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Weekend A La Carte (June 25)

I hope and pray you have a wonderful, restful, worshipful weekend.

There are some new Kindle deals today.

(Yesterday on the blog: On Worship)

There are, of course, lots of articles about the big news from the Supreme Court yesterday. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Joe Carter’s FAQ explains what happened and what happens now.
  • Al Mohler rejoices.
  • Jake Meador’s The Land Is Bright celebrates a victory while also reminding Christians that the work is not nearly done.
  • Bethel McGrew explains why non-Americans may not be able to understand why this is such a big deal.
  • Winfree Brisley’s Remember Who Overturned Roe makes sure we remember who’s really responsible for this good news. (Hint: It’s neither a former President nor a current Supreme Court Justice.)

A Conflict of Visions: Comparing Rick Warren’s SBC Speech and Juan Sanchez’s Convention Sermon

“Every once in a while, you witness something that captures in a single snapshot an entire way of thinking. In just a few brief moments, a whole world of assumptions and beliefs is laid bare. The curtain is pulled back, and the heart of a matter is exposed.” This is so true.

Bootstrapping is Folly

Glenna Marshall writes about the common misunderstanding that sanctification is a matter of pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps.

FAQ: Has Jesus Taken Away Satan’s Power—or Not?

“The Bible says that Satan is ‘bound,’ but it also says he’s ‘a roaring lion’ who wants to destroy people. Can both be true? How should we understand Satan’s power in the world today?” That’s a good question, isn’t it?

The Binding of Satan

In a somewhat similar and slightly more scholarly vein, here is Kim Riddelbarger on the binding of Satan. “The binding of Satan as depicted in this passage raises several obvious questions, especially in light of the on-going debate between amillennarians and premillennarians about the timing and character of the millennial age.”

Is this world a sinking ship, or is there still hope for its future?

What will happen to this sinful, corrupted world when Jesus Christ returns? Will He come to bring destruction or renewal? From a Ligonier event, Michael Reeves brings clarity on the new heavens and new earth.

Flashback: The Coming Millennial Midlife Crisis

We are forced to look at our paltry list of accomplishments, to concede our lack of skills, to admit our increasing weariness, to acknowledge our decreasing strength, and to face the fact that we won’t do nearly what we thought we would do.

God has put us into the fire of affliction to refine us, and make us a vessel fit for His use.

—Edmund Calamy

  • Free Stuff Fridays (Zondervan Reflective)

    This weeks Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Zondervan Reflective. They are giving away book bundles to three winners. Each winner will receive: One (1) hardcover copy of Pilgrim Prayers by Tim Challies. Estimated retail value $26.99. One (1) hardcover copy of Seasons of Sorrow by Tim Challies. Estimated retail value $26.99. One (1) hardcover…

  • How Jesus Really Feels About You

    How Jesus Really Feels About You

    I am often surprised and dismayed when I hear Christians speak about the way God feels about them. So many believers live with the conviction that God is generally displeased with them, that he regards them with a sense of disappointment. They may even believe he has a sense of regret that he reached out…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (August 23)

    A La Carte: The exultant nature of today’s abortion advocacy / The God of small things / Six words of advice for seminarians / A parent’s guide to talking with kids about technology / The Olympic opening ceremony / and more.

  • Pilgrim Prayers

    Have You Ever Tried Praying Poetically?

    There are many ways to pray. There are many ways to pray that are good, appropriate, helpful, and honoring to God. Christians have often found it a blessing to pray words that others have written. Perhaps you have prayed the words of The Book of Common Prayer or The Valley of Vision. But I ask,…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (August 22)

    A La Carte: Is “Allah” just another word for God? / 4 categories of doctrinal weight / What is the biblical view of self-defense? / 4 goals for good writing / When fear assails / Kindle and book deals / and more.

  • Is Watching Porn a Sin

    Is Watching Porn a Sin?

    I’m so glad you are asking this question because it’s an important one. Maybe you will find it comforting to know you are not the only one asking it—more people come to this site by searching “is watching porn a sin?” than any other question.