BCL Online Picks — July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026/BCL/
Photo Credit: Corri Seizinger / iStock.com

Photo Credit: Corri Seizinger / iStock.com

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America’s Christian heritage, rightly ordered patriotism, why some sermons fizzle instead of sizzle, the unpardonable sin, and more are featured in this week’s online picks!

1. Celebrating America’s Christian Heritage—and a Closer Look at Its Founding

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, how much did Christianity actually shape the nation’s founding? In this Alabama Baptist article, pastor Adam Dooley offers a thoughtful look at the founders’ beliefs, the biblical ideas that influenced America’s understanding of liberty, and why moral virtue remains essential to a free society. Read it here →

2. Rightly Ordered Patriotism

How can Christians love their country without confusing patriotism with devotion to Christ? In this Modern Reformation article, church historian John D. Wilsey explains what it means to rightly order our loves, celebrating our nation’s blessings while remembering that our highest allegiance belongs to God’s kingdom. Read it here →

3. Should We Celebrate the Fourth of July at Church?

Should churches celebrate Independence Day during Sunday worship? In this Gospel Coalition article, Jonathan Leeman argues that while Christians should thank God for their country, the church’s gathered worship should highlight our shared citizenship in heaven rather than our national identity. Read it here →

4. When the Sermon Fizzles Instead of Sizzles

Have you ever walked away from a sermon feeling disappointed? In this Challies.com article, pastor and author Tim Challies offers a surprising perspective, suggesting that weak preaching may sometimes reflect not only a pastor’s preparation but also a congregation’s lack of prayer for the preaching of God’s Word. Read it here →

5. What Is the Unpardonable Sin?

Have you ever worried that you’ve committed the unpardonable sin? In this For the Gospel article, pastor Costi Hinn explains what Jesus meant by blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, clears up common misconceptions, and offers hope to those who fear they may be beyond God’s forgiveness. Read it here →

6. We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us (Part 1)

Is the greatest threat to the church really the culture around us—or the sin within us? In this first installment of a Heidelblog series, theologian R. Scott Clark argues that while Christians should be concerned about society’s moral decline, Scripture repeatedly directs our attention to our own hearts and our need for God’s grace. Read it here →

7. Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

Does God promise never to give us more than we can handle? In this Crossway article, pastor Keith Krell explains why that familiar saying misses the point of Scripture and how God uses overwhelming trials to teach us to depend on his strength rather than our own. Read it here →