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The Best of February

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I’ve been at this blogging thing for quite a long time now—a bit over 9 years. I’ve been at the daily blogging thing for almost as long. This means that I’ve got an extensive backlist of articles from years gone by. I thought it might be fun to pull out some of the articles I wrote in previous Februarys, stretching all the way back to 2004.

2011

Running the Race and Finishing the Race – This is a two-part biographical sketch of Eric Liddell that was based on an evening service message at my church.

A Short History of Communication – This article was a combination of writing on technology and preaching through Genesis 3. Because those things are so obviously similar…

2010

On Endorsements – I wrote this to answer questions people had about how book endorsements work. I should probably revisit this topic; when it comes to endorsements it’s usually helpful to understand that most of the blurbs you read were written without the person actually reading the book he’s commending.

2009

25 Stupendously Boring Things You Didn’t Want to Know About Me – I am an amazingly boring person, and I guess this post proves it. This was my response to a Facebook meme.

2008

Is Forgiveness Conditional or Unconditional? – The conditional or unconditional nature of forgiveness is always an interesting subject to discuss. This was my take on it a few years ago; I think it still summarizes my view.

2007

The Christian and Birth Control, Parts 1 and 2 – I think I probably wrote this one largely to sharpen my own thinking on the subject.

Defining Discernment – This was written almost a year before The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment released, which means I had probably just written something like this as a chapter in the book. I sometimes cheat like that.

2006

A Valentine’s Day Reflection – “Valentine’s Day may be a contrived holiday. There is no objective reason that I should celebrate love in a special way today rather than yesterday or tomorrow. But if this is a day where people celebrate love, should not I, as a grateful husband, celebrate my wife? Should I not model to my children a love, a passion, a joy in my wife? Should I not reflect today on my intoxication with her love? Should I not praise, honor and bless her for being just who she is: a precious, beautiful, excellent gift from God?”

Submission – Does It Precede the Fall? – Articles like this one have always surprised me in the venomous responses they generate (though many of those responses are on other blogs more than in the comments section). It all seems pretty straightforward to me and it took me some time to understand how other people could view the issue so differently.

2005

Total Depravity: The Great Equalizer – This was one of those articles that for some reason was really important in my spiritual development. (It also reflects my old and embarrassing habit of using the word “for” too often!)

2004

Unbelievers Must Be Stupid… – I sounded mad: “If I were to use the average church outreach program as a guide, I would have to assume that the average non-Christian is lazy, stupid, ignorant, unwilling to learn and suffering from attention deficit disorder. He has two kids that he loves but never spends any time with, leaving him racked with guilt. He is trying to hold a marriage together but his wife ranks a distant second to his career.”


  • The Most Pleasant Show on Television

    The Most Pleasant Show on Television

    I rarely review, recommend, or even mention movies and television programs. I rarely do so because I am aware that tastes vary and so too do family rules and personal consciences. Not only that, but I am not very adept at understanding the themes or messages in visual media and wouldn’t wish to inadvertently lead…

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    A La Carte (April 2)

    A La Carte: Our dance with distinction / You are not your theology / The challenges of motherhood / God hates sin / Random thoughts on preaching / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 1)

    A La Carte: John Piper evaluates Jordon Peterson / Church coffee / Disciplines to help your marriage / “Love is Blind” / A knife at her throat / So many Kindle deals / and more.

  • Anxiety and Surrender

    Combat Anxiety Through Surrender

    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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    A La Carte (March 31)

    A La Carte: “Adolescence” isn’t daring enough / Biblical literacy / I believe in miracles / Christian artists are not priests / The careful justice of hell / Gratitude / and more.