Skip to content ↓

A La Carte (June 4)

A La Carte Collection cover image

May the Lord be with you and bless you on this fine day.

The Kindle deals continue today and include something for everyone! Note that IVP has three huge series on sale: Reformation Commentary on Scripture, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, and Ancient Christian Texts.

Failing Boys and Wrong Men

“The so-called whipping boys for our cultural sins these days are actual boys. We hear and read it all of the time. Boys are failing and men are wrong. So go the headlines. And there is much handwringing by the powers that be as they seek to address this. Yet what if the solution is hidden in plain sight?”

A Response to N.T. Wright on Abortion

Wyatt Graham responds to N.T. Wright’s rather shocking statement that there are times when abortion may be the right choice. “Recently, N.T. Wright argued that in some circumstances, Christians may terminate a pregnancy. While he did not argue for unrestricted abortion, he believed that in certain situations, terminating a pregnancy could be ‘the best thing to do.’”

Eavesdropping

“We have a new message. A message for today.” Mr. Jonkeer speaks impatiently, as if to a child. “We need the gospel today,” Father replies. “Times change,” Mr. Jonkeer says. “We have to change too. Have you even heard of the Enlightenment? We don’t want to be thought of as ignorant. Uneducated.” Father thinks carefully. “Education doesn’t conflict with the gospel,” he says. “Not if it’s proper education. The truth doesn’t change.” (Sponsored)

Breaking Gender Stereotypes to the Glory of God: What Now?

“Maybe you’re something like me—not the stereotypical male or female: a guy who prefers Anne of Green Gables over the Marvel Cinematic Universe or crocheting over hunting; or, perhaps  a woman who would rather wield a chainsaw than a mascara wand or play in the church softball league than get a manicure.” Yes, I’d rather read Anne than watch Marvel any day of the week!

Beth Anne’s Bible

Darryl writes about Beth Anne’s Bible not-so-beautiful yet still-beautiful Bible.

Brick by Brick: The Inspiring Story of Ole Kirk Christiansen

I enjoyed reading this brief account of the life of Ole Kirk Christiansen, the founder of LEGO.

Why I Didn’t Deconstruct After Church Hurt

J.A. Medders explains why he didn’t deconstruct even after facing church hurt. “As we think about church hurt, wisdom teaches us not to elevate every pain into a five-alarm fire (Proverbs 10:12). Not every disagreement, disappointment, or conflict is spiritual abuse or what’s now commonly called ‘church hurt.’ But sometimes, a leg really is broken. The alarm is warranted. I’ve felt the flames. I’ve got the scars too.”

Flashback: The Space Between Courting and Hooking Up

The world insists dating has no real meaning while the church insists dating has the ultimate meaning. Courtship and hooking up are two very different approaches for a relationship, but they share a common consequence: They put too much weight on too weak a relationship.

…we need to repeat in various ways that although marriage is good, romance is not the definition of the good life; life with God and God’s people is where satisfaction is found, no matter what our romantic relationship status is.

—Rachel Gilson

  • Works & Wonders June 7

    This week’s Works & Wonders offers: The wonder and the beauty, older and rarer, His Love, Ferrari Luce, The Covenanter Story, and cheese curds.

  • Weekend A La Carte (June 6)

    There’s a playbook for college, there should be one for marriage / Ben Sasse is teaching us how to die—and live—well / The biggest tell that something was written by AI / Why China got rich and India didn’t / AI slop is coming for your playlists / The blood cancer that became solvable /…

  • Davy and Natalie Lloyd

    Strong to the End

    You have probably heard of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, even if the names aren’t immediately familiar. In May 2024, you most likely heard the news about two young American missionaries to Haiti who, along with one of their Haitian colleagues, were brutally murdered by one of the many gangs that dominate the country.

  • A La Carte (June 5)

    Can Jesus really sympathize with my specific struggles? / View your past through the lens of God’s faithfulness / Nine marks of a healthy paragraph / When you have nothing left to give / The treasure chest at the train station / When you’re too weird to lead / Headlines / and more.

  • A La Carte (June 4)

    The pastor as anti-professional / On grieving when your loved one’s faith was ambiguous / God’s mercy in withholding wealth / Not mere memories: God’s sovereign purposes in every season / 10 theses on intercession / Bargatze’s ‘Breadwinner’ should be funnier / Podcasts / and more.