BCL Online Picks — July 30, 2026

July 30, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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The point of following Jesus, secret prayer, a heroic rescue, contentment, the fear of God, helping those with chronic pain, and how to have a happy life are featured in this week’s picks!

1. A Secret Life of Prayer Will Prevent a Secret Life of Sin

How can Christians guard against a secret life of sin? Over at The Gospel Coalition, pastor and author Erik Raymond argues that one of the clearest indicators of spiritual health is a faithful, private prayer life. This brief but convicting reminder encourages believers to cultivate regular communion with God before hidden sins have an opportunity to take root. Read it here →

2. Dramatic Rescue Sees Teen Lifeguard Battle Terrifying Waves to Save Boy Dragged Out to Sea

This viral video highlights the calm, steady courage of a 16-year-old lifeguard as he battled relentless waves to save a child’s life in Santa Cruz last Saturday. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful preparation when moments of testing arrive. Watch it here.

3. How Contentment Enables Us to Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice

Why is it sometimes so difficult to celebrate someone else’s blessings? In this thoughtful article for With All Wisdom, pastor Derek Brown explores how biblical contentment enables Christians to rejoice sincerely with others, even when their own desires remain unfulfilled. Read it here →

4. Encountering God Should Make You Afraid

Does the Bible really mean “respect” when it calls us to fear God? In this thought-provoking excerpt from his book Recovering Our Sanity over at The Gospel Coalition, theologian Michael Horton explains why the fear of God is far deeper than mere respect or reverence. By looking at how people responded to God’s holiness throughout Scripture, he reminds us that a right fear of the Lord leads us to worship, humility, and ultimately to Christ, the “Friend of Sinners.” Read it here →

5. Is This the Way? A Review of Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

Is Christianity primarily about conversion or practice? In his Clearly Reformed review of John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, theologian, pastor, and author Kevin DeYoung warns against a growing emphasis on following Jesus as a lifestyle while sidelining the gospel of Christ’s saving work. He also explains why these teachings are so attractive to many Christians. Many thanks to The Heidelblog for bringing this article to our attention. Read it here →

6. What Those in Chronic Pain Wished You Knew, Pt 1

How can Christians better love those living with chronic pain? In this thoughtful two-part series for Reformation21, Madelyn Moses offers practical, biblical wisdom on what to avoid saying, what people with chronic pain truly need, and how the church can minister with greater compassion. Read Part 1 here → and Part 2 here →

7. The Secret of a Happy Life

What was the secret behind Christ’s unwavering contentment, even amid suffering? Over at Mediagratiae, nineteenth-century minister Charles Spurgeon explores Psalm 16 in this sermon excerpt and invites us to follow the same path. Read it here →