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A La Carte (1/25)

A La Carte Collection cover image

My son is in 5th grade and says that he’s about the only boy in the class not allowed to play Call of Duty: Black Ops. According to Plugged In’s review, “Slo-mo bullet-time shots focus closely behind a flying slug as it skims across a field of battle and plunges into an opponent’s forehead, blowing his brains out the back of his head. In a thumbscrew interrogation scene a guy has glass stuffed in his mouth and we watch the bloody results as he’s repeatedly punched in the face.” The game is rated M for Mature. Ten years old sure isn’t mature enough for that kind of stuff!

Billy Graham’s Regret – “Billy Graham, the beloved evangelist known as ‘America’s pastor,’ says that looking back on his long life and public ministry, one thing he would do differently is to avoid the political entanglements that have been one of the rare blots on his otherwise hallowed legacy.”

Master Builder – This would be a great job. “Believe it or not, a few lucky Lego lovers are able to make a living snapping together bricks in various shapes and sizes at one of the four Legoland amusement parks around the world.”

Catholic vs Reformed – Wes Bredenhof is a far better correspondent than I am. In this letter to a friend he outlines the differences between Roman Catholic and Reformed theology.

They Ceased. Period – You know that interview with John MacArthur that everyone was upset about last week (the one where he spoke about Darren Patrick)? David says “I really thought MacArthur’s comments on the Pentecostal and charismatic movements would cause a ruckus somewhere, but, as far as I know, charismatic tongues have remained miraculously silent.” He transcribes what MacArthur says about the gifts.

Marriott Says No – New Marriott hotels will no longer offer adult movies in their rooms. Which is good. Unfortunately the reason they are doing this is not ethical; everyone brings their own computer to their room now and watches porn for free.

The Ikea Maze – One of those things you kind of know, but it’s still helpful to read about: “If you’ve ever found yourself hopelessly lost in an Ikea store, you were probably not alone. The home furnishing chain’s mazy layouts are a psychological weapon to part shoppers from their cash, an expert in store design claims.”

Things We Say Wrong – Fun with the language (HT:KD)

My complaint is not that I am in the world, but that the world is in me. I cannot get it out of my heart except as I let You in.

—John Baird

  • Authority

    How Men Can Use Their Authority Well

    There are few topics that have proven trickier to navigate than the topic of authority. We know we need authority to function as families, churches, and nations, yet there is something deep within our sinful humanity that causes us to rebel against it wherever it exists. We both want it and despise it. 

  • fri 3

    A La Carte (May 22)

    The ancient world had no word for child abuse / What I wish I had learned in theological college / Pray to the Lord of the harvest / What God is healing while not healing my health problems / Are you willing to show up? / Artificial preaching / Sales and deals / and more.

  • thurs 3

    A La Carte (May 21)

    One step becomes a three-day walk / Tolkien, foolishness, and the ordinary means of grace / The staggering beauty and burden of church life / Denominational health / Three truths to combat your news anxiety / Don’t do the Devil’s work for him / and more.

  • The Most Neglected Element of Worship

    The Most Neglected Element of Worship

    There are some elements of public worship that receive a great deal of attention. These elements are taught, practiced, rehearsed, and perfected until they are as good as they can be. In most churches, this includes the music, of course, and often the preaching. Why do these receive so much attention?

  • wed 3

    A La Carte (May 20)

    The pastor who refuses to back down / The missionary with Ebola / Why we don’t trust pastors / Rushing our quiet times / The other side of seminary / The remedy, the problem, and the church / Why we need to interpret the Bible / Kindle deals / and more.

  • tues 3

    A La Carte (May 19)

    The wrong lessons from the latest scandal / The blessing of being forgotten / If your chatbot offers prayer / Have tongues ceased? / Consider the small town / Thinking Christianly about complex topics / Book releases / and more.