Skip to content ↓

Weekend A La Carte (October 15)

If you’re looking for something to give out alongside candy this Halloween, Westminster Books has a deal for you.

There’s a nice little list of Kindle deals to go through this morning.

(Yesterday on the blog: Build a Stronger Marriage)

Friend, You Can Be Ready to Die

Ray Ortlund: “Years ago I read somewhere that, during the Victorian era, people talked often about death, and sex was the taboo subject. By now we have flipped it. We talk freely about sex, and death is the taboo subject. To me, what’s odd is this: even Christians shy away from talking about death. For crying out loud, we’re going to heaven! Why should we fear anything? Our Lord died and rose again — for us.”

What Does “Leaving and Cleaving” Mean For Marriages in India?

I’m always fascinated to see how different cultures obey the same commands. “In fifteen years of being a pastor in Delhi and counselling couples who are struggling in their marriages, one issue causes the greatest amount of marital discord: the unwillingness to ‘leave and cleave.’ One or both spouses are unable or unaware of prioritising their spouse over their parents. In my experience, many problems in marriage can be traced back to this root cause.”

Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible

I’m glad that this documentary was made free on YouTube. “In this surprisingly entertaining film, Dr. Mark Ward explores the challenges facing readers of the King James Bible today. He shows why every English reader can benefit from today’s translations—and why you might not be as fluent in KJV English as you think.”

Say the Quiet Things, Out Loud

Kristin wants to encourage you to say the quiet things out loud.

Australian Football Executive Forced to Resign, Prompting Debate about Religious Liberty

CT reports on what may well be a bellwether situation in Australia. “He lasted 30 hours. Andrew Thorburn, a former banker, was appointed chief executive of Essendon Football Club on September 27. A little more than a day later, he was forced to resign from the prominent ‘footy’ club because of his connection to a conservative Melbourne church.”

Is Sermon Application Legalism?

“Some pastors think that to become great at sermon application, you need to develop a certain skill. Whereas there is skill involved in crafting sermon application, excellent sermon application doesn’t begin with skill acquisition; it begins with shaping what you believe about sermon application.”

Flashback: Don’t Expect Unbelievers To Act Like Believers

So often I see Christians acting surprised that their non-Christian friends or family members are acting like non-Christians. John Owen addresses this in his great work Overcoming Sin and Temptation.

What other book besides the Bible could be heard in public assemblies from year to year, with an attention that never tires, and an interest that never cloys?

—Robert Hall

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (April 16)

    Civility in an uncivil age / Pleasing God / Teen friendships in a TikTok age / Things we added to the Bible / Did Protestants remove books from the Bible? / The watchmaker’s wager / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Sometimes I Get It Wrong

    Sometimes I Get It Wrong

    Sometimes I get it right and, admittedly, sometimes I get it wrong. I get access to most books long before they reach store shelves and I try to anticipate the ones that will be most important, most worthy of my time and yours. These are the ones I then read and review. But sometimes I…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 15)

    Take that risk for Jesus / Have you eliminated submission? / Evaluating your tech usage / Not everything needs to be useful / 10 intercessory prayer points / Before you decree and declare / Book reviews / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 14)

    Critical theory / The Iranian church persists / Hiding from God / Meditation and mindfulness / Work hard for Animal Farm / When you are offended in church / New book releases / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Hear the Word of God

    Discover the Christ-centered, Spirit-filled preaching of Rev. Eric Alexander. For over 50 years, Eric Alexander faithfully proclaimed God’s Word with clarity, depth, and a deep love for Christ. Widely regarded as one of the finest Bible expositors of the late 20th century, his ministry has shaped generations of pastors and believers. Now you can listen…

  • Raising Children Who Love the Church

    Raising Children Who Love the Church

    Here are some practical principles I observed or solicited when raising our children—children who gladly attend and prioritize the local church, not out of obligation, but out of conviction.