Questions That Matter with Randy Newman

The Bible has a lot to say about why we should pray and how powerful prayer is. But did you know that academicians study prayer to see how it effects the person praying? My guest on this podcast is my son, David Newman, who has a PhD in Social Psychology and has recently published a paper about prayer, studied from a social science perspective. The implications for Christians are varied and quite helpful. Recommended Resource: David Newman's Website

God has blessed my (Randy Newman’s) book Questioning Evangelism far more than I could have ever imagined when the book was first released almost 20 years ago. We use the book in our CSLI Fellows Program and people have said the book has helped them share the good news in effective ways. This newest edition updates some illustrations, considers evangelism after the Covid Pandemic, and includes a new chapter on how Christians can answer questions about science. Resources: Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman (2023) Other books from Randy Newman

Are you interested in sharing your faith with Muslim friends? Dr. Andy Bannister shares meaningful ways to reach out with a surprising familiar approach. Recommended Resources: Reaching Muslims: A One-Stop Guide for Christians by Nick Chatrath Solas: Persuasively Communicating Christ in Today's Culture

God has done so many wonderful things through is people over the centuries. There are powerful lessons to learn. Ben Virgo leads tours through London that highlight the great works of people God has used. He’s a fountain of joyous stories and important insights. Recommended Resources: Ben's Ministry William Wilberforce: His Unpublished Spiritual Journals by Michael McMullen (2021) The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality by Glen Scrivener (2022)

For some people, a more emotional or affective approach to evangelism and apologetics connects better than a more cognitive or philosophical method. Gavin Ortlund helps us explore this different approach. Recommended Resources: Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn't: The Beauty of Christian Theism by Gavin Ortlund (2021)

All people are looking for answers to big questions - even if they suppress those questions. They probably are answering those questions in bad ways and trying to drink from “cracked cisterns.” We can point them to the better answer of the gospel. Learn more in this episode of Questions That Matter as Randy Newman discusses "Magnetic Faith" with Dan Strange. Recommended Resources: Dan Strange's Website Making Faith Magnetic: Five Hidden Themes Our Culture Can't Stop Talking About by Dan Strange (2021)

C. S. Lewis wove dozens of Biblical themes into his Narnia Chronicles. But some of them may escape our notice. Christin Ditchfield has written a helpful guide so we don’t miss them - and can teach them to our children and grandchildren in delightful ways. Recommended Resources: Christin's Website A Family Guide to Narnia by Christin Ditchfield Biblical Truths in Narnia

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? But for many of our friends, it’s a time with nothing more to offer than presents, egg nog, and songs about Santa and Frosty. On this episode’s conversation with Rico Tice, we explore how to offer people the best news they can ever hear - the very heart of what Christmas is all about. Recommended Resources: Christianity Explored The Ultimate Christmas Wishlist by Rico Tice (2022) Other Christmas books from The Good Book Company

The book of Revelation begins and ends with a promise that readers will be blessed. Yet many of us are intimidated by the book and leave it untouched. Nancy Guthrie helps us overcome our reluctance to read this crucial part of God’s word. Show Notes: Nancy’s book: Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation Nancy's Website: nancyguthrie.com Book: I'm Praying for You

You may not know Henry Tanner’s work but we all should. Tanner “preaches with his brush” and shines a unique light on Biblical scenes through his painting. Show Notes: Russ’s book Rembrandt is in the Wind Russ's website: Why I Started Art Wednesday Art Wednesday/Fathom Columns

We all know we need to read the Bible. But we do need a little help getting into it for ourselves. Gary Millar’s book, Read This First really helps with this in a clear concise way. Learn More: Meet Gary Millar Read This First: A Simple Guide to Getting the Most from the Bible by Gary Millar Jesus Betrayed and Crucified: A Message from Gary Millar

We need all the encouragement we can get in evangelism, especially in our world today that sees Christians as the “bad guys.” Sam Chan helps us a ton. Recommended Resources: How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan. Use the Bible to introduce your friends in Jesus. Discover how you can open the Bible with someone and allow them to meet Jesus for themselves. Explore tools to help you live your faith and share Jesus at work through the City Bible Forum.

After over 40 years in pastoral ministry, Steve King has many powerful lessons about perseverance, not losing heart, and joy along the way. Recommended Reading: Beware the Slow Leaks: Eight Ways Ministry Leaders Can Thrive and Finish Strong by Steve King

Knowing how to engage in good conversations with Mormon friends and acquaintances is crucial in our pluralistic world today. Former Mormon and apologist, Corey Miller shares his very helpful insights from his experiences and study. Recommended Resources: Engaging with Mormons: Understanding Their World; Sharing Good News by Corey Miller. Ratio Christi is a global movement that equips university students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ.

Russ Ramsey loves art and he wants more and more Christians to love art. Not just for art’s sake; but for the sake of loving our God who made our world with so much beauty. Recommended Resources: Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ Ramsey (2022) Russ Ramsey's website Art Wednesday: Weekly Reflections on beauty in art. If Vincent Van Gogh Could Have Met C. S. Lewis by Randy Newman

Everyone - and we do mean everyone - is living out a story that shapes their lives, their perspective, and their hopes. The problem is, their stories are not helping them live according to God’s story. That story, the gospel, is better. In this episode we explore how to tell that better story. Recommended Resources: Center for Public Christianity Telling a Better Story: How to Talk About God in a Skeptical Age by Josh Chatraw (2020) The Mark of the Christian by Francis Schaeffer (2006)

Apologetics without evangelism leaves the task unfinished. Evangelism without apologetics risks a shallow approach to a very deep process. Andy Bannister helps us weave the two together. Recommended Resources: https://www.andybannister.net https://www.solas-cpc.org The Atheist Who Didn't Exist: Or the Dreadful Consequences of Bad Arguments by Andy Bannister

Western society holds strongly to some foundational values like equality, freedom, kindness, progress, and others. But all these values have Christian roots. Helping our non-Christian friends see this can help them move from unbelief to saving faith. Recommended Resources The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality by Glen Scrivener 3 2 1: The Story of God, the World and You by Glen Scrivener The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry Learn more about Glen

We’ve heard that C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien and others were part of something called “The Inklings.” But what actually happened in those gatherings and how did that shape their writings. We’ll explore that theme and related topics in this episode. Recommended Resources https://www.dianaglyer.com Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings, Paperback – December 8, 2015 A Compass for Deep Heaven: Navigating the C. S. Lewis Ransom Trilogy, Paperback – August 3, 2021

In our technologically connected but personally lonely world, the antidote to loneliness is friendship. Joe Kohm shares insights he’s learned about friendship through his study of the lifelong connection between C. S. Lewis and his best friend Arthur Greeves. Resources: The Unknown Garden of Another's Heart: The Surprising Friendship between C.S. Lewis and Arthur Greeves by Joseph Kohm (2022) They Stand Together: The Letters of C.S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves (1914-1963) A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken (2009) Is God anti-gay? by Sam Allberry (2013)

Want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord? Could you benefit from trusted resources on discipleship, apologetics, evangelism, and the Christian life? The C.S. Lewis Institute recently released a new website offering 46 years worth of content from top Christian speakers, pastors, and scholars. With courses for individuals and small groups, multi-media workshops, videos, articles, and more, there’s something for everyone. On today’s podcast we’ll explore the CSLI website and share tools designed to help you grow in your faith and equip you to reach others for Christ. To learn more, please visit: https://cslewisinstitute.org

We know that God is Lord “over all.” But do we live, moment by moment, aware of his hand on every aspect of our lives? Steve Garber helps us avoid compartmentalization and pursue a whole, integrated, worshipful life. Recommended Reading: The Seamless Life: A Tapestry of Love and Learning, Worship and Work by Steve Garber (2020) Read more from Steve Garber at the C.S. Lewis Institute. Additional articles by Steve Garber from the Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation, and Culture.

If you’ve seen the recent movie The Most Reluctant Convert, you’ve seen the artistic skill of director Norman Stone. On this podcast Norman shares his perspective as a Christian and a director about the unique genre of film and why it moves us so much. Learn More: About Norman Stone The Most Reluctant Convert movie C.S. Lewis Through the Shadowlands movie

The unique art form of jazz, especially because of its essence of improvisation, has some powerful implications for our spiritual growth. Chip Hammond is both a Presbyterian pastor and a jazz drummer. We discuss the intersection of the world of jazz and faith. Chip’s church’s website: https://www.bethelpres.com Spirituality in a Minor Key: https://www.bethelpres.com/articles/jazz-interview Recommended Reading: A Supreme Love: The Music of Jazz and the Hope of the Gospel by William Edgar No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending by Esther Fleece Allen

At the C. S. Lewis Institute, we’re all about “Discipleship of the Heart and Mind.” But we’d hate for people to think we view this as a purely individual effort. Discipleship must occur in community and, especially, through the community of the local church. That’s the topic of my conversation with CSLI Senior Fellow and local pastor Bill Kynes. Go Deeper: Discipleship is a Team Sport by Bill Kynes. Insourcing: Bringing Discipleship Back to the Local Church by Randy Pope.

Have you ever been invited to a Passover Seder? I hope so. It’s filled with wonder and awe and points powerfully to how Jesus the Messiah fulfilled the picture of salvation in the Exodus story. This podcast fills in some gaps you may not have heard about. Recommended Resources: https://www.thegoodbook.com/engaging-with-jewish-people https://jewsforjesus.org/jewish-resources/jewish-holidays/passover/ https://www.chosenpeople.com https://brushfire.com/chosenpeople/virtual-Messiah-in-the-Passover/529067

God created us as story-creatures and, as such, we relate to and are shaped by stories. Reading and enjoying fiction is not a silly diversion but can be a powerful source of spiritual transformation. Trevin Wax and I explore this theme in our discussion of Victor Hugo’s vast novel Les Miserables. Recommended Reading Trevin’s new book that helps readers access Chesterton’s Orthodoxy. The specific translation of Les Miserables we recommend. C.S. Lewis’s essay “On Stories” can be found here.

St. John’s College has a unique mission of educating people through the careful reading of and respectful discussion of the great books of Western Civilization. My guest, Jim Phillips, the founder and former director of our C. S. Lewis Institute in Annapolis had the privilege of studying there. He shares how Gods’ story of the gospel finds resonance with so many other stories. Recommended Resources: When Athens Met Jerusalem: An Introduction to Classical and Christian Thought by John Mark Reynolds. Purchase on Amazon. Great Books Reader, The: Excerpts and Essays on the Most Influential Books in Western Civilization by John Mark Reynolds. Purchase on Amazon. https://www.johnlennox.org

Did you start some good reconnecting with people during the early stages of Covid-19? Perhaps it’s time to renew those conversations. This could be a great time to reach out to non-Christians and offer hope from sources other than policies and medicine. Recommended Tools: https://cslewismovie.com https://www.thegoodbook.com https://hope.explo.red Faith Over Covid Articles: Reaching Out While Staying In by Randy Newman. Life on the Edge: Discipleship in the Age of the Coronavirus by Karl "KJ" Johnson. How the Book of Job Answers the Questions Raised by the Coronavirus by Will Kynes.

Can anyone really say for certain that they are a Christian? (The answer is yes.) Are there some who think they’re Christian but they’re really not? (The answer, again, is yes.) Pastor and author Mike McKinley helps us think through and wrestle with these eternally urgent questions. Recommended Resources: Am I Really a Christian? by Mike McKinley (9Marks, 2011) Health, Wealth, and the (Real) Gospel: The Prosperity Gospel Meets the Truths of Scripture. by Sean Demars and Mike McKinley (Christian Focus, 2022)

An increasing number of Americans are saying they have no particular religion. They are part of “The Rise of the Nones” and we need to know how to tell them the good news of the gospel. Ben Hein has had quite a bit of good experience in conversations with many of these people and his compassionate approach is refreshing. . . Want to go deeper in your faith? Consider the C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program, a year-long, tuition-free discipleship program that leads to significant life change. Recommended Reading: The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going by Ryan P. Burge (Fortress Press, 2021). Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World by Tina Isabella Burton (Public Affairs, 2020).

How should we respond when we see lawn signs that tell us what the people in their house believe - especially when some of the things they state go against what the Bible teaches. Rebecca McLaughlin has written a helpful book to answer that important question that matters. Visit Rebecca's website. Recommended Reading: The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims by Rebecca McLaughlin (2021) In this provocative book, Rebecca McLaughlin helps us disentangle the beliefs Christians gladly affirm from those they cannot embrace, and invites us to talk with our neighbors about the things that matter most. Far from opposing love across difference, McLaughlin argues, Christianity is the original source and firmest foundation for true diversity, equality, and life-transforming love. Purchase your copy. 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin (2021) Backed by state-of-the-art research, personal stories, illustrations, and careful biblical study, this book doesn’t dodge tough questions. Instead, it invites teenagers to ask their hardest questions about Christianity and to find surprising, life-giving answers. Purchase your copy. Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love: How a Violent Klansman Became a Champion of Racial Reconciliation by Thomas Tarrants (2019) A dramatic story of radical transformation, Tom Tarrants shares his journey from violent clansman to pastor and advocate of reconciliation. His story demonstrates that hope is not lost even in the most tumultuous of times. Purchase you copy.

Our world desperately needs hope - and the gospel is the absolute best source of this scarce commodity. Christianity Explored has put together a helpful resource to point lost people to the Savior who provides hope. Learn more at: https://www.christianityexplored.org https://hope.explo.red https://www.thegoodbook.com/honest-evangelism

Books have always played a strategic role in discipleship. God chose to reveal himself in a book, the Bible. And reading has a powerful effect on how we grow spiritually. My conversation with Tim Thornborough of The Good Book Company explores what books people are reading and what reading-trends can tell us about God’s people in God’s world. Learn more at: https://www.thegoodbook.com https://www.thegoodbook.com/series/gods-word-for-you/

Books have always played a strategic role in discipleship. God chose to reveal himself in a book, the Bible. And reading has a powerful effect on how we grow spiritually. My conversation with Tim Thornborough of The Good Book Company explores what books people are reading and what reading-trends can tell us about God’s people in God’s world. Learn more at: https://www.thegoodbook.com https://www.thegoodbook.com/series/gods-word-for-you/

As C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien knew, fiction works in ways that non-fiction doesn’t. It “sneaks past watchful dragons” and engages the imagination in powerful ways. Katy Morgan believes that writing for children is a high calling and she’s done so in a beautiful way. Recommended Resources: The Promise and the Light: A Christmas Retelling by Katy Morgan. Paperback | Audio Book The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Amazon

As C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien knew, fiction works in ways that non-fiction doesn’t. It “sneaks past watchful dragons” and engages the imagination in powerful ways. Katy Morgan believes that writing for children is a high calling and she’s done so in a beautiful way. Recommended Resources: The Promise and the Light: A Christmas Retelling by Katy Morgan. Paperback | Audio Book The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Amazon

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, we may feel some pressure to make the most of this opportunity and “give our family the gospel.” We’ll explore why this may be difficult but not impossible on this special episode of Questions that Matter with Randy Newman. Recommended Reading: Bringing the Gospel Home by Randy Newman. Crossway Publishing, 2011. Jesus is off limits for a lot of families and friends—or at least that’s how it appears sometimes. Why does sharing the good news with a stranger often feel less frightening than telling those you love most? Bringing the Gospel Home will help any Christian seeking to guide loved ones into the family of God. Learn more and purchase you copy here.

Stories, whether told in literature or on stage or through film are powerful. Stories about someone’s conversion are especially moving. Max McLean, the star of the new movie “The Most Reluctant Convert” and I discuss his movie as well as the power of story. Explore more from the Fellowship for Performing Arts. Learn more about the movie The Most Reluctant Convert.

God’s people have always sought creative ways to convey the gospel. Callom Harkrader’s experiences with dramatic presentations of the Gospel of Mark have been used by God in delightful ways. He shares about this unique ministry and how drama and theater can “sneak past watchful dragons.” Learn more about The Mark Drama.

In our world today, many people never give the Christian faith a moment’s consideration because they assume it makes no sense and doesn’t fit the realities of life. Simon Edwards would point people in the exact opposite direction - that faith makes sense and makes the most sense of our world and our lives in this world. Recommending Reading: The Sanity of Belief: Why Faith Makes Sense, by Simon Edwards.

Questions around sexuality and gender are always before us in our highly sexualized world. Author and pastor Sam Allberry helps us think deeply and clearly and communicate compassionately about these difficult topics. Note: This episode may not be appropriate for children, due to the frank discussion about sexuality. Show Notes: Learn more about Sam Allberry and visit his author page. VIDEO: Sam Allberry explains how the message of Jesus on marriage is life-giving.

Have you ordered your copy of Mere Evangelism by Randy Newman yet? This episode will highlight some of the key concepts in the book. Click here to order Randy's book.

One of the most important questions we face - over the course of our entire lives - is “How do we discern God’s will.” Bill Fullilove has lots of experience helping people with this crucial question and we explore it together. We especially consider where our own desires fit in the process. Show Notes: “Because I Want To?” – A Christian Approach to Desire and Vocational Calling, by Bill Fullilove.

We’re called to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Some of us gravitate toward the intellectual side and love God with our mind. Others go in the opposite direction toward feelings. But these should not be in opposition to each other. Rather, we’re whole persons called to love God with our whole being. Tom Schwanda helps us pursue this integrated approach to discipleship. Show Notes Books by Tom Schwanda: The Emergence of Evangelical Spirituality: The Age of Edwards, Newton, and Whitefield (Classics of Western Spirituality) https://www.amazon.com/Emergence-Evangelical-Spirituality-Whitefield-Classics/dp/0809106213/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1628787635&refinements=p_27%3ATom+Schwanda&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Tom+Schwanda Soul Recreation: The Contemplative Mystical Piety of Puritanism https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Recreation-Contemplative-Mystical-Piety-Puritanism/dp/1610974557/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&qid=1628787707&refinements=p_27%3ATom+Schwanda&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Tom+Schwanda

Stan Wallace has explored the life of the mind for decades. He's interacted with Christian professors in a wide range of academic fields for a long time, and he helps them live out their callings in secular universities. The lessons he’s learned along the way apply to all believers in all callings. Show Notes: https://global-scholars.org Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul. By J.P. Moreland https://www.christianbook.com/role-reason-life-soul-revised-updated/j-p-moreland/9781617479007/pd/479007?event=ESRCG

It’s easy to get stuck in the present and not learn or benefit from the past. Dave Moore loves history but laments that many Christians don’t share his enthusiasm. But this is more than a matter of taste. We must value how God has worked in the past or we’ll not grow in our faith the ways we need to. Show Notes: Stuck in the Present: How History Frees and Forms Christians by David George Moore https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Present-History-Frees-Christians/dp/168426460X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=David+Moore&qid=1626368493&sr=8-2

C. S. Lewis’s book The Abolition of Man may be one of his most important books. Unfortunately, it’s also one of his most difficult books. We all need some help getting the full force of the important argument in it. Michael Ward has written a very helpful guide and shows how Lewis’s insights were prophetic when he wrote them in 1943 and may be even more important in our current day and age. Show Notes: After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man by Michael Ward https://www.amazon.com/After-Humanity-Guide-Lewiss-Abolition-ebook/dp/B093TKK5W1/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Michael+Ward&qid=1625165474&sr=8-1

Randy Newman’s last book Unlikely Converts and his upcoming release Mere Evangelism provide the backdrop of this discussion about how people believe the gospel and what lessons we can learn from those insights. Show Notes: by Randy Newman https://www.amazon.com/s?k=unlikely+converts+randy+newman&crid=2C1ZRSWNNNYVD&sprefix=Unlikely+Converts+%2Caps%2C158&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_18 https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=Unlikely+Converts%3A+Improbable+Stories+of+Faith+and+What+They+Teach+Us+About+Evangelism+by+Randy+Newman&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1&ps_exit=RETURN%7Cnew&ps_domain=www

Do we have a firm basis for believing that Jesus rose from the dead? Scholar and author Gary Habermas certainly thinks so. And he shoud know. He’s done more research about the resurrection than anyone and has written over 20 books on the topic. Show Notes The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary R. Habermas and Michael R. Licona https://www.amazon.com/Case-Resurrection-Jesus-Gary-Habermas-ebook/dp/B001QOGJY0/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Gary+Habermas&qid=1622565161&sr=8-4 Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality by Gary Habermas and J. P. Moreland https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Death-Exploring-Evidence-Immortality/dp/1592445098/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Gary+Habermas&qid=1622565161&sr=8-6 Did the Resurrection Happen?: A Conversation with Gary Habermas and Antony Flew (Veritas Books) Part of: Veritas Books (8 Books) | by Gary R. Habermas , Antony Flew, et al. https://www.amazon.com/Did-Resurrection-Happen-Conversation-Habermas/dp/0830837183/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=Gary+Habermas&qid=1622565161&sr=8-7 The Risen Jesus and Future Hope by Gary R. Habermas https://www.amazon.com/Risen-Jesus-Future-Hope/dp/0742532879/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=Gary+Habermas&qid=1622565161&sr=8-8

We’re facing a growing tide of harmful views about gender and sexuality. Fortunately, the gospel is good news in all situations. Author Nancy Pearcey shares encouraging and deep insights from her recent book Love Thy Body: Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality.