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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

  • Will You Be a Pillar?

    How do we lead in a culture shaped by performance, individualism, and platform? Platforms to Pillars by cultural commentator Mark Sayers offers a biblical alternative to the platform mentality that dominates our society. Drawing from the ancient world, Sayers challenges Christians to become pillars—people who provide strength and support for others, who live with character…

  • The Tallest Trees

    The Winds Blow Hardest Against the Tallest Trees

    Through the weekend had many questions about Christian leaders who fall. And I expressed that just as the winds blow hardest against the tallest trees, so temptations may press hardest against the leaders who rise the highest. Just as floods press against shallow roots, so seductive desires rise up against those whose fall would bring…

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    A La Carte (April 21)

    A La Carte: Toxic servant leadership / Taking our stress to the Lord / The problem with habits / Is it wrong for Christians to choose cremation? / Why does your church meet in a house? / Big book and Kindle deals / and more.

  • Expectations

    Why We Ask So Little of God

    Most Christians expect little from God, ask little, and therefore receive little, and are content with little. Though the Bible calls us to pray and though it promises that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working,” we can still have very modest expectations of what God will accomplish through…

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    Weekend A La Carte (April 19)

    A La Carte: Why man needs God / Why nails matter / Kids’ picture books / MLK’s famous letter changed a DC church / How to mentor / A tearless eternity / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (TGBC)

    This weeks Free Stuff Friday is sponsored by The Good Book Company. They are giving away a bundle of their best-selling Good Book Guides that are designed to guide your head and your heart through God’s word. Each Good Book Guide includes a concise leader’s guide in the back.  The Bundle includes: Giveaway Rules: You…