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A La Carte (September 14)

friday

I found just a handful of new Kindle deals. Meanwhile, Westminster Books has some solid deals on classic works published by Banner of Truth. They also have a lot of Cruciform books on sale, including many of mine.

(Yesterday on the blog: How do You Choose A Bible Translation?)

Favoritism in the Church

“To prejudge someone is to determine his worth or worthlessness. The usual people of high value are the gifted teacher, the wealthy member, and the young family that will bring children or other young families. The needy who take up a lot of time and need a lot of discipling do not often find immediate favor in the church.”

Finding the Antichrist Today

Kim Riddelbarger offers a bit of clarity on the Antichrist.

D. A. Carson on the (Ambiguous) Claim ‘This Is a Gospel Issue’

Justin Taylor recaps and recommends a very helpful article by D.A. Carson.

Call Sinners to Do the Impossible

“We do not need to try to ‘protect’ Reformed teachings by over-qualifying gospel calls. Go ahead and proclaim the impossible to sinners. Then watch God do what only He can do!”

Rebirth of the Gods: The Normalization of Pagan Spirituality

This should be a helpful series. “We used to talk about the New Age. When I first began to think about how a worldview can shape culture, New Age was all the rage. Now noone even mentions New Age. So it must have failed, right? Actually, quite the opposite: it became normal. That phrase ‘spiritual but not religious’ is just one indication that people have accepted the paganism which New Age tried to establish.”

Five Counseling Myths in the Church

“Pastoral care and counsel—that is what we are considering. It is the word counsel that leads to some confusion and differences of opinion. With that in mind, here are a few myths I have heard.”

5 Ways to Be a Godly Grandparent

AiG has had a lot lately on being a godly grandparent. “You’ve done your job: you raised your kids and watched them leave the nest to start families of their own. It’s time to relax with, enjoy, and spoil the grandkids … right? Well, yes and no.”

Flashback: Whatever Is False, Whatever Is Dishonorable, Whatever Is Unjust…

What makes holy people holy? What makes unholy people unholy? To a large degree it is what fills their minds and their hearts.

One of the effects of being marked by suffering is learning to value the future. Not all the crying or pain goes away now, but he will make all things new.

—David Powlison

  • Quiet Time

    The Quiet Time Kickstart

    We are all people of habits. To some degree, we are always battling to establish good habits while battling to supplant bad ones. This is true of us in many different areas of life and most certainly true in our spiritual lives. In fact, some have argued that when we describe the way we relate…

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (January 16)

    A La Carte: Why don’t we read the Bible more? / Did David rape Bathsheba? / To (almost) die is gain / Learn to pray the Bible / When you’re close to burnout / Called to freedom / and more.

  • How To Obtain a Plenary Indulgence in 2025

    How To Obtain a Plenary Indulgence in 2025

    I think we can sometimes fool ourselves into believing that the Reformation caused the Roman Catholic Church to abandon some, most, or all of the doctrine that was so concerning to the Reformers. We can sometimes believe that the Catholicism of today is materially different from that of the 16th century or that it has…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (January 15)

    A La Carte: iPhones, idolatry, and evil spirits / At my mother’s deathbed / Nothing to do but pray / Bible study tips for beginners / Jesus did condemn homosexuality / Please don’t sing “Imagine” at funerals / Kindle and book deals.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (January 14)

    A La Carte: Narcissus in public / A famous poet, KFC, and peace with my past / Does empowerment come from boudoir photoshoots? / Surrendering them to God / Sermon prep / Your plans for this year / and more.

  • 10 Reasons to Teach the Bible’s Big Truths to Children

    📖 Why teach children the big truths of the Bible? Moses commanded Israel to gather everyone—men, women, and little ones—to hear God’s law. Why? So they could “hear and learn to fear the Lord.” (Deut. 31:12-13) Children need the deep, rich truths of Scripture to know God, embrace the Gospel, and build a faith that…