BCL Online Picks — April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026/BCL/
Photo Credit: ChristianChan / Shutterstock.com

Photo Credit: ChristianChan / Shutterstock.com

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Do longer prayers make for better prayers? Can Christian ethics stand without Christianity? Are God’s promises to Abraham tied to modern geopolitics? Find out in this week’s online picks!

1. Long Prayers, Better Prayers? (Part 1)

Do longer prayers make for better prayers? In this Heidelblog article, pastor Shane Lems pushes back on that assumption, arguing from Scripture and church history that short prayers are no less faithful or pleasing to God. With a pastoral aim, he seeks to free believers from the quiet pressure to measure their spirituality by length, encouraging a more honest and unburdened prayer life with part 2 continuing the discussion. Read it here →

2. Can You Have Christian Ethics without Christianity? A Response to Bart Ehrman

Can you keep Christian morality while rejecting the faith that produced it? In this Canon Fodder article, New Testament scholar Michael J. Kruger responds to historian Bart D. Ehrman, challenging the idea that ethics can be detached from their theological roots. With clarity and historical awareness, he presses a deeper question: can the fruit survive once the tree is gone? Read it here →

3. The Church and Israel

Is the modern state of Israel the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, or are we asking the wrong question? In this 2007 Modern Reformation article, theologian Michael Horton addresses debates that feel strikingly current, challenging the idea that God’s promises to Abraham are tied to modern geopolitics. With careful attention to Scripture, he points readers to their fulfillment in Christ and the unity of Jews and Gentiles by faith, raising important questions about how we read prophecy today. Read it here →

Looking for trusted resources on marriage? This Ligonier Ministries article highlights five carefully chosen books that help readers think more clearly about God’s design for marriage. Bringing together theological depth and practical insight, these recommendations offer guidance for navigating the challenges of everyday married life while strengthening Christ-centered relationships. Read it here →

5. Rules, the Rod, and the 3 Uses of the Law

To spank or not to spank? That is the question many Christian parents face as they seek to lovingly raise their children. In this Gospel Coalition article, pastor Jared Kennedy explores how Christians should think about discipline in light of Scripture, engaging the often-debated “rod” passages with care and nuance. Rather than offering simplistic answers, he helps readers consider how biblical wisdom, love, and formation shape faithful parenting practices. Read it here →

6. Why Pastors Should Question AI for the Sake of Their Souls

What might pastors lose if they rely too heavily on artificial intelligence? In this Modern Reformation article, pastor Daniel Nealon reflects on the irreplaceable, embodied nature of pastoral ministry, where real presence, patience, and personal engagement shape spiritual growth. He cautions that AI risks flattening the slow, relational work of shepherding into something more efficient but less human, raising questions about how pastors care for their congregants through time, struggle, and personal presence. Read it here →

7. Acts of Kindness Aren’t Random

Are acts of kindness ever truly random? In this Crossway article, author and Gospel Coalition editor Winfree Brisley reminds readers that kindness isn’t easy—especially toward the ungrateful, the difficult, and even our enemies. With concrete, everyday examples, she shows how such costly kindness reflects God’s own character and serves a greater purpose: leading sinners to repentance. Read it here →