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A La Carte (April 11)

wednesday

Today’s Kindle deals include more deals than I’ve ever seen on a single day. So many, in fact, I’ve made a dedicated page for all of them.

Westminster Books has a big deal on John Piper’s newest book.

(Yesterday on the blog: What Made Paul Washer’s “Shocking Message” So Very Shocking?)

Together for the Gospel

The bi-annual Together for the Gospel conference begins today. Those who are not able to attend can watch the livestream at T4G.org. If you’re attending, read this short Twitter thread from Mike Cosper. You might also listen to On T4G and Celebrity Pastors.

If iPads Were Meant for Kids

Yes! And the same goes for most iDevices. “I bought my kids their own iPads last fall. I’m nice, and I’m fortunate to be able to afford it. However, I’ve come to realize that despite my attempts to spoil my kids, these iPads (and all iOS devices in general) are not meant for kids.”

Matt Merker Music

You’ve probably sung one or two of Matt Merker’s songs (like “He Will Hold Me Fast”). He’s got a new site with some great hymns that include videos, lead sheets, etc.

Fort Blunder

Oh America… “Construction of the fort began in 1816, and continued for two years when a survey conducted jointly by the United States and Great Britain discovered a problem—the fort was being built on the wrong side of the border. The actual border passed almost a mile south of the fort.” Oops.

The Power of Our Criticism

“When we criticize our brothers and sisters in Christ under the guise of insight, we pollute the Church. Consider these four characteristics of criticism…”

The Importance of Being “a Finisher”

I would probably ground this in love for others rather than the “finishing nature” of God. But still, the point stands: Finish what you start. (Except bad books–just throw them out and begin a better one. And other things that just aren’t working; it’s sometimes okay to quit. Anyway, just read the article.)

“The Pleasure of Boredom”

“Boredom has been described as one of the major spiritual problems of our time. The hyper-stimulation that comes from our technology and our constant-entertainment mentality actually makes us more bored, since we become jaded and weary of it all, as stimulation eventually fails to stimulate.”

Historic News from Midwestern Seminary

If you keep up with these things, you’ll be interested in this news from Midwestern Seminary.

Bill Hybels Resigns from Willow Creek

Also in the realm of church news, megachurch pastor (and church growth movement founder) Bill Hybels has resigned from Willow Creek after a series of accusations about misconduct over the years. He maintains his innocence.

Flashback: 10 Ugly Numbers Describing Pornography Use in 2017

These numbers prove statistically what we already known anecdotally—that pornography is a significant issue afflicting our society and our church. As Christians we can and must be prepared to help those who are struggling with it and to assure them that they can be forgiven and freed. As parents we can and must take action to protect and equip our children so we can help them overcome and avoid it.

Don’t ever degenerate into giving advice unconnected to the good news of Jesus crucified, alive, present, at work and returning.

—David Powlison

  • The Path to Contentment

    The Path to Contentment

    I wonder if you have ever considered that the solution to discontentment almost always seems to be more. If I only had more money I would be content. If I only had more followers, more possessions, more beauty, then at last I would consider myself successful. If only my house was bigger, my influence wider,…

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    A La Carte (April 22)

    A La Carte: Why my shepherd carries a rod / When Mandisa forgave Simon Cowell / An open mind is like an open mouth / Marriage: the half-time report / The church should mind its spiritual business / Kindle deals / and more.

  • It Begins and Ends with Speaking

    It Begins and Ends with Speaking

    Part of the joy of reading biography is having the opportunity to learn about a person who lived before us. An exceptional biography makes us feel as if we have actually come to know its subject, so that we rejoice in that person’s triumphs, grieve over his failures, and weep at his death.

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    Weekend A La Carte (April 20)

    A La Carte: Living counterculturally during election season / Borrowing a death / The many ministries of godly women / When we lose loved ones and have regrets / Ethnicity and race and the colorblindness question / The case for children’s worship services / and more.

  • The Anxious Generation

    The Great Rewiring of Childhood

    I know I’m getting old and all that, and I’m aware this means that I’ll be tempted to look unfavorably at people who are younger than myself. I know I’ll be tempted to consider what people were like when I was young and to stand in judgment of what people are like today. Yet even…

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    A La Carte (April 19)

    A La Carte: The gateway drug to post-Christian paganism / You and I probably would have been nazis / Be doers of my preference / God can work through anyone and everything / the Bible does not say God is trans / Kindle deals / and more.