Slaves of Righteousness (Romans 6:18)

Here You go Dave

2008-02-21T20:27:00.001-07:00

So are you happy now?

(Especially since you may be the only one reading this?)

Oh, and if you're not Dave-see this and scroll down.

Or see this.

Presbyterian Paedobaptism and Roman Catholic Paedobaptism Part 1

2007-10-15T12:04:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time, in the comments of a post, a Roman Catholic asked me the difference between the Presbyterian and RC views on paedo-baptism (baptizing infants/children.) Both baptize infants. Are the views that different? Sometimes I see critiques of paedobaptism that only deal with one view, yet the writer acts as if they have vanquished all paedobaptists. There are four broad categories of paedobaptism I am aware of-Presbyterian/Reformed, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran. (Possibly Eastern Orthodox should be included as a separate category. I would include the Methodist view as a subset of the Anglican. Anglicans also have some differences among themselves.) These posts will only be dealing with the first two. I may address the others later.

These posts are also not intended as a defense for paedobaptism itself, nor are they intended as an examination of the credobaptist (Believer only) view. What they are intended to be is an overview of the differences between the Presbyterian/Reformed view and the Roman Catholic view. Undoubtedly, I may miss some of the finer nuances in doing this. So I welcome comments if anybody feels I miss anything, or misrepresent either view. If such comments are left I may interact with them in the comments section or in a new post. I may not interact with them here, but I will not ignore them. Which response I give will depend on the comments’ relevancy and on my time. Of course, it’s possible no comments will be left as well.

I will be presenting the two views primarily from the Roman Catholic Church’s most recent catechismCatechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). These documents are seen as having validity for Roman Catholicism and Presbyterianism. (If anybody wants to jump in with the Heidelberg Catechism, which is the Reformed denominations’ counterpart to the WCF, please go ahead.)

Both Roman Catholics and Presbyterians refer to baptism as a sacrament and a means of grace, but they mean different things by this. Using the same terminology can certainly lead to confusion. I have seen more than one Baptist assuming we mean the same thing, and so “disproving” the Presbyterian view. In Roman Catholicism baptism is a means of grace as it wipes the slate clean and provides the recipient with grace with which they can co-operate to gain merit. The Presbyterian view is tied to the idea that baptism is tied to God’s covenant with His people and the promises and blessings of that Covenant. It is a means of grace in that sense. Both these descriptions are only scratching the surface, but it does show there are distinct differences.

In the CCC sacraments are described this way-

1131 The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.

1132 The Church celebrates the sacraments as a priestly community structured by the baptismal priesthood and the priesthood of ordained ministers.

1133 The Holy Spirit prepares the faithful for the sacraments by the Word of God and the faith which welcomes that word in well-disposed hearts. Thus the sacraments strengthen faith and express it.

1134 The fruit of sacramental life is both personal and ecclesial. For every one of the faithful an the one hand, this fruit is life for God in Christ Jesus; for the Church, on the other, it is an increase in charity and in her mission of witness.

Chapter 27 of the WCF describes sacraments this way-

1. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ and His benefits; and to confirm our interest in Him: as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the world; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to His Word.

2. There is, in every sacrament, a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified: whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other.

3. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it: but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.

4. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.

5. The sacraments of the old testament in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the new.

While there is some similar language used, when you read these you see the different emphases of each. The corresponding sections on baptism show the differences more clearly. I'll take a look at those in part 2.

“Faith is rest, not toil.”

2007-10-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

Horatius Bonar wrote sermons, books, and hymns. He was gifted by God in these things. The blog, Of First Importance, consists of quotes from the writings of godly men of the past. They've posted this quote from Horatius Bonar--go check it out-
“Faith is rest, not toil.”

Book Recommendation-Discovering God’s Will by Sinclair Ferguson

2007-10-11T10:44:00.000-06:00

I don’t normally take a lot of notes when reading a book, but with this one I took a lot. The topic is an important one for believers. How can we know God’s will? Sinclair Ferguson puts forth the idea that God’s will is shaped by the big picture-God’s ultimate purposes for us and creation.

Early on he advises us, “In the first place, we need to recognise that we do not find God’s guidance for our lives by reading a book on guidance!” What he is trying to say is, there is no easy answer. He warns us, “There is no avoiding and no substitute for, the sometimes long, arduous experience of discovering the will of God in our own lives.” This does not deny absolutes, but is stated for any who may be looking for simple formulas to apply. “We learn about guidance primarily by learning about the Guide.” (italics in original.)

Once he introduces the topic, Ferguson starts to look at God’s ultimate purpose. He advises us that the idea God guides us implies God has laid down a path for us, our lives have purpose now, and destiny for the future. He then breaks these points down and looks at them biblically. In speaking of God’s purpose, Sinclair tells us, “There is, in fact, no more basic question for us to ask than this: Will this course of action tend to further the glory of God?” (italics in original) From here he digs into what it really means to imitate Jesus.

Then the book looks at guidelines. He warns us against the illusion that God’s will can be learned overnight. I have come across many believers who want just that—to know exactly and to know now. But it doesn’t work that way. So Ferguson looks to the Bible and tells us how three ways scripture provides us with what we need to know about God’s character and wisdom. He looks into scripture himself and gives examples. He also outlines how scripture helps us

After that come warnings about the heart, and our need to guard ours. Our motives may be suspect for starters. Ferguson addresses the conditions in the heart, particularly what we need to have.

The book continues in this vein through our lifestyles, conduct, calling marriage, and waiting. He addresses the reader who may have been hoping this book would tell would provide all the answers and do it now. What can that reader do now that it is apparent this is not a self-help book or a simple list of “what to do.”

I always seem to enjoy and profit from reading Sinclair Ferguson. He communicates clearly, and biblically. This is a breath of fresh air given a lot of what is written by contemporary authors. It is tempting to merely post a multi-part series summarizing this book, but instead I will recommend you get yourself a copy and devour it for yourself. I think you’ll learn more that way.

Discovering God's Will is published by Banner of Truth.

Coming Soon

2007-10-11T10:30:00.000-06:00

Once again I've been working on a post I mentioned long ago. I was asked in a comment about the difference between the Roman Catholic and Presbyterian/Reformed forms of paedo-baptism. I hope to post something on that next week. It's been through a few drafts in my head and a couple written down. Computer problems have hampered the progress of that, but Lord willing, you can read at least the start of it next week. It may not interest credo-baptists who may just retort, "They're both wrong!" but I would hope they could learn from it as well. So check back next week. I also have a couple of posts that should be up soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-10-08T12:52:00.000-06:00

Yes, Thanksgiving is in October--at least in Canada it is.
So Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers, and any American readers who want to save that until next month.

I love This Video

2007-09-25T21:27:00.000-06:00

This is a little bit of a departure for me, but watch this.

Prayer request--The story of the strategy for getting Baby Isabella Lafferty safely from her mother's womb

2007-09-18T18:05:00.000-06:00

I received this in an email from a reputable source.
It's a blog style prayer request and update.
I don't know what I can reaaly say that they don't say better-
Exit Strategy

A Practical Example on Baptismal Issues

2007-09-17T20:22:00.000-06:00

First, if you haven't done so already, read the posts on baptism below.
Then go read this. It's by a credobaptist, questioning Baptist practice on Church Membership. I'm going to checking back as well to see his follow up posts. Thanks to Dave at Rotundus for sharing it with me.

A Note on the Baptism Posts

2007-09-17T11:09:00.000-06:00

Just so nobody gets the wrong idea.

Recently I have posted here on baptism, and left comments on various blogs about baptism. In those comments I have tried to make it clear I consider Baptists my brothers and sisters in the Lord. As far as I can tell we do not teach a different gospel, nor do we worship a different Christ.

What my main concern has been is how we interact with each other in terms of fellowship. This then affects how we view and practice the Lord's Supper and church membership in addition to other areas of Christian life. From my perspective I understand why a Baptist holds to their beliefs and practices. But I see inconsistencies in that. If we are all brothers & sisters--why the barriers?

From their point of view I hold to inconsistencies, and some have pointed out to me we have a "two tiered membership." (For example-elders in a PCA church must hold to Presbyterian distinctives such as paedobaptism, but members do not need to-they only need a credible confession of faith.)

I have explained before that they are adding conditions not found in the Bible, by not admitting all believers into membership. Also a "two tiered membership" is Biblical as the Bible gives extra conditions and accountability to elders. (See
1 Tim 3:1-7 (& verses 8-13 speak of deacons);Titus 1:5-9; and James 3:1

James 3:1, while it doesn't mention elders, does speak about teachers-and in 1 Tim 3:2 elders are to be able to teach. The elders are responsible for the teaching in the church. (Although others may teach in some settings, the elders are still overseers of that teaching.) So when James writes, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" he is showing that those who teach have a higher level of accountability.

I am under no delusion that my posts will be turning all Baptists to my views, nor am I condemning them for holding those views. What I am saying is this: Even though we have some disagreements on important issues, we do agree on the essentials. That is we agree on what is needed for salvation. So let's act like that more often.

Book Recommendation #2-Willing to Believe by RC Sproul (A repost from 2005)

2007-09-17T10:59:00.000-06:00

Whether or not man has free will, and what free will means is often a fiercely debated topic in the church, and yet many do not know about the history of this debate, the development of various doctrines concerning it, or the implications of what they believe. Consequently they may hold to a faulty view they’ve never worked through or examined in Scripture. WILLING TO BELIEVE by R.C. Sproul is a wonderful historic survey focused on this debate. Starting with Pelagius and Augustine, (Both born in AD 354), and going up to Lewis Sperry Chafer, (Who died in 1952), he looks at major players on all sides of the debate, (And some who tried to straddle it). None of the ideas related here have totally died out, as each generation either builds on the past (For good or bad), or ignores the past and repeats its mistakes. Unfortunately some of the false views are common in the church today.

This debate is important and has consequences. As Sproul points out in the introduction, “How we understand the will of man touches heavily on our view of humanity and God’s character…Any view of the human will that destroys the biblical view of human responsibility is seriously defective. Any view of the human will that destroys the biblical view of God’s character is even worse.” The debate also involves how we view man’s depravity and God’s effectual grace.

We encounter Pelagius, Augustine, The Council of Ephesus (AD 431), John Cassian, The Synod of Orange (529), Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, and Lewis Sperry Chafer. Sproul tracks history for us, both good and bad.

Sproul concludes by pointing out the close connection between one’s view of the fall, regeneration, and free will. They all affect each other. He praises God, who is salvation. Sproul’s approach and the historical context make it easy to follow.
It lets you sort things out for yourself.

Willing to Believe is published by Baker Book House & is 224 pages.
(Originally posted Septemebr 21, 2005)

LOTW September 17, 2007

2007-09-17T10:37:00.000-06:00

Well I'm back with a new "Links of the Whenever", formerly "Links of the Week"

First--since our congregation is using John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" as a basis for Christian Education, here's a link to the book online. If you don't have a copy of your own-check it out here. It's at the CCEL website, which has many classic Christian writings, there for your perusal and study. It's an excellent resource for Christians.

And on the silly side, here's a fun fan site for the 1960's Batman TV show. Just for fun.

A Baptist Proves that Baptism is not by Immersion; well sort of

2007-09-01T13:03:00.000-06:00

This is no ways meant to actually prove anything. But it was amusing, and has a point to think about.
A Baptist Proves that Baptism is not by Immersion; well sort of.

Interesting Quote from an Interesting Book on Baptism

2007-09-01T12:38:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading the book, The Waters that Divide, by Donald Bridges and David Phypers. Bridge, a Baptist minister in England, and Phypers, and Anglican wrote this book together. They didn't do it in a debate style, but co-wrote it. They presented both sides. While the paedo-baptist position ion this book is more geared to the Anglican view, it does try to cover other paedo-baptist views. (Unfortunately this book seems to be out of print.)

While the Biblical reasons are the most important reasons, their section on hostory is quite interesting and informative. The John Owen quote I provided in the post below this one isn't from this book, but I found it after trying to verify the context of a quote they use from Owen. In fact they compare Owen with Bunyan. And they come out quite similar, despite Bunyan being claimed by Baptists. This is not referred to to "prove" paedobaptism. The chapter is more in relationship to how paedobaptists and credobaptists interact and fellowship. And that is currently an active issue on the internet and in some churches.

Two of the later chapters are titled "Problems for Paedobaptists" and "Problems for Baptists." These chapters are not about problems with either view, but are about problems those with either view could face. The paedobaptist chapter does concern Anglicans more, but contained these words I found quite illuminating. After discussing how there are churches that will baptize any infant that is requested (which they both disagree with-as do I) and lament how baptisms are often done before, after or otherwise separate from the main Sunday service, they write:

If baptism is the means of entry into the church, then it should take place in the presence of the church congregation, not merely on church premises. If paedobaptism involves obligations for the church then as many church members as possible must attend baptisms that they might be aware of the obligations involved in receiving new members into fellowship. If paedobaptism is to mean anything at all to those who are baptized it must constantly nbe dispalyed before them, and its significance explained as they grow in the life of the church, but as long as baptism remains a hole-in-a-corner affair this can never be.

(Bridges, Donald & David Phypers, The Waters that Divide, Inter-Varsity Press, 1977, p. 155)

Good stuff to think about, and part of the reason I am glad our congregation has baptisms during the service and we remind the congregation of the responsibilities and we are reminded of our own baptisms--no matter what age we were baptised at.

(And if you can get a copy of the book, check it out.)

John Owen-"Grounds and reasons of nonconformity" and Baptism

2007-08-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

There has been a renewed interest on some blogs about how baptism affects fellowship, church membership and communion. Here are some links (which will also link to other comments as well):
John Piper
Wayne Grudem comments posted on another blog (with permission.)
Baptizoblogodebate Roundup
Ligon Duncan joins in

Just do a search for "john piper paedobaptist membership" and you'll get plenty. Now not all the discussion is Piper and Grudem.

A while back Bethlehem Baptist (Where Piper is the pastor) did consider allowing Paedobaptists-This is Worldmagblog's first mention of it. Eventually it was rejected, but it did receive lots of debate. (I searched Bethlehem Baptist's site and Piper's Desiring God for references, but found none.

The Presbyterian Church in America, of which I am a member, teaches and practices paedobaptism. We also allow Baptists who don't hold to it to be members. For the most part I believe a Baptist would be allowed to take communion in a PCA church.

The main reason for this, as far as I understand it, is so that we are not adding conditions to these that Scripture does not add. As baptism does not secure salvation, it is not an essential in that sense. We are not to bind people's consciences with what is not explicitly commanded in Scripture. (Yes, baptism is commanded in the Bible, but it is nowhere said to be necessary for salvation. There are those who hold to baptism being essential, but they do so by inference, and that is a separate issue. Here I am referring to Baptists who do not hold to baptismal regeneration.)

Which brings me to John Owen.
In his work, Discourse concerning Evangelical Love, Church Peace, and Unity he does speak of these things. In fact at the time he was involved in addressing these issues, and he had marvelous insight that I believe we should listen to today. Here's Chapter V, the most relevant chapter in the work. I give you that link for context of this statement by Owen, to which I say, "Amen."

...for in his worship we are forbidden to add to the things that he hath appointed no less than to pretend commands from him which he hath not given. He, therefore, who professeth and pleadeth his willingness to observe and do in church-communion whatever Christ hath instituted and commanded cannot regularly be refused the communion of any church, under any pretence of his refusal to do other things which confessedly are not so required.

Best and Worst of Slaves of Righteousness

2007-08-22T11:02:00.000-06:00

I don't totally ignore when people tag me, but I ususally answer in the comments section. Sometimes I don't respond, because it doesn't fit in with why I blog. But anyway, that's about to end as I respond to the tag by Jeremy at Doxoblogy. He's posted Best and Worst of the Doxoblogist.

So here's my version.
My Worst Post: I'm not sure--possibly this one, where I mention the PCA General Asembly, but don't really mention the big issue at GA. It could one of the ones where I offer excuses why I haven't blogged for awhile. (Other than the ones after I was in the hospital.)
You decide.

My Best Post: While it only garnered 2 comments online (and my response to those comments), it was linked to by those who didn't comment. I also received comments on it in person from people who read it. It seemed to get a very positive response-I called it God's Providence - He is Good! It was based on my health crisis last fall, and how God figured into it--and He is good!

My Changed His Mind post: Hmm, tricky one--I did remove one post because I changed my mond the next day once I had new information. It didn't receive any comments. I don't remember what it was about though. If I do change my mind on anything, and have blogged about it--I will either edit that post or write a new one.

My most comments post: This post on Ephesians 2:1-7 received 40 comments. Most of them were not about the passage or the post, but rather a debate with an evolutionist. Others jumped in and helped.

Who do I tag with this? Anyone who reads this on at least a weekly basis. You know who you are...

Blogs I've Read Recently

2007-07-18T09:59:00.000-06:00

I was going to post another book review, but the disk I have them saved on isn't working, so I'll work on that and try to get a new review up soon. But in the meantime here's a list of links to blogs I've recently read and would like to share.

Clint Humfrey on "A Short, But Telling Article on the Atonement."

Albert Mohler agrres with me-This is on the Vatican document saying Protestants churches aren't churches.

Paul Tripp's been going through Psalm 51--here's the lastest-
Broken Bones.

Charles Biggs gives this history of Augustine & Pelagius on the Reformation Theology blog.

Kim Riddlebarger posts about a proposed cigar tax on the Riddleblog.

Scott on Rotundus tells us The answer to life, the universe and everything IS actually 42

Unsaved Family (A Repost from September 19, 2005)

2007-07-18T09:55:00.000-06:00

This is a tough one. We can spend so much time proclaiming, defending, and even living the truth, but when our families-whether parents, siblings, children, or extended-don't believe it can be heart breaking.
They're often the people it's hardest to witness to. They see us at our worst, and most of them knew us when we were unsaved.

I must confess a sense of jealousy for those who grew up in Christian homes. This is not a complaint against my parents. They did well. It's not a complaint against God. I've seen reasons why I did not grow up in that setting.

But I see the closeness Christian families have on a level non-Christians can never experience. I see the blessings. And so I desire to create that sort of environment for the future.

I pray for my unsaved family. I pray I will model God's grace for them, they do know I've changed, but it's not always easy. Sometimes believing the Gospel creates conflict--as Christ said it would. (Matthew 10:33-35)
In my extended family there is more acceptance now than when I first believed, but there can still be tension. There still can be conflict.

Part of the reason I post this is asking for advice or comments, from anybody who can relate to it. Part of the reason is to hopefully encourage those who can relate to it.

Thanks.

(I did receive comments on this when it was first posted, and thanks to those who left them.)

Woody Allen interviews Billy Graham?

2007-07-14T16:40:00.000-06:00

This was posted by James Swan on the Beggars All blog.

I'll link you to his blog to go watch this--it's kind of bizarre on several levels.
I wonder if an interview of this sort could be done today...

Woody Allen interviews Billy Graham

One True Church?

2007-07-11T21:16:00.000-06:00

Pope Benedict seems "paper happy" these days. I saw a couple of newspaper articles about this one today:
"Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church." (This is a link to the Vatican website.)

Here are a couple of links to news stories about the paper.
Vatican re-asserts belief Catholicism one true church
Catholic Church only true church, Vatican says

One of the articles I read in the paper spoke about how this would rile Protestants. (I couldn't find any links to those articles.) And I saw similar contents on a Catholic discussion board.

Personally, I'm not riled. Why should I be? I do disagree with Benedict, but he is the pope, after all. Why would anybody be surprised by this? If anything this statement helps to clarify a line of demarcation between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. There are signifcant and essential differences between Catholic & many Protestant doctrines of salvation and the church, as well as issues of authority. I don't believe the Roman Catholic Church (as an organization) is a true church.

Too many people seem to forget that we can disagree without anger. But I'm not surprised some people don't like this, especially those who think all roads lead to God (or a god or gods.) There are also those who seek an outward unity at the expense of the truth.

I might expand upon this in future posts.

Another Reason to Love Books

2007-07-09T20:59:00.000-06:00

As if I needed another reason, now there's a report that states our literacy skills aren't set after school, but actually decline starting about age 25.

Literacy skills fall as we age.

Now it's only about one grades worth, but still that could make a difference. This part made me think I should be okay-"The reading people do at work helps, but not nearly as much as reading a variety of materials for pleasure at home."

Sounds like me.

I should stop though before it sounds like bragging, and I get prideful.

Let this be another encouragement and reason to read.

(And here's a related link-Literacy Statistics. Now go do some more reading.)

You might be a Pelagian if....

2007-07-05T20:09:00.000-06:00

This is an amusing, and interesting list in the latest issue of Modern Reformation.

It made me think, and it is commentary on the Church today.

It's by Shane Rosenthal, and you can read it here.

Book Recommendation-Spiritual Warfare & satan’s schemes by Rev Darrin Lauder

2007-07-03T17:57:00.000-06:00

There it was, a small book sticking out among the others in the spiritual warfare section. Some were books that blamed everything on demons and told how to get deliverance. Some told how to address the demons, while others saw demons under every rock, and around every corner. This one looked to Christ and His Word.

In his first book, Darrin Lauder uses a devotional approach presenting 31 meditations on spiritual warfare. It’s an easily accessible book that is practical and biblical. I like the approach as it allows Rev Lauder to target several areas and aspects of true biblical warfare. And while he urges us no tot be ignorant of the devil’s schemes, (2 Cor 2:11) he points us to Christ in every chapter.

This book grasps the reality of God’s sovereignty and our responsibility. The Lord is our strength, and we fight the battle in His power. He helps us to persevere. Yet we can not ignore the situations where we may stumble and fall. This is every day Christian living, not dramatic demon hunting. It may not seem as dramatic, but following Christ has its own drama.

I do know of people who minister in cultures where demons are given undue attention. They do encounter more dramatic situations than most of us do. I am glad I do not have the encounters they do, but the devil’s schemes are no less dangerous in my life. They may be more so in some ways as they can be much more subtle.

Reading this book I was reminded of C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters. In that book he points out the devil’s two main schemes are get us to ignore him or even deny he exists, or to go the other way and obsess about him. Unfortunately much of the Church does one or the other. But this book presents a good balance-we are not ignorant of his schemes, but we focus on Christ, and go to Him.

One of the chapters I enjoyed the most was one on perseverance through pain. (Those who were reading this blog in November and onwards know, at least in general that I lived through that.) While he wrote this book before I experienced my pain, Rev Lauder wrote words I could relate to so well. With the Lord’s grace I made it through.

I also enjoyed the chapter on James 4:7. That is a wonderful verse that sums up how to deal the devil. Submit to God and resist the devil. Of course if we submit to God we will resist evil and sin. Unfortunately we don’t always submit.

I certainly recommend this book. You could use it as a devotional, as a starting point for study-individually or in a group, or just read it as any other book. But digest the words and go to the Word and pray. And yes, the author is an old friend of mine, but it is encouraging to see growth in him from many years ago, and to see familiar patterns in his writing.

You can find the book online, and there’s more info at his church website.

I Call That a Bargain

2007-07-02T12:01:00.001-06:00

You don't see deals like this every day!

Links of the Whenever

2007-07-02T11:37:00.000-06:00

For those who came in late-this used to be "Links of the Week".
However due to time constraints I wasn't always able to post these weekly. Even when I posted weekly or more often than weekly I sometimes left them out, so LOTW changed from Links of the Week to Links of the Whenever--as in whenever I post them.
So on with the show.

First--Hipster Calvin-
This is from a blog that hasn't been added to for a while. But it is humourous, so I'm posting it here. It's by a guy nmaed Sean McCausland. Sean is a member of a sister church-Woodgreen Presbyterian Church. This was done as an ad promoting the church library.
Hipster Calvin
There are others he's done posted here.

I don't know if Sean ever checks these for comments--but drop by & check it out.
Sean also has other stuff online--including Church in the Lurch, which I link to under blog links, and study notes on Romans and one on Mark (Which I can not find the link to right now.)

Next--I previously linked to a similar site that had helmets for all sorts of football teams. This one was inspired by the earlier one, and he presents some different leagues and themes.
Helmets, Helmets, Helmets