I received an advance copy of Ron Chernow’s massive new biography of Mark Twain. I’m still in the early going, but so far it’s excellent—a worthy pre-order. My goal is to finish it before the May 13 release date!
Westminster Books has a new title for sale that helps kids wrestle through big questions. (Remember they’ve also got Tim Keller on the Christian Life for sale.)
Today’s Kindle deals include books by Trevin Wax, Jake Meador, Michael Wittmer, and others. Lots of great choices!
The Most Radical Thing You Can Bring to Easter Dinner
“This resurrection Sunday, let’s resolve to view our relatives not as ideological opponents to be outwitted, or irritating people to be merely tolerated; instead, let’s view them with the eyes of Christ. In other words, let’s be peacemakers—ready to notice and attentively listen, embodying the one who came not to win arguments but to save sinners—even the ones seated across the table.”
The Cost of Being a Loner
John Piper speaks to those concerned (or unconcerned) about being loners. “I think it stands that Christ died so that we would not be Christian loners but would be in Christ-exalting friendships, because there is more of Christ to be known in Christ-exalting friendships.”
Bible Studies for Your Small Group
Written by trusted Bible teachers, Good Book Guides are deep but doable Bible studies that include questions to open up discussion, optional personal reflections, and a concise Leader’s Guide in the back. Get 30% off any of these Bible studies and celebrate the series’ new look by using code CHALLIES. (Sponsored)
Snapchat Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale
This is an extremely concerning (and, unfortunately, unsurprising) report from Jon Haidt. He reports that Snapchat is harming children at an industrial scale. “We believe it remains essential for the public to understand the dangers associated with Snapchat, as expressed by Snap’s own employees and consultants, who are quoted in numerous court documents that have emerged in recent years.”
How (Not) to Be Not Secular With James KA Smith
Stephen McAlpine responds to James K.A. Smith becoming “affirming.” “Coming from the man who wrote ‘How (Not) To Be Secular’ and whose cultural liturgies trilogy is required reading in how it unpacks the cultural moment we are in, it was a head-swivel moment. Perhaps we were misreading him? Perhaps we were being ungenerous in our assessment of what ‘affirming’ meant.”
Look to Jesus, Your Sorrow-Bearer
“To mourn in a Christian key is to share the heartbreak of the God who made and loves this world. Because we’re in Christ, our sorrows are borne. But because we’re in Christ, we, too, carry the weight of others’ sorrows. In Christ, he shoulders our pain, and in Christ, we share in his shouldering the burdens of others.”
Three Mistakes With Commentaries
Whether you are preaching, leading a Bible study, or studying the Bible on your own, you may be prone to these three commentary mistakes.
Flashback: Spiritual Drafting and the Danger of Christian Complacency
Zeal is not bestowed only on the few and the gifted but is available to all who will follow the Spirit’s conviction.
As Priest, Jesus represents the people before God. Not only does he offer the supreme sacrifice, but he is the supreme sacrifice.
—R.C. Sproul
