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A La Carte (July 9)

tuesday

Today’s Kindle deals include a pretty good list that spans several authors and several publishers.

(Yesterday on the blog: God, Greed, and the Prosperity Gospel)—the book is available today.

Why We Should Stop ‘Sharing the Gospel’

(Update: page went missing for some reason)

Please don’t send me an angry email until you read past the headline. “What started as a subtle change in terminology results in a massive shift for our whole ethos of evangelism. And now, I fear, some Christians may no longer even have a category for proclaiming good news, especially when others are apathetic or antagonistic toward the message.”

Companions for the Journey

My friend Peter Bogert has begun a blog aimed at younger pastors. In this article he encourages young pastors to find a companion for the journey.

Christian Family Details Crackdown on Church in China

AP reports on Early Rain Covenant Church: “The Sunday service this week at an unassuming church in Taiwan was especially moving for one man. It was the first time Liao Qiang had worshipped publicly since authorities shut down his church in China seven months ago.”

Amazon Sold $240K of ‘Liturgy of the Ordinary’ Fakes, Publisher Says

Christianity Today tells how Amazon sold $240k worth of fake copies of a Christian book. (That’s $250k retail, of which the author’s share might have been $30,000 or $40,000).

Americans Vastly Overestimate LGBT Population

Facts & Trends reports on an important study. “According to the estimates of U.S. adults, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are gay or lesbian. In reality, the number is much closer to 1 in 20.”

The Westminster Statement on Biblical Sexuality

I found this rather interesting. A PCA pastor went back to the historic confessions and catechisms (which is a large part of what it means to be confessional) to ask what they might say about issues related to same-sex attraction. “I thought it would be helpful to look at the clarity of the Westminster Standards, specifically as to what our standards have to say about sexual ethics and the ordering of sexual desires.”

Life after the Death of a Son: What I have Learned about God’s Calling

Simonetta Carr: “God does have a wonderful plan: his overarching plan of salvation of a fallen world through Jesus Christ. In fact, this is the unifying message of the Bible. Where our individual life and specific circumstances fit in this plan is really not important (in spite of our egotistic attempts to believe otherwise). What’s important—and amazing—is where we fit in Christ as members of his kingdom and part of his story.”

Flashback: Use the Rod, Lose the Child?

We know God expects us to discipline our children and we know he expects us to obey our rulers. So what do we do when those two come into conflict?

If we could hear all that is said of us, it would not flatter us much.

—John Newton

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    Life is intimidating at times. Sometimes it’s intimidating, sometimes it’s scary, and sometimes it’s downright terrifying. As we gaze into a future that is uncertain or frightening, our natural tendency is to pursue comfort through control. If we can only gain control over the situation, then we can ward off what frightens us and usher…

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    Weekend A La Carte (March 29)

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