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A La Carte (11/7)

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Influence and Truth – Erik Raymond has some good reflections on influence and truth. “On the one side folks want to limit their full affirmation and support of a teacher and ministry to those within their ‘tribe’ (referring to people just like them). Others, resisting this, build a big tent and welcome as many people in there as they can.”

Why You Judge “Prostitutes” – Heartbreaking. “One of the most common questions I get about sex-trafficking is, ‘But don’t some of the women in the sex industry choose that lifestyle?’ I know at that point the questioner’s knowledge of the sex-industry comes from Pretty Woman and other glamorized entertainment (including billboards & ads, no matter how air-brushed they are).”

Piper on Pastors’ Pay – One of the things I most admire about Piper is his handling of money and this interview covers some of that. (Though, of course, this is a matter of wisdom and preference, not the one and only way to do it).

Whatever Happened to Bible Study? – I actually think plain old Bible study is making a comeback, but I did appreciate the reminder in this article: There is a lot of value in simply studying God’s Word together (without a curriculum to follow).

Quote Graphics – Several people have asked me where they can find the graphics I am sharing day-by-day. You can find them all at my Pinterest account and are free to use or share them however you see fit.

How Long – I really enjoyed this song (from William Cowper) and the treatment by Wayfarer / Pacific Gold. You can get it on their sampler at NoiseTrade.

Watson

A man can no more extract blessedness out of sin than he can suck health out of poison.

—Thomas Watson

  • Finn

    I’m a Grandfather!

    Yesterday Abby and Nathan welcomed their first child into the world: Finnegan Safir Nicholas Elfarrah. Because they live just minutes away, Aileen and I were able to be there shortly after his birth to rejoice with them and to meet our first grandchild. We are thrilled beyond measure. And he is cute beyond belief. They…

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    A La Carte (November 20)

    A La Carte: Pray till you pray / Do children need to consent to puberty? / Pleading for Sodom / A thought experiment / 10 mistakes when reading the Bible / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (November 19)

    A La Carte: Good night, my son / The longing for justice following sexual assault / Daughter of encouragement / Mistakes I made as a theological student / The dangers of disordered love / Kindle deals / and more.

  • What Grieves the Heart of God

    What Grieves the Heart of God?

    What pleases God? What delights his heart? And what displeases God? What grieves his heart? If asked, I think most of us would assume that if we ever grieve the heart of God it will be through denying the gospel or committing a grave moral scandal. Or if we do so as a local church,…

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    A La Carte (November 18)

    A La Carte: When God does not need our service / How to forgive and move on / A devotional for depression / Can a speeding ticket change your heart? / Is it I, Lord? / Kindle deals / and more.