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Sunday A La Carte (June 3)

It is a beautiful Saturday evening here in Livingstone, Zambia, as I prepare this collection of articles for Sunday morning. I have enjoyed Zambia tremendously and have been blessed to see the country and meet its people. I am about to head to church, then south to South Africa for a couple of days before beginning my journey home. Then another leg of this EPIC journey will be done.

Once again, I collected a lot of great links this week so thought I’d share the overflow on Sunday. Here goes!

This weekend only you can get a free e-book copy of David Mathis’s excellent Habits of Grace.

The Persistent and Pervasive Problem of Pseudo-Pique

You may not know the term, but you definitely know the reality it describes. “Pseudo means having the appearance of while not actually having, and pique means to affect with sharp irritation and resentment. The pseudo-pique is the sharing of ‘news’ that provokes the sham appearance of irritation or outrage. Rather than accurately expressing our actual emotion or level of concern, we act as if we care more about an even than we do (or even should).”

Why Won’t God Answer My Prayer?

I think it’s good from time to time to consider why God may not answer prayers. “So why do we so often see prayers go unanswered? Can we do anything about it? These promises about prayer are given to us in abundance, so what keeps us from seeing them fulfilled? Let me quickly offer 6 possibilities.”

Antony van Leeuwenhoek

Creation.com has an interesting profile of Antony van Leeuwenhoek, a name you probably don’t know, but perhaps should.

Small Church Pastors: A Tribute To The Forgotten Heroes

“Where did we get the idea that small churches are small because there’s something wrong with them and/or their pastors?” That’s a good question…

Christian Repentance in a Callout Culture

“Our culture is increasingly a shame culture. ‘Callout’ refers to the common practice of using one’s social media account to name and shame, often with the intended goal of inspiring those who follow your posts to likewise pile-on the other party. As many are discovering, these kinds of shaming campaigns can have real power, especially if the offending party is supported by a corporate brand which fears the effect of such negative publicity.”

How to Sharpen Your Concentration for Bible Reading

These are useful tips for making sure you are making the most of your Bible reading.


  • 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.

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    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.

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    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…

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    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.