Today is the last day to take advantage of these deals from Crossway:

• Finishing Our Course With Joy and Weakness Is the Way by J.I. Packer—$3.99 each
• Disability and the Gospel by Michael Beates—$2.99
• Why, O God? by Larry Waters and Roy Zuck—$4.99

Also worth considering are Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges ($3.99), Unoffendable by Brant Hansen ($2.99), We Cannot Be Silent by Albert Mohler ($2.99), Ex-Muslim by Naeem Fazal ($2.99), and H3 Leadership by Brad Lomenick ($2.99).

Comic fans, Amazon is offering all Kindle editions of Marvel’s graphic novels on sale for 50 percent off.

Signposts: Reflections On My Conversation With Andy Stanley

Russell Moore looks back on one of the big moments from the recent ERLC conference.

You Can’t Claim a Promise

Barnabas Piper:

To claim something is to take ownership, to say “it’s mine.” When we lay claim to property we gain certain rights and privileges. Litigants are awarded claims or denied them, claims of monetary value. Promises don’t work like that.

Socialism in Jesus’ Name?

RC Sproul Jr:

Socialism operates under the premise that the state not only has the authority to take what rightfully belongs to one man to give it to another, but has a duty to do so. Whether it is socialized education, or socialized health care, or socialized medication, or socialized retirement, or simply the taking of cash from one man to give to another, it is of a piece. That we might be in favor of education or medicine or retirement, that we might want to see others receive these blessings, however, should not lead us to support programs that take the wealth God has entrusted to the care of one man to give to another. When one man takes from another by force we rightly call this stealing, something forbidden by God in the Ten Commandments. When ten men or ten million men elect civil leaders to take the wealth of others by force, this too is something forbidden by God in the Ten Commandments. It no more makes a difference if this stealing benefits us or those we would like to see benefited.

Why I Wear Black Suits All The Time

HB Charles:

Several preachers I respect wear mostly black suits when they preach. Their example has obviously influenced me. But when asked who influenced me to wear black suits and ties lately, I give an unexpected answer: Mike Tyson.

Achievement Is My Idol…What’s Yours?

Chris Martin:

The last couple of months, I have been reminded of the fragility of human life. No one close to me has passed away or been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, but I’ve been hyper-aware of our fragility none-the-less.

I was worn down a bit this summer, Susie has been stressed out recently, and, as anyone who is married can tell you, when your spouse is stressed, you bear that burden, too.

4 Downsides of “This Is the Most Important Message Ever!”

Eric Geiger:

People use such strong language to grab attention and to emphasize something that, in the moment, they view as of critical importance. But here are four downsides to every message, announcement, meeting, or event being the most important one in human history, ever.

Critics say assisted death laws aren’t broad enough

In case you had any doubts that Canada was a giant mess. Pray for my homeland, would you?

3 reasons why reading the Bible feels like a chore

A favorite from the archives:

Christian, if studying the Bible isn’t really your thing, can we chat for a minute? While Christianity isn’t dependent upon our academic inclinations, nor our interest in reading in general—to suggest those who are illiterate, have a learning disability or simply aren’t big readers are excluded from the kingdom of God is ridiculous—all Christians should strive to be students of the Bible.

We are, after all, a people of the Book. We know God’s will, his character, and his promises through the Bible. And so, especially for those of us who have the means and ability to do so, this is a book that should be one we’re always eager to pick up. To read and study carefully to whatever capacity God has given us. To enjoy as though it were our favorite meal…

So why is it that reading the Bible seems like such a chore? While there are, no doubt, many reasons, here are three that I’ve seen crop up most frequently in my own life.