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A La Carte (4/28)

A La Carte Collection cover image

Is Pornography the New Tobacco?
Several things are trying to lay claim to the “new tobacco.” This author says it is pornography (and I’m inclined to believe). “Imagine a substance that is relatively new in the public square, but by now so ubiquitous in your society that a great many people find its presence unremarkable. Day in and day out, your own encounters with this substance, whether direct or indirect, are legion. Your exposure is so constant that it rarely even occurs to you to wonder what life might be like without it.”


You Are Here
A great little video that kicked off the Catalyst West Coast conference.


Snapshots of Religious Life
John Ortberg offers a series of snapshots of contemporary religious life.


D.A. Carson in Themelios
As always, Dr. Carson’s editorial in Themelios is well worth the read. “In blogs, journal essays, and books, there has been quite a lot written recently about what “the gospel” is. In the hands of some, the question of what “the gospel” is may be tied to the question of what “evangelicalism” is…”


To Be Changed
I always enjoy Monday with Mounce. This week he looks to his personal mission statements and the Greek that lies behind it. Every time I read his column I find myself wishing that I had paid more attention in Greek class!


Deal of the Day: Mother’s Day Deals
From The Ardent Sparrow (handcrafted jewelry) comes this offer: “Free Air Mail shipping on all orders over $30 (before shipping) when you mention challies.com in the ‘Message to Seller’ during checkout. Offer valid from Tuesday, April 28th to Friday, May 1st.” She crafts some great jewelry and I’m sure you can find something there for mom…


  • A La Carte (July 16)

    Gen-Z revival / Devotional material that hinders spiritual growth? / Does the day end in night / When you cannot sing, let the church sing for you / Three prayers for prodigal children / The ordinary and enduring gifts of the Spirit / and more.

  • Harder to Change

    I’m Finding It Harder to Change

    As 2026 began, I decided to change up my devotions. I have followed roughly the same pattern for the last 15 or 20 years and thought it would be nice to freshen things up a little bit. It went poorly.

  • A La Carte (July 15)

    Hell’s evangelistic appeal / Sleepless nights / Was the multiplication of the early church a miraculous movement? / When evangelism is dispiriting / The fiery darts / In praise of a sending church / Preparing for ministry / and more.

  • A La Carte (July 14)

    Should you marry her anyway? / Be sure your sin will find you out / How can we be ready to meet the Lord? / Aging is a series of relinquishments / Making the Christian life more complicated than it needs to be / Happy birthday to you! / Sales and deals / and more.

  • Virtuoso

    Everything I Might Have Been

    The world can feel unfair when we ponder all we might have been. But God sovereignly places each of us exactly where we can best serve and honor him.

  • A La Carte (July 13)

    Does the church need your worship song? / God’s plan for your prayers / Guard your women’s ministry against false teaching / When we despise ordinary help / Inspire others to be better Christians / Bowing our heads to the providence of God / Kindle deals / and more.