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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 Special Offer On Ten Great Books

    A Special Offer On Ten Great Books

    Reformation Heritage Books is offering Challies readers an exclusive 15% discount on their top ten recent releases. Use code CHALLIES at checkout. This offer is valid until January 27.

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    A La Carte (January 20)

    A La Carte: When protest enters the sanctuary / Why I ditched my scrolling habit / Take sports betting seriously / The world runs on urgency / Sanctification hacks / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Endure

    Why We Can Confidently Persevere in Prayer

    I remember the days when my children were younger and would ask me to give them something—then ask me again, and ask me again. At that age, they had no ability to gain or purchase these things for themselves, so they were entirely dependent upon their parents to grant their requests (which were usually for…

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    A La Carte (January 19)

    A La Carte: Learning to struggle / When “Stranger Things” stopped being strange / “If God Is For Us” / Reading as stewardship / A sermon you need to hear / Excellent Kindle deals / and more.

  • Not a Hindrance But a Prerequisite

    Not a Hindrance But a Prerequisite

    Many Christians feel they are too unholy or too sinful to participate in the Lord’s Supper. They come to the table downcast, convinced that their sin makes them unworthy. They may refuse to participate at all.

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    Weekend A La Carte (January 17)

    A La Carte: Look to and learn from older saints / Don’t overthink your problems / Rebellion / When there is no good church / Teens and popular music / Where the gospel costs everything / and more.