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Weekend A La Carte (October 4)

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I’m grateful to Lifeway for sponsoring the blog this week. They wanted to be sure you know about their neat new resource, the CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament, which is meant to help you connect the New Testament to the Bible’s grand narrative.

Today’s Kindle deals include a whole lot more great books. We have been spoiled this week, so be sure to check in with the many deals.

(Yesterday on the blog: Zero Gravity)

Welcoming Others With Gospel Hospitality

“When we hear the word ‘hospitality,’ we may think only of inviting people into our home. The thought of doing so may create a feeling of panic deep within us as we think about cleaning the house or fixing an elaborate meal. Hospitality can feel risky as we think about letting strangers and even friends in our homes and our lives. But gospel hospitality says nothing about a clean house or fancy meals. In fact, nothing about the gospel is fancy or flashy.”

What Is ‘KPop Demon Hunters’? A Primer for Youth Ministers and Parents

It’s possible that you’ve heard of the Netflix phenomenon K-Pop Demon Hunters. This article explains what it’s all about and how Christian young people (and their parents or youth leaders) can think about it.

Does Appearance Matter to Christians?

Does appearance really matter to Christians? Should it? Tanner Kay Swanson offers some answers in this article at Desiring God.

The Sounds of Silence: Teenagers and Mental Health

“Over my 29 years as a youth and family pastor, it has become obvious to me and to many others who care for teenagers and their families that there has been a rise in mental health struggles among teenagers.” Danny Kwon reflects on this fact.

What Does a Post-Literate Culture Look Like?

Consider how little people are reading today, Alan Noble wonders what a post-literate culture might look like. “What kind of future are we walking into where citizens and believers no longer read regularly? What effect will this have on our communities and ways of life?”

The Least I Can Do

This article considers what it means when we say (or otherwise imply) “It’s the least I can do.” Sometimes that is more true than we want it to be.

Flashback: Thank God We Do/Don’t Know the Future

Until that great day, we cling to the many powerful promises God has given us. Our confidence is not in knowing the future, but in knowing the one who holds the future.

God is not a killjoy; he just opposes what kills joy.

—John Piper


  • 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.