Original Broadcast: June 2008

Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe

[Jesus said:] "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.

I believe Mr. Beaver summarized Aslan well to any newcomers to Narnia: "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good" (80).

In the same way, Jesus is not safe. A newcomer to Christianity sometimes has problems when we get to a statement by Jesus like we have before us this morning. We're used to seeing Jesus as a kind, loving person who would never say anything not "nice" to anyone. Everyone wants a safe Jesus, but the Jesus the Bible shows us is not safe. He is like Aslan someone where "if there's anyone who can appear before [him] without their knees knocking, they are either braver than most or else plain silly" (80).

Jesus is not safe, but as Mr. Beaver reminds us, "He's good." He's good because He was the one who came to die for the sins of the world. He is the one who makes you whole through His sacrifice and life. That wasn't a "safe" solution. Amen.  

"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "When the Roll Is Called up Yonder"

Small Catechism: Close of the Commandments

Large Catechism: I 311-318

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21

Commentary: Jerome, Letter 133.13

 Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary

http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_17_Reading

 Original Broadcast: June 2008

Monthly Theme: Chronicles of Narnia, The Magician's Nephew

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to GOd,

After Aslan has created Narnia, he comes to a scared stiff Andrew. Polly asks Aslan to "unfrighten" Andrew. Aslan replies, "He thinks great folly, child ... he has made himself unable to hear my voice. ... Oh Adam's sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good" (185).

Andrew was absorbed in the study of magic because there might be a way to travel between worlds. In his pride and arrogance, he thought that this gave him power over other worlds. He refused to listen to anything that said otherwise.

We naturally desire what feels good and what pumps up our own ego. But when we stand before God, we realize, like Andrew, just how naked we are. We see that we've done things for ourselves and not for God. It was too late for Andrew. He could only receive a brief respite from his torments. It's not too late for you to turn to God and ask for forgiveness and guidance. Do that today. Amen.  

"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Small Catechism: Tenth Commandment

Smalcald Articles: II IV 9-14

Scripture: James 1:12-18

Commentary: Bede, Epistle of James

 Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary

http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_16_Reading

Original Broadcast: June 2008

Month Theme: Chronicles of Narnia 

In Him we live and move and have our being.

C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia are a great exposition of the Gospel story set in a different world with different sets of circumstances. Once you look past the idea of Talking Beasts and magic, you see that these "children's stories" have much greater and broader meaning.

One of my Seminary professors is very adamant about using non-biblical literature in Bible studies and sermons. Although I have not done so much in sermons, I thought this would be a great time to focus our devotional thoughts on these great works of literature and see what Lewis had in mind for us to learn about our Savior Jesus.

St. Paul understood this as he even used pagan poets in his preaching depending upon the audience before him. Because, as our quote from Epimenides of Crete explains, everything relates back to God in some fashion. So I hope you enjoy these meditations from Narnia. Amen.  

"Farther along we'll know all about it,

Farther along we'll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,

We'll understand it all by and by."

Office Hymn: "Here We Are but Straying Pilgrims"

Small Catechism: Ninth Commandment

Large Catechism: I 300-308

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-16

Commentary: Ambrose, On Naboth 1.1

 Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary

http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_15_Reading

 Daily reading of the Qur'an for Ramadan with commentary

http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=Ramadan_14_Reading