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A La Carte (December 3)

monday

Today’s Kindle deals include some excellent books. Be sure to check the deals from the past couple of days as well. We’re spoiled!

Remember that Westminster Books currently has all their ESV Bibles at 50% off.

(Yesterday on the blog: Would You Consider Supporting Me As a Patron?) – The link to do so was initially AWOL yesterday, so for those wondering about that, it has returned.

John MacArthur and Ben Shapiro

Pastor John MacArthur joined Ben Shapiro to discuss “the intersection of the Bible and politics, the proper role of government, and the similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity.” And, of course, MacArthur got to the gospel again and again.

Are You Attracted to Your Wife or Objectifying Her?

There are some good and helpful distinctions here about being attracted to your wife (or husband) without objectifying her (or him).

When Should You Not Take Communion?

This is good. “Contrary to some assumptions, the Lord’s Table is not for everyone. It is a blessed sacrament, like baptism, given to the church as a sign of God’s faithfulness to His promises and an assurance in the heart of the one to whom the promises are given. With this in mind, we should understand that there are at least two groups of people who should be discouraged from partaking at the Lord’s Table, namely, the unconverted and the unrepentant.”

Ring of Roman Governor Who Crucified Jesus Found Near Bethlehem

“The name of the man who ordered Jesus crucified and ran his trial, the ancient infamous Roman governor of Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate, has been deciphered on a bronze ring found in excavations at the site of Herodion near the West Bank’s Bethlehem, some 50 years ago.” It’s fun when stuff like this turns up.

The Truth About Vinyl – Vinyl vs. Digital (Video)

Here’s why vinyl isn’t actually any better than digital, despite the insistence of the purists.

She is My Mamá – Pope Francis and Mary

Leonardo De Chirico, an Italian expert on Catholicism, has a great review of a book that explores Pope Francis’s Marian spirituality. “From childood to adulthood, from Argentina to the Vatican, from piety to theology, in his daily spiritual practices and devotions, Marianism is perhaps the most significant factor shaping the Pope’s life.”

Chinese Scientist Claims First Gene-Edited Babies

Joe Carter has one of his FAQs about the Chinese scientist who claims to have been involved in creating the world’s first gene-edited babies.

Flashback: No, I Won’t Pray For You

“I am going to pray for you once, but I will not pray for you every day. I will not pray for you for six months.” I explained that I have my own church to care for, and that I need to pray for those people.

We don’t just need a perspective or a strategy. We need a Savior, right here, right now.

—David Powlison

  • Discernment

    What Does a Discerning Person Do?

    Some Christians seem to be specially gifted when it comes to spiritual discernment. Others take a special interest in discernment and expend the hard effort of growing in the discipline of it. But they may sometimes wonder: What should I do with this discernment?

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    A La Carte (May 19)

    A La Carte: Dangers of theological controversy / No confidence? No problem! / The goodness of gardening friends / Jeff the low stakes prophet / Hurting people / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Prayer

    The Reward They Longed for They Received

    Jesus, who knew what was in the heart of men, warned of the hypocrisy of those whose prayer life is only ever public. “When you pray,” he said, “you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen…

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    Weekend A La Carte (May 17)

    A La Carte: Generalizations are not stereotypes / Hospitality and reaching the dechurched / Essential lessons for pastors / The rise of Islam and the resilience of the church / Gossip and godly church / Fear takes you where grace has not yet gone / and more.

  • Planted in the Word

    Planted in the Word

    There are a lot of Bible study guides out there. However, the need is not nearly saturated because there are also a lot of Bible readers, many of whom study the Word carefully and repeatedly throughout their Christian lives. For that reason, we cannot have too many guides to assist in reading, understanding, and applying…