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A La Carte (March 18)

wednesday

One thing I attempt to emphasize in these daily A La Carte articles is variety—a variety of authors and a variety of subjects. The variety of subjects has been a challenge lately since, for good reason, we are flooded with articles on COVID-19. So bear with me as I share some of them (and a few on other topics as well).

The Kindle deals just don’t stop, and there’s another big collection today. (Plus, you can get a free one from Crossway.)

Logos users, you should vote for the next round of March Madness and look at the many deals so far.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Family Update in Strange Times)

What Hasn’t Changed During a Global Pandemic

Erik Raymond reminds us that, amidst all the change, some things remain fixed. (See also How to Get Through This Stronger Than Ever, The History of Pandemics Infographic, and Trusting God to Provide During a Financial Crisis. Meanwhile, The Workers Who Face the Greatest Coronavirus Risk may help direct your prayers.)

Safe

You may enjoy this poem by Paul Tripp.

What Is Successful Evangelism?

Perhaps you get awkward or silent when an opportunity to share the gospel emerges, or you feel like you don’t live a good enough life to tell people about a good God. Maybe you don’t want to lose a job or friendships. But following Christ means loving those who don’t follow Jesus, and that love includes sharing the gospel. (SPONSORED LINK)

The Comfort of Justification by Faith Alone

Here’s some of what John Owen taught about the all-important doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Social Distancing and Gathered Worship

Jeremy Walker has been doing some thinking about the tension between social distancing and gathered worship. (For what it’s worth, we are currently taking a different approach since Toronto is now under a state of emergency and worship gatherings are forbidden.)

No Meat or Potatoes, But the Candy Aisle is Full

Writing at his blog, Trevin Wax makes an interesting observation: “The contrast between the meat section and the candy aisle reminded me of an important truth: In a time of suffering or crisis, people go for what they need most, not what they like most.

CCM Backbeat: 5 Songs of Comfort

Doug Eaton went back in CCM history to find some songs of comfort from Steven Curtis Chapman, Andrew Peterson, and others.

The Payneful Truth

Tony Payne (of The Trellis and the Vine fame) has begun a new weekly podcast and newsletter. I’ve been enjoying it so far!

Flashback: Look! Look To Your Baptism!

There is one point where we ought to fix our gaze in troubling circumstances. We will be both challenged and encouraged, if only we will look—if only we will look to our baptism.

God calls your brothers and sisters to weep with you, but that can only happen if you will allow others to walk with you in your sorrow.

—Colin Smith

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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,…