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A La Carte (September 3)

thursday

I’ve been hearing good things about Paul Tripp’s new book Lead. It’s on sale this week at Westminster Books. Some of his other titles are discounted as well.

There’s quite a good list of Kindle deals today that spans a few different genres. (Also, if you’re shopping for school supplies, they’ve got sales on them today.)

(Yesterday on the blog: When Unanimity is the Enemy of Unity)

Thinking in Public with Albert Mohler — A Conversation with James Lindsay

I recently reviewed and recommended the book Cynical Theories by James Lindsay and Helen Pluckrose. In this new edition of Thinking in Public (the first ever video edition!) Dr. Mohler has a discussion with Lindsay. Highly recommended!

Academics Are Really, Really Worried About Their Freedom

This Atlantic article by John McWhorter seems to nicely complement that edition of Thinking in Public. “Our national reckoning on race has brought to the fore a loose but committed assemblage of people given to the idea that social justice must be pursued via attempts to banish from the public sphere, as much as possible, all opinions that they interpret as insufficiently opposed to power differentials.”

A Biographical Sketch of Michael A.G. Haykin

I really enjoyed this biographical sketch of Dr. Michael Haykin, a man who has been a blessing to me personally as well as to my church, not to mention to the wider Christian world.

When Is It Right For A Christian To Disobey The Government? (Video)

Here’s Ligon Duncan answering a question that is on everyone’s mind: When is it right for a Christian to disobey the government?

I Need Endurance

Cindy Matson explains how the pandemic has taught her her need of endurance. “My hope cannot be in getting back to my ‘comfort zone.’ Even if I find it momentarily, it will disappoint; for, as 2020 has shown us, everything we consider normal or happy or safe in our own little kingdoms can be shaken. When I take the easy way out, I settle for a shakeable kingdom. Only when I endure do I hold out for the ultimate reward.”

The Erfurt Latrine Disaster

Here’s a bizarre and messy little bit of history. “Deaths are always unfortunate and even more so if they occur as a result of an accident. But sometimes there are incidents that have particularly humiliating characteristics and probably among the worst recorded in history is the incident that occurred in Erfurt in the middle of the Middle Ages, when dozens of members of the court of Henry VI perished when the floor of the building where they were standing collapsed.”

Special Needs: Five Triggers of Discouragement

Donna writes for and about those who care for people with special needs.

Flashback: Have We Finally Hit Peak Attractional?

I feel sorry for the pastor who knows that to keep his congregation, he has to keep coming up with bigger and more shocking ideas. He knows that as soon as the fun stops or the place down the street offers something better, the seats will empty, the budget will decline, the church will collapse. It must be exhausting.

God will be the strength of our hearts; He will join His forces with us. Either He will make His hand lighter, or our faith stronger.

—Thomas Watson

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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.

  • 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…

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    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.