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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

  • Water Glass

    The Deepest Thirst of All

    The God who created us formed us in such a way that we are not meant to exist apart from him. To live apart from God is the spiritual equivalent of trying to live without food and water. It will lead only to weakness, pain, and death.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (February 28)

    A La Carte: How marriage actually refers to Christ and the church / Does it matter if stories are true? / To cover or overlook? / Should Christians feel guilty for being patriotic / Sinful desires / and more.

  • New and Notable Christian Books for February 2026

    New and Notable Christian Books for February 2026

    Not a single month goes by without Christian publishers providing us with great new resources. Thankfully, most of those new books end up in my mailbox. That allows me to sort through them and distil them down to a list like this one: A list of new and notables.

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (February 27)

    A La Carte: Time / More than a book / If you knew him, you would ask / The multitasking myth / Beware AI-generated Christian content / It’s sad that you believe that / and more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (February 26)

    A La Carte: Death with dignity / On “balance” and young men / No need to fear / A gospel reset for the weary Christian / A shy guy’s guide to big groups / Book and Kindle deals / and more.

  • Substacks I Read and Recommend in 2026

    30 Christian Substacks I Read and Recommend in 2026

    t is a blessing to have so many dedicated and talented Christian writers who are willing to share their work with us. Many of them choose to share it through Substack, a platform for email newsletters. I follow all kinds of Substacks and thought it might be helpful to create a roundup of some of…