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A La Carte (July 31)

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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you today, my friends.

There are lots of good books coming our way this fall. Westminster Books has a Fall Pre-Order Sale going on that allows you to get them at a discount.

There are a few new Kindle deals today. You may also want to scroll down to the bottom of the page to look at the deals that have been valid through July and, hence, are coming to an end tonight. There are some interesting general market deals to consider as well, among them Cal Newport’s not-Christian but still helpful Deep Work.

10 Errors to Avoid When Talking About Sanctification and the Gospel

Kevin DeYoung lists and briefly explains 10 errors we need to carefully avoid when talking about sanctification and the gospel.

Bamboo Resilience: Christianity’s Explosive Growth in China

Writing for Desiring God, Joann Pittman offers a historical look at Christianity’s explosive growth in China. She also makes several observations about its particular strengths.

Free eBook by R.C. Sproul in 15 Languages

As the world watches Olympic athletes compete for gold, Ligonier Ministries is raising a question of eternal significance: Are you running the race of faith? A free ebook by R.C. Sproul hones in on this question and presents an accessible summary of the gospel. Download The Race of Faith and share this digital resource in 15 languages to start evangelistic conversations or encourage Christians in their faith. (Sponsored)

Faith More Precious Than Gold (Video)

Mission House has been releasing some excellent music. I think you’ll enjoy this new one titled “Faith More Precious Than Gold.”

The Hardest Part of Overcoming Addiction

Brad Hambrick: “There is nothing easy about overcoming an addiction. As we explore what would be the hardest part of this process, I want to be careful not to minimize other parts of the journey. But when you talk to people who were once slaves to substance abuse and are now experiencing significant freedom, a common refrain emerges when you ask: What was the hardest part of your journey?” It may not be what you think.

Star Wars, Star Trek, and Biblical Counseling

Bob Kellemen explains the three different “generations” of the modern biblical counseling movement and explains why it’s important for counselors to locate themselves within them.

No Repentance in Hell

“Have you ever wondered whether there will be repentance in hell? Should we imagine that those in hell will eventually cry out to God for salvation, only to have their cries rejected? Will they plead for his redemption, pledge themselves to him, and renounce their wickedness, only to have their desperate cries met with divine contempt?”

Flashback: Give Me a Faith Like His!

Joseph was a man of faith, a man who chose to believe God’s word and obey God’s direction, a man whose decision to accept Mary was also a decision to share her shame.

He that is more frequently in his pulpit to his people, than he is in his closet for his people, is but a sorry watchman.

—John Owen

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    A La Carte (November 21)

    A La Carte: Lessons from Trump’s and Harris’s social media campaigns / What is my spiritual gift? / The messages we receive / 10 mistakes I’ve made in preaching / Big Kindle and book sales / and more.

  • 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.

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    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,…