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A La Carte (November 25)

A La Carte Collection cover image

Good morning from Namibia! Aileen and I are in southern Africa for some different events and are now spending a couple of days in Namibia getting caught up with the time zones before the conferences begin. It was a blessing to learn when we landed that From the Rising of the Sun had won a TGC Book Award.

Today’s Kindle deals include some books by Stephen Smallman that are worth considering. You’ll find more besides, of course.

(Yesterday on the blog: The Danger of Defensive Sanctification)

Are You Still Gospel-Centered?

Jared Wilson: “Gospel-centrality is not as popular as it once was. At least, the marketing movement built on gospel-centrality has declined over the past fifteen years. As an early adherent of the gospel-centered, ‘young, restless, and Reformed’ whatchamacallit, I have watched many of my fellow tribesmen, usually leaders around my same age, gradually undergo a shift in their ministry emphases and spiritual priorities over the last decade, and it’s left me scratching my head a bit.”

Christian Liberty

J.V. Fesko offers some helpful thoughts on Christian liberty. “People believe that the only way to combat the ever-increasing tide of secularism is to build high doctrinal sea walls to preserve the church from the flood of falsehood. … The problem is that people envision doctrinal uniformity in areas about which the Bible says little to nothing: politics (think tax rates or universal healthcare), courtship (how to meet and marry your mate), or education (home schooling is the only way), for example.”

Triumph in Trouble

Meredith Beatty reflects on the fact that if all things work together for good, that must include the hard things. She looks to Samuel Rutherford for help in thinking it through.

The Found Boys

The Found Boys is a thrilling throwback buddy adventure for young readers. Amid the abundant humor and action, the story explores deep themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in age-appropriate ways. (Sponsored)

I’m Not a Sabbatarian, But That Doesn’t Mean…

Jacob is not a sabbatarian and clarifies what he means and doesn’t mean by that.

Being Faithful in Little Things

So much of life’s faithfulness is displayed in the little things rather than only in what we count the big things.

How We Choose Songs

Those who are responsible for choosing the songs they sing at church may benefit from reading how one church goes about the task.

Flashback: Why I Believe in Church Membership

To become a member of a church is to say that these are the people God has most explicitly called me to love, serve, and pray for. These people are my “one another.”

Be often among the godly. They are the salt of the earth, and they will season you.

—Thomas Watson

  • Weekend A La Carte (May 30)

    Think pieces and long-form articles on: Fifteen questions / The unretirement / Nihilism with a business model / 10 Guideposts for young men / The great stork derby / Labor and legacy / The typo vibe shift / Gen Z and belonging to the church / and more.

  • A La Carte (May 29)

    The Commodification of Christianity / Can Christians smoke weed? / Having Kids when there’s never a good time / The curse of climate anxiety / Advice on how to “preach the gospel” to yourself / Admitting defeat / Three respectable sins of pastors / Kindle deals.

  • Thursday A La Carte

    A La Carte (May 28)

    Stephen Colbert didn’t get cancelled / Raising kids in a world that’s changing fast / Christian nationalism and AI maximalism / Ben Sasse on the indoor childhood / You should (try to) get married / AI and the deformation of the student’s soul / sales and deals / and more.

  • What Does It Mean to Be Discerning

    What Does It Mean to Be Discerning?

    Though I have heard it said of others, I have never had anyone tell me that I am a man of discerning tastes. I do not have a discerning palate or a discerning sense of style. I can, however, contentedly live without these if only I can have a discerning mind and a discerning spirit.