This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Truth78, who also sponsored the blog this week.

They are giving away three sets of the Old Testament and New Testament volumes of More Than a Story.
Here is more about the book set:
More Than a Story takes children on a chronological journey through the Bible with a God-centered, gospel-focused, discipleship-oriented, theologically grounded perspective.
Though the Bible is full of stories, it is MORE THAN A STORY. It is the authoritative Word of God that, throughout its pages, proclaims and magnifies the majestic character of God, His work in this world, and His plan of redemption for sinful men through His Son, Jesus.

Here are some of the features that make More Than a Story a valuable resource:

Introduces and clearly explains the key doctrines of the Christian faith.
Over 1,000 Scriptures woven into the text.
Full color, historically-accurate illustrations.
Chapters are written in an interactive manner, teaching children valuable Bible study skills.
Questions are posed to guide children to rightly respond to God’s Word with the mind, heart, and will.
Chapters conclude with prompts and suggestions for further reflection, discussion, prayer, Bible memory, and personal application.
Though written with 6-12 year olds in mind, an engaging resource for the entire family. 

More Than a Story is a serious tool, conveying weighty truths that require our utmost attention and at the same time, it is a wonderfully engaging discipleship tool for parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone else who cares for the faith of the next generations. 

Enter Here
Again, there are three sets to win. And all you need to do to enter the draw is to drop your name and email address in the form below.
Giveaway Rules: Limited to residents of North America. You may enter one time. When you enter, you opt-in to receive marketing emails from Truth78. Winners will be notified by email. The giveaway closes on Thursday December 3, 2021 at midnight.

While there are many places you can go today to find deals on electronics and other big-ticket items, I like to provide a place for Christian retailers to make their deals known to Christians who are trying to kick-start their Christmas shopping (or to just buy great resources at significant discounts). I will update this list regularly throughout the weekend, so you may want to return to a few times. Be sure to check back on Monday for Cyber Monday deals.

Amazon
There is, of course, a massive sale at Amazon that spans pretty well every category. I was hoping for some significant Kindle deals; while there are quite a number of general market deals, there are not a lot of Christian books discounted today.
Westminster Books
Westminster Books is offering up to 83% off some books and a free ESV Scripture Journal with any purchase. You’ll find the Preaching the Word Commentary NT set at 60% off, the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible at 58% off, Ligonier’s A Field Guide to False Teaching half off, etc.
10ofThose
10ofThose is offering up to 77% discounts on a curated list of titles which encompasses resources on the Christian life, illustrated children’s books, Bible studies, devotionals, and more. My newest book, Knowing and Enjoying God, is 60% off. Anyone who spends over $50 will also receive a pair of ESV Scripture Journals (James and Hebrews) for free.
Answers in Genesis
Answers in Genesis has everything discounted by 25% with coupon code BFR21. Select items are up to 80% off. They also have certain other items you can add to your cart and receive for free with any qualifying order.
Banner of Truth
Banner of Truth has quite a number of deals on their always-excellent books and sets. See also their Christmas sale.
Christian Book Distributors
Christian Book Distributors has tons of stuff on sale today—books, Bibles, study Bibles, and so on. The ESV Study Bible is 64% off in hardcover or leather; the ESV Reader’s Bible in softcover is all of $5.49; Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly is half off; the single-volume of edition of C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy is all the way down to $7.99; etc.
Christian Focus
Christian Focus has quite a number of items discounted in that 40% range.
Compass Classroom
Compass Classroom has their material (video-based curriculum) discounted by up to 50%.
Crossway+
Crossway+ members can get 40% off the amazing Heirloom ESV Bibles.
Getty Music
Getty Music is offering 20% off all physical goods and 40% off all downloadable goods.
Ligonier Ministries
Ligonier Ministries is having a special $5 Friday with a lot of great products set at $5 (and many others heavily discounted).
Logos
Logos is offering lots of good deals, including significant discounts on commentaries, collections, and other resources. The Focus on the Bible commentary series is 70% off; the NIGTC is 58% off; Boice’s commentaries are up to 73% off. Additionally, they are offering 15% off Logos 6 Legacy Libraries (or 25% off if you own Logos 9).
Media Gratiae
Media Gratiae has deals on some of their videos: Puritan, The Church, Behold Your God, and so on.
Missional Wear
Missional Wear has select products at up to 50% off, plus all items marked as in-stock and shipping now at 15% off using code CHALLIES15. That includes Shirt Deals, Stocking Stuffers, Drinkware, etc.
New Growth Press
New Growth Press has select titles at 40% off with coupon code BLACK40. They include titles by Ed Welch, Marty Machowski, and others.
Reformation Heritage Books
Reformation Heritage Books has a pretty good-sized collection of books discounted by 50% or even more. A number of them are commentaries or other reference works.

At around 6 AM EST, I will be publishing a list of Black Friday deals that may be of interest to Christian folk. So stay tuned for that if you’re one of the early readers.

Connecting the Dots
I appreciate this reflection on Reformed theology and how it connects the dots. “When you start to join the dots in the Bible, it’s like connecting an electric circuit – the lights come on! You don’t get a better Jesus, but you do get Jesus better.”
The Closest Exit May Be Behind You
“A transformed public conscience has led to unfathomable revolutions in law, which have in turn reeducated the public conscience. In the 1990s the main concern for many evangelicals was how to preserve purity in a vulgar media age. Now the concern is how to preserve a right to say what people find vulgar in a legalistically progressive media age.”
The Deep Places
Reformation21 has an interesting review of a new book by Ross Douthat. “Though I have my differences with Ross—he is a Roman Catholic and I am a Protestant—I have long appreciated his theologically informed approach to public thought, and almost always consider his writings to have been a benefit to me in thinking more deeply about current events.”
Only for a little while
This may resonate even if you aren’t waiting for water. “As our water woes have continued, the question I keep wondering is, how long will this go on for? If someone just told me: there’ll likely be no water until it rains, I think I might find it a little easier, but instead we keep being told, ‘tomorrow’ or ‘on the weekend’. It’s the ‘what if?’ that looms before me: what if this is our new normal? what if this is just how it is now? I want to know when it will end, when I will be able to return to the convenience and dependability of having running water.”
The Good, Chief, and Great Shepherd
In this one, Nick Batzig does a good job of examining the shepherd/sheep motif that pervades Scripture.
Communal Living: The Gift from God We Readily Abuse
Perhaps in part because I so appreciate Zambia and Zambians, I’m interested in this article by Chopo Mwanza. “Zambian culture is endowed with beautiful tenets and practices, residue of God’s common grace. These practices should be celebrated and embraced. We are, for instance, a culture that respects our elders. We were raised to practice hospitality and help those in need, with a strong sense of community. However”
Flashback: How To Get Things Done: Deal With Interruptions
Dealing with interruptions requires an awareness that God is sovereign and you are not. When you trust a sovereign God you know that no interruption has caught God by surprise. This frees you from outbursts of anger or depths of despair.

God’s love is the source, not the consequence, of the atonement. —John Stott

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family. You enjoy your holiday and we’ll take care of the internet today.

Today’s Kindle deals include a nice little selection of titles.
(Yesterday on the blog: New and Notable Christian Books fo November 2021)
Thanksgiving, Gratitude, and Leanness of Soul
“When we forget God and ingratitude sets in, we have grown spiritually sick. At that point, it does not matter how much we have; it will never satisfy us, and the more we get, the more dissatisfied we become. If God and His great mercy cannot fill our hearts with thanksgiving, nothing will.”
Handling Our Differences Redemptively, Not Destructively
Scotty Smith: “Trying to wrap my head and heart around the divisiveness that has marked so much public discourse lately, I spent some valuable time pondering three messy relational scenarios described in the New Testament. Each situation highlights how we, who are perfectly loved by Jesus, don’t easily handle our differences very well.”
A Glimpse Into the Future of God’s Children
This one is well worth reading. “I’d argue that using our imagination in this way is probably one of the main reasons why God gave us an imagination. If Heaven is real, why wouldn’t we use our minds, within the bounds of what God has revealed to us, to stir up our hearts in this way?”
How Much Does A Good Deed Weigh?
These are good and important questions. “How much does a good deed weigh on the scales of perfect justice? How many good actions does it take to balance against a bad one? What about bad attitudes? If I do a good deed with mixed motives, does it still count as good, or have I ruined it with my divided heart that hides so much selfishness and pride and envy right alongside whatever good I’m trying to do?”
Practicing Confession
“Before I became a member at my church here in Kansas City, I didn’t know anything about confession. Don’t get me wrong, I knew that believers are supposed to confess more than once: there is confession initially at salvation, and then consistently throughout the life of sanctification.”
Confessing the Faith: The Place of Confessions in Church Life
From confession to confessions–here’s one one why confessions of faith have a place in the corporate worship service.
Flashback: 4 Common Critics and Constructive Ways to Respond to Them
In his book The Heart of the Preacher, Rick Reed lists four common critics and offers appropriate and constructive ways to respond to each of them.

One of the effects of the gospel going deeper into our souls is that it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods. —David Mathis

The final months of the year are typically not the best time for new book releases. However, this year we are seeing some special releases that are well worth investigating—including books by prominent theologians like Thomas Schreiner and Douglas Moo. With that in mind, here is my list of new and notable Christian books for November 2021. In each case I’ve included the editorial description.

The Joy of Hearing: A Theology of the Book of Revelation by Thomas Schreiner. “Join New Testament scholar Thomas Schreiner as he explores the meaning and purpose of the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation can feel more intimidating to read than other books of the Bible. It invites readers into a world that seems confusing and sometimes even strange: golden lampstands, seven seals, a dragon, and a rider on a white horse. But at its core, Revelation is a message of hope written to Christians facing hardship, and it’s worth the effort to read it and understand it. In this first volume in the New Testament Theology series, trusted scholar Thomas Schreiner walks step-by-step through the book of Revelation, considering its many themes—the opposition believers face from the world; the need for perseverance; God as sovereign Creator, Judge, and Savior—as well as its symbolic imagery and historical context. The Joy of Hearing brings clarity to the content and message of Revelation and explores its relevance for the church today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
A Theology of Paul and His Letters by Douglas Moo. “This highly anticipated volume gives pastors, scholars, and all serious students of the New Testament exactly what they need for in-depth study and engagement with one of Christian history’s most formative thinkers and writers. A Theology of Paul and His Letters is a landmark study of the apostle’s writings by one of the world’s leading Pauline scholars Douglas J. Moo. Fifteen years in the making, this groundbreaking work is organized into three major sections: Part 1 provides an overview of the issues involved in doing biblical theology in general and a Pauline theology in particular. Here Moo also sets out the methodological issues, formative influences, and conceptual categories of Paul’s thought. Part 2 moves on to Paul’s New Testament writings, where Moo describes each Pauline letter with particular relevance to its theology. Part 3 offers a masterful synthesis of Paul’s theology under the overarching theme of the gift of the new realm in Christ. Engaging, insightful, and wise, this substantive, evangelical treatment of Paul’s theology offers extensive engagement with the latest Pauline scholarship without sacrificing its readability. This volume brings insights from over thirty years of experience studying, teaching, and writing about Paul into one comprehensive guide that will serve readers as a go-to resource for decades to come.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
What Jesus Did: 31 Devotions about the Life of Jesus & What Jesus Does: 31 Devotions about Jesus and the Church by Sinclair Ferguson. This is a pair of related books that tell stories. “Since before the beginning of time God has been at work. He created the world; he promised to send a saviour; and he sent his Son to die for us. With these 31 devotions and prayers you will see the impact of the life of Christ from before Creation to the Resurrection. Find out What Jesus Did through stories such as: Making Christmas Last; When Jesus Became a Refugee; and How Do I know Jesus Loves me?” As for the second book: “What is a life with Jesus like? How does the Son of God impact me? Through 31 devotions about Jesus, family and the church we discover what being friends with Jesus really means. Find out about Jesus, his friends and family, the disciples and the church through stories such as: Jesus Knows Your Name; Ready Steady Think; and Who Loves Church?” (Buy What Jesus Did at Amazon or Westminster Books; Buy What Jesus Does at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Rescue Plan: Charting a Course to Restore Prisoners of Pornography by Deepak Reju & Jonathan Holmes. “Pornography addiction is a pervasive problem—even in Christian circles—and many destructive misunderstandings surround it. If you want to help someone who has become a prisoner of this sin, you’ll need to know your enemy and the terrain on which you’ll be fighting. What makes a woman’s encounter with pornography different from a man’s, and how do you counsel her? What guidance do you give a struggler who is currently dating—or married? How can you help a parent who has discovered that their young child has been exposed to porn? Rescue Plan draws on the research and experience of two biblical counselors, giving concrete information and helping you to shape an effective plan of attack for strugglers in these diverse circumstances. Although it can stand alone, Rescue Plan pairs with Rescue Skills, also by Reju and Holmes, for maximum effectiveness. Together these two books show how to develop and execute a comprehensive plan for fighting pornography addiction in a wide range of situations.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Rescue Skills: Essential Skills for Restoring the Sexually Broken by Deepak Reju & Jonathan Holmes. “Do you know someone who is struggling with sexual addiction? Unfortunately, given our hypersexualized culture and the accessibility of pornography, it’s likely that you do. Recovery is a difficult journey—one that none should take alone. How can you help? In this practical handbook, counselors Deepak Reju and Jonathan Holmes provide a treasure trove of straightforward, biblical strategies for guiding a fellow believer—male or female, old or young—toward recovery. You’ll learn how to listen well, develop a plan, encourage good accountability, provide support during relapses, and, by God’s grace, keep your friend focused on Christ throughout. The conversations may be uncomfortable, but this is a matter of eternal importance! Although it can stand alone, Rescue Skills pairs with Rescue Plan, also by Reju and Holmes, for maximum effectiveness. Together these two books show how to develop and execute a comprehensive plan for fighting pornography addiction in a wide range of circumstances.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Trial of the 16th Century: Calvin & Servetus by Jonathan Moorhead. “The execution of Michael Servetus (1511-53) is one of the most debated events in the life of John Calvin (1509-1564). It has left an indelible stain on Calvin’s reputation, and unfortunately, the retelling of the story is often dependent on the historian’s relationship to Calvinism. Jonathan Moorhead here seeks to give a faithful narrative of the role of John Calvin in the execution of Michael Servetus. He examines the life of Servetus, with emphasis given to his education, publications, and relationship with John Calvin. Moorhead also gives attention to the role of Calvin in Servetus’ arrests, trials, and execution. Understanding the extent of Calvin’s power in Geneva at the time of the trial is critical to understanding the events, as is the context of executing heretics throughout history, and in particular, in the 16th Century. This book will challenge readers to think critically about the ethics of telling history, the standards of properly judging previous generations, and the benefits of this study for the building up of the Body of Christ.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
More Than A Story: Old Testament & More Than A Story: New Testament by Sally Michaels. I’ll provide the description for the NT version and allow you to figure out what the OT one is about. “More Than a Story: New Testament is a new kind of Bible resource for children (ages 6-12)—taking them on a chronological journey through the Bible with a God-centered, gospel-focused, discipleship-oriented, theologically grounded perspective. The glorious account of the birth of God’s Son and the sobering account of Jesus’ death on the cross; bread and fish multiplied to feed 5,000 and living water offered to a Samaritan woman; Jesus preaching openly and the Pharisees plotting secretly; a crowd singing praises in the streets and an angry mob calling for crucifixion; a blind man receives his sight and a persecutor of the church is blinded by light; an apostle is freed from prison and another is put in chains – the pages of this book are filled with stories from the Bible, all of them absolutely and eternally true, telling one grand story. More than a storybook, this 346-page book displays Christ’s manifold character as well as His glorious deeds, righteous commands, sure promises, severe warnings, and gracious plan of redemption. Though the Bible is full of stories, it is MORE THAN A STORY. It is the authoritative Word of God that, throughout its pages, proclaims and magnifies the majestic character of God, His work in this world, and His plan of redemption for sinful men through His Son, Jesus.” (Buy the OT volume at Amazon or Westminster Books; Buy the NT volume at Westminster Books)
After Emmaus: How the Church Fulfills the Mission of Christ by Brian Tabb. “Did the Old Testament simply point to the coming of Christ and his saving work, or is there more to the story? After his resurrection, the Lord Jesus revealed how his suffering, glory, and mission plan for the nations are in fact central to the biblical story of redemption. After Emmaus shows how Christology and missiology are integrally connected throughout Scripture, especially in the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. Brian Tabb explains what Luke 24:46–47 reveals about God’s messianic promises in the Old Testament, their fulfillment in the New Testament, and the purpose of the church. By understanding Jesus’s last words to his disciples, Christians today will be motivated to participate in the Messiah’s mission.” (Buy it at Amazon)

May the Lord bless and keep you today.

On sale at Westminster Books this week is a new volumes of systematic theology by Douglas Kelly.
There are a couple of Kindle deals so far, with perhaps a few more to come in the morning.
What happened at the ETS?
I appreciated Denny Burk’s roundup of some of what transpired at the recent ETS meetings.
The Danger of Nostalgia
“What’s your favorite family memory? What is your favorite memory of church? Your favorite holiday memory? Recollecting can bring warm feelings toward people and fond memories of places. Nostalgia can stoke gratitude” But there can also be some subtle dangers to nostalgia…
What to Say to A Friend Who has Doubt
“Once I confessed my doubts aloud, I was able to start confronting them one by one. Over the next few months, with the help of my husband, my friends, and my church family, I continuously exposed my doubts to the light of God’s Word, taking back ground in my heart until my doubts were at bay.”
Sociology as Theology: The Deconstruction of Power in (Post)Evangelical Scholarship
This is a fascinating article in which Neil Shenvi looks at several new books that have a kind of commonality. “They all share a dangerous approach to theology via the disciplines of sociology and history. Even if we agree with their conclusions, we should recognize that they are sowing the seeds of a deconstruction that goes far deeper than race, gender, and politics.”
Why You Should Join an Imperfect Church
We probably all know someone who needs to be reminded of the importance of the local church.
How Does The Second Coming Of Christ Change How We Live Now?
Ligon Duncan tells how Christ’s second coming should influence the way we live right now.
Flashback: Unjust, Unkind, Unfair, Un-humble?
Is it unjust, unkind, unfair, un-humble to insist upon the exclusivity of Jesus Christ? No, it is unjust, unkind, unfair, un-humble not to, for in doing so we are simply describing reality. In doing so we are offering hope.
Flashback: Unjust, Unkind, Unfair, Un-humble?
Is it unjust, unkind, unfair, un-humble to insist upon the exclusivity of Jesus Christ? No, it is unjust, unkind, unfair, un-humble not to, for in doing so we are simply describing reality. In doing so we are offering hope.

If each hour’s work is faithfully done we shall have, at the last, a whole life-work faithfully done. —J.R. Miller

May the God of love and peace be with you today.

(Yesterday on the blog: Helpful Things You Can Say to Grieving Parents)
Do We Really Want Everything That Technology Can Give Us?
Gene Veith asks, “Do we want technology that overrides our agency as human beings? That babysits us? That keeps us in line? My sense is that we want technology that extends what we can do. Not technology that imposes itself upon us, or that creates conditions that we have to submit to, or that goes against the grain of our humanness.”
WHAT-A-WING!
Here’s a neat new video from the John 10:10 Project.
Eikon Fall 2021
CBMW has released a new edition of their journal Eikon. There are lots of good articles and reviews to read.
Does Mathematics = Western Imperialism?
Here, from Nancy Pearcy, is one of those articles from Eikon. She looks at the charge that math is a form of Western imperialism.
Practicing
Just on time for Thanksgiving, Susan Lafferty reflects on gratitude. (See also Thankfulness Is God’s Will for You by Jonathan Landry Cruse.)
It’s Too Loud in Here
“Is it just my elderly thirtysomething ears, or is popular music significantly louder than it used to be? Even coffee shop music seems able to drown our my thinking nowadays, much less the thunderous synth beats that assault me while shopping or eating. Movie soundtracks feel turned up to 100. And it’s not just music. People seem louder than before.” Quite right!
Flashback: A Simple But Life-Changing Realization
You may not see your sin so completely and utterly vanquished that it never raises its ugly head again. But you can see massive, unbelievable success against that sin.

When you do relationships through the love of God, you learn over and over again that love has a lot less to do with feelings and a lot more to do with forgiveness. —Jared C. Wilson

This week, the blog is sponsored by Truth78 and was written by Jill Nelson. Now more than ever, our children need to know, understand, and embrace the stunning grandeur and absolute truth of Scripture. The answer to every pressing question, every longing of the heart, every struggle of the will, and every hope of all-satisfying joy is found in God’s Word. Therefore, parents (and every believer): It is our sacred responsibility and privilege to fully acquaint our children with the …

It can be awkward to reach out to those who are deep in grief. It can be hard to know what to say and easy to believe that our words are more likely to offend than comfort, to make a situation worse rather than better. We sense that our words ought to be few, but also that the worst thing to say is nothing at all.

I recently consulted with a few other parents who have experienced the loss of a child and want to offer a few things you can say to grieving parents that may prove an encouragement to them—a flicker of light in their time of deep darkness. These phrases may be helpful to people experiencing other forms of grief, but I offer them particularly for those grieving the loss of a child.
“I am praying for you.” This is the one thing every person can do and the one thing that is simplest to say. When a family has experienced a deep loss, you can intercede for them and then, as a means of encouragement, simply let them know that you have been doing so. You may even tell them how you have been praying for them—perhaps what Scriptures you have been praying on their behalf. One word from the Word is worth a thousand from anywhere else.
“I will never grow tired of your grief.” A deep loss is very nearly all-consuming. For weeks and even months it can completely dominate a life. The one who is experiencing the grief may soon begin to fear becoming an annoyance to others—to fear they will wonder why he or she isn’t yet over it. It is a tremendous blessing, then, to have one or two trusted friends offer this assurance: “I will never grow tired of your grief.” This makes those friends a safe harbor for expressing sorrow, whether weeks, months, or even years later. It blesses the sufferer to know they will always have someone who will listen patiently as they pour out their broken hearts.
“I’ll stick with you all the way.” Many well-wishers will express condolences in the early days, but few will continue to be present and available weeks, months, or years later. This is completely understandable, of course. Yet there is a place for a small number of close friends to say, “I’ll stick with you all the way.” This is an agreement that they will continue to be available and continue to initiate good conversations in the latter days as much as the early days. These people may want to schedule regular meetings and check-ins—perhaps breakfast or coffee every couple of weeks at first, then with the gap widening as time passes. These people will want to ensure they live up to their word and truly do stick with their friends all the way.
“Text me any time and say only, ‘I’m having a bad day.’” On days of deep grief, it can be difficult for a grieving parent to reach out for help because it would be too overwhelming to have to offer explanations and answer questions. There is freedom in being able to text someone to say only “I’m having a bad day” with no further explanation and no follow-up interrogation. This is an invitation not to have the other person call and counsel, but simply to stop and pray. That person can be a tremendous encouragement by replying with nothing more than this: “I’ll pray for you right now.”
“Dinner is on me.” When people are deep in grief, little things can become big things. Mourners carry a heavy burden of spiritual and emotional trauma that makes even tasks as simple as preparing meals onerous or very nearly impossible. One of the most helpful things you can do is provide food—whether dropping off a meal (preferably hot and ready-to-eat at dinner time), ordering one through UberEats or SkiptheDishes, or sending along gift cards. This fulfills one of those essential tasks and takes it out of the hands of the one experiencing such difficulty. (Alternatively or additionally, if you are at the grocery store, text and ask, “I’m at the store, is there anything I can pick up for you?”)
“One of my favorite memories is…” A fear of all parents who have lost a child is that their child will be forgotten (which would, in turn, make them feel like their child’s life didn’t matter). For this reason, sharing favorite memories is often a means of encouragement. Most parents long to know those stories and to laugh and cry as they hear them.
“I am thinking of you today.” After the initial days, weeks, and months following a loss, grief tends to reassert itself on occasions and anniversaries. It can be an expression of love and care to get in touch with the family on the birthday of the child who died as well as on the anniversary of his death. If relevant, it may also be a blessing to be in touch on the day he would have been married or would have graduated, and so on. This is perhaps especially important in the first year—the year of so many firsts.
“What can I do for your kids?” The death of a child impacts the entire family, including older and younger siblings. It may be extremely helpful for friends to step in to babysit younger children and to spend time with or even informally counsel older children. Little gifts or tokens of love for the kids may prove a blessing.
“May I pay my respects?” For many families, it is a sign of love and respect for friends to visit the grave of their loved one. Some may prefer to be there when their friends visit and others will be encouraged simply to know that their friends took the time. But, either way, the family may be blessed to know you have visited the grave and paid your respects.
(A word about cemetery etiquette: You can simply stand quietly at a graveside to remember the deceased or to pray and thank God for the person’s life and ask him to bless the grieving family. Though it is not at all necessary, it may be meaningful to take flowers and simply lay them at the grave. Some cemeteries have strict regulations about what can be brought and left, others have no regulations at all. If you visit on your own, the family may be encouraged to know you visited, so consider telling them.)

Good morning, my friends. Grace and peace to you today.

(Yesterday on the blog: The Last (Melodramatic) Hymn)
Into the Metaverse
Samuel James: “Facebook recently announced it is changing its name to Meta—short for ‘metaverse.’ As it rebrands, it continues its movement toward posthuman ambition that has been evident for many years. For nearly a decade, Facebook has been shifting the company away from an ethos of connecting real people and toward a kind of permanent digital habitation, the contraction of life so as to fit inside algorithms.”
Is Violent Crime Under God’s Providence?
John Piper answers an urgent and important question here.
When Angels Aren’t Enough to Make You Believe
“Zacharias couldn’t believe his ears when the lot was cast and it landed on him. As a priest, he had performed thousands of animal sacrifices, but he had never had the honor of offering incense in the Holy Place. Over 20,000 priests served at the temple, and most would never set foot inside. To have your name drawn was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Zacharias took a deep breath as he stepped inside the hallowed chamber.”
The Simple Life
This is an important distinction. “Simplicity is one thing, scarcity another. One is a lifestyle you choose, and the other a lifestyle forced on you.”
The Life we Cannot Live
This is a helpful explanation of the active obedience of Christ–a key theological term.
9 Things To Know About T. B. Joshua
“In June 2021, prominent Nigerian born religious leader T.B. Joshua died, leaving a large contingent of mourning followers in Africa and around the world. With an acclaimed status as a “great man of God”, the wealthy megachurch pastor earned popularity as well as notoriety.” Here is a “snapshot of the man behind the miracles.”
Flashback: God Is Not More, Cannot Promise More, or Do More…
Why do Christians make such a big deal of Jesus? Here’s why…

The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. —John Stott