Skip to content ↓

A La Carte (January 2)

thursday

Today’s Kindle deals include a kind of eclectic mix with some solid books in there.

Logos users will want to download the free book of the month—and consider some of the nearly-free books of the month.

Decade in Review: Marital Norms Erode

Ryan T. Anderson and Robert P. George teamed up for an opinion piece at USA Today. “Law shapes culture; culture shapes beliefs; beliefs shape action. The law now effectively teaches that mothers and fathers are replaceable, that marriage is simply about consenting adult relationships, of whatever formation the parties happen to prefer. This undermines the truth that children deserve a mother and a father — one of each.”

Weighed in the World’s Scales

William Godfrey explains why it’s important that a pastor has an impeccable reputation even in the eyes of unbelievers. “Outsiders form their opinions of the church based on what they see in its leaders. They watch us on the sidelines of our children’s sporting events, eating out at restaurants, interacting on social media, and working alongside them, all the while observing how we live out the faith we profess. Do outsiders see the inner wisdom of a Christian’s enlightened heart shining out in our lives? If we desire to be properly qualified elders, this is what outsiders must see. “

Abortion Was Leading Cause of Death Worldwide in 2019

Disrn reports: “Abortion was the number one cause of human death worldwide in 2019 by far, with over 42 million killed.”

Drowned in a Sea of Irrelevance

“It was a perfect illustration of something that poisons the collective mind of 21st century Western culture: a growing inability and, dare I say, unwillingness to think deeply. Our urge for constant entertainment is met with countless options that are literally at our fingertips. Everything—from the important to the unimportant, from the life-changing to the twee—blends together in one big pool of mind-numbing distraction.”

Bible Reading Plan Generator

John Dyer has updated his ultra-neat Bible Reading Plan Generator (which does exactly what you’d expect based on the name). It gives all kinds of options to customize a reading plan that is just right for you.

He Took Up Arms Against Liberalism

Here’s John Piper’s brief biography of a man you should know: J. Gresham Machen.

5 Reasons Matthew Begins with a Genealogy

Patrick Schreiner: “On his first page, Matthew begins speaking about Jesus with a genealogy. We might be tempted to let our eyes skim down and get to the real action. But Matthew begins this way intentionally. In many ways, this is the most fitting and compelling introduction to the New Testament imaginable. Here are five reasons Matthew’s genealogy is the introduction of introductions.”

Flashback: Comforting Quotes for Those Who Are Suffering

We all go through difficult times in these difficult lives in this broken world, and a book like this one delivers comfort rooted in the Comforter.

I have one desire now — to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.

—Elisabeth Elliot

  • Raising Children Who Love the Church

    Raising Children Who Love the Church

    Here are some practical principles I observed or solicited when raising our children—children who gladly attend and prioritize the local church, not out of obligation, but out of conviction.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 13)

    Translations, not paraphrases / Parenting on the precipice / Eunuchs and transgenderism / Keeping kids off AI and social media / The discipline of staying in bed / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Works & Wonders

    Works & Wonders (April 12)

    In my weekly Works & Wonders article, I combine a brief devotional with other interesting and uplifting bits and pieces I gleaned throughout the week. These can be stories, poems, songs, articles, quotes, and just about anything else I found especially enjoyable in the week. I hope you enjoy this week’s collection!

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (April 11)

    Vice, virtue, and platforms / Natural family planning / 6 days or billions of years? / Sorry kid, drones are for war now / The week of Trueman / and more.

  • Winters Cold and Heavens Joy

    Winter’s Cold and Heaven’s Joy

    Some Christians seem to bloom like early spring flowers—holding joyful, steadfast faith even in the coldest trials and foreshadowing the endless summer to come.