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A La Carte (May 9)

Today’s Kindle deals include a few titles that are worth a look.

The Word Biblical Commentary series is on sale for Logos at up to 67% off. While the series has a frustrating format, many of the volumes are excellent.

A Tale of Two Men with ALS

Here’s a tale of two very different men, both of whom have ALS.

The Long, Hard, Unprecedented Fall of Sears

“In 1989, Sears Roebuck & Co. ruled America as its biggest retailer. It loomed over rivals from a perch high above Chicago, inside what was once the world’s tallest building—one bearing the company’s name.” It has fallen a long, long way from those heights.

10 Things You Should Know about the Theology of John Calvin

Sam Storms rounds ’em up. “Our primary, but not exclusive, source for these truths about Calvin’s theology come from the Institutes of the Christian Religion, the first edition of which in 1536 contained only 6 chapters. The final edition of 1550 had 80 chapters.”

The Radium Girls

Here’s one of those weird little glimpses of history. “At factories like the Radium Luminous Materials Corporation on Third Street in Newark, young women like 14-year-old Katherine Schaub passed their days with tiny paintbrushes in their mouths. Beside each girl sat a small dish of radium powder, which she mixed with a few drops of water and adhesive.”

Ten Questions Christians Should Ask of Their Entertainment

There is lots to reflect on here.

How To Honor Your Unbelieving Mother

“As we approach Mother’s Day—it’s important to consider a proper way to honor your mother. The value of a mother is far higher than we can hardly imagine.” Indeed.

Fidget Spinners

My daughter just turned 11 and “needed” a fidget spinner as one of her gifts. The New York Times explains how they became this generation’s hula hoop.

Flashback: 5 Questions To Ask of a Book Before You Read It

They are far and away the most common questions I receive (beyond, perhaps, how to pronounce my name—it rhymes with “valleys”): Can you tell me anything about this author? Have you heard of this book? Is it safe to read? Since I can’t answer all the questions, here are a few tips in the form of 5 questions you can ask of any book.

You must keep all earthly treasures out of your heart, and let Christ be your treasure, and let Him have your heart.

—C.H. Spurgeon

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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.