Knowing & Doing

Learn how you can share your faith with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and more. Communicate winsomely and engage in healthy conversations with loved ones about issues that truly matter. In this message Dr. Joel Woodruff, President of the C.S. Lewis Institute, shares practical insights and lessons for Conversational Apologetics.

In this excerpt from J.C. Ryle’s classic book Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots, Ryle presents twelve points to create a picture of practical holiness. Read this article here. Recommended Resources: Holiness (Abridged): Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots (Moody Classics) by J.C. Ryle

Pastor Bill Kynes explores the burning question - How can a loving God send people to hell? This message is adapted from a chapter in Bill’s book Seven Pressing Questions: Addressing Critical Challenges to Christian Faith (Minneapolis: NextStep Resources, 2015). Read the article here.

In a culture where Christians are affected by fragmentation and compartmentalization, Randy Newman argues that getting “back to the Bible” means pursuing a holistic vision for what it means to be human and what that looks like in every way. Then, we will love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. To help us do this, he recommends reading Jonathan Edwards’s classic The Religious Affections (1746). Edwards wanted his hearers and readers to know that just having an opinion about God or believing the right propositions about God doesn’t make one a Christian. Saving faith must be felt as well as understood. Learn more in this episode of the Knowing and Doing Podcast. To read this article online, please click here.

Jim Phillips discusses studying classic Western literature, and how knowledge of the classics can open up opportunities for gospel discussions. Recommended Resources: A Christian Guide to the Classics by Leland Ryken The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped Our World by R.C. Sproul

Tom Tarrants observes that judging from recent research and anecdotal evidence, it appears that very few professing Christians in America think fasting has a place in the Christian Life. He observes, however, that from the earliest days of the church, fasting has been recognized as an important way to draw near to God, deepen one's relationship with Him, and seek His help in times of special need. Tarrants explains that if you desire a deeper, more intimate and fruitful relationship with God, or if you need His help in a time of real need, fasting is an important means of grace to practice. Discover helpful and practical guidance to experience God's blessing through fasting. Listen in to this podcast or download the original article. Recommended Resources: God's Chosen Fast: A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Fasting by Arthur Wallis (2016) A Hunger for God by John Piper (2013)

If we hope to engage in conversation about weighty topics, we need to have some level of competence in listening, asking good questions, and pursuing rich conversation. Read the full article here.

It is difficult to think clearly about Francis of Assisi. The first thing that comes to mind is the gentle saint who preached to birds, tamed wolves, and padded about in flower-filled fields basking in the love of God. But it’s also difficult to imagine how such a benign figure could turn thirteenth-century Europe upside down. Read this article online.

Major Warren Hamilton Lewis was a kind-hearted and genuinely humble man, who spent most of his years living a quiet and retiring life. Learn more about his life in this audio production. Click here to read this full article.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is called by some the greatest preacher of the last century. He had an impact on many leaders of this generation. Learn more about his life and legacy in this audio production. Click here to read this full article.

In 2002, Hammond’s youngest daughter Rebecca was born with severe cognitive disability. This created a crisis in the author’s faith which led him to the Scriptures to reconsider what it means for a human being to be made in the image of God. In this article, Hammond explains what he discovered and what it means for persons like his daughter and all human beings to be made in the image of God. He also discusses how individuals and churches can welcome families with a member who has severe cognitive disabilities. Read the full article here. Recommended Reading: It Has Not Yet Appeared What We Shall Be: A Reconsideration of the Imago Dei in Light of Those with Severe Cognitive Disabilities by George C. Hammond. P&R Publishing | Amazon

According to Randy Newman, evangelism could be viewed as slightly less difficult if we break it down into component parts. In this article, Newman breaks evangelism down to a few component skills: presenting a concise summary of the gospel, sharing your personal testimony, answering apologetic questions, asking stimulating questions and offering invitations. Read the full article here.

Does God exist? How can we know? Humankind has wrestled with these questions for centuries. The influential philosopher Thomas Aquinas argued that the existence of God can be proved in five ways. Learn more in this recording of a classic message from one of the history's great thinkers. Aquinas helps us to see that God is the source of both the light of natural reason and the light of faith To read this article in the Knowing and Doing magazine, please click here.

Charlotte Brontë’s mid-nineteenth century novel Jane Eyre offers valuable life lessons for modern readers. The daughter of a clergyman, Brontë’s Christian faith influenced her writing, and the story of Jane Eyre offers wisdom on dignity, love, self-denial, and dealing with hardship and suffering. To read this article in the Knowing and Doing magazine, please click here. Recommend Resource: A Christian Guide to the Classics by Leland Ryken

In this final installment of the series, Michael Ward challenges us to reach out with the gospel by doing more than just promoting ideas or stating propositions. We need to engage the imaginations and affections of those we want to reach. Read this article online. Recommended Reading: The Cambridge Companion to C. S. Lewis (Cambridge Companions to Religion), edited by Robert MacSwain and Michael Ward (Cambridge University Press, 2010)

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

Tom Schwanda completes his three part series on “Growing in Intimacy with God” by digging into the role that experience plays in that process. The tension between knowing and doing, sometimes polarized to unhealthy extremes, is examined with an appreciation for both head and heart, doctrine and experience, thought and emotion. Read this article online. Recommended Reading: Stephen J. Nichols, Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Edwards-Guided-Tour-Thought/dp/0875521940

In this episode Tom Tarrants considers the question, “How do we navigate around the seductions of this fallen world and faithfully follow Jesus in daily life?” He argues that the key is in and with our heart’s desires. Recommended Reading Devoted to God: Blueprints for Sanctification by Sinclair B. Ferguson (Banner of Truth, 2016) Purchase online from Banner of Truth or Amazon.

Ruth Lovejoy, a Fellow in our C. S. Lewis Institute Fellows program, shares how seeing the gospel and the goodness of God more worshipfully can set us free from our love for and idolatry of efficiency. With one eye on the scripture’s story about Mary and Martha and another eye on her to-do list, Ruth helps liberate us from the tyranny of the urgent. Recommended Reading: Gordon MacDonald, Ordering Your Private World (Thomas Nelson, Revised, Updated edition, 2017). Order on ChristianBook.com | Amazon Learn more about the Fellows Program.

Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In this episode, Pastor Bill Kynes takes us to the heart of Jesus' response and helps us learn how to pray to the Father. To read this article on Growing in Prayer, please click here. Recommended Reading: Tim Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God (Penguin Books, 2016)

A life of prayer is something to which we are all called and to which we should all aspire. Dr. Bill Kynes discusses what it would mean for us to devote ourselves to prayer, to ‘pray continually’ as instructed by the Apostle Paul. Recommended Reading: Kevin DeYoung, Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem (Crossway, 2013) Purchase your copy at: https://www.crossway.org/books/crazy-busy-tpb/

In this two-part series addressing vocation and calling, Mark Talbot discusses the importance of a biblical view of calling and the value of spending time each day in God’s written word. Read this article online by clicking here. Recommended Reading: Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life (Thomas Nelson, 2003)

Are you confident that you know and are fulfilling God’s purpose for your life? Tom Tarrants observes that God’s purpose for our life has two major aspects: His purpose in the world to come, and His purpose in the present world. These are intricately intertwined, and it is important to approach our need for guidance in the pressing affairs of the present world, which seem so urgent, in the context of God’s larger, eternal purpose. Once we situate ourselves in this framework, we can more readily discern and embrace God’s particular plans in the unique circumstances of our lives. . . Read this article online. Recommended Reading: Discovering God's Will by Sinclair Ferguson (Banner of Truth, 2013) Discovering God’s Will draws out fundamental principles by which God guides us, applies them to practical situations like vocation and marriage, and underlines many important biblical counsels. It shows that the guidance God gives comes primarily through knowing, loving and obeying him. Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper (Crossway, 2003) In this best-selling book, John Piper makes a passionate plea to the next generation to avoid the dangers of a wasted life, calling us to take risks and make sacrifices that matter for eternity—with a single, soul-satisfying passion for the glory of God that seeks to make much of him in every sphere of our lives.

What is it that motivated C.S. Lewis, a comfortable academic with more than enough to do, to direct so much of his time writing and speaking towards the conversion of the unbelieving of the world? What made him sacrifice not only the regard of many of his colleagues but his own academic advancement to defend the faith? . . . Learn more in this episode of Knowing & Doing featuring the writing of Christopher Mitchell, PhD., Director of the Marion E. Wade Center and Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Wheaton College. For the full article from Professor Mitchell, please click here.

The biblical writers frequently draw parallels between physical and spiritual life, and in many cases the parallels are close. The physical maturity of a child can be measured with the aid of a tape measure and scales; the child’s intellectual development can be gauged by examinations and tests. Likewise our own growth in maturity can be measured. J. Oswald Sanders shows us how Maturity Can Be Measured. To read the full article, please click here.

Dr. Gerald McDermott gives us a thorough and very helpful overview of Islam, the second biggest religion in the world. Read the full article from the CS Lewis Institute here. Recommended Reading: Nabeel Qureshi, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity (Zondervan, 2014). Purchase on Amazon.

Dr. Gerald R. McDermott offers an insightful overview of the history, beliefs, and various schools of Buddhism. He helps Christian better understand their Buddhist neighbors and summarizes key similarities and differences between Buddhism and Christianity. Read the full article here. Recommended Reading: Tangible: Making God Known Through Deeds of Mercy and Words of Truth by Chris Sicks. NavPress, 2013. In Tangible, author and pastor Chris Sicks speaks from his heart and his years of reaching out to others. Through practical resoures, biblical examples, and vignettes about real people, this book will equip you to introduce hurting people to God through intentional deeds of kindness. When you enter the world of the suffering with real help, you will reflect the love of Christ--the most tangible proof of God's existence. Purchase your copy here.

Turning Conversations about C.S. Lewis to the Topic He Loved Most If you’ve ever told someone that you’ve read something by C.S. Lewis or like his writing or have seen one of the Narnia movies, you may have found that many people have a positive view of him. In this article, Randy Newman identifies ways we can transition conversations about C.S. Lewis to conversations about Jesus Christ. Read the full article here. Recommended Reading: Joe Rigney - Live Like A Narnian: Christian Discipleship in Lewis's Chronicles. Amazon | Desiring God Ministries

We live in a culture that would have us believe that the way to happiness is to gain more—more money, more things, more pleasure. In this excerpt from his book Abundant: Experiencing the Incredible Journey of Generosity, Todd Harper explores what the Bible has to say about money, and how to experience the abundance God wants for us. Read more about the Joy of Generosity. Recommended Reading: Todd Harper, Experiencing the Incredible Journey of Generosity (Generous Giving, 2016). | Amazon

According to Gregory Ganssle, the Christian story makes sense of our deepest longings. That is, the story that Christianity sets forth fits well with the things we value most and with the kinds of people we want to be. In this article, he develops one aspect of this fittingness, the centrality of relationships to our well-being. . . Read the full article. Recommended Reading: Gregory E. Ganssle, Our Deepest Desires: How the Christian Story Fulfills Human Aspirations (IVP Academic, 2017). InterVarsity Press | Amazon | Christian Book Distributers

Dorothy L. Sayers, author of sixteen novels, ten plays, six translations, and twenty-four works of non-fiction, was an accomplished writer in multiple genres. In this article, Lindsey Scholl notes that Sayers had a hard-hitting, humorous, competent style, and argues that reading her would benefit many Christians today, particularly those inclined to use their faith as a cover for sloppy thinking. Scholl introduces readers to the body of Sayers’ work, and also to her colorful, confrontational personality. Read the full article from Lindsay Scholl. Recommended Reading: Barbara Reynolds, Dorothy L. Sayers: Her Life and Soul (St. Martin’s Press, 1997) Christian Book Distributors | Amazon

In this episode, Tom Tarrants presents a case study, from the Bible, of a group of ambitious men who sought human greatness long ago and how they discovered kingdom greatness. According to Tarrants, their experience has lessons for us today. Read the full article here. Recommended Reading: Jerry Bridges, The Blessing of Humility (NavPress, 2016). Click here to order on Christian Book Distributors or Amazon.

What Is Character? Character assumes that our actions are not isolated from each other. Character is a pattern of choices flowing out of a person—a pattern of virtues or vices. In Part 2 of “Character” Dr. Lindsley explores how to cultivate character.

It is wise, before entering into a long-term relationship, to consider the other person’s character. This is especially true in friendship, marriage, business partnership, etc. Love in a relationship is only safe when there is character present. Art Lindsley explores the ongoing crisis of character, the importance of character, and the way of character. He helps us find a solid foundation for character rooted in the love of God. Show Notes To read the full article: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Character_FullArticle

Tom Tarrants shares his dramatic story of coming to saving faith out of a life of prejudice, hatred, and self-righteousness. In fact, those adjectives don’t paint the picture as bad as it really was! Tom’s story is inspiring as well as challenging. And it illustrates just how powerful and transformational the gospel can be. Show Notes: Full Article: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Is_Spiritual_Transformation_Really_Possible Thomas A. Tarrants, Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love: How a Violent Klansman Became a Champion of Racial Reconciliation (Thomas Nelson, 2019) Christian Book Distributers: https://www.christianbook.com/consumed-redeemed-violent-klansman-champion-reconciliation/thomas-tarrants/9781400215324/pd/215324?event=ESRCG Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Consumed-Hate-Redeemed-Love-Reconciliation/dp/1400215323

Lynne Kohm asks, “How does your sexuality affect your witness as a Christian?” In this article, she argues that living and communicating a genuinely biblical view of sexuality is a most powerful apologetic today. Show Notes: To read the article: please visit: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Sexuality_as_an_Apologetic Todd A. Wilson, Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality (Zondervan, 2017) Order Online at Zondervan: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/mere-sexuality Christian Book Distributers: https://www.christianbook.com/mere-sexuality-rediscovering-the-christian-vision/todd-wilson/9780310535355/pd/535355?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=academic-0-20%7C535355&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_qSS-Mje8QIVxP_jBx3ZEgavEAQYASABEgJqAvD_BwE Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Sexuality-Rediscovering-Christian-Vision/dp/0310535352

According to William Fullilove, one of the joys of the past twenty years has been seeing a renewed emphasis on the doctrine of vocation in many Protestant churches—the understanding that God is pleased when each man and woman pursues his or her calling, whether that is to religious or “secular” work. He argues, however, that this has led to some unintended consequences. In this article, Fullilove considers Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50, which he argues is a useful corrective. Show Notes: The Gospel at Work: How the Gospel Gives New Purpose and Meaning to Our Jobs by Sebastian Traeger and Greg Giblert. Christianbook: https://www.christianbook.com/gospel-working-gives-purpose-meaning-ebook/sebastian-traeger/9780310513988/pd/42071EB Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Work-Gives-Purpose-Meaning/dp/0310562074/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Andy Bannister challenges the prevailing naturalistic worldview around us that insists that people are merely animals. The wide gap between our Biblical perspective – that people are unique, eternally valuable, and created in the image of God – and the dehumanizing trends in our world today are shown to be as dramatic as can be. Show Notes: Dignity and Destiny: Humanity in the Image of God by John F. Kilner Eerdmans: https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/6764/dignity-and-destiny.aspx Christian Book Distributers: https://www.christianbook.com/dignity-destiny-humanity-the-image-god/john-kilner/9780802867643/pd/867643?product_redirect=1&Ntt=Dignity%20and%20Destiny:%20Humanity%20in%20the%20Image%20of%20God%20(Eerdmans,%202015)&item_code=&ps_exit=RETURN|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCG Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dignity-Destiny-Humanity-Image-God/dp/0802867642

Dan Osborn dares to wonder why some prominent Christians don’t persevere. As painful as the topic is, he rightly warns us not to ignore it. He also shares biblical insights as to how we can avoid the same tragic mistakes.

Jana Harmon interviewed fifty former atheists who had come to saving faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. She tells us what she learned in the process, both from what her conversation partners said and how they told their remarkable stories. Full Article URL: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Surprised_by_God_Reaching_the_Resistant

Childlike faith is relevant not only to mature believers in their walk with the Lord, but also in the workplace, especially in terms of how we lead, interact with others, and make decisions. Show Notes: To read the full article https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/The_Importance_of_Childlike_Faith_in_the_Workplace

In this last of his series of four articles written to help people read God’s Word with profit, Bill Kynes considers the questions: What can we expect the Bible to do for us? What is it for? He explains that the end or goal of the wisdom the Bible gives us is our “salvation” and offers practical advice for how to read the Bible with this in mind. READ: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/How_to_Read_the_Bible_Part_4_How_is_the_Bible_Useful Show Notes: Recommended Reading: Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks, Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible ( https://www.amazon.com/Living-Book-Science-Reading-Bible/dp/0802408230 Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Zondervan Academic, Fourth edition, 2014) https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth/dp/0310517826/ref=dp_ob_title_bk