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A La Carte (December 5)

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If you’re into audiobooks, Audible (which is associated with Amazon) has all of their titles discounted, many up to 85% if you purchase them rather than use a subscription credit. So, for example, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot is 85% off while that great new biography of David Livingstone is 56% off, as is the new biography of Corrie Ten Boom. And it’s not just biographies, of course. Basically, just search for a book and click on the audiobook edition to see the sale price.

Today’s Kindle deals include one about the church and one about Jesus. There are lots of great general market deals as well today.

(Yesterday on the blog: You’re Exactly As Holy As You Want To Be)

The Transition to Ambivalent World

Seth Troutt may be on to something here. “Aaron Renn’s Negative World thesis makes sense of the secularization we’ve seen in America through three stages: Positive World (pre-1994), where being a Christian was an asset; Neutral World (1994–2014), where Christians were generally well-tolerated; and Negative World (2015–present), where following Jesus was seen as a liability. … From my vantage point, Negative World is already disintegrating and giving rise to a fourth epoch: Ambivalent World.”

How Long, O LORD?

Chris expresses the longing of every Christian heart and does it from the perspective of a career in cancer treatment. “If we needed only one sign that everything is not right with our world, this one will do it: Children are supposed to be playing and laughing and wanting to grow up to be astronauts, not struggling with chemo. Why are children born with birth defects? Why do they die in car accidents? Why do they drown?”

The Fun of Fighting Phantoms

Trevin Wax: “Because I care about the health and vibrancy of the church, and because I want to see a more just and righteous society, I can’t help but be discouraged when I see believers expending more and more energy in opposing and battling the people with whom they share closest alignment than they do making real and enduring strides toward cultural change. I call it ‘fighting phantoms.’”

Six Questions Our Children Have That Demand Answers

This is a helpful explanation of some of the big questions parents need to answer as they raise their children.

8 Proofs That the Bible Is One Story

Here are eight proofs that the Bible is one story. (And on a somewhat related note, here is how Jesus is in every book of the Old Testament.)

Is God Calling Me to Obscurity or Influence?

“Asking whether God is calling me to a life of obscurity or influence focuses on something largely out of my control. This question positions the spotlight not on the work itself or on the God who gave me this work, but on other people’s responses to my work.”

Flashback: Much Will Be Required

…while we may have learned what they professed to believe in days of sunshine, we have learned what they really believe in days of rain. And it has been a blessing and inspiration to us all.

By definition we cannot “qualify” for grace in any way, by any means, or through any action.

—Sinclair Ferguson

  • Francis

    Did Francis Prove To Be “The Humble Pope?”

    Francis’ time as pope has come to an end and already many are attempting to define his legacy. Was he a reformer? Was he a progressive? Was he an apostate? Perspectives are wildly varied with some honoring him as the greatest pope of modern times and some dishonoring him as a disgrace to the office.

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    A La Carte (April 23)

    A La Carte: How to begin a conversation with a dechurched friend / Machen was right / The truth of Christ’s resurrection / When grief becomes sin / Nope to the media’s ideal for a new pope / Book sale / and more.

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    A La Carte (April 22)

    A La Carte: Pope Francis / Yes, Jesus was crucified with nails / The mystery of “the call” / Just a little bit / The last of the four / John outran Peter / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Will You Be a Pillar?

    How do we lead in a culture shaped by performance, individualism, and platform? Platforms to Pillars by cultural commentator Mark Sayers offers a biblical alternative to the platform mentality that dominates our society. Drawing from the ancient world, Sayers challenges Christians to become pillars—people who provide strength and support for others, who live with character…

  • The Tallest Trees

    The Winds Blow Hardest Against the Tallest Trees

    Through the weekend had many questions about Christian leaders who fall. And I expressed that just as the winds blow hardest against the tallest trees, so temptations may press hardest against the leaders who rise the highest. Just as floods press against shallow roots, so seductive desires rise up against those whose fall would bring…

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    A La Carte (April 21)

    A La Carte: Toxic servant leadership / Taking our stress to the Lord / The problem with habits / Is it wrong for Christians to choose cremation? / Why does your church meet in a house? / Big book and Kindle deals / and more.