BCL Online Picks — June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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Christian unity on a World Cup field, lessons learned from motherhood, the dangers of spiritual pride, what makes a faithful pastor, and more are included in this week’s online picks!

1. German Soccer Players Pray with Curacao Opponents after World Cup Win: “Jesus is glorified”

What happened after Germany’s decisive World Cup victory over Curacao? Ryan Foley at The Christian Post shares how players from both teams gathered on the field to pray together, with German midfielder Felix Nmecha explaining that while they are opponents during the match, they are brothers in Christ afterward. Read it here →

2. Seven Things I Wish I Had Known About Motherhood

Parenthood changes far more than your schedule. In this candid Substack article, Elisabeth Stone shares seven lessons she wishes she had known before becoming a parent, including why presence matters more than productivity and why forming character matters more than keeping children happy. Read it here →

3. The Return of Enthusiasm in Modern Evangelicalism: Recovering the Spirit Through the Means of Grace

Can the pursuit of extraordinary spiritual experiences actually foster spiritual pride? In this Paramount Church article, pastor John Fonville warns that Christians can begin looking down on those who emphasize Scripture, doctrine, and the ordinary means of grace, creating a false divide between “spiritual” believers and those accused of having mere head knowledge. (Many thanks to the Heidelblog for bringing this article to our attention.) Read it here →

4. Pastoral Ministry Is About More Than Just the Sermon

Can a gifted preacher still be a poor pastor? Drawing on an illustration from the world of soccer at Building Jerusalem, English pastor Stephen Kneale argues that while preaching is essential, faithful pastoral ministry requires much more than skill in the pulpit. (Many thanks to The Aquila Report for bringing this article to our attention.) Read it here →

5. Motives To Secret Prayer

What keeps us from spending time alone with God in prayer? Over at Monergism, eighteenth-century Scottish pastor and theologian Thomas Boston addresses common excuses for neglecting secret prayer and offers practical encouragement for developing a more faithful prayer life. Read it here →

6. Judah And Tamar And The Seed Of The Woman (Part Two)

The story of Judah and Tamar is filled with sin, deception, and scandal. In this second installment from the Heidelblog, Barry Waugh explains how God worked through these events to preserve the promised Seed and advance his plan of redemption. Read it here →

7. Don’t Forget To Smile

Could forgetting to smile unintentionally send the wrong message? In this thoughtful blog post, theologian J. V. Fesko encourages Christians to let the joy of the gospel shine through in their interactions with others. Read it here →