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A La Carte (September 23)

wednesday

The only Kindle deals I could track down were a few titles by Warren Wiersbe. Beyond that it’s a bit of a slow day.

Wrestling with Beauty and Loss

I enjoyed this reflection on the odd juxtaposition of beauty and loss. “I think we all wonder about this tension-perhaps especially now when the news cycle seems to brim with bad news. We rejoice in God’s faithfulness in our lives, and then grab our phones and see nothing but the hardship of others. Or perhaps we are the ones in the midst of the pain, while we watch prayers be answered for others. It’s a hard tension to hold.”

Becoming an Old Soul Christian

Jared Wilson is pondering getting older and becoming an old soul Christian. “As you age, it seems like everything is passing you by. The world isn’t made for you any longer. Which is why you can become more susceptible to anger as you age. You feel left out, forgotten. Everything keeps changing at a rapid pace, but you are slowing down. Isn’t it a wonder that the Lord keeps pace with you? You may be long passed up by everything and everyone around you, but he won’t leave you behind.”

Red Rope Christianity

“The red rope is there to tell you something. One lot of people on this plane is special. The others? Well not so special. But hey, we made you walk through the special part right at the start to see what you were missing out on!” Life is full of these “red ropes,” isn’t it?

Here’s Another Reminder to Be Gracious During 2020

“I want to be gracious, and right now that’s a virtue in short supply. This year has been out of control. Unfortunately, so have many people’s manners. This is a reminder to be gracious to others—especially when it’s easy not to. I’m not saying I’m perfect—far from it. This is a reminder for myself, as well.”

A Mini Q&A on A Few Calvinistic Doctrines

David Qaoud has a mini Q&A on some aspects of Calvinist doctrine.

The Importance Of Creating Things That Don’t Last

Just like the title says, there’s importance in creating things that don’t last.

Gaslighting

Here’s Alan Jacobs on the rising use of the word “gaslighting.” “One of the more pernicious quirks of English usage to arise in the past few years is the employment — by a remarkably large number of people, it seems to me — of the term ‘gaslighting’ as the default explanation for disagreement. Nobody just disagrees with me anymore, they’re trying to gaslight me.”

Flashback: The Depth of My Depravity

You don’t know how deeply sinful you are by your unrighteousness deeds, but by your rejection of God and his grace. That is the most serious, heinous, and damnable sin of them all.

Thank God you have got a Father that can be angry, but that loves you as much when He is angry as when He smiles upon you.

—C.H. Spurgeon

  • weekend 3

    Weekend A La Carte (May 23)

    Work will always matter / The rise of techno-feudalism / The gospel according to Karl Marx / The challenge of Eastern Orthodoxy / My manifesto on AI and religion / Steve McQueen, born again, set free / Cornfield baptism / 5 things most people don’t know about writing books

  • Authority

    How Men Can Use Their Authority Well

    There are few topics that have proven trickier to navigate than the topic of authority. We know we need authority to function as families, churches, and nations, yet there is something deep within our sinful humanity that causes us to rebel against it wherever it exists. We both want it and despise it. 

  • fri 3

    A La Carte (May 22)

    The ancient world had no word for child abuse / What I wish I had learned in theological college / Pray to the Lord of the harvest / What God is healing while not healing my health problems / Are you willing to show up? / Artificial preaching / Sales and deals / and more.

  • thurs 3

    A La Carte (May 21)

    One step becomes a three-day walk / Tolkien, foolishness, and the ordinary means of grace / The staggering beauty and burden of church life / Denominational health / Three truths to combat your news anxiety / Don’t do the Devil’s work for him / and more.

  • The Most Neglected Element of Worship

    The Most Neglected Element of Worship

    There are some elements of public worship that receive a great deal of attention. These elements are taught, practiced, rehearsed, and perfected until they are as good as they can be. In most churches, this includes the music, of course, and often the preaching. Why do these receive so much attention?

  • wed 3

    A La Carte (May 20)

    The pastor who refuses to back down / The missionary with Ebola / Why we don’t trust pastors / Rushing our quiet times / The other side of seminary / The remedy, the problem, and the church / Why we need to interpret the Bible / Kindle deals / and more.