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A La Carte (November 1)

thursday

Today’s Kindle deals include all kinds of great books. It’s a great way to start off a new month.

Christian Audio’s free book of the month is Foxe’s Book of Martyrs read by Nadia May. There’s a selection of other classics for sale, including Nadia May’s wonderful reading of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

(Yesterday on the blog: Window on the World)

Does Pornography Use Ever Justify Church Discipline?

“At what point, if ever, does a persistent pattern of pornography warrant church discipline?” That’s the important question asked and answered in this article by 9Marks.

Mothers, Teach Your Sons

Yes to this! “My son needs to see that the woman who taught him everything from clapping his hands to long division is going to be mom enough to teach him the hard stuff, too. To address what the world will try to plague him with in no time at all. To describe to him in detail how the world’s way is so dramatically different from God’s way, and to commit to being his place to run when temptations overwhelm him.”

I’m Living Proof That The Lord Is Close To The Brokenhearted

“Why do I still want to follow Jesus? Is it because of my moxie and grit? Uhh, no. If you know me, you know that I’m the least ‘moxie and grit’ person out there. It’s pretty simple actually. I still love Jesus because the Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”

Semper Reformanda Doesn’t Mean ‘Always Morphing’

This one is a day late, but right on-point. “On this Reformation Day, we must be reminded again that semper reformandadoes not mean ‘always morphing.’ It does not mean that the faith is ever changing, progressing into something better. In many respects, to be always reforming is to be always returning to the gospel.”

US missionary Charles Wesco shot dead in Cameroon

“A US missionary has been killed in Cameroon about two weeks after moving there with his wife and eight children.” What a sad story.

The History of the English Standard Version (Video)

Here’s a neat little video that covers the history of the ESV. The ESV has been a huge gift to the church (and will be for many years).

The Very Heart of the Reformation

Here’s R.C. Sproul on the Reformation: “The Roman Catholic view is known as analytical justification. This means that God will declare a person just only when, under His perfect analysis, He finds that he is just, that righteousness is inherent in him. The person cannot have that righteousness without faith, without grace, and without the assistance of Christ. Nevertheless, in the final analysis, true righteousness must be present in the soul of a person before God will ever declare him just.”

Flashback: 6 Marks of a Faithful Ministry

The pastor’s ministry is a pure ministry that cares about souls, not self. The pastor who loves your money hates your soul.

Where there is no visible fruit of sanctification, we may be sure there is no election.

—J.C. Ryle

  • 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…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    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.

  • Expectations

    Why We Ask So Little of God

    Most Christians expect little from God, ask little, and therefore receive little, and are content with little. Though the Bible calls us to pray and though it promises that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working,” we can still have very modest expectations of what God will accomplish through…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (April 19)

    A La Carte: Why man needs God / Why nails matter / Kids’ picture books / MLK’s famous letter changed a DC church / How to mentor / A tearless eternity / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (TGBC)

    This weeks Free Stuff Friday is sponsored by The Good Book Company. They are giving away a bundle of their best-selling Good Book Guides that are designed to guide your head and your heart through God’s word. Each Good Book Guide includes a concise leader’s guide in the back.  The Bundle includes: Giveaway Rules: You…