BCL Online Picks — April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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Read about the fundamental divide between Protestants and Catholics, God’s presence amid fear, shepherding a tender conscience, Christian unity amid disagreement, courageous love, and more in this week’s online picks!

1. Is Sola Scriptura Biblical? Exploring the Fundamental Divide Between Protestants and Catholics

Is the doctrine of sola Scriptura truly biblical, or is it a later Protestant invention? In this Clearly Reformed article, pastor and theologian Kevin DeYoung explores the fundamental divide between Protestants and Roman Catholics, offering five reasons the Bible supports sola Scriptura and addressing four of the most common objections. With clarity and conviction, DeYoung helps readers see why this doctrine remains essential for the church today. Read it here →

2. Why Being Alone Is So Deadly

Why can being alone feel so dangerous? In this Crossway article, pastor David Gibson draws on John Calvin to show that “I will fear no evil” doesn’t deny fear but transforms it. With pastoral insight, he reminds us that even in our loneliest moments, Christ’s presence is our comfort, teaching us to cast ourselves on God’s protection even while trembling. Read it here →

3. Covenant Theology and the Contours of the Christian Life

We’re the first to admit the above title is a bit academic, but this gem of an post gets right to the heart of questions we all ask about God and our relationship to him. In this New Horizons article, theologian Harrison Perkins shows how covenant theology answers our longing for assurance, grounding our confidence in God’s nearness to his people. With clarity and pastoral warmth, Perkins helps us see how God meets us in his promises so that we may know we belong to him. (Many thanks to The Heidelblog for bringing this article to our attention!) Read it here →

4. 5 Things You Should Know About the Apostle Peter

What can we learn from Peter, the apostle known for his boldness, his failures, and his restoration? In this Ligonier Ministries article, theologian Matthew A. Dudreck highlights five key lessons from the apostle’s life, showing how God uses imperfect people for his purposes. With clarity and encouragement, he reminds us that Peter’s story is ultimately, like every Christian’s, a story of grace. Read it here →

5. Pastoring the Scrupulous Conscience

When does a tender conscience become a troubled one? In this 9Marks article, pastor Michael Lawrence offers wise and careful counsel for shepherding those who struggle with scrupulosity. With pastoral sensitivity, he helps us distinguish between healthy conviction and paralyzing doubt, pointing us to the freeing assurance found in Christ. (Many thanks to The Aquila Report for bringing this article to our attention!) Read it here →

6. Does the World Notice When Christians Fight with One Another?

Do our conflicts as Christians go unnoticed by the watching world? In this Canon Fodder article, theologian Michael J. Kruger reflects on how our divisions can shape the church’s witness. With clarity and pastoral concern, he urges believers not to shy away from contending for the truth of the Christian faith while also remembering how humility, unity, and love commend the gospel we profess. Read it here →

7. When Love Takes You by the Shoulders

What does real Christian love look like when it has the courage to confront? In this Desiring God article, Jon Bloom reflects on the kind of love that risks wounding in order to bring healing, echoing Proverbs’ wisdom that faithful are the wounds of a friend. With pastoral clarity, he shows how such love flows from loving God first, leading us to pursue one another’s good with honesty, humility, and grace. Read it here →