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A La Carte (April 1)

monday

I’m at The Gospel Coalition conference for the next couple of days, so if you see me meandering around, please do feel free to say hello.

Today’s Kindle deals include all sorts of good stuff. Logos users will want to check out the free and nearly-free books for the month.

How to Repent of Slander in a Digital Age

“With one slanderous blogpost or tweet, we can destroy someone’s reputation in the eyes of thousands—all within a few hours. And because we do it from the privacy of our home, any reproof from the community comes too late. Once the bell of slander has been rung, it cannot be unheard. Some people will never look at the slandered person in the same way. The acid of slander has permanently marred them.”

Why Smartphones Are Making Us Dumber (and What We Can Do about It)

This one gets a little more reasonable as it goes. “Smartphones are making us unbelievably, mind-numbingly, aggressively dumb. Not merely dumb. Also lonely, depressive, narcissistic, compulsive, and cynical. But for the purposes of this brief article, dumb. Smartphones are making us into lumpen half-wits.”

Jordan Peterson at Liberty and A Cry For Help

What a fascinating report from an event at Liberty. “At the end, Nasser asks Peterson how they can pray for him. Peterson chokes up again and says that we could pray he won’t pay an undue price for the mistakes he will inevitably make as he tries to move forward. Nasser puts an encouraging arm around the weary noble pagan.”

Insomnia- His Strength in My Weakness

As one who battles insomnia, I can identify with these questions. “Doesn’t God give to his beloved sleep? Why has this become a routine trial for me?”

Because There’s No Gospel All Day

I enjoyed this reflection. “Opening your Bible every morning before work or school or reading it every evening before bed may feel like a humdrum practice at times. Does it really matter? Am I really benefitting from studying these old words again and again? Do I need to memorize them? Is meditating on the words of God really worth giving up rest or leisure to make time for it?”

Church History and My Life (Video)

What level of importance should church history have in my walk as a Christian? Sinclair Ferguson gives his answer.

Calvin’s Failed Missionaries Were Just the First Wave in Brazil

Here’s a long and interesting article about the growing Reformed movement in Brazil.

Flashback: Learning For Forever

I need to read God’s Word to live a life that is pleasing to God. But I also need to read God’s Word to know the God I will enjoy for eternity. What I learn about God is not just for this life. What I know of God is not only for now. It is for forever.

The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.

—Martin Luther

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    A La Carte (May 20)

    A La Carte: The foibles and fallibility of Christian leaders / Mental illness / Why didn’t Christ come sooner? / When it’s okay to die / Spiritual formation / and more.

  • Unlock Your Ministry Potential with Microcredentials

    Are you looking for accessible faith-based resources that can help you serve your church community with confidence? Check out Redeemer University’s online church leadership microcredentials—available anytime, anywhere. #Sponsored

  • Discernment

    What Does a Discerning Person Do?

    Some Christians seem to be specially gifted when it comes to spiritual discernment. Others take a special interest in discernment and expend the hard effort of growing in the discipline of it. But they may sometimes wonder: What should I do with this discernment?

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    A La Carte (May 19)

    A La Carte: Dangers of theological controversy / No confidence? No problem! / The goodness of gardening friends / Jeff the low stakes prophet / Hurting people / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Prayer

    The Reward They Longed for They Received

    Jesus, who knew what was in the heart of men, warned of the hypocrisy of those whose prayer life is only ever public. “When you pray,” he said, “you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (May 17)

    A La Carte: Generalizations are not stereotypes / Hospitality and reaching the dechurched / Essential lessons for pastors / The rise of Islam and the resilience of the church / Gossip and godly church / Fear takes you where grace has not yet gone / and more.