BCL Online Picks — November 12, 2026

November 12, 2026/BCL/
Photo Credit: Image by Amy Showalter / Snapwire

Photo Credit: Image by Amy Showalter / Snapwire

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Explore whether the early church practiced socialism, ten ways to raise respectful children, why Christians must never separate love from truth, and more in this week’s online picks!

1. Does the Book of Acts Teach Socialism? (Acts 2)

Does Acts 2 teach that Christians should sell their possessions and share everything in common? In this article from Crossway, Southern Seminary professor Brian J. Vickers explains why the early church’s example doesn’t prescribe socialism but does call believers to extraordinary generosity and concern for others. Read it here →

2. Ten Ways to Raise Tolerable Children

What does a Christmas advertisement reveal about our culture’s approach to raising children? Anne Kennedy examines the irony of an advertisement intended to celebrate family togetherness that instead portrays demanding and disrespectful children, parents seemingly unwilling to correct them, and a grandmother who must resort to extravagant entertainment to win her grandchildren’s affection. Kennedy offers ten practical ways to raise children who are a blessing to their families and others. Read it here →

3. Christianity Under the Progressive Gaze

Can Christians become so concerned about being perceived as loving that they become reluctant to uphold biblical truth? Drawing on 2 John and J. Gresham Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism, pastor Kyle Borg examines the growing cultural acceptance of progressive Christianity and reminds believers that genuine Christian love must always be grounded in God’s Word. Read it here →

4. The Westminster Confession’s Shortest Chapter Reveals the Warmth of Its Theology

Adoption is one of the most beautiful expressions of love and belonging. Reformed Theological Seminary president D. Blair Smith explores the Westminster Confession’s shortest chapter, showing how it captures the extraordinary privilege and comfort of becoming God’s children through Jesus Christ. Read it here →

5. Report Warns Persecution in Africa Worsened as Conflict and Abductions Increased in Nigeria

As Christians go about their daily lives in relative peace and safety, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering terribly for their faith. Christian Daily reports on worsening persecution, violence, and displacement across parts of Africa, particularly Nigeria. Read it here →

6. Marriage as Blessing: What the Data Reveal About God’s Good Design (Part 1)

How do divorce rates for regular church attenders compare with those who rarely go to church, and what does recent research reveal about the benefits of marriage? Writing for The Heidelblog, Sean Morris examines findings about marriage, happiness, financial stability, and divorce, considering how these observations align with Scripture’s teaching that marriage is a good gift from God. Read it here →

7. A Child’s Prayer

What does it look like to approach our heavenly Father with childlike faith? In this simple yet beautiful prayer, theologian Chad Van Dixhoorn reminds us to depend on God’s strength, love others, resist temptation, and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Read it here →