Knowing & Doing

In Part 2 of this episode, Michael Ward continues his examination of some of the groundwork to the thinking of C.S. Lewis that enabled him to become so effective an apologist. Read this article online.

Recommended Reading:

The Romantic Rationalist: God, Life and Imagination in the Work of C.S. Lewis, edited by John Piper and David Mathis (Crossway, 2014)

According to Michael Ward, C.S. Lewis is probably the most influential practitioner of Christian apologetics over the last hundred years. In this article, he looks at the Lewis of the 1930s, prior to the time he wrote his most influential works, in order to examine some of the groundwork to his thinking that enabled him to become so effective an apologist. . .Read the full article.

Recommended Reading:

The Narnia Code: C. S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens by Michael Ward

Tom Tarrants observes that God desires an intimate, personal relationship with His children and calls us to know, love and serve Him and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As we do so, we will experience joy and delight. One of the means by which we can grow closer to God is by setting aside time each day to quietly read and reflect on God’s Word, lift our prayers to Him, and give thanks and praise to Him for who He is and for His goodness to us. In this article, Tarrants offers helpful suggestions that will aid you in developing your daily time with God and growing to know Him better and love Him more. Read this article online.

Recommended Resource:

Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed by Donald S. Whitney

Aaron Welty lives an active life with cerebral palsy. While he has prayed for healing, he states that God has provided an unexpected prescription, showing that perseverance is the unexpected — and greater — miracle. In this article, Welty observes that truthfully we’re all weak in ways visible and invisible. He argues, however, that weakness can unexpectedly draw others toward a deeper understanding of who God is — and who we are as His creation — if we embrace it. Read this article online.

Recommended Resources

When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada & Steve Tada

What makes atheism so appealing? Author Cameron McAllister makes the case that overlooking atheism’s appeal constitutes a serious strategic mistake for those of us who want to discuss the gospel with skeptics.

Read this article on the C.S. Lewis Institute website.

Andy Bannister argues that in considering how to deal with what has been termed the “New Atheism,” we can learn much from looking at C.S. Lewis’s atheism in his early life, “and his journey from it to Christ, as he engaged with the very kinds of arguments that the New Atheists are recycling today.” To read this full article, click here.

Recommended Reading:

Peter S. Williams, C.S. Lewis vs. The New Atheists (Paternoster, 2013)

Since the advent of Superman: The Movie in 1978, ushering in the modern era of superhero cinema, theater audiences have enjoyed blockbuster films focused on comic book characters. In this episode, Congressman Aaron Welty explores the modern mythology of comic book heroes and how superhero stories can be a doorway to deeper theological truth.

Read this article online.

Recommended Reading:

Epic by John Eldredge. Discover the story that God is telling.

D.A. Carson observes that in common usage, the words “spiritual” and “spirituality” have meanings ranging outside the sphere of biblical usage, and likewise the term “spiritual disciplines” has extended itself into arenas that are bound to make those who love the gospel more than a little nervous. In this episode, Carson considers: How shall we evaluate the popular approach to spiritual disciplines? How should Christians think of spiritual disciplines and their connection with spirituality as defined by Scripture? Read this article online.

Recommended Reading:

D.A. Carson, For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word, Volume 1. Christian Book | Amazon

Tom Schwanda helps us explore the Biblical foundations for spiritual growth. This is the first of a three part series that reflects deeply on why we need intimacy with Christ, how scripture sets the platform for it, and then offers suggestions for pursuing that noble goal. To read the full article for this podcast, please click here.

Recommended Reading:

God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself by John Piper (Crossway, 2005)

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/books/god-is-the-gospel-tpb-1/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/God-Gospel-Meditations-Gods-Himself/dp/1433520494

Looking at the process of discipleship from the opposite side of most discussions, Tom Tarrants raises the important, albeit disturbing, topic of persecution for the sake of the gospel. Jesus warned many times that his disciples would face specific trials that come from following him. This article helps us prepare for those inevitable trials. Click here to read the full article.

"For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

(1 Pet. 2:20–21)

Recommended Reading:

Gregory C. Cochran, Christians in the Crosshairs: Persecution in the Bible and Around the World Today