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A La Carte (December 4)

Today’s Kindle deals include a pretty good selection. December has gotten off to a great start!

Logos users will want to check out the 12 Deals of Christmas. Be sure to consider the Pillar, NIGTC, and BST commentary sets at those discounts.

(Yesterday on the blog: Mind Your Christmas Imperatives)

John Chau Aced Missionary Boot Camp. Reality Proved a Harsher Test

The evaluations of John Chau continue to pour in, including this long read from the New York Times. (Slate also got in on the action.)

Overcoming Fear in Evangelism

“In evangelism, God has given us the message we need to share with unbelievers. The whole Bible tells the story of creation, mankind’s fall into sin, and the provision of a Savior through Jesus Christ. But the Scriptures do not only give the words necessary for unbelievers to know the content of the gospel. The Bible also gives the words necessary to encourage Christians to evangelize, especially when it comes to overcoming fears.”

5 Signs You Shouldn’t Buy A Used Car (Video)

I hate cars. I hate owning cars. I especially hate buying cars. “Buying a used car can be intimidating, because it’s difficult to know the history of a vehicle before you buy it, as well as the health of the engine and other vital components. There are, however, several key checks that can help you determine certain vehicles to avoid. This video will discuss the various signs, from the exhaust to the engine bay, that may notify you it’s best to avoid a vehicle if you’re not looking to take on additional work and repairs.”

End of Year Check-Up Questions For Christians

This may prove helpful. “One of the best times to take your spiritual temperature is at the end of the year as you reflect on what was. To help us do that, let’s look at a few questions.”

A Melinda Update – One Year Later (Video)

I was thankful to find this update on Melinda Penner’s health. “It’s been exactly one year since Melinda’s traumatic accident. Although her life has completely changed, she’s still having impact today. Please watch this video to see how.”

On Stuff and Stinginess

Jared Wilson: “How much will be enough? ‘Just a little more,’we think. But to chase ‘enough’ on earth is to, as Solomon says, ‘chase the wind.’ We can take some important cues from Solomon in this regard. As one of the most powerful and most prestigious kings in all of history, he had more than he could have ever dreamed.”

You Become What You Trust

“Our idols don’t just settle for helping us break the second commandment, they permeate much deeper in our lives. The Psalms tell us that those who trust idols will become like them (Ps. 135:18). We may not turn into stone and wood, but eventually, the idols of our heart can chip away at significant areas in our spiritual lives.”

Flashback: Stopping An Affair Before It Begins

Affairs do not begin with sex. Falling into bed with a man who is not your husband or a woman who is not your wife is simply one step in a long chain of events, one decision in a long series of poor decisions.

Let us not receive reports suddenly of one another. In times of contention, many false reports are raised, and rashly believed. This is both the fruit and the fuel of contention.

—Robert Traill

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    Weekend A La Carte (September 28)

    A La Carte: We need to talk about “The Jesus Film” / A concise theology of failure / Guard your heart when suffering / Approaching a political election in the right way / From bitterness to forgiveness / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (10ofThose)

    This week the blog and this giveaway are sponsored by 10ofThose. This Friday, we’re presenting a giveaway like no other… with the timeless wisdom and grit of J.C. Ryle. Over the past two centuries, countless Christians have been both comforted and challenged by his works and we’d love you to join them. This incredible giveaway…

  • New and Notable September 2024

    New and Notable Christian Books for September 2024

    September has very nearly faded into October but before the month ends I’d like to tell you about some of the new books that it brought our way. I’ll remind you first that my book Pilgrim Prayers was released this month and encourage you to give it a look! Beyond that, here are 12 new…

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    A La Carte (September 27)

    A La Carte: Rome’s seven deadly errors / Africa’s Man of God phenomenon / 5 things to know about hell / Praise and unity / Self-pity / The uncarnation of Christ / and more.

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    A La Carte (September 26)

    A La Carte: Should Christians bet on sports? / Living in a hostile culture / Responding when sin is exposed / Al Mohler on a preacher’s downfall / Christians and tattoos / Kindle and book sales / and more.

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    John Mark Comer and Practicing The Way

    It has been a few years since I have had a substantial number of people reach out to ask my view on a particular author. Do you know anything about him? Have you read him? Would you consider reviewing some of his books? But after this break of a few years, it has recently begun…