BCL Online Picks — September 3, 2026

September 3, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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Explore how churches can protect the sheep from domineering pastors, whether people are basically good, why majority opinion does not determine truth, and more in this week’s online picks!

1. Protecting the Sheep from Domineering Pastors

How can gifted, hardworking church leaders become domineering—and what can churches do to protect the flock from abuses of authority? Over at byFaith, Steven J. Willing considers how pride and the lust to dominate can masquerade as faithful leadership and why humility, transparency, and genuine accountability are essential in Christ’s church. (Many thanks to The Heidelblog for bringing this article to our attention.) Read it here →

2. Are All People God’s Children?

In what sense is God the Father of all people, and who may rightly claim the privileges of being his children? Over at Tabletalk Magazine, pastor Robert M. Godfrey distinguishes God’s providential care for all humanity from the rich, redeeming love he gives to those adopted into his family through Jesus Christ. Read it here →

3. The Biggest Intellectual Struggle Christians Face at College Isn’t What You Think

Why can being surrounded by intelligent people who reject Christianity unsettle a student’s faith more than any particular argument against it? Over at Crossway, theologian Michael J. Kruger exposes the faulty assumption lurking behind this struggle and encourages Christian students not to mistake majority opinion for truth. (Many thanks to The Aquila Report for bringing this post to our attention.) Watch or read it here →

4. The Defeat of Deceit

Why do we condemn deceit in others yet remain so ready to practice it ourselves? Over at Modern Reformation, pastor and author Jonathan Landry Cruse traces the destructive power of falsehood from the serpent’s first lie to the false testimony against Jesus, showing how Christ’s resurrection triumphs over deceit and frees his people to become faithful witnesses to the truth. Read it here →

5. Are People Basically Good?

Why does it matter whether human beings are basically good or sinful by nature? Over at Core Christianity, Daniel Nealon explains the biblical doctrine of original sin and shows why recognizing the true depth of our condition is essential to understanding our need for a Savior and the goodness of the gospel. Read it here →

6. Defining Success

How should Christians measure success in an age captivated by celebrity, visibility, and impressive numbers? Over at Reformed Theology in Piety, Practice, and Preaching, theologian J. V. Fesko contrasts the world’s measures of achievement with Scripture’s emphasis on faithfully fulfilling God’s call and entrusting the results to him. Read it here →

7. Who Are the Sons of God in Genesis 6?

Were the mysterious “sons of God” in Genesis 6 descendants of Seth or fallen angels who left their proper dwelling? Over at The Gospel Coalition, theologian William F. Cook examines the biblical evidence for both major interpretations before explaining why he cautiously favors one over the other. Read it here →