BCL Online Picks — February 19, 2026

February 19, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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This week’s online picks from around the web explore what it really means to “love and accept” like Jesus, AI “spirituality,” the danger of a subtle messiah complex, and more!

1. Praying in the Name of Christ

As believers we can grow so accustomed to ending our prayers with “in Jesus’ name” that we forget what those words truly mean. Over at Monergism, eighteenth-century Scottish theologian Thomas Boston invites readers to rediscover the power and privilege of praying in the name of Christ. He reminds us that this is not a mere closing phrase, but a bold appeal grounded in the finished work of our Savior. Read it here →

2. AI and Silicon Valley’s “Spirituality Without Religion”

According to theologian Michael S. Horton, “As Augustine showed in his age, ‘spirituality without religion’ really means ‘paganism without Christianity.’” Over at Modern Reformation, Horton takes a closer look at the almost religious language surrounding artificial intelligence. He shows how many in the tech world speak about progress, consciousness, and human destiny in ways that sound spiritual—but without the God of the Bible. Echoing insights from Augustine of Hippo, Horton argues that this isn’t something new at all, but rather very old pagan ideas dressed up in modern clothing. It’s a timely reminder that while technology advances rapidly, the human heart remains the same. (Many thanks to the Heidelblog for bringing this article to our attention!) Read it here →

3. Reformed and Amillennial: Five Reasons to Embrace Amillennialism

What exactly is amillennialism—and why do so many in the Reformed tradition hold to it? Over at Reformed Dogmatika, Anthony Faggiano offers five clear reasons for understanding the “thousand years” of Revelation 20 as symbolic of Christ’s present reign rather than a future earthly millennium. The piece walks readers through how this view fits the Bible’s already/not yet pattern and keeps the focus on Christ’s finished work and promised return. It’s a helpful, readable introduction for anyone trying to sort through end-times questions. Read it here →

4. Messiah Complex

When does faithful pastoral care drift into a subtle “messiah complex”? In a recent blog post, theologian J. V. Fesko reflects both on the temptation for pastors to carry more than they were meant to bear and on the tendency for congregations to expect more than any minister can give. It’s a brief but pointed reminder that only Christ is the true Savior of his church. Read it here →

5. What to Say When Challenged to “Love and Accept” Like Jesus

When challenged to “love and accept” like Jesus, Greg Koukl at Stand to Reason explains why biblical love doesn’t mean affirming every belief or behavior. He shows that Jesus calls us to love others while remaining faithful to God’s truth. This short piece offers clarity and confidence for Christians navigating difficult cultural conversations. (Many thanks to The Aquila Report for bringing this article to our attention!) Read it here →

6. What Is Original Sin?

Every Christian should understand what original sin means and how it affects both unbelievers and believers. Over at Core Christianity, pastor Antonio Coppola breaks down this foundational Christian doctrine in everyday language, showing how all humanity shares in Adam’s fall and why we desperately need Christ’s saving work. Read it here →

7. Why Is It Important to Affirm Both the Deity and Humanity of Christ?

In this brief video over at Tabletalk Magazine, Westminster Seminary California president Joel E. Kim reminds us why affirming that Jesus is both truly God and truly human matters. He explains that maintaining both natures safeguards the truth of the atonement, for only a true God-man could live perfectly and die effectively for our sins. This clear, Christ-centered message helps anchor our understanding of salvation in Scripture’s teaching. Read it here →