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A La Carte (July 24)

I’m back! I enjoyed a much-needed relaxing week with my family in Newfoundland. We went straight from there to Muskoka Bible Centre where I am teaching for the week. But as of today it’s business as normal at the blog, which means the return of A La Carte. Here we go…

Today’s Kindle deals include several excellent picks from Crossway.

A High View of Marriage Includes Divorce

This really needed to be said, and I’m thankful to Rebecca VanDoodewaard for saying it. “Divorce does not end a covenant. It protects the spouse whose covenant has been violated—a picture of covenant protection in the face of human unfaithfulness. Always discouraging divorce, always making it a last, desperate option that really fails to show gospel power, implies that we know more about marriage than God does and value it more highly. If there are legitimate reasons for divorce, then making divorce look like a lesser option is wrong. God allows it: who are we to discourage people from choosing a biblical option?”

Why I Love the Evening Service (And You Can Too)

Kevin DeYoung: “Every church I’ve ever been a part of has had a Sunday evening service. I’ve always gone. It’s what I grew up with. It’s part of my rhythm as a Christian, and I am immensely grateful for it.”

The Church of England’s Nietzschean Proposal

Carl Trueman says this of the Church of England’s motion calling for a liturgy to help transgender people celebrate their transitions: “This motion is consistent with liberal Protestantism’s age-old calling, that of baptizing the moral norms du jour of the respectable chattering classes, presumably in hopes of enhancing the appeal of religion to its cultured despisers. Transgenderism was bound for liturgical acceptance.”

The Agonizing Ordeal of Eugene Peterson — You Might Be Next

Here is Al Mohler on the Eugene Peterson situation. “The ordeal experienced last week by popular author Eugene Peterson was agonizing to observe, largely self-inflicted, and virtually inevitable. You should pay close attention to it, for you might very well be next.”

Gospel + Safety + Time

It’s a simple but proven formula. “Gospel + safety + time. It’s what everyone needs. A lot of gospel + a lot of safety + a lot of time.”

Who Are the Least of These (and Why Does It Matter)?

My pal Paul Carter shows who Jesus was referring to and why it matters so much.

Haddon Robinson (1931-2017)

Darryl Dash shares his memories of Haddon Robinson (who has just died) as well as some of his choice quotes.

Flashback: She Strengthens Me

Supporting, delivering from distress, rescuing the weak, comforting: those are exactly the ways in which Aileen comes alongside me and helps me.

We have to learn to commit not only the future but also the past to the Lord.

—Daniel Fuller

  • Church

    The Church Is There

    A well-known pastor was once asked whether he was offended that a new church near his had taken on the same name. “Are you offended that they are also calling themselves Grace Church?” “No,” he replied. Then said something like, “I’m not bothered that they are calling themselves ‘Grace.’ I’m bothered that they are calling…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (October 25)

    A La Carte: Goodbye “Big Eva” / Why pop culture feels blah / When people leave our churches / Digital hirelings / Premil pretrib / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (Ligonier Ministries)

    It was while the great reformer Martin Luther was studying the book of Romans that he rediscovered the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Today Ligonier Ministries is offering R.C. Sproul’s commentary on Romans as a free ebook for Challies readers. Download your copy to enjoy a verse-by-verse exploration of the rich gospel truths woven…

  • The Benefit of Boring Television

    The Benefit of Boring Television

    Aileen and I like to watch boring shows right before we turn in for the night. An exciting game or an intense movie might get us too engaged and keep us from being able to fall asleep. But a boring show nicely slows the pace and prepares us to rest.

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (October 24)

    A La Carte: Have we ever been woke? / A dangerous new ecumenism / Find a new home / If the Lord permits / Have you counted the cost? / The joys of pastoring / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (October 23)

    A La Carte: Awaken your hunger / Abortion pills and emergency contraception / Cybersecurity for churches / Delighting in God in unfavorable circumstances / Book and Kindle deals / and more.