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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

  • A Moving Picture of the Gospel

    A Moving Picture of the Gospel

    As we gather on Sundays, we preach the Bible, read the Bible, pray the Bible, and sing the Bible. But that is not all, for we also “see” the Bible. Here’s how Mark Dever expresses it: “The ordinances are the dramatic presentations of the gospel. They are the moving pictures that represent the spiritual realities…

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    Weekend A La Carte (December 13)

    A La Carte: No one drifts into godlIness / Your subscriptions are holding you captive / Fighting sexual temptation / An orderly case for raising hands in worship / Kirk Cameron and remodeling hell / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (Harvest House Publishers)

    This week, the blog and this giveaway are sponsored by Harvest House Publishers. Meet 52 Unsung Heroes Throughout history, the stories of brave Black believers and their remarkable contributions to the Christian faith and our nation have too often gone overlooked. Passionate writer and educator Jasmine L. Holmes brings 52 notable Black Christians’ stories to life…

  • Top Ten

    My Top Ten Books from 2025 (+ a Bonus)

    As another year draws to a close, I wanted to take some time to consider the books I read in 2025 and to assemble a list of my top picks. Apart from the first book, which I consider the best I read this year, the rest are in no particular order. In each case I’ve…

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    A La Carte (December 12)

    A La Carte: How to fight your phone idolatry / The weakness of God / Strong and fearless faith / Loving aging parents well / Changed by love / and more.

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    A La Carte (December 11)

    A La Carte: Gift giving in an age of abundance / Canada’s Bill C-9 / In memory of Jubilant Sykes / Motherhood is a refining fire / A gentle pastor isn’t a weak pastor / When God’s plans leave us distressed / and more.