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A La Carte (7/12)

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We have planned a day at the beach today which means that it will largely involve a beach chair, a Kindle and a selection of cold beverages. And, of course, I’ll spend some time making sand castles with the kids. Sounds like the makings of a good day…

The Lure of the LED – This article discusses texting and how we now like to text whenever and wherever we are. It also looks at the psychology of it. Interesting stuff.

Hating Hell – Kevin DeYoung wonders whether it is okay for Christians to acknowledge the existence of hell, but to not like the doctrine. That’s a good question and he answers it well.

A New Nation Rises – A collection of photos from South Sudan. “The world has a new nation. The Republic of South Sudan officially seceded from Sudan on July 9, ending a 50-year struggle marked by decades of civil war.”

O For a Thousand Tongues – A new, free hymn from Redemption Hill music. Be sure to download the other 2 hymns they have made freely available.

Family Games that Avoid the Screen – Here is a roundup of some family board games, including information on how difficult and how fun they are.

Shannon Stone – Denny Burk writes a short tribute to the man who fell to his death at a recent baseball game.

Failure Is Not an Option – Collin Hansen discusses the value of failure and shows how our society is unwilling to let children fail. “Your kids will fail. This is both inevitable and also necessary. Apparently not many parents today want to hear this uncomfortable fact. And they certainly don’t want to implement it in how they discipline their children.”

He who prays as he ought will endeavour to live as he prays.

—John Owen

  • New-and-Notablenov

    New and Notable Christian Books for November 2025

    Though the year is coming to its end, it’s not over yet! That means publishers still have some books to release—books we would not wish to overlook before 2025 gives way to 2026. Here are some of the ones I consider especially noteworthy. In each case, I’ve included the editorial description to give you a…

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    A La Carte (November 26)

    A La Carte: The other side of human rights / Biblical literacy / A ramp out of the worry rut / The depressed Christian / Quick no, slow yes / Do you see eternity? / and more.

  • Support

    Would you Consider Supporting My Work?

    I have been blogging at Challies.com on a daily basis for well over 22 years now. That long commitment has allowed me to write thousands of articles and hundreds of book reviews while also sending millions of visitors to other sites through the daily A La Carte feature. While I’ve also written a number of books, through…

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    A La Carte (November 25)

    A La Carte: Are you still gospel-centered? / Christian liberty / Triumph in trouble / Being faithful in little things / How we choose songs / I’m not sabbatarian / and more.

  • Danger

    The Danger of Defensive Sanctification

    There is a certain kind of sober-mindedness that seems to come over Christians as they age. It can flow from many sources, I’m sure, but I think it often arises from a kind of fear—a fear that they may not finish their race without some kind of a major stumble. After living the Christian life…

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    A La Carte (November 24)

    A La Carte: A wonderful short film / Science confirms a literal, historical Adam and Eve / Go low, aim high / Stop brainstorming / Structured and spontaneous prayers / Kindle deals / and more.