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A La Carte (September 8)

thursday

I have returned from the Getty Music Sing! Conference and am back at my desk. My book launch session went very well, for which I’m grateful. It was recorded and I’m hoping to be able to share it with you very soon.

Today’s Kindle deals include an excellent new one by Ray Ortlund.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Few Handfuls for Weary Little Listeners)

The Stars Still Shine In The Daytime

“All night long we can see the stars shining down on us, but have you ever considered the fact that they also shine down on us all day?” There’s something to learn from this.

When You’re Not at Home

“We shouldn’t find ourselves at home in this world. After all, Jesus didn’t come in order to blend in with a world gone awry by sin. He came to overcome it. Living in light of that, the church is to be different, set apart, distinct — the church is to be holy in a hostile place.”

Why Does Paul Tell the Church to Deliver Someone to Satan?

Here is Andy Naselli’s take on what I consider one of the scariest verses in the Bible.

Save Time: Stop Doing Word Studies

“Word studies are a favorite tool of Biblical exegetes, but usually aren’t worth the time.” That’s an unusual take, but one that is worth considering, I think.

The results are up to the Lord

“We all know that the results in ministry aren’t up to us. You do know that, right? My working theory is that enough of us didn’t know this, or acted as though we didn’t know this, that the Lord brought covid to us so that he could show us in no uncertain terms how little he needs us.”

Should a Christian Bet on Sports?

I’m not convinced that there is quite as much leeway on this issue, but I do appreciate the authors’ explanation of the dangers and shortcomings of sports betting—especially since it has become such a major emphasis for advertisers in Canada.

Flashback: What’s the Purpose of … Marriage?

The highest purpose of marriage is to display to the world the sacrificial love of Christ for his bride, the church.

The lives of ministers oftentimes convince more strongly than their words; their tongues may persuade, but their lives command.

—Thomas Brooks

  • Prayer

    The Reward They Longed for They Received

    Jesus, who knew what was in the heart of men, warned of the hypocrisy of those whose prayer life is only ever public. “When you pray,” he said, “you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (May 17)

    A La Carte: Generalizations are not stereotypes / Hospitality and reaching the dechurched / Essential lessons for pastors / The rise of Islam and the resilience of the church / Gossip and godly church / Fear takes you where grace has not yet gone / and more.

  • Planted in the Word

    Planted in the Word

    There are a lot of Bible study guides out there. However, the need is not nearly saturated because there are also a lot of Bible readers, many of whom study the Word carefully and repeatedly throughout their Christian lives. For that reason, we cannot have too many guides to assist in reading, understanding, and applying…

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (May 16)

    A La Carte: The role of dance in Christian worship / A community for broken homes / Our reason for missionary risk / The longings of the human heart / I’m not a handyman / Affluence, regret, identity crises / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (May 15)

    A La Carte: The clever move of Leo XIV / People expect church to be churchy / Don’t let TikTok disciple your kids / Playing God with children / Overcoming barriers to hospitality / Real men sing / and more.