BCL Online Picks — October 8, 2026

October 8, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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Explore how Christians should understand the imprecatory psalms, whether predestination is fair, concerns about the spiritual formation movement, what Paul means by “baptism for the dead,” and more in this week’s online picks!

1. How Can a Christian Use the Imprecatory Psalms?

How should Christians understand the psalms that call down God’s judgment on his enemies, especially when Jesus commands us to love our enemies? In this short video from Reformed Theological Seminary, Old Testament professor Miles Van Pelt explains how the imprecatory psalms can guide our prayers today in light of Christ’s coming and the advancement of his kingdom. Watch or read it here →

2. Four Simple, Beautiful Words: “You Are with Me”

What makes the words “You are with me” in Psalm 23:4 so wonderfully comforting? Over at Crossway, pastor and author David Gibson traces the theme of God’s presence with his people throughout Scripture, showing how these four simple words capture one of the Bible’s most beautiful promises. Read it here →

3. What Does Paul Mean by ‘Baptism for the Dead’?

What did the apostle Paul mean when he referred to people being baptized on behalf of the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29? Over at The Gospel Coalition, theologian Dan Doriani examines several possible interpretations of this puzzling verse, explains why it doesn’t support the Mormon practice of baptism for the dead, and shows how Paul’s argument points to the certainty of the resurrection. Read it here →

4. Simple Grace, Simple Growth

Is the contemporary spiritual formation movement leading Christians away from the ordinary means of grace? Over at Modern Reformation, Kate Treick examines the problems with popular approaches to spiritual disciplines and explains why genuine Christian growth comes through the means God has appointed rather than techniques of our own choosing. Read it here →

5. Is Predestination Fair?

If God chooses to save some sinners but not others, is that unfair? Over at Crossway, theologian Andrew David Naselli addresses this common objection to the doctrine of election and considers what Scripture teaches about God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy in salvation. Read it here →

6. Letter to a Friend

What are the fundamental differences between the Reformed faith and Roman Catholicism? Over at Abounding Grace Radio, pastor Wes Bredenhof shares a letter he wrote to a friend explaining how the five solas of the Protestant Reformation reveal the important theological differences between these two traditions, particularly concerning salvation, justification, and the authority of Scripture. Read it here →

7. Why Did Jesus Tell People Not to Bury Their Father or Say Goodbye to Their Family? (Luke 9)

Why would Jesus tell someone to leave the dead to bury their own dead or warn against looking back after putting a hand to the plow? Over at Crossway, New Testament scholar Thomas Schreiner explains these challenging statements in Luke 9 and what they teach us about the cost of discipleship and the surpassing importance of following Christ. Read it here →