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A La Carte (March 9)

Andy Stanley Explains His ‘Stinking Selfish’ Parents Comment

Thumbs up to Christianity Today for their interview with Andy Stanley. They don’t hold back from asking the tough questions and he doesn’t hold it against them.

10 Marks of an Immature Believer

“In his little book, Grace: The Truth, Growth, and Different Degrees, Christopher Love, gives ten marks of an immature believer. He does this not to shame but in order to spur on towards growth in Christ.”

Ambushed by Beauty and Chicken Nuggets

This is a really good bit of writing. “I pull my car into an empty spot in the K-Mart parking lot that lies just behind our store. Glancing at the clock, I say to myself, You’re pushing it, bro. Regardless, I stop to take a deep breath before heading inside. A thought begins to cross my mind. I attempt to rebuke it, but instead I think it anyway. This is not what I thought I’d be doing at twenty-seven…” (HT)

‘Downton Abbey’ and the Weight of History

Downton Abbey did not captivate our interest by being monolithically progressivist in its outlook. Indeed, it was precisely the show’s nuance about historical complexity that has helped it endure.”

How I Prepare a Sermon

I always appreciate it when a pastor lets us into his sermon-preparation technique. This time around it’s Joe Thorn.

Headscarves and Hashtags

Many voices have weighed in on the debate as to whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God. I’ve been waiting to hear from Tim Keesee. His article has just been posted to Desiring God.

35 Totally Random Life Hacks

There’s something for everyone on Nick’s list of lifehacks.

Ehrman–Licona Dialogue on the Historical Reliability of the New Testament

This could be an interesting back-and-forth. “TheBestSchools.org has therefore invited them to take part in what we call a Focused Civil Dialogue. The point of such a dialogue is for both parties to put their best foot forward in advancing their own case as well as in refuting the case of their interlocutors. We are grateful that both Dr. Ehrman and Dr. Licona have accepted this invitation.”

Welch

The God who was disgraced and shamed has eyes for those who have been disgraced and shamed.

—Ed Welch

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    A La Carte (May 20)

    A La Carte: The foibles and fallibility of Christian leaders / Mental illness / Why didn’t Christ come sooner? / When it’s okay to die / Spiritual formation / and more.

  • Unlock Your Ministry Potential with Microcredentials

    Are you looking for accessible faith-based resources that can help you serve your church community with confidence? Check out Redeemer University’s online church leadership microcredentials—available anytime, anywhere. #Sponsored

  • Discernment

    What Does a Discerning Person Do?

    Some Christians seem to be specially gifted when it comes to spiritual discernment. Others take a special interest in discernment and expend the hard effort of growing in the discipline of it. But they may sometimes wonder: What should I do with this discernment?

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    A La Carte (May 19)

    A La Carte: Dangers of theological controversy / No confidence? No problem! / The goodness of gardening friends / Jeff the low stakes prophet / Hurting people / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Prayer

    The Reward They Longed for They Received

    Jesus, who knew what was in the heart of men, warned of the hypocrisy of those whose prayer life is only ever public. “When you pray,” he said, “you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen…

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    Weekend A La Carte (May 17)

    A La Carte: Generalizations are not stereotypes / Hospitality and reaching the dechurched / Essential lessons for pastors / The rise of Islam and the resilience of the church / Gossip and godly church / Fear takes you where grace has not yet gone / and more.