A La Carte (April 8)

Recommended Reading

I’ll Start with Me. Andrew Roycroft: “It’s hard not to feel helpless these days, impotently angry, and executively cut off from the outrages that bombard our minds and consciences. It’s hard to say if our world in its present moment is more out of control and violently charged than at previous points in recent history, but these features are now more visible than ever, more insistent in taking our attention day after day.” He considers all of this and determines he will start with himself.

Once a Promiscuous Woman, Always a Promiscuous Woman. Brittany Allen offers some transparency here as she considers those who think formerly promiscuous women are forever tainted. “Tell me you don’t understand the gospel without telling me. I really wish this was a niche belief, but, unfortunately, a debate broke out about this very thing on X a couple weeks ago. It seems there are a lot more Christ-proclaiming men and women who don’t understand how far the grace of God can reach. They don’t understand how far it had to reach to save them, too.”

One thousand people got baptised in Perth on Good Friday. Why? Nearly one thousand people were baptized in Perth, Australia on Good Friday. Stephen McAlpine says, “Now, good conservative that I am, I’m supposed to be churlish about such figures, and put it all down to froth and bubble. Yet let me just say that refusing to mourn when the dirge is played, and then refusing to dance when the flute is played, is risky business according to Jesus.”

The Authenticity Trap. “A national study conducted in 2024 found that young people are increasingly drawn to these types of drugs, especially females. The study, conducted by the University of Michigan, found that among young users, 60% were female and 45% were living in the South.” Eddie LaRow explains how these statistics expose Gen Z’s conflicted relationship with authenticity.

Advice for New Elders: Take the Low Seat. There is lots of wisdom in this principle and its applications. “If you’re a new elder, you may feel tempted to prove yourself. Taking the low seat means resisting that urge. Here are three ways new elders can do that.”

God’s Providence and the Privilege of Prayer. I enjoyed reading Cilas Menezes’ admission of the difficulty of prayer but also his celebration of the privilege of prayer. “As you battle against prayerlessness, be encouraged: In his absolute sovereignty and freedom, God has chosen to accomplish many of his purposes through his people’s prayers. This is not an accident of history, but part of God’s eternal plan.”