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A La Carte (March 18)

wednesday

One thing I attempt to emphasize in these daily A La Carte articles is variety—a variety of authors and a variety of subjects. The variety of subjects has been a challenge lately since, for good reason, we are flooded with articles on COVID-19. So bear with me as I share some of them (and a few on other topics as well).

The Kindle deals just don’t stop, and there’s another big collection today. (Plus, you can get a free one from Crossway.)

Logos users, you should vote for the next round of March Madness and look at the many deals so far.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Family Update in Strange Times)

What Hasn’t Changed During a Global Pandemic

Erik Raymond reminds us that, amidst all the change, some things remain fixed. (See also How to Get Through This Stronger Than Ever, The History of Pandemics Infographic, and Trusting God to Provide During a Financial Crisis. Meanwhile, The Workers Who Face the Greatest Coronavirus Risk may help direct your prayers.)

Safe

You may enjoy this poem by Paul Tripp.

What Is Successful Evangelism?

Perhaps you get awkward or silent when an opportunity to share the gospel emerges, or you feel like you don’t live a good enough life to tell people about a good God. Maybe you don’t want to lose a job or friendships. But following Christ means loving those who don’t follow Jesus, and that love includes sharing the gospel. (SPONSORED LINK)

The Comfort of Justification by Faith Alone

Here’s some of what John Owen taught about the all-important doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Social Distancing and Gathered Worship

Jeremy Walker has been doing some thinking about the tension between social distancing and gathered worship. (For what it’s worth, we are currently taking a different approach since Toronto is now under a state of emergency and worship gatherings are forbidden.)

No Meat or Potatoes, But the Candy Aisle is Full

Writing at his blog, Trevin Wax makes an interesting observation: “The contrast between the meat section and the candy aisle reminded me of an important truth: In a time of suffering or crisis, people go for what they need most, not what they like most.

CCM Backbeat: 5 Songs of Comfort

Doug Eaton went back in CCM history to find some songs of comfort from Steven Curtis Chapman, Andrew Peterson, and others.

The Payneful Truth

Tony Payne (of The Trellis and the Vine fame) has begun a new weekly podcast and newsletter. I’ve been enjoying it so far!

Flashback: Look! Look To Your Baptism!

There is one point where we ought to fix our gaze in troubling circumstances. We will be both challenged and encouraged, if only we will look—if only we will look to our baptism.

God calls your brothers and sisters to weep with you, but that can only happen if you will allow others to walk with you in your sorrow.

—Colin Smith

  • Optimistic Denominationalism

    Optimistic Denominationalism

    It is one of the realities of the Christian faith that people love to criticize—the reality that there are a host of different denominations and a multitude of different expressions of Christian worship. We hear it from skeptics: If Christianity is true and if it really changes people, then why can’t you get along? We…

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    A La Carte (April 24)

    A La Carte: Growing in hospitality / What happens when the governing authorities are the wrongdoers? / Transgender meds for kids? / 100 facets to the diamond of Christ / Spiritual mothers point us to Christ / and more.

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    A La Carte (April 23)

    A La Carte: Climate anxiety paralyzes, gospel hope propels / Living what God has written / How should I engage my rebellious child? / Satan hates your pastor / How to navigate our spiritual highs / The art of extemporaneous preaching / and more.

  • The Path to Contentment

    The Path to Contentment

    I wonder if you have ever considered that the solution to discontentment almost always seems to be more. If I only had more money I would be content. If I only had more followers, more possessions, more beauty, then at last I would consider myself successful. If only my house was bigger, my influence wider,…

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    A La Carte (April 22)

    A La Carte: Why my shepherd carries a rod / When Mandisa forgave Simon Cowell / An open mind is like an open mouth / Marriage: the half-time report / The church should mind its spiritual business / Kindle deals / and more.

  • It Begins and Ends with Speaking

    It Begins and Ends with Speaking

    Part of the joy of reading biography is having the opportunity to learn about a person who lived before us. An exceptional biography makes us feel as if we have actually come to know its subject, so that we rejoice in that person’s triumphs, grieve over his failures, and weep at his death.