BCL Online Picks — January 15, 2026
Photo Credit: Douglas Bagg on Unsplash
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From false teaching and self-deception to miracles, online worship, and discernment, this week’s online picks highlight biblical truth and faithfulness in the Christian life.
1. The Antichrist
In this thoughtful Modern Reformation essay, theologian and author Kim Riddlebarger critiques the speculative frenzy that often surrounds discussions of the Antichrist and instead turns readers back to what Scripture actually says. Drawing primarily on the epistles of John, he shows that the “spirit of antichrist” was already present in the first century and is not merely a mysterious future figure. This piece helps Christians move beyond sensational theories to a biblically grounded understanding of the ongoing challenge of false teaching in the world. Read it here →
2. The Most Dangerous Kind of Self-Deception
Drawing on the preaching of Andrew Gray (1633–1653), a gifted young minister whose gospel ministry in Glasgow lasted only 27 months before his early death, this Reformation Scotland article warns of the spiritual danger of mistaking outward religion for true faith. Gray’s searching counsel calls readers to examine themselves by Scripture rather than sentiment, framing the issue through key questions that expose the subtle nature of self-deception. Read it here →
3. Gospel-Perverters Be Damned
In this blunt exposition of Galatians 1:1–10, pastor and author Campbell Markham underscores the gravity of Paul’s warning against distorting the gospel. Markham shows that adding to or reshaping Christ’s finished work is not a harmless error but a betrayal of the good news itself, calling readers back to the one true gospel with clarity and urgency. Read it here →
4. Images of Christ: A Coffeehouse Conversation With Harrison Perkins
In a warm, pastoral Q&A over coffee at Reformed Dogmatika, theologian Harrison Perkins reflects on why the Reformed tradition has historically been cautious about visual depictions of Christ. He explains that God has given his church specific means by which Christ is known—his Word and sacraments, not images shaped by human imagination—helping readers see that this concern flows not from legalism but from trust in how God has chosen to reveal himself. (Many thanks to The Heidelblog for bringing this article to our attention.) Read it here →
5. Does the Holy Spirit Work Miracles Today?
In this Core Christianity article, pastor Daniel Nealon explores one of the most debated questions in the modern church: whether the Holy Spirit still grants miraculous gifts such as healing and prophecy in the same way they appeared in Scripture. Nealon explains the purpose of miracles in the biblical era and why our confidence must rest on Christ and his Word rather than on alleged sign gifts. Read it here →
6. Why Attend Church When You Can Watch It in Your Pajamas?
In this Modern Reformation article, Elisabeth Bloechl reflects on the post-pandemic temptation to “do church” at home and asks why physical gathering still matters. She gently reminds readers that while technology can serve the church in times of need, nothing replaces the embodied, communal worship Christ calls his people to share. Read it here →
7. False Teachers Or Just Different?: John Calvin on “Charitable Judgment”
In this Gospel Coalition post, Wyatt Graham draws on John Calvin’s teaching on charitable judgment to help readers discern between genuine and false teachers without rushing to harsh condemnation. Graham calls Christians to temper doctrinal discernment with humility and love, recognizing that some differences are not sufficient grounds for presuming false teaching. Read it here →
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