My credit card dreads the months between August and February. After surviving back-to-school shopping and the onslaught of autumn and winter holidays, I wince at the thought of how much time I’ve wasted in the Target curbside pickup lot, waiting for another bag of seasonal kitsch to reach my minivan. By the time I’m buying treats for Valentine’s Day, I frankly feel gross. Materialism is soul-sucking, and Christians aren’t the only ones to notice. In recent years, American culture has offered a solution: “Instead of buying things, prioritize experiences.” When Christians hear this advice, we suppose it sounds close enough to Matthew 6:19—“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal”—so we nod our heads and set to work drafting a list of “experiences” that will make our families’ holiday seasons special. “Experience gifts” can be a great option—especially if your home already feels crowded or if you aren’t confident your recipient truly wants another toy or sweater or coffee mug. Giving experiences can also be an effective way to initiate quality time with your loved ones. However, prioritizing experiences over things isn’t always the cure for materialism we might think it is, and Christians should be wary of several problems inherent in this philosophy. False Dichotomy The terms “experience” and “thing” are simply two vantage points to view a singular reality: God designed his image-bearers as embodied creatures whose actions are intrinsically intertwined with the material world. When people speak about experiences as gifts, what they typically mean is riding in a vehicle to a physical location that’s lovely or novel, doing an activity that requires materials and equipment, and filling their stomachs with quality food and drink. And when we speak of things, we refer to books we read, clothes we wear, and instruments we play. Experiences depend on the use of things, and things are only enjoyed if they can be experienced. False dichotomy aside, the more troubling issue with the trend toward pushing experiences over things is that we rarely deliver this claim as a neutral statement. More often, it has a subtle shade of self-righteousness. We’re tempted to believe that by embracing the pursuit of experiences—since this seems to stand in contrast to the pursuit of possessions—we’ve combated materialism. But what is materialism if not the manipulation of the physical world to suit our pleasure? And what do we typically seek through experiences if not our pleasure? Honest Evaluation The apostle James, describing how covetousness breeds sin and malice, admonishes believers who “ask wrongly, to spend . . . on [their] passions” (James 4:3). The truth is, we’re tempted to chase our passions through pursuing possessions and pursuing experiences. If we aren’t careful, both can distract us from Christ’s sufficiency and the responsibilities of discipleship. The truth is, we’re tempted to chase our passions through pursuing possessions and pursuing experiences. It’s also not lost on me that every person I’ve heard declare his or her preference for “experiences over things” has been financially solvent and not lacking any “thing” necessary to support a safe, healthy, and comfortable life. If we have discretionary income that allows us to pursue experiences nonessential to our survival, we’d do well—rather than patting ourselves on the back for having overcome materialism—to recall that “everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). As ends in themselves, neither things nor experiences can satisfy the human soul. While Matthew 6:19 rightly acknowledges the vulnerability of our possessions to moth, rust, and thieves, so too are our experiences vulnerable to lost passports, food poisoning, and the eventual deterioration of our memories. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t leave us in our dissatisfaction. Instead, he encourages us to “lay up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). Better Pursuit So what does this mean practically? Is everyone getting “thoughts and prayers” for Christmas this year? By no means. Things and experiences can distract us from our relationship with Christ, but they certainly don’t have to. To the contrary, at Christmas we celebrate that God’s Son took on flesh so that through our faith in his incarnate life of perfect righteousness, his death, and his embodied resurrection, he might redeem our whole, embodied selves with his Spirit. Now, whether we “eat or drink” (or create art or plant a garden or play pickleball), we may “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Rather than choosing gifts by prioritizing a pursuit of experiences, Christ invites us to give to one another by prioritizing a pursuit of love—and love is a virtue we can exercise through giving both things and experiences. Love is a virtue we can exercise through the giving of both things and experiences. There’s no need to overcomplicate or hyperspiritualize the prioritization of love. It looks like moderating our consumption so we’re able to give generously to the church and to the “least of these” (Matt. 25:40). It can also look like giving a thoughtful token of affection that demonstrates your honor of and admiration for your recipient. It can look like planning an experience that will foster quality time and build positive, mutually shared memories. It can look like offering a material gift that practically supports your recipient’s personal aspirations or that fills her life with beauty. It can even look like buying a baseball and a couple of gloves so you can regularly have fun by playing catch with your kids. He who chases pleasure through the pursuit of things or experiences will “fade away in the midst of his pursuits” (James 1:11), but “love never ends” (1 Cor. 13:8). This gift-giving season, brothers and sisters, let us be known by our love.

John Calvin died in 1564. His works have been continually read since his death. What more can we learn from his sermons at this point in history? A recent collection of sermons, translated into English for the first time, helps us answer that question. In the Power of the Spirit: Sermons on Matthew, Mark & Luke is replete with instruction and wisdom for modern readers. Roger White, who has translated several of Calvin’s works for the Banner of Truth, relied on the 1562 French text to produce this collection on the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry. In these 18 sermons, Calvin ingeniously harmonizes the Synoptic Gospels as he preaches on their doctrine and practical application. These sermons are new material for today’s readers, but they serve to remind us of ancient truths every generation needs. From the opening sermon, Calvin celebrates the beauty of the gospel message. He writes, “For what are we to think when, as our Lord Jesus Christ was being crucified, his side was laid open, as if to reveal his very heart? Should we be neither moved nor touched when our Lord invites us so winningly to himself and gives us such a pledge of his love?” (8–9). The sermons are worth reading simply to behold this affection for the gospel. Yet readers can also see how Calvin applied the gospel in his context, especially as he instructed about preaching the Word and explored spiritual applications for the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Preparing and Proclaiming Calvin’s sermons show how important the Bible was for sapling churches maturing as Reformed orthodoxy took root in Protestant soil. Calvin emphasizes two distinctives in how the Bible is preached: how church members ought to receive the Word and how preachers ought to deliver it. According to Calvin, church members should actively prepare to receive the Word: “Whenever we come to church, we must have these two things in view: first, we must cast aside all earthly worries and concerns, all empty desires and other such things which stop us drawing near to God; second, we must feel such deep reverence for what we know comes from God that we receive and accept it without dissent, and that we allow him to place his yoke upon our necks, being ready and willing to bend beneath its weight” (166). In Geneva, the Sunday sermon and weekly lecture were meant to be high points of the week for believers, essential to their spiritual growth. So should it be for us. Sitting under preaching includes preparing to receive nourishment from Scripture and prayerfully considering its application. Sitting under preaching includes preparing to receive nourishment from Scripture and prayerfully considering its application. Yet the sermon was meant to be more than instruction. Calvin expects the preacher to place the gospel front and center before the congregation. He emphasizes the evangelistic purpose of preaching: “The gospel is not preached in order to terrify people, but to soothe their sorrow and to call them to Jesus Christ, so that they receive healing from him if they are sick and quickening for their souls, dead though they are” (244). Calvin not only declares these truths but demonstrates them in his preaching. By doing so, he calls preachers to consider their tone as much as their message—all for the sake of making Christ preeminent among God’s people. Spiritual Signs Calvin also addresses baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Most of our contemporary debates are about the mode of baptism and the exegesis of specific passages in support of a particular view. Yet in these sermons, Calvin is much more interested in the ordinance’s spiritual significance. The baptismal water has no power but is a visible sign of God’s work, according to Calvin. However, he argues that “our Lord Jesus Christ is its true substance, its fulfillment and its end, so that the sign is neither empty nor unavailing” (71). As a Reformed Baptist pastor, I heartily agree. Concerning the Supper’s spiritual significance, Calvin writes with a polemical edge: “All we see is the wine, yet Jesus Christ affirms that we receive, and share in, the blood he shed for our redemption. Of course, the bread and wine are not our Lord’s body and blood, as the papists foolishly imagine; but he did not bring us empty symbols in order to entertain us, as if some comedy were being acted on a stage” (189). The significance comes from Christ’s spiritual presence, not from a transformation of the elements. Thus, the Supper is a call to rejoice because the elements are signs of our redemption. As Calvin declares, “When Jesus gives himself to us to be our food, and when by these symbols he shows that he both nurtures and brings us to maturity, he seeks to assure us that all his benefits are also bestowed on us. He does not come to us naked and empty-handed, nor does he come poor” (190). Calvin thus reminds us how beautiful the Supper is, calling us to come to the table with joyous zeal. Contemporary Communication Though they come from 16th-century Geneva, these sermons speak to the modern church. Each generation in the pew needs to hear again the spiritual power of the preached Word, of baptism, and of the Lord’s Supper. Today’s readers find reminders of our Lord’s nourishment despite spiritual famine. We find encouragement through Christ’s compassion to persevere by defying of Satan and dispelling of anxious thoughts. These evergreen truths compel us to a salvation that “did not reach us by accident” (76). Geneva needed to hear these truths, and so do our churches. Each generation in the pew needs to hear again the spiritual power of the preached Word, of baptism, and of the Lord’s Supper. Calvin scholars will appreciate In the Power of the Spirit because it presents new material for study in English. Pastors will benefit from this collection as they see Calvin take the Reformation’s inheritance and apply it to the local church. His challenge remains: “Supposing we have understood the whole of Scripture, what good will it be to us if we merely read it but cannot apply it for our use or instruction?” (126). Much is still to be gleaned at the feet of this famous reformer as he draws our attention once again to the beauty of the gospel. This sermon collection will strengthen and stir the hearts of those who love church history and delight in the good news of Christ.

In his TGCW24 message, David Platt teaches Jesus’s final “I am” statement from John 15:1–11, which Jesus spoke to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. Jesus calls all believers to abide in him like a branch remains in its vine, drawing everything we need from him. We don’t rely on our obedience to save or sanctify us; we rely on the finished work of Jesus, depending fully on him. Because apart from him, we can do nothing. He is the true vine. Platt teaches the folllowing: Childlike boldness and the will of God The metaphor of the vine Jesus as the true vine Experiencing abundant life in Jesus The role of prayer and meditation The battle for belief and trust Bearing fruit for the world

The wonders of baking soda! It truly is one of the most versatile household products you can ever have in your home. Whether it’s used as a household product or a personal care product, baking soda has got you covered! Baking Soda: More Uses Than You Could Expect Let’s take a look at the uses for baking soda I’ll be covering in today’s article: Laundry detergent booster Deodorize your fridge Microwave cleaner Oven cleaner Carpet cleaner Carpet deodorizer Tile floor cleaner Polish your teeth Freshen your breath Skin exfoliation Relieve diaper rash Sooth skin irritation Heartburn remedy Jewelry cleaner Wash produce Deter ants As you can see, baking soda is a must have in every household. The best part of it all? It’s so expensive. Let’s get started! 1. Laundry Detergent Booster Adding ½ cup of baking soda to each load of laundry will soften the water which allows your clothes to be much cleaner and softer. It also helps your laundry soap to stretch much further! 2. Deodorize Your Fridge We all know ‘that odor’ that can accumulate in the fridge! Placing an open box of baking soda will help eliminate those odors. It’s most effective when placed in the back of the fridge. Be sure to change out the box of baking soda every 2 months. 3. Microwave Cleaner Cleaning a messy (sometimes crusty) microwave can take a bit. Messy microwave clean up is a cinch with baking soda! Just simply sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and gently scrub the mess away. It will also deodorize any odor in the process. 4. Oven Cleaner As with microwave messes, oven messes can be just as time consuming but, not with baking soda! All you have to do is sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom surface area of your oven. Using a spray bottle, dampen the baking soda with water and let it sit over night. Scrub away the mess the next morning and be sure to rinse completely with water. The rinsing process is best accomplished with a spray bottle and a damp cloth. 5. Carpet Cleaner My sister recently let me in on a great carpet cleaner recipe. She says it’s the best carpet cleaner she has ever used! Recipe: ½ cup of water ½ cup of white vinegar 1 tablespoon of baking soda 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide Directions: Mix all ingredients well in a spray bottle. To remove carpet stains, spray the cleaner on the carpet stain and simply dab away the stain with a light colored, slightly damp cloth. The hydrogen peroxide did not affect the color of her carpet. However, if you are apprehensive, you can test the mixture in a small ‘out of view’ section of your carpet first. 6. Carpet Deodorizer To deodorize your carpet, sprinkle baking soda and leave overnight. The following morning, using a broom, sweep up the excess and vacuum up the rest. 7. Tile Floor Cleaner This recipe is great for cleaning and deodorizing tile flooring! Recipe: ½ cup of baking soda Bucket of warm water Mop and enjoy! 8. Polish Your Teeth About once a week, add just baking soda to your toothbrush and brush for about 3 minutes. This will give your teeth a whiter, more polished look. Brushing daily with just baking soda can be too abrasive and, in my opinion, can wear down the enamel. However, there are folks who swear by it. 9. Freshen Your Breath For an easy mouthwash recipe that will freshen your breath, check this out! Recipe and directions: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass water. Swish for about 30 seconds and spit. 10. Skin Exfoliation Do you have sensitive skin? Do most facial scrubs leave your skin dry? Try this recipe for a gentle facial scrub that will get rid of dead skin and leave your face nice and smooth. Recipe and directions: Mix 3 parts of baking soda and 1 part water. Rub gently onto skin using small circular motions and rinse clean. Pat dry. 11. Relieve Diaper Rash To help relieve diaper rash, simply add 2 tablespoons to your baby’s bathwater. 12. Soothe Skin Irritation To relieve the discomforts of skin irritation and to soften your skin in the process, simply add a cup of baking soda to a warm bath. Soak for about 20-30 mins. 13. Heartburn Remedy My personal experience…. I have suffered from acid reflux and heartburn off and on for about 5 years. At times, it has woken me up in the middle of the night. I lived on Tums. Recently, my mother introduced me to a remedy that has made me toss the over the counter antacids for good! It also seems to relieve the occasional gas pains that accompany my heartburn. One night, as I was visiting her, I got heartburn. I asked her if she had some Tums and she says “I have something better!”. It’s so simple and so effective. Within 5 minutes after drinking this, my heartburn completely disappeared. I couldn’t believe it! If you suffer from acid reflux and heartburn, I encourage you to try this recipe. Recipe and directions: Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 oz of room temperature water. Stir and drink. Optional: you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for taste. 14. Jewelry Cleaner (Sterling Silver) I recently gathered all my sterling silver jewelry to clean it. Some of it was so tarnished and I remember thinking “this will take all night to clean!”. In the past, I have polished my sterling silver with just toothpaste. I would add a generous amount of toothpaste to each piece of jewelry, let it sit for a bit, then go back and polish each piece with a terry cloth. Well, the night I gathered my jewelry together, I got an idea to mix toothpaste and baking soda together to clean my sterling silver. I took about a nickle size amount of toothpaste and an equal amount of baking soda and mixed them together using a toothpick. I applied the mixture to one of my rings and the black tarnish literally came right off (with just a circular motion of my thumb) and it did not scratch the sterling silver at all. Afterwards, I rinsed each piece with warm water and dried them with a terry cloth. Each piece looks brand new again! 15. Wash Produce Here’s a great recipe for washing all your fruits and vegetables! Recipe and directions: Add a ¼ cup of baking soda to a sink full of water. Wash and Rinse. 16. Deter Ants Combine equal parts of baking soda and table salt and sprinkle at all their entry points. They will avoid those areas! Clean My Space shows us a video on 10 cleaning uses for baking soda: What is your favorite baking soda use? Do you have an use you would like to share with us? Tell us in the comment section below! UP NEXT: 8 Baking Soda Uses For Your Survival Garden To Try Follow us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and twitter!

Click to Skip Ahead What Is Burdock Root? How Is Burdock Root Given? Missing a Dose Potential Side Effects  Frequently Asked Questions Before the development of pharmaceutical laboratories, traditional medicine started by using many plants and herbs to help the body heal and naturally treat skin conditions and other ailments. And in fact, we still use herbs and plants for their medicinal properties. One of the plants better known for their medicinal applications is the burdock plant (Arctium lappa), particularly the burdock root. In fact, burdock root was valued in traditional Chinese medicine due to its ability to“detoxify” blood and promote circulation. It has also been used topically to treat conditions such as eczema. In this guide, we’ll learn more about the burdock root, what it is it what are the claims and what has been studied and what are potential medicinal applications in dogs. The information in this post is merely informational and it is in no way intended as a prescription or recommendation. At Dogster, we do not recommend offering any supplement or medication to your dog without your veterinarian’s prescription. What Is Burdock Root? Image Credit: Tricky_Shark, Shutterstock Burdock, also referred to as Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa), is a plant belonging to Asteraceae family just like the aster, daisy, and sunflower. This plant is native to Europe and Northern Asia and while it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, there is very little research out there about its use in canines. Anecdotal reports say the root is successfully used topically in dogs to help with skin issues such as swollen and red skin due to allergies the medical term for this condition is canine atopic dermatitis or canine eczema. And while there are no in vivo studies to prove this,  concluded that Burdock root extract stimulates chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis, and modulates pathways that regulate cellular functions which are particularly important for the wound healing process. These properties might be linked to the anecdotal success of the use of burdock root as a treatment to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis in dogs. Burdock root is one of the ingredients listed on some of the immune support dog supplements sold online. The antioxidant compounds found in the root would be behind this claim, however like with many of the herbal medicines, the reality is that we lack sufficient studies to firmly support its effects. This thistle-like plant is hardy and easy to grow in your garden in rich soil. How you store the root will depend on how it is prepared, which we’ll discuss further in the next section. How Is Burdock Root Given? Image Credit: ALPA PROD, Shutterstock Typically, the most common way to give your dog burdock root is given to a dog is in the form of commercially available supplements that consist of a combination of this root plant and other herbal medicines. Several of the herbal blend products containing Burdock root are liquid tinctures that can be mixed with your dog’s food. The root doesn’t taste very pleasant, so a disguise will be beneficial in getting it into your dog’s system, but the liquids can be squirted into your dog’s mouth if they tolerate it. You can also find burdock root extract in a chewable tablet or powder form. Each commercially available herbal blend containing Burdock is marked for different purposes including detoxification, allergy relief, immune supplement,  joint care, and even urinary tract support. Before choosing any of these herbal supplements, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. We do not recommend taking it upon yourself to decide whether or not any of these commercially available supplements will help your dog. Holistic veterinarians occasionally recommend herbal medicine, they have the necessary knowledge and experience to decide if your dog will have any benefit from this herb. The vet will give you the most appropriate preparation and recommend how much and how often to give the root to your dog, as the dose will vary depending on your dog’s weight, size, and the ailment(s) you’re treating. We advise you never to give your dog the root unless you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian for safety. What Happens if You Miss a Dose? Since burdock root is a natural herbal remedy for particular ailments, dose frequency is not as detrimental as other allopathic medications. If you miss a dose, it’s safe to wait until your dog’s next meal or even wait until the next day to give the dose. But again, burdock root should only be offered if your vet approves it and per their instructions. Potential Side Effects of Burdock Root While side effects from burdock root in canines are rare, you should still familiarize yourself with possible side effects for your dog’s safety. It’s important to monitor your dog while giving burdock root and to consult your vet if you notice any of these rare but possible signs due to adverse reactions: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea “Burr tongue” or granular stomatitis Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What Other Benefits Does Burdock Root Offer Dogs? Not only does burdock root provide a natural remedy for certain ailments and conditions, but it also has vitamins and minerals that benefit humans that might also be beneficial to your dog’s health, such as vitamins C, E, B5, B6, B9, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and more. Another interesting fact about Burdock root is that it contains inulin, a probiotic fiber that might benefit a dog’s gut microbiome. Burdock root has also been proposed as a flavor enhancer in doga and cat food, however,  the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Image Credit: Yossi James, Shutterstock What Health Conditions in Dogs Is Burdock Root Not Advisable For? It’s important to note that burdock root may affect blood sugar levels, making it potentially dangerous, especially for dogs with diabetes. Pregnant or nursing dogs should also not use burdock root. Where Can I Buy Burdock Root for My Dog? After determining if this is the correct treatment for your dog or if they will have any health benefit from it, holistic veterinarians will usually prepare a tincture or might even provide you with the dry root to offer to your pup in the form of an infusion or mixed with their food.  They might also recommend a commercially available product. There are many online stores where you can buy burdock root for your dog. It’s available in liquid tinctures, chewable tablets, and powder form, usually with a combination of other herbs. Please remember that herbal medicine while natural can have dangerous and detrimental effects on your dog’s health if not properly used. We recommend that you do not buy it before consulting it with your veterinarian first to ensure it’s safe for your particular canine. Conclusion Burdock root has been used for different medicinal properties in traditional medicine. In canines, this root has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments, such as arthritis, UTIs, digestion, skin issues, and immune and liver support, among others. The root has also been proposed but not officially accepted as a flavor additive in dog feed, due to the lack of evidence on its safety and efficacy. This root is most commonly found as an ingredient in pet supplements containing multi-herbal blends. However, despite the many potential benefits the root has to offer, we advise you to consult your vet before giving any to your dog. Sources https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_multi_herb_n_living https://www.vetinfo.com/herbal-dog-allergy-treatments.html https://www.vetinfo.com/are-there-natural-remedies-for-uti-in-dogs.html https://www.vetinfo.com/alternative-cancer-treatment-for-dogs.html https://www.vetinfo.com/natural-liver-cleanse-for-dogs.html https://www.vetinfo.com/bathing-tips-for-itchy-dog-skin-treatment.html https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34061396/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20981575/ https://www.caninenutritionist.co.uk/natural-herbs-for-dogs/burdock-root-for-dogs/ https://www.healthline.com/health/burdock-root https://health.clevelandclinic.org/burdock-root https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/burdock#:~:text=Burdock%20is%20native%20to%20Europe,to%20clothing%20or%20animal%20fur. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-111/burdock https://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/burdock.html https://blog.vetnaturals.com/the-veterinarians-guide-to-dog-supplements-know-what-youre-giving-your-pet/ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169974/nutrients https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996920309145 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1696073/pdf/canvetj00425-0046.pdf https://www.caninenutritionist.co.uk/natural-herbs-for-dogs/burdock-root-for-dogs/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165242713002778 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4?correlationId=b121bc8c-633b-48c3-a8cf-45d75618283a https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165242713002778 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8059735/ https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101l8LeP/pubref:pangovet/destination:https://www.chewy.com/animal-essentials-detox-blend-liver/dp/125400   Featured Image Credit: John_T, Shutterstock The post Burdock Root for Dogs: Vet Reviewed Uses, Potential Benefits & Side Effects appeared first on PangoVet.

Image: Elen Winata for The Verge From OLED TVs and iPads to streaming services and games, here’s the very best of what Black Friday has to offer. Continue reading…

In the 2024 election, every single state in the country moved to the right with Republicans gaining votes even in blue states like Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. Take a look below and you’ll…

NEW ORLEANS—Greg Desrosiers Jr. caught two scoring passes and ran for a touchdown, and Memphis defeated No. 18 Tulane 34–24 on Thursday night to end the Green Wave’s long-shot bid for a berth in…

ST. LOUIS—A 16-year-old has died after being hit by a stray bullet last weekend on a St. Louis highway.Colin Brown was hit Saturday night while being driven home in his father’s car after playing…

[Want even more content from FPM? Sign up for FPM+ to unlock exclusive series, virtual town-halls with our authors, and more—now for just $3.99/month. Click here to sign up.] The Qur’an’s…