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A La Carte (September 8)

thursday

I have returned from the Getty Music Sing! Conference and am back at my desk. My book launch session went very well, for which I’m grateful. It was recorded and I’m hoping to be able to share it with you very soon.

Today’s Kindle deals include an excellent new one by Ray Ortlund.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Few Handfuls for Weary Little Listeners)

The Stars Still Shine In The Daytime

“All night long we can see the stars shining down on us, but have you ever considered the fact that they also shine down on us all day?” There’s something to learn from this.

When You’re Not at Home

“We shouldn’t find ourselves at home in this world. After all, Jesus didn’t come in order to blend in with a world gone awry by sin. He came to overcome it. Living in light of that, the church is to be different, set apart, distinct — the church is to be holy in a hostile place.”

Why Does Paul Tell the Church to Deliver Someone to Satan?

Here is Andy Naselli’s take on what I consider one of the scariest verses in the Bible.

Save Time: Stop Doing Word Studies

“Word studies are a favorite tool of Biblical exegetes, but usually aren’t worth the time.” That’s an unusual take, but one that is worth considering, I think.

The results are up to the Lord

“We all know that the results in ministry aren’t up to us. You do know that, right? My working theory is that enough of us didn’t know this, or acted as though we didn’t know this, that the Lord brought covid to us so that he could show us in no uncertain terms how little he needs us.”

Should a Christian Bet on Sports?

I’m not convinced that there is quite as much leeway on this issue, but I do appreciate the authors’ explanation of the dangers and shortcomings of sports betting—especially since it has become such a major emphasis for advertisers in Canada.

Flashback: What’s the Purpose of … Marriage?

The highest purpose of marriage is to display to the world the sacrificial love of Christ for his bride, the church.

The lives of ministers oftentimes convince more strongly than their words; their tongues may persuade, but their lives command.

—Thomas Brooks

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (April 26)

    A La Carte: Every pinch of pain has purpose / China closed Christian bookstores / Watch for the thing after the thing / For everything there is a time / Showers of blessing / What Pope Francis can teach us about preaching / and more.

  • What Makes You Beautiful

    What Makes You Beautiful

    I have often thought of a conversation that took place when my girls were little. Abby was perhaps 5 or 6 at the time and Michaela just working her way through the “terrible twos” (which for our kids always happened when they were three or four). A stranger saw me interacting with them one day…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 25)

    A La Carte: John Piper and ChatGPT / Who’s praying for your wife and kids? / When your dreams include sin / Are you called to ministry? / Our feet shall tread this place again / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 24)

    A La Carte: He cares for us / Will the pope to go heaven? / An easy Christian faith / The good we cannot see / Chickens, elephants, and freedom / When we skip the prophets / Kindle and book deals / and more.

  • Francis

    Did Francis Prove To Be “The Humble Pope?”

    Francis’ time as pope has come to an end and already many are attempting to define his legacy. Was he a reformer? Was he a progressive? Was he an apostate? Perspectives are wildly varied with some honoring him as the greatest pope of modern times and some dishonoring him as a disgrace to the office.