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A La Carte (December 3)

monday

Today’s Kindle deals include some excellent books. Be sure to check the deals from the past couple of days as well. We’re spoiled!

Remember that Westminster Books currently has all their ESV Bibles at 50% off.

(Yesterday on the blog: Would You Consider Supporting Me As a Patron?) – The link to do so was initially AWOL yesterday, so for those wondering about that, it has returned.

John MacArthur and Ben Shapiro

Pastor John MacArthur joined Ben Shapiro to discuss “the intersection of the Bible and politics, the proper role of government, and the similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity.” And, of course, MacArthur got to the gospel again and again.

Are You Attracted to Your Wife or Objectifying Her?

There are some good and helpful distinctions here about being attracted to your wife (or husband) without objectifying her (or him).

When Should You Not Take Communion?

This is good. “Contrary to some assumptions, the Lord’s Table is not for everyone. It is a blessed sacrament, like baptism, given to the church as a sign of God’s faithfulness to His promises and an assurance in the heart of the one to whom the promises are given. With this in mind, we should understand that there are at least two groups of people who should be discouraged from partaking at the Lord’s Table, namely, the unconverted and the unrepentant.”

Ring of Roman Governor Who Crucified Jesus Found Near Bethlehem

“The name of the man who ordered Jesus crucified and ran his trial, the ancient infamous Roman governor of Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate, has been deciphered on a bronze ring found in excavations at the site of Herodion near the West Bank’s Bethlehem, some 50 years ago.” It’s fun when stuff like this turns up.

The Truth About Vinyl – Vinyl vs. Digital (Video)

Here’s why vinyl isn’t actually any better than digital, despite the insistence of the purists.

She is My Mamá – Pope Francis and Mary

Leonardo De Chirico, an Italian expert on Catholicism, has a great review of a book that explores Pope Francis’s Marian spirituality. “From childood to adulthood, from Argentina to the Vatican, from piety to theology, in his daily spiritual practices and devotions, Marianism is perhaps the most significant factor shaping the Pope’s life.”

Chinese Scientist Claims First Gene-Edited Babies

Joe Carter has one of his FAQs about the Chinese scientist who claims to have been involved in creating the world’s first gene-edited babies.

Flashback: No, I Won’t Pray For You

“I am going to pray for you once, but I will not pray for you every day. I will not pray for you for six months.” I explained that I have my own church to care for, and that I need to pray for those people.

We don’t just need a perspective or a strategy. We need a Savior, right here, right now.

—David Powlison

  • Sermon Introduction

    Three Levels of Sermon Introduction

    Though every sermon necessarily needs a beginning, it does not necessarily need a formal introduction. Though it has to begin somewhere, there is no rule that it must begin with some kind of story or illustration. A preacher can jump straight into his text if he so desires. Some do.

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    A La Carte (April 4)

    A LA Carte: Causes of division in the church / Union with Christians / The 1%-er rhetoric / Pray or sleep? / Distinguishing shame from guilt / Many more Kindle deals / and so on.

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    A La Carte (April 3)

    A La Carte: Never too late to learn how to pray / Walking with those who weep / Rethinking the role of pastor’s wife / What does the Bible mean when it teaches wives to submit? / Does God want some to go to hell? / Kindle deals / and more.

  • The Most Pleasant Show on Television

    The Most Pleasant Show on Television

    I rarely review, recommend, or even mention movies and television programs. I rarely do so because I am aware that tastes vary and so too do family rules and personal consciences. Not only that, but I am not very adept at understanding the themes or messages in visual media and wouldn’t wish to inadvertently lead…

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    A La Carte (April 2)

    A La Carte: Our dance with distinction / You are not your theology / The challenges of motherhood / God hates sin / Random thoughts on preaching / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 1)

    A La Carte: John Piper evaluates Jordon Peterson / Church coffee / Disciplines to help your marriage / “Love is Blind” / A knife at her throat / So many Kindle deals / and more.