Everyday Conversations with Jojo Ruba

The 2020 COVID pandemic proved to be a watershed for the entire world. Suddenly, it has become much harder to dismiss fears that a worldwide anti-Christian totalitarianism lurks just over the horizon, and western Christians have new questions. How, for instance, are we to respond to government shutdowns of churches, or  live as Christians in a digitized world where governments can follow your every move? And how do Christian parents raise godly children in a world that promotes the grossest forms of immorality to kindergartners? To answer these questions, and more, Vancouver pastor-writer Paul Dirks has just written Deep Discipleship for Dark Days: Holding Fast to What Is Good. You need this book to understand how to survive the coming cataclysm "with your soul secured and your integrity intact." This is the book that will show you how to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and win the prize that God offers at the end (2 Tm 4:7–8). But until Discipleship for Dark Days ships in late October, you can watch an FBB podcast where author Paul Dirks discusses his book's contents. It's time for God's people to become spiritual preppers, and for that nobody can help you more than Paul Dirks.

Doug Wilson has never written an inconsequential book, and Gashmu Saith It: How to Build Christian Communities that Save the World, is no exception. As FBB writer Shafer Parker blogs through Wilson's book, he comes this week to Chapter 6, in which Wilson argues that any hope of saving the world depends on Christian parents giving their children a truly Christian education. The challenge for today is heightened as Wilson proves from history that many of our present cultural problems stem from the principles built into public education at its beginning! There can be no saving the world, he warns, until Christian parents wake up to the designed-in perils of the public schools.

Christians often look back with longing to a time when their faith was truly influential, shaping the laws of nations and guiding societal decisions. But those days are long gone and Idaho pastor/author Doug Wilson (Gashmu Saith It) warns they are not coming back---unless Christians relearn the value of forming Christian communities for hospitality and service within the larger community of man. As FBB writer Shafer Parker continues blogging through Wilson's book, he points out that it is only in those moments of direct contact with the Christian community that people see the value of the gospel with unmistakable clarity.

It should surprise no one that unbelievers proudly boast of perversions and habitual sins that in the past would have embarrassed the most decadent. And some of our readers may be old enough to remember when "shameless" was one of the worst criticisms you could aim at someone. This decline in public life is bad enough, but in her most recent blog FBB Executive Director Julie Lane points out that shamelessness is too often lauded among Christians. It is time, she says, for God's people to realize that He designed us to feel shame for sin, and that we do nothing less than our Christian duty when we call brothers and sisters to repentance, even if it means shaming them.

This is our fifth installment of "Blogging Gashmu," a chapter-by-chapter look at Pastor Doug Wilson's book Gashmu Saith It: How to Build Christian Communities that Save the World. In it Pastor Wilson argues that before we can "save the world" we must first be certain the church is truly a Christian Community. And there's the rub. As Wilson explains in chapter 4, the problem is that Christians want the blessings of Christ without rendering Him the total obedience He requires. In other words, we have to live the Lordship of Christ before we can successfully preach the hard truths of Christ to a rebellious world.

To the great relief of most, it's been a year since COVID was tacitly, if not officially, acknowledged to be over. But amidst signs that government authorities are anticipating another crisis, FBB board member Murray Lytle offers a very personal blog mourning the divisions that afflicted the people of God last time and pleading for serious thought on how to avoid even worse divisions in the future.

Most followers of Jesus give lip service, at least, to the need to "preach the gospel to every creature." But in the last decade many have awakened to the reality that if Christians don't do something, much could be lost--maybe forever. But what to do, was never quite clear, until, that is, when Idaho pastor Doug Wilson wrote his book Gashmu Saith It: How to Build Christian Communities that Save the World. To find out what Christians must do before saving the world, read FBB writer Shafer Parker's fourth installment as he blogs his way through Wilson's book.

Approximately a year ago, on June 21, 2022, the United States Supreme Court handed down a decision known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ("Dobbs" for short) that restored to the 50 states their constitutional right to determine their own abortion laws. In this podcast Faith Beyond Belief host Shafer Parker interviews Gabrielle Johnson, executive director of the Alberta Life Issues Education Society (Alies) to examine the changes wrought south of the Canadian border by this momentous decision. Parker and Johnson also discuss Alies' unique ministry and touch on the need for focused, concentrated, intense prayer as the primary means to reverse the march of pro-death advocates in Canada.   Learn more about ALIES https://www.alies.ca/   https://www.faithbeyondbelief.ca/podcast/everything-is-surprisingly-better-the-dobbs-decision-one-year-on

Christians instinctively realize that we have failed to maintain the "Faith" in the West. But for most of us, how to address this state of affairs remains a mystery. Read part three of FBB writer Shafer Parker's blog of Doug Wilson's book "Gashmu Saith It: How to Build Christian Communities that Save the World." Discover how Wilson challenges us to examine ourselves and to find out if we are willing to pay the price our forefathers paid in order to have any hope of recapturing our world for the kingdom.

Many observers are aware that something is wrong with the modern church, especially when compared to previous centuries. Unlike previous centuries, it lacks the power to impact society in any specifically Christian way, it wins few souls to Christ, it cannot hold its members' children, and the members it does hold are increasingly like the rest of the world in practice, if not in belief. Worst of all, it has no idea where to turn for solutions. But now, in this podcast FBB speaker/writer Shafer Parker suggest there is a tried, but true solution, a return to God through repentance and supplication. Specifically, it is time the Western Church repents of rejecting God's Word in order to deliberately build its faith and practice on nothing but the Bible.

No serious Christian can look at the state of today's western culture without being deeply concerned. But asking, "What can I do?" is as far as most Christians ever go. Now comes American Pastor Douglas Wilson, who in his book Gashmu Saith It: How to Build Christian Communities that Save the Word, tells us what can be done, and what, under God, must be done. Follow along with FBB writer Shafer Parker as he summarizes Wilson's first chapter, part of a series of blogs that will eventually cover the whole book.

If you are a committed Christian you are likely very concerned about the direction of Canada's overall societal trends. But what to do is the question. To speak to this issue FBB writer Shafer Parker has taken on the task of blogging his way through Doug Wilson's book, Gashmu Saith It: How to Build Christian Communities that Save the World. Wilson is easily one of the most thoughtful and helpful Christian observers of our times. He not only nails the problems, he also offers biblically-based solutions.

Canada's governments are diligently coercing doctors and nurses, not to mention family members in the cause of euthanizing as many Canadians as possible, even to the point of making an exception in the Criminal Code for professionals who serve the cause of death. Bottom line, if you are old, or chronically ill, and you go to a hospital, there will be a coordinated effort to pressure you to accept Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). But Alex Schadenberg, International Chair of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, is now offering a Power of Attorney for Healthcare document that will protect you. Listen to a discussion between Schadenberg and FBB host Shafer Parker on why this document can make all the difference in your future.   Related Podcast https://www.faithbeyondbelief.ca/blog/the-snatchers-are-coming-for-you

Christians wonder why the church has lost its power and authority, but FBB writer Ian McKerracher knows the answer. Within the church too many shepherds have abandoned their calling, and sadly, the sheep are happy enough to leave things as they are. Read to find out just what this abandonment looks like, and what changes would bring about a return of spiritual power and authority.

By now most churchgoers are accustomed to “woke” statements and behaviours coming from traditionally “liberal” churches. It is no longer shocking, for instance, to see a United Church flying rainbow flags and hosting so-called pride month events. But surprisingly, some of Canada's most conservative denominations are beginning to move in the same direction. Listen and watch as FBB host Shafer Parker interviews two long-time Alberta pastors who are resisting the woke agenda promoted by their denominational leaders. Learn what you can do to discern the state of your own church in the ongoing battle to maintain loyalty to Biblical truth. Watch the video podcast at   https://www.faithbeyondbelief.ca/podcast/woke-churches-what-will-you-do

Recent news-media emphasis on UFO activities seems designed to scare the public into embracing yet more government control. But FBB writer Shafer Parker suggests Bible-based Christians have no reason to fear aliens. They don't exist and they aren't coming. Instead, Christians should teach the world to let the fear of coming judgment drive them to faith in God's Son.

The loss of hope for a better future often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. This, as much as anything else, underlies much of the destruction and decline that afflicts western society. The question, then, is how to restore hope. FBB writer Shafer Parker suggests the answer is surprisingly simple. Since the loss of hope started with the Christians, the restoration of hope must begin there also. It's time, Parker writes, to revisit eschatology and ask, what went wrong 200 years ago that made today's mess inevitable.

C. S. Lewis once wrote, "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them." Lewis was right, but in this week's blog, FBB writer Shafer Parker suggests that Christians have been so afraid of sliding into an "unhealthy interest" toward Satan that they risk discounting his influence altogether--this in a time when Satan is boldly coming forward to receive public worship. Parker goes on to suggest it is time for Christians to recognize the devil's influence over modern public life, and prepare themselves to stand for Jesus amidst horrible circumstances.

Perhaps the first takeaway from a recent Angus Reid survey of Canadian attitudes toward the Bible is the discovery that it is hardly read by anyone but Evangelicals. But FBB writer Shafer Parker reveals that the underlying reason for such apathy may lie in the decades-long campaign to persuade even Evangelicals that the Bible should no longer be used to "give direction" for society and institutions. Read the article for a deeper understanding of the obstacles preventing Canadians from enjoying a deeper confidence in the Bible's ability to rescue society from its current ills.

Canadians may assume that all good people are the same, no matter what their religion. But with the rise of Republican presidential aspirant and first generation American Vivek Ramaswamy, FBB writer Shafer Parker reminds us that a religion comes with a specific worldview, and that the difference in worldviews will change, not just the definition of right and wrong, but often even the relative importance of defending right against wrong.

To the wonder of observers, the UN released a report in April recommending a return to meat, eggs, and dairy for growing children and nursing mothers in developing nations. In reporting this new direction, FBB writer Shafer Parker notes that, as in all things, common sense and God's Word have been in agreement from ancient times. He welcomes this new recognition that in the prevailing conditions of a post-flood world, for most people it is not possible to thrive on a vegetarian diet, nor is it God's plan that they should try to do so.

For the past 100 years Christian leaders have puzzled over why in the West the church has steadily lost ground. There are many reasons, perhaps, but FBB writer Shafer Parker argues that one big reason is the lack of emphasis on revival. He adds that another hindrance can be found in the unbelief that goes by the name progressive Christianity.

The world is quick to use words like spiritual, mystical and supernatural, but FBB writer Ian McKerracher shows that these words, while proper to Christian faith and practice, have very different meanings when used by unbelievers. It is important to know how those words are used outside the faith in order to make our gospel presentations clear.

Progressives have long argued that Christians only oppose LGBTQ behaviour because they misinterpret Scripture. But FBB writer Shafer Parker, demonstrates that after 30 years of failure to convincingly make the Bible say what it does not say, progressives have given up. Now they tell Christians the Bible is useless and ought to be cast aside. Thus the challenge. Will Christians stand with Jesus and affirm God's Word, or will they join the progressives?

Most people see organ transplantation as an unmitigated good, a way to extend one person's life by using organs from the recently dead, people who will never again need them. But, as Shafer Parker makes clear in his new blog, "The Snatchers Are Coming for You," this is, at best, an inaccurate presentation, and at worst, a lie. In fact, he suggests, widespread organ transplantation has possibly endangered the sanctity of human life at least as much as abortion.

Critics of Christianity have constantly picked at its foundation document, the Bible. Their seek always to find reasons to doubt its goodness or its truth. Now Canadian author Jonathan Bernier has published a book reinforcing the earliest dating of the New Testament, and thereby helping believers maintain their faith in the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. He also challenges progressive Christians to give up their doubts and believe the Bible is true.

Most Christians know that Western culture is collapsing, but have no idea what to do about it. Now author Eric Metaxas' latest book, Letter to the American Church, gives a clear description of what is going wrong and issues a clarion call to Bible-based, God-blessed action. Read Shafer Parker's review, then read the book. Your life will never be the same. https://www.faithbeyondbelief.ca/blog/the-times-that-try-mens-souls-a-review-of-eric-metaxas-book-letter-to-the-american-church

Retired RCMP officer describes how the brutal arrest of Pastor Derek Reimer for protesting a drag queen story hour at a Calgary public library forcibly reminds Canadians that the movement to sexualize the nation's children marches on. Indeed, as the writer reports, the movement now has the added encouragement of a city government that recently passed a bylaw designed to squelch anyone voicing disapproval of behaviour that literally every previous generation of mankind considered grotesque and immoral.

If you don't already know podcaster and blogger Jon McCray, you are in for a treat when attend FBB's April 29 Be Ready conference on progressive Christianity. But you can get a taste of what's coming in Shafer Parker's blog, Jon McCray Is the Man for this Season. Read on to get his prophetic analysis of what has happened to North American Christianity and how believers need to respond.

Everyone grieves the loss of loved ones, and Christians are no exception. But how should Christians, as Christians, respond to deep grief? Nobody describes the grieving process better than C. S. Lewis in his book A Grief Observed. In this admittedly lengthy blog FBB speaker Shafer Parker prepares you to appreciate Lewis' ability to grieve, but at the same time to observe and comment on what he's experiencing. Read the blog, then read the book.

Lent is usually seen as a Roman Catholic season of preparation for Easter, but FBB speaker Ian McKerracher points out that the underlying principle, self-examination and prayer leading to increased holiness and obedience, is certainly Christian, and biblical. He suggests that while we may rightly avoid certain aspects of imposed ceremonialism, it is good for all Christians to set aside time for reflection and prayer, and that for such things the weeks prior to Easter are perhaps the best of all.

Because Christianity is grounded in testable truth claims, Christians should never insist that anyone "just believe." Instead, as FBB speaker Ian McKerracher makes clear, the faith claims of many Christians should be subjected to a healthy biblically-based skepticism. The fundamentals of the Christian faith will never be found to contradict Scripture or real-world experience.

This year's Super Bowl commercials included, for the first time, two advertisements for Jesus. But were viewers exposed to the Jesus of the Bible? FBB contributor Shafer Parker doesn't think so. In "Hate for Eight" he reveals that by watering down the gospel the commercials earned only despite from the "woke" crowd, the demographic the people behind the ads spent $20 million trying to reach.  

The future of Apologetics is you. Join FBB Content Creator Jon Rendall as he takes a look at 1 Peter 3 and examines the context of apologetics. Besides being always prepared to give an answer, what else does Peter call us to in this famous passage? For more resources check out our website www.faithbeyondbelief.ca

There's a weird synchronicity between the apocalyptic visions of unbelievers and many Christians. Both believe things are bound to get worse, just before the world's awful ending. But now FBB contributor Shafer Parker explains that the Bible offers a different view, a hope based upon the triumph of Christ over sin and death, and the ongoing work of the Spirit to disciple the nations so that "the earth becomes full of the knowledge of the Lord like waters that cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9).

A whole worldview in a three-minute song? It's possible. Join FBB Content Creator Jon Rendall as he talks about analyzing popular music, and understanding how art communicates worldview. In this episode, Jon looks at music from the 90s, and the Nihilistic worldview contained in so many of the hits. For more resources, check out our website at www.faithbeyondbelief.ca

Too many Christians bemoan the sorry spiritual state of the churches while lacking the will to do anything about it. Now FBB contributor Shafer Parker reports on a growing movement to shake the Church loose from her apathy and encourage her to take a stand for truth and righteousness. The question is, can the OT example of Phinehas be replicated today? Only God and time will tell. Read along https://www.faithbeyondbelief.ca/blog

A BC Nurse on trial for a Billboard. Calls to boycott a new video game. Twitter Drama. JK Rowling is no stranger to controversy, but the past few years have reached a new level. Join podcast host Jon Rendall as he explains the most recent events around Rowling and the clash of worldviews she represents. Who defines truth when it comes to issues of sex and gender? How as Christians can we use these reality and worldview questions to communicate the hope we have in Christ? All this and more in this episode of Everyday Conversations. Check out more resources at www.faithbeyondbelief.ca

Too often the development of a Christian worldview is seen as an intellectual exercise, a combination of research and logic, leading to specific conclusions. But FBB associate speaker Ian McKerracher demonstrates that a Christian worldview is more often caught than taught, the product of thousands of influences from early childhood on, and all directed by a merciful God to one end, a personal experience of reconciliation with our Creator and the gift of being shown the world from His point of view.

For the first time in sixty years, the population of China is in decline. Birth rates have dropped lower than the US and Canada as the country grapples with a rapidly aging population. Join FBB content creator Jon Rendall as he unpacks the worldviews behind this crisis both in China and Canada, the biblical value of human life, and the consequences of social engineering the mass infanticide of tens of millions of baby girls. For more resources and information check out our website faithbeyondbelief.ca

No one questions that churches suffered greatly during the government-imposed lockdowns of 2020-2022. Now, FBB contributor Shafer Parker examines the lockdown's continuing effects and suggests ways for church leadership to prepare for future mal-treatment.

Apologetics and cinema? What can modern films tell us about cultural worldviews, religion and spirituality? Join FBB Content Creator Jon Rendall as he unpacks the spirituality and religion in the 2009 film Avatar, the reason it resonated with audiences around the world as well as the gospel questions Avatar is asking. For more resources visit faithbeyondbelief.ca

"The Bible is not a book of science" is repeated like a mantra by many Christians, but FBB Associate Speaker Ian McKerracher's blog demonstrates that when viewed properly, Biblical principles and scientific principles reveal the One True God that is behind them both. Read to learn that the principles of thermodynamics match perfectly with the principles of sancto-dynamics.

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2023! The end of a year and the beginning of a new one has become a popular time to reflect on life and the changes we want to make. Faith Beyond Belief's Shafer Parker talks about New Year Resolutions, and what Christians should think about when planning their next year. For more information and resources check out our website at faithbeyondbelief.ca

Another year has flown by, and Shafer and Jon wanted to take some time to remember and celebrate 2022. The ups and downs, and all the ways God has been at work. Thank you to everyone for tuning in and we look forward to sharing more with you in 2023. Blessings!

At the end of a controversial year, FBB supporters want to know what the future holds for one of Canada's leading apologetics ministries. Now, in a very personal blog, Executive Director Julie Lane steps forward to reveal that in its eleventh year of existence FBB is poised to cooperate with leading evangelical ministries to reach a wider audience than ever, with conferences and courses aimed directly at age groups from children to adults. She also explains that without increased support these opportunities for ministry are at risk. Read the blog prayerfully in order to discern what role you might play in moving these new ministry opportunities from potential to possible.

What's in a story? If you ask Shafer and Jon, a whole lot. Join our Everyday Conversations hosts as they discuss the power of a good story and how that can be used effectively in the world of Apologetics and Christian ministry. For more resources, check out our website faithbeyondbelief.ca

It is just possible that Christians fail to mature because they lack milestones by which to measure their current level. Now, in a series of personal experiences FBB speaker Ian McKerracher describes his own process of maturity and delineates three important markers for measuring every Christian's growth. Read it with a view to discovering where you stand on the road to full maturity in Christ.

Canada is in international news for all the wrong reasons. The global community is shocked by our growing numbers and permissiveness in medically assisted suicide. Shafer and Jon recap some of the most recent headlines and talk about the reality, as well as the future of Euthanasia in Canada. For more resources head to faithbeyondbelief.ca

You've probably sung "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" all your life. The beautiful words tell a story, but do you know the grief and bitterness, and the new hope that inspired author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to write them? Contributor Shafer Parker reveals the darkness that almost destroyed Longfellow, and how his carol tells the story of the moment when faith was reborn. He also reports on the new movie that brilliantly brings this story to the screen. Read along on our website; https://www.faithbeyondbelief.ca/blog

Our very own Shafer Parker shares about his experience watching the Christmas film, I Heard The Bells from Christian Production Company Sight & Sound Films. Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. Shafer shares his thoughts on this brand-new Christmas Classic for the whole family. Thanks for joining us and check out more resources at faithbeyondbelief.ca Merry Christmas!