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A La Carte (October 27)

A La Carte Collection cover image

Good morning. Grace and peace to you.

By way of Kindle deals: If all goes well, there should be some good deals from Crossway today, including books by Kevin DeYoung, Ray Ortlund, and others. There’s also a huge Reformation Day sale from Zondervan kicking off today that offers great discounts on 40+ books (including a trio of my own).

Denominational Discourse in the Age of the Algorithm

Trevin Wax offers a series of interesting thoughts on denominational discourse in this, the age of the algorithm. “Everywhere I go, when I meet with leaders and pastors in various denominations, I encounter a common concern: how do we sustain denominational partnerships and healthy fellowship in a world where social media incentives are designed to pull us apart, in service of an algorithm that thrives on conflict?”

Why (Really) Do We Become Prayerless?

Most of us are tempted toward prayerlessness at one time or another. How do we come to be that way? “I say this to myself too often. How long has it been? Sometimes a few hours, sometimes most of a day (or more). Where has my mind been? Where has my heart been?”

Renewing Your Mind: Luther and the Reformation

R.C. Sproul launched Renewing Your Mind as a daily teaching broadcast to help Christians grow in their knowledge of God’s Word. As we approach the anniversary of the Reformation this week, follow the Renewing Your Mind podcast or subscribe on YouTube to hear Dr. Sproul tell the story of Martin Luther and explore the gospel recovered by the Protestant Reformers. (Sponsored)

End of an era? The King and the Pope Pray Together

As we come to the anniversary of the Reformation, this news seems especially noteworthy: “King Charles flew to Rome to pray with Pope Leo. As reporters are headlining, this is big news.”

The Comfortable Words

I enjoyed this little look at the “comfortable words.”

Hollywood’s Misstep on Men’s Mental Health

Aaron Renn often runs some thought-provoking guest columns, like this one by Joseph Holmes. Holmes says, “The Springsteen biopic pushes therapy as the cure for men’s struggles, ignoring the value of traditional masculinity in overcoming personal demons.”

How to Glory in Getting Old

You’ve got no choice about whether or not to get old, but you do have the choice on how you respond to getting old. “Contrary to popular belief, you really can look forward to getting old. And this isn’t just talking about your mid-career flex, but old. Retired, grandfather, falling-asleep-sitting-up-old. The question is, how do you make the most of this stage?”

Flashback: How Calvin Responded When Luther Went Full-Out Luther

Bullinger wrote John Calvin in nearby Geneva to ask his counsel and Calvin responded with a letter than models respect amid disagreement.

I yearn for a culture of evangelism that never trades confidence in the gospel for confidence in techniques, personalities, or entertainment gimmicks.

—J. Mack Stiles

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (October 27)

    A La Carte: The age of the algorithm / Why we become prayerless / The king prays with the pope / Hollywood’s misstep on men’s mental health / Glory in getting old / A huge Kindle sale / and more.

  • Church

    The Church Is There

    A well-known pastor was once asked whether he was offended that a new church near his had taken on the same name. “Are you offended that they are also calling themselves Grace Church?” “No,” he replied. Then said something like, “I’m not bothered that they are calling themselves ‘Grace.’ I’m bothered that they are calling…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (October 25)

    A La Carte: Goodbye “Big Eva” / Why pop culture feels blah / When people leave our churches / Digital hirelings / Premil pretrib / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Free Stuff Fridays (Ligonier Ministries)

    It was while the great reformer Martin Luther was studying the book of Romans that he rediscovered the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Today Ligonier Ministries is offering R.C. Sproul’s commentary on Romans as a free ebook for Challies readers. Download your copy to enjoy a verse-by-verse exploration of the rich gospel truths woven…

  • The Benefit of Boring Television

    The Benefit of Boring Television

    Aileen and I like to watch boring shows right before we turn in for the night. An exciting game or an intense movie might get us too engaged and keep us from being able to fall asleep. But a boring show nicely slows the pace and prepares us to rest.

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (October 24)

    A La Carte: Have we ever been woke? / A dangerous new ecumenism / Find a new home / If the Lord permits / Have you counted the cost? / The joys of pastoring / Kindle deals / and more.