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Weekend A La Carte (August 20)

Sometimes there is almost an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the articles that different Christian writers share through their blogs. Today is one of those days. I trust you’ll enjoy some of the ones I’ve linked to below.

Before you do, please consider pre-ordering Seasons of Sorrow and attending the launch event.

Today’s Kindle deals include some newer and older books.

(Yesterday on the blog: A Concise Guide to the Greatest Letter Ever Written)

Is History History? Identity Politics and Teleologies of the Present

Michael Haykin recommended this article and I’m glad he did. “This trend toward presentism is not confined to historians of the recent past; the entire discipline is lurching in this direction, including a shrinking minority working in premodern fields. If we don’t read the past through the prism of contemporary social justice issues—race, gender, sexuality, nationalism, capitalism—are we doing history that matters?”

Other Billy Graham ‘Rules’? The Modesto Proposal

Speaking of history, I’m thankful David Mathis wrote about this little bit of history. “Ever heard of Elmer Gantry? If not — or if the name only vaguely rings a bell — then you might, like many today, lack an important bit of context for understanding the origins of the so-called ‘Billy Graham Rule.’”

“I Am Unable to Attend”

And sticking with the historical theme, Kim Riddelbarger shares Charles Hodge’s response to an invitation from Pope Pius IX to attend the First Vatican Council.

Christian Employees: They Either Love Jesus Or They’re Obsessed with Sex. Right?

Moving to the present day, Stephen McAlpine says “here’s what really ticks off Christians seeking to live faithful lives in workplaces that are aggressively pushing the Sexular Age onto their employees.”

You’ve Never Heard This (Spiritually) Before

“I’ve seen it happen many times. A new believer is sharing their testimony and when speaking of a moment of breakthrough gospel understanding, they say things like, ‘I had never heard that before.’ ‘That was the first time I heard the gospel.’ ‘No one had previously explained Jesus to me in that way.’ Meanwhile, their longtime believing friend is sitting nearby, with an incredulous look on their face or perhaps a perplexed smile, knowing that that moment was definitely not the first time they had had the gospel presented to them clearly.”

How do I grow in my trust in God when I am struggling to trust Him? (Video)

Sinclair Ferguson offers a helpful answer to those who may question why they are struggling to trust the Lord.

Flashback: 10 Common but Illegitimate Reasons to Divorce

…many people—even Christians—offer reasons to divorce that are not sanctioned by God. Jim Newheiser helpfully outlines a number of these in his book Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and Answers. Here are 10 common but illegitimate reasons to divorce.

Endurance in suffering doesn’t grab our attention, but it is a response so important that it will have value that lasts beyond death.

—Ed Welch

  • New and Notable Christian Books for February 2026

    New and Notable Christian Books for February 2026

    Not a single month goes by without Christian publishers providing us with great new resources. Thankfully, most of those new books end up in my mailbox. That allows me to sort through them and distil them down to a list like this one: A list of new and notables.

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    A La Carte (February 27)

    A La Carte: Time / More than a book / If you knew him, you would ask / The multitasking myth / Beware AI-generated Christian content / It’s sad that you believe that / and more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (February 26)

    A La Carte: Death with dignity / On “balance” and young men / No need to fear / A gospel reset for the weary Christian / A shy guy’s guide to big groups / Book and Kindle deals / and more.

  • Substacks I Read and Recommend in 2026

    30 Christian Substacks I Read and Recommend in 2026

    t is a blessing to have so many dedicated and talented Christian writers who are willing to share their work with us. Many of them choose to share it through Substack, a platform for email newsletters. I follow all kinds of Substacks and thought it might be helpful to create a roundup of some of…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (February 25)

    A La Carte: Why wouldn’t God provide more proof? / Gospel antidotes to anxiety / The predictable pastor / Writing is pain / Depths of Mordor / The Lord’s Supper is the best altar call / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (February 24)

    A La Carte: Carl Trueman on playing God / Gen Z and the search for status / John Piper on the marks of a godly boss / Interpreting OT laws / What is fasting? / When the gospel becomes an idol / and more.