take place.
• What does it look like to counsel together as a married couple? Robert Jones starts off this three-part series of counseling together by addressing 10 benefits from doing so, while Howard Eyrich discusses four considerations in non-spousal co-counseling. Garrett Higbee ends the series with a call for leaders and maturing brothers and sisters in Christ to be an advocate for a counselee, and how that changed his counseling philosophy to effectively provide soul care and equip the body to the work of ministry.
• Sometimes, it really helps to be reminded of what heaven on earth is going to be like. Nancy Guthrie gives us a taste, and it is sweet.
• Dr. Dale Johnson, Executive Director Elect of ACBC, gives some new areas of focus which the organization is going to be involved in. Consider yourself informed.
• Sean McDowell identifies what the three features of a self-refuting statement commonly are.
• In Canada, cannabis use will be legalized. While believers are called to evaluate the merits of any claim, knowing the consequences of marijuana use can be an effective means of pointing people to the one solution that can truly save. Jake LeFave, a church planter in Vancouver, gives a great layout to responding to those who want to legalize marijuana use.
• Does God truly desire for all to be saved? If He does, then why isn’t everyone? Pastor Clint Archer gives a short, 500-word response.
• Paul Washer from HeartCry Missionary Society and a couple other workers in this group give a current update to those who are currently suffering persecution in Asia. Please be in prayer for our brothers and sisters!

That’s all for this week! Please pray for the youth and collegians, as they meet tonight at church, that many would turn from their sin and come to saving faith in Christ. See you on Sunday, God-willing!

Soli Deo Gloria

by Stephen Rodgers

Howdy folks…it’s the first Friday of the month, which means we’re back with a free-stuff version of the weekly links. So without further ado…

• Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon (free audiobook) – This is a biography by evangelist Greg Laurie detailing the life of Steve McQueen. It’s not of any particular interest to me, but I’ll include it here just in case that absolutely excites any of you.
• Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings: Lectionary Cycle A (free Logos resource) – This seems to be a compilation of ancient prayers by the church fathers, which might be interesting, depending on the editorial intention and slant. But again, it’s here in case that’s of interest to anyone.
• “Perfectionism and Control” (free Tabletalk magazine) – The October issue of Tabletalk addresses the issue of perfectionism, control, and the sovereignty of God. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Tabletalk is pretty great. This I can highly recommend.
• “Holiness” (free Credo Magazine) – The latest edition of Credo Magazine discusses the topic of holiness and sanctification.

There you have it. Hopefully at least one of these resources (*cough, cough* Tabletalk *cough*) is helpful to you this month. See you Sunday!

Pro Rege