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Weekend A La Carte (August 16)

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I’m grateful to Focus on the Family for sponsoring the blog this week. They wanted to be sure you know about the Focused Pastor Couples Conference—a place to step away from the demands of ministry and be reminded that you’re not alone.

Today’s Kindle deals include some excellent and noteworthy titles.

(Yesterday on the blog: Should You Share the Gospel with Your Catholic Friends?)

Do We Need Another Pentecost?

A recent popular worship song declares, “We need another Pentecost.” But do we? Patrick Schreiner tells why we most certainly do not.

The Church Will Not Be Consulted

“In recent years it has become increasingly popular for churches of differing sizes, locations, and denominational traditions to make use of consultant services to find new ministers and staff for Christian institutions.” Joshua Heavin explains the phenomenon and expresses his concerns with it.

Redeeming the Time This New School Year

“Certainly, there is no formula for ensuring a life of faith for our kids and the relationships we desire to cultivate. It is by the grace of God, and yet as parents we are called to diligently shepherd their hearts. But it starts with us—with our hearts.” Kristen Hatton offers some family rhythms you may wish to consider as your family begins a new school year.

Why I Don’t Use the Term “Biblical Patriarchy”

Denny Burk explains why he doesn’t use the term “biblical patriarchy” but instead prefers to speak of “complementarianism.”

What Is a Marriage?

Sometimes we need to ask and answer the simplest questions. “It’s important to base our understanding on what the Bible teaches to ensure it aligns with God’s design. Lack of clarity about weddings and marriage leads to confusion in our personal lives, society, and the church.”

The Scandal of the Evangelical Heart

You may have heard of the scandal of the Evangelical mind, but have you considered the scandal of the Evangelical heart? The two are related to one another.

Flashback: When Pastors Need To Be Extra Cautious

This pastor discerned that one of the challenges of being a pastor—and particularly one who is paid to minister on a full-time basis—is to continue to have a realistic assessment of how the world works “out there.”

A sheep in the midst of wolves is safe compared with a Christian in the midst of ungodly men.

—C.H. Spurgeon

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (August 16)

    A La Carte: Do we need another Pentecost? / The church will not be consulted / Redeeming the time / Why I don’t use “Biblical Patriarchy” / The scandal of the Evangelical heart / and more.

  • Catholicism

    Should You Share the Gospel with Your Catholic Friends?

    It is a question that seems to arise time and again and year after year: How should Protestants relate to Roman Catholics? Are Catholics faithful brothers and sisters in the Lord? Are they misguided members of an alternative denomination? Are they followers of an entirely different faith that preaches an entirely different gospel? How should…

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (August 15)

    A La Carte: The masculinity pyramid / John Mark Comer / Piper on gentle (or firm) correction / The growing enthusiasm for euthanasia / Witness when the vibe shifts / The least attended church gathering / And more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (August 14)

    A La Carte: Wisdom for newlyweds / The mark of the beast / Beware the new notebook energy / When evIl comes for children / Christian sexual ethics / Kindle Bible studies / and more.

  • Classroom

    In My Father’s School Are Many Classrooms

    We know what Jesus said about our eternal destination: “In my Father’s house are many rooms” (or, in its older rendering, “in my Father’s house are many mansions”). We know that God has prepared a place for us to live with him forever—a place of safety, peace, and rest. But before we get to that…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (August 13)

    A La Carte: All the ways I’ve hated myself / Order and openness in worship / To parents of an engaged couple / You see pornography every day / Loving someone else’s gifts / Commentary sale / and more.