BCL Online Picks — August 13, 2026

August 13, 2026/BCL/
Photo Credit: Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash

Photo Credit: Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash

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25 ways to be happy in marriage, warning signs of a cult-like church, guardian angels, children’s church, Paul’s thorn in the flesh, and more are featured in this week’s online picks!

1. 25 Ways to be Happy in Marriage

Over at Demotivations with Anne, blogger, author, and podcaster Anne Kennedy celebrates her 25th wedding anniversary with a thoughtful and practical list of 25 ways to be happy in marriage. Her “feast of advice” is sure to encourage anyone wanting to build a stronger, God-glorifying marriage. Read it here →

2. Is the Church I’m Going To “A Cult”?

What are the warning signs of a cult-like church? In this article for The Gospel Coalition Canada, pastor Paul Carter explores common misconceptions and offers a helpful framework for evaluating churches with biblical discernment. Read it here →

3. Mr. Thompson and the Vicar Invent Children’s Church

When did children’s church become so commonplace—and should it be? In this thought-provoking video from Lutheran Satire, pastor Hans Fiene invites Christians to reconsider whether separating children from the gathered worship of God’s people is a biblical practice or simply a modern tradition. Watch it here →

4. The Interests of Christ?

What does it mean to seek “the interests of Christ”? In this article for Feeding on Christ, pastor Nicholas Batzig reflects on Philippians 2 and explains how Paul calls gospel ministers to serve God’s people with humility and selflessness. Read it here →

5. Consequences

“Many have made a god in their image, a domesticated god who will not disturb or punish them. There is only one problem with such a view—it is unbiblical!” In this article for Modern Reformation, theologian Robert A. Peterson reminds us why recovering the Bible’s teaching on God’s wrath and Christ’s atoning work is essential for a right understanding of the gospel. Read it here →

6. What Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? In this brief video for Reformed Theological Seminary, New Testament scholar Zach Cole explains why Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly what it was—and why the lesson God intended is far more important than the answer. Watch it here →

7. Does Every Christian Have a Guardian Angel?

Does every Christian have a guardian angel? In this article for The Gospel Coalition, John Gilhooly examines what Scripture actually says about angels and reminds us that our confidence belongs in Christ—not in created beings. Read it here →