Skip to content ↓

A La Carte (October 16)

monday

Good morning. Grace and peace to you today.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Prayer for My Parent Heart)

Start Giving Before You Inherit

“Millennials may inherit over $68 trillion from previous generations by 2030. According to Newsweek, some experts believe this ‘could be the largest transfer of wealth in the history of humankind.’ What will younger generations do with that wealth?” Randy Alcorn has a proposal for you to consider.

Biblical Hope When It’s Time to Consider Residential Care

“No one dreams about putting their loved one in a home. We all hold out hope that we will be able to manage when age and disease come calling. That’s a beautiful hope, worthy of clinging to. I’m not here to pop that bubble, but the fact is, seventy percent of us over age sixty-five will need long term care at some point, not to mention extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, or psychiatric treatment.”

3 Core Beliefs of the Transgender Movement

Samuel Ferguson explains three core beliefs of the transgender movement (and why they do not accord with what the Bible teaches). He also expresses some concerns about transitioning.

Bright on the Outside, Dark on the Inside: Why Salvation Is a Matter of the Heart

Pierce Taylor Hibbs: “When it comes to spiritual matters, what you see is seldom what you get. Appearances aren’t just deceiving; they can be damning. History is rife with examples of hypocrisy: those who claim to be full of light but who are, in fact, dark as dungeons. A recent example reminded me just how important it is to maintain that the inside is what matters most. Salvation is a matter of the heart, not a battle for the head. And I’ll explain why.”

Partnering Together to Plant

“Cooperation is built on a theological foundation. Pastors, we are brothers! This theological truth shows up in basically every New Testament epistle. And part of what the New Testament calls us to is cooperation in the mission that God has given to his church.” Nate Akin encourages churches to be willing and eager to cooperate in planting new churches.

Even Heretics Know Hebrew: How to Interpret the Bible in Partisan Times

I have been enjoying these longform articles from Desiring God. In this one Kevin Vanhoozer describes a hermeneutics of boldness and humility.

Flashback: There Are Different Kinds of Tired

A day spent purposefully, a day spent in bringing glory to God by doing good to others—this is a day that will bring pleasure, even as it brings fatigue, this is a day that will bring joy, even as it brings weariness.

God takes everyone he loves through a desert. It is his cure for our wandering hearts, restlessly searching for a new Eden.

—Paul Miller

  • Francis

    Did Francis Prove To Be “The Humble Pope?”

    Francis’ time as pope has come to an end and already many are attempting to define his legacy. Was he a reformer? Was he a progressive? Was he an apostate? Perspectives are wildly varied with some honoring him as the greatest pope of modern times and some dishonoring him as a disgrace to the office.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 23)

    A La Carte: How to begin a conversation with a dechurched friend / Machen was right / The truth of Christ’s resurrection / When grief becomes sin / Nope to the media’s ideal for a new pope / Book sale / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 22)

    A La Carte: Pope Francis / Yes, Jesus was crucified with nails / The mystery of “the call” / Just a little bit / The last of the four / John outran Peter / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Will You Be a Pillar?

    How do we lead in a culture shaped by performance, individualism, and platform? Platforms to Pillars by cultural commentator Mark Sayers offers a biblical alternative to the platform mentality that dominates our society. Drawing from the ancient world, Sayers challenges Christians to become pillars—people who provide strength and support for others, who live with character…

  • The Tallest Trees

    The Winds Blow Hardest Against the Tallest Trees

    Through the weekend had many questions about Christian leaders who fall. And I expressed that just as the winds blow hardest against the tallest trees, so temptations may press hardest against the leaders who rise the highest. Just as floods press against shallow roots, so seductive desires rise up against those whose fall would bring…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 21)

    A La Carte: Toxic servant leadership / Taking our stress to the Lord / The problem with habits / Is it wrong for Christians to choose cremation? / Why does your church meet in a house? / Big book and Kindle deals / and more.