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Weekend A La Carte (October 4)

A La Carte Collection cover image

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 La Carte Collection cover image

    Weekend A La Carte (December 6)

    A La Carte: Rightly ordered desires / Ordinary wonders / For my good, not my comfort / Make room for special-needs families / Christmas spirit / Wisdom rarely makes you famous / and more.

  • New Dimensions Template

    Noteworthy New Commentaries from 2025

    There are few resources I rely on more than I rely on my commentaries. Over the years, I have developed an extensive collection and turn to them often. I try to keep tabs on new commentaries and thought I would let you know about some of the best options that were published in 2025

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (December 5)

    A La Carte: Doug Wilson vs public schools / Your church needs you to sing / Wicca’s origins and Christian Nationalism / Out of season / Amish millionaires / Two wedding aisles to walk down / and more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (December 4)

    A La Carte: Why I changed my mind on mixed martial arts / Misunderstanding porn / When time feels short / The Bible and friendship / Is God disappointed in me? / and more.

  • Thoughts

    Can Satan Put Thoughts Into Our Minds?

    Each of us is familiar with the experience of being tempted to sin. Sometimes these temptations arise from outside of us and sometimes they arise from within. Each of our three sworn enemies—the world, the flesh, and the devil—has the ability to tempt us to do what God forbids or fail to do what God…