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A La Carte (March 6)

friday

Yesterday my son texted Aileen to ask, “How do so many people know it’s my birthday?” So thanks to all those who saw him down at SBTS and said “happy birthday.” Also, I suppose this is proof that he doesn’t read my site!

Today’s Kindle deals include a few good books, just like most other days…

Logos users, you can vote on the next round of Logos March Madness as we work toward getting access to some heavily-discounted books. The products that did not survive round 1 are now discounted at 35% off.

An Atheist and a Pastor on Same-Sex Relations and the Image of the Self

Justin Taylor looks to Douglas Murray and John Piper to provide some insight into homosexuality. (You’ve probably heard someone reference Murray’s The Madness of Crowds, and for good reason–it’s worth a read.)

Curiosity Mars Rover Snaps 1.8 Billion-Pixel Panorama

If you’ve ever wanted to know what Mars looks like, this is the best view any human being has ever had. It is both stunning and pretty bland.

Spurgeon and the Cholera Outbreak of 1854

For almost any modern challenge, there’s guidance to be found in church history. In 1854, London was hit with an outbreak of cholera, and here is how Spurgeon handled it. (Also on the subject of the virus, here’s a little lesson to learn.)

Anxious for Nothing: Addressing the Worry I Can’t Explain

Jared Wilson addresses the kind of worry that can sit deep inside and manifest itself in unexpected ways.

On Stephen Furtick and Modalism

Cam Hyde says it’s time to walk away from Stephen Furtick. I’d agree—though I think people ought to have walked away from him ages ago. But today’s question is whether or not he’s a modalist and, on that account, I’m with Wyatt Graham: I think we need more information.

When “What If?” Compels You to Act

Here’s a dispatch from overseas: “Taking off my Crocs, I stand at the entrance of the two-room shack that’s home to four people: Kamala, her husband and their two little girls. I hesitate, thinking of how dirty my feet will likely get – and then shovel my selfish thoughts into a corner of my mind.”

About What You Believe

Peter has some counsel for younger pastors related to what they believe and how they believe it.

Flashback: The 3 Sieves

“Let nothing be said about anyone unless it passes through the three sieves: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?”

Yahweh is Lord of the last day but also of every day. He will bring the consummation of his kingdom at last, but he will not forget you in the third week of September.

—Dale Ralph Davis

  • Southern Africa

    A Trip to Southern Africa

    I don’t often write trip reports after I travel, except, of course, in the form of books and documentary projects like Epic and From the Rising of the Sun. Yet, I thought I would make a rare exception after returning from my recent journey to Southern Africa (and, strangely, Northern California). While I am accustomed…

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    A La Carte (December 10)

    A La Carte: Top 10 theology stories of 2025 / Mama, you don’t have to save Christmas / Giving up all your Sundays to advent / An empty chair at Christmas / Pray for the church in Rwanda / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (December 9)

    A La Carte: Reforming generosity / Let the young man come to church / Your wife is beauty / Combating imposter syndrome / Be known, not impressive / Dan McClellan / and more.

  • AI Slop

    The Rise of AI Book Slop

    We often hear these days of “AI slop,” a term that’s used to refer to the massive amounts of poor-quality AI-created material that is churned out and unceremoniously dumped onto the internet. This was once primarily artistless artwork and authorless articles, but has now advanced to much bigger and more substantial forms of content.

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    A La Carte (December 8)

    A La Carte: A plea to older women / Let someone serve you in suffering / Why AI writing can’t compete / Influencers / The hidden danger in online sermons / Discipling young people / Excellent Kindle deals / and more.

  • Hymns

    Pitch Perfect and Tone Deaf

    God commands us to sing. Yet while some of God’s people are gifted singers, the plain fact is that others are not. In any congregation, it’s likely that some have near-perfect pitch while others are functionally tone-deaf. Those who struggle to sing may be self-conscious, tempted to stay quiet or to do no more than…