Free Stuff Fridays (Westminster Conference on Preaching and Preachers)

This week the blog was sponsored by Westminster Conference on Preaching and Preachers. Westminster Theological Seminary and the Westminster Bookstore are giving away a ten-book bundle of some of our favorite preaching resources in honor of this year’s Westminster Conference on Preaching and Preachers, happening October 22nd and 23rd. This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ lectures on preaching and preachers given at Westminster Theological Seminary, the conference will focus on celebrating the legacy of …

The Care of Souls

Have you ever read an “if this is true…” book? An “if this is true…” book is one that challenges you so deeply that you realize that if what it’s saying is true, then you’ve got to make some major changes to your life. R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God is one of those books—many who read it suddenly realized they had never actually known God as he is, as the God who is three times holy. Nancy Pearcey’s Total …

A La Carte (August 23)

Today’s Kindle deals include a few little books that might interest you. Westminster Books has a deal on the new (and already-released) volumes in the ESV Expository Commentary series. It gives you a chance to get into the series while it’s still new! (And don’t forget about their other sale on Zondervan titles.) If I Share The Gospel, I Might Ruin Our Relationship Many people fear sharing the gospel with friends. “One of the main reasons why many people don’t …

A La Carte (August 22)

Today’s Kindle deals include titles by Joel and Mary Beeke (with whom I shared a delightful dinner just two days ago, as it happens). (Yesterday on the blog: The Sofa Salesperson Who Did Everything Wrong) How to Fall . . . Again Here’s Jared Wilson being wise again. “If you’re a restored church leader — or simply a church member walking in repentance after a fall — you may have some obvious boundaries in place to keep you from the …

The Sofa Salesperson Who Did Everything Wrong

What I wanted was a sofa. What I got was a tale of woe. As I stood in awkward silence, listening to her talk about everything but sofas, I realized she was illustrating a lesson I need to learn as much as she does. I mentioned a couple of days ago that I have been struggling with this ongoing medical issue and the pain that comes along with it. I do not intend to make this a regular theme on …

A La Carte (August 21)

At Westminster Books you’ll find a great sale on lots of hand-picked Zondervan resources. It includes a number of my books if you’ve been waiting for a sale! It was a joy to meet so many of you at Sing! 2019 and to hear such kind encouragement. I am heading home this morning, but leave blessed and encouraged. (Special thanks to the Averys.) If you’d like to watch the final morning of the conference, you can catch it on livestream. …

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A La Carte (August 20)

I am spending the day at Sing! 2019 in Nashville. If you happen to see me, feel free to say hello. I’ll also be making a few appearances on the free livestream if you’re watching from afar. Today’s Kindle deals include some titles that may be of interest. (Yesterday on the blog: These Have Been Good Days, But Hard Times) A Letter to My Daughter’s Birth Mother What a sweet letter! Why You Should Read More (and Less) Books Should you …

These Have Been Good Days, But Hard Times

Not so well, actually, though I’m truly grateful you asked. I’m not sure if it’s pride or privacy that usually compels me to say “Fine” or “Good” when asked that question, but today I’ll just level with you. “Not so good.” These have been hard days—or maybe better, hard times lived upon lots of good days. I don’t wish to make my life sound tragic. We are just wrapping up our summer, and we enjoyed some tremendous times as family. …

A La Carte (August 19)

Today’s Kindle deals include a nice collection of deals that spans several genres and publishers. Have at it! (Yesterday on the blog: On Preparing Your Hands for Church) I am a False Prophet Me too! “I am a false prophet. I am constantly predicting things that don’t come true.” There’s lots of insight on worrying here. Why In-N-Out Isn’t Coming to a City Near You (Video) I rather enjoyed this video on In-N-Out and why they’ve been so deliberate to …

On Preparing Your Hands for Church

Sometimes I almost prefer not to tell who I am quoting. Sometimes people see the name and either tune out altogether, or they respond so enthusiastically they fail to exercise due discernment. But in this case, this quote is so good and helpful that I wanted to share it with you. I will even tell you where it’s from, but read it first, and I will tell you at the end. I hope it provides you a suitable challenge as …

Weekend A La Carte (August 17)

Today’s Kindle deals include some newer books and some older ones—not bad for a Saturday! (Yesterday on the blog: The Power Over Christian Publishing We’ve Given To Amazon) Evidence of Biblical Story Found in Layers of Jerusalem Ash “The Bible describes King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon laying siege to Jerusalem and specifically burning down the temple, the palace and “all the great houses” (2 Kings 25:9). A group of archaeologists believe they’ve found one of those great houses and their discoveries …

The Power Over Christian Publishing We’ve Given To Amazon

A few days from now, or maybe a few months, or even a year, Amazon will pull a book from its site. One day it will be there available for purchase with all the rest, and the next it will be gone. One day people will be able to order it and have it shipped to their homes, and the next day it will have ceased to exist, at least as far as Amazon is concerned. This will inevitably be …

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Book Reviews

The Care of Souls

The Care of Souls

Harold Senkbeil

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A La Carte (August 16)

Today’s Kindle deals aren’t the lowest prices we’ve ever seen, but there are some really solid books there. (For another solid book, check out The Whole Armor of God, on sale at Westminster.) Have You Considered Trying Harder: The Theology of Rachel Hollis Anne Kennedy: “In the world of self-help, a genre to which Americans are peculiarly addicted, Rachel Hollis is suddenly ascendant — her diminutive figure bolstered in six-inch heels, her flawlessly high-lighted hair extensions framing her bright, inviting …

A La Carte (August 15)

Today’s Kindle deals include small but diverse collection of books you should check out. The recent deals from Westminster Books are focused on helping teens see life through three biblical lenses. (Yesterday on the blog: Missing Elements in Our Discussions about Apostasy) 3 Questions D.A. Carson Asks Potential Apostates I’ve read this before. I’m glad I read it again. “Those of us who have had the privilege of leading people to Christ have often observed how a few weeks later, …

Missing Elements in Our Discussions about Apostasy

For the past few weeks, apostasy has been a trending topic among Christians. Though the discussion has been spurred by the sad news of some well-known men revoking their Christian faith, the discussion is bringing about the positive effect of engaging a crucial but neglected subject. (Apostasy refers to people falling away from previously held Christian beliefs.) Much of this happened when I was on vacation and deliberately taking some time away from writing. This removed my opportunity to offer …

A La Carte (August 14)

Several of today’s Kindle deals aren’t objectively cheap, but they are actually a great value compared to their list prices. Take a look and see! Pastors in India: I saw information about this conference and wanted to recommend it to you. I know all the speakers, I believe, and have a ton of confidence in them. I’m sure it will be a blessing. One Question Every Church Planter Should Ask Kevin DeYoung shares one question every church planter really ought …

A La Carte (August 13)

Logos is having a back-to-school sale which sees all their base packages reduced by 20%—about the biggest discount I’ve seen them offer. They’re also offering discounts on some solid Crossway resources. (Yesterday on the blog: Why Satan Is No Friend of the Family) Hey Church: A Fallow Year Ain’t A Bad Idea I think there are many churches that would benefit tremendously by following this counsel. “A fallow year. A sabbatical for church not from church. Some white space in …

Why Satan Is No Friend of the Family

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve shared a few articles dealing with family from a Christian perspective. We have seen along the way that family plays a very important role in God’s plan for God’s world. He created the family so it’s his to define. And he created the family for two great reasons: to carry out his will and to picture his truth. Today I just want to add this to the mix: If family truly comes from …

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My Books

Do More Better Cover

Do More Better

by Tim Challies

I wrote this short, fast-paced, practical guide to productivity to share what I have learned about getting things done in today’s digital world. It will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God. Read More