Podcasts about Mere Christianity

In this episode of Ave Explores: Catholicism in Literature, Katie sits down with Kaitlyn Facista and Andrew Swafford to discuss the enduring legacy of two of Christianity's greatest storytellers, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Facista, author of _Into the Heart of Middle-earth and founder of Tea with Tolkien, shares how Tolkien's works played a significant role in her conversion to Catholicism. Drawn into Middle-earth by its unforgettable heroes and villains, she discovered profound lessons about virtue, vice, courage, and sacrifice. In a culture hungry for authentic examples of goodness and bravery, Tolkien's stories continue to awaken the heart and point readers toward truth. Swafford reflects on encountering Tolkien later in life while reading The Lord of the Rings with his children. Those family readings sparked rich conversations, nurtured their spiritual imaginations, and created opportunities for catechesis. He also discusses introducing students at Benedictine College to Lewis's Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Great Divorce, marveling at Lewis's ability to reach students of every background and faith. Through imagination and story, Lewis demonstrates how art and literature can communicate truths that might otherwise remain hidden. Journey through the wardrobe and wander into the Shire for an inspiring conversation about faith, imagination, and the transformative power of great stories. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)

This video explores the life, legacy, and theological significance of C.S. Lewis, emphasizing his journey from atheism to Christian faith, shaped by personal loss, intellectual inquiry, and the influence of friends like J.R.R. Tolkien. It highlights Lewis's masterful use of imagination, storytelling, and reason to communicate Christian truth, exemplified in works like Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, and Till We Have Faces. The narrative underscores his role as a modern apologist who made faith accessible through allegory, philosophical argument, and vivid narrative, bridging the gap between intellect and heart. His enduring impact is rooted in his ability to engage audiences shoulder-to-shoulder, using clarity, reason, and imaginative depiction to convey timeless spiritual truths. The sermon also corrects a myth about Lewis's relationship with Tolkien, affirming their deep friendship until Lewis's final days. Ultimately, Lewis's life and writings remain a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, reason, and story in the modern world.

This video explores the life, legacy, and theological significance of C.S. Lewis, emphasizing his journey from atheism to Christian faith, shaped by personal loss, intellectual inquiry, and the influence of friends like J.R.R. Tolkien. It highlights Lewis's masterful use of imagination, storytelling, and reason to communicate Christian truth, exemplified in works like Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, and Till We Have Faces. The narrative underscores his role as a modern apologist who made faith accessible through allegory, philosophical argument, and vivid narrative, bridging the gap between intellect and heart. His enduring impact is rooted in his ability to engage audiences shoulder-to-shoulder, using clarity, reason, and imaginative depiction to convey timeless spiritual truths. The sermon also corrects a myth about Lewis's relationship with Tolkien, affirming their deep friendship until Lewis's final days. Ultimately, Lewis's life and writings remain a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, reason, and story in the modern world.

Audio Transcript How are we this morning? Excellent. All right. It's my privilege to bring the word to you this morning, so let's get into it. Recently I read a story about a young man who never wanted to be a soldier. He had no visions of fame or ambitions of glory. When his father announced that he'd secured him an appointment to West Point, the boy protested. He wanted to be a farmer or perhaps work the river trade. But his father was not a man to be argued with, and so the 17 year old boarded a coach east. Sick with dread, he got off to a rough start. Through a clerical error, his name was copied incorrectly and it would stick permanently. He hated the academy. He finished 21st of 39 cadets, distinguished only in horsemanship and mathematics. The Mexican War found him a reluctant quartermaster, competent, but unnoticed afterward posted to lonely garrisons on the Pacific coast. Far from his wife Julia and the children he barely knew, he began to drink. In 1854, facing either court martial or resignation over his drinking, he resigned his commission in disgrace and went home with empty pockets. What followed were the worst years of his life. He tried farming on land his father in law gave him outside St. Louis, and the crops failed. He hauled firewood through the city streets in a worn army overcoat, occasionally passing former West Point classmates who looked away embarrassment. He pawned his gold watch one Christmas to buy presents for his children. He tried bill collecting and was terrible at it. He tried real estate and failed at that, too. By 1860, at 38 years old, he was working at a clerk in his younger brother's leather goods store in Galena, Illinois, earning $800 a year. He was a man whose life, by every visible measure, had failed. Then Fort Sumter fell. The quiet clerk who couldn't sell harnesses turned out to understand something that most West Point polished generals did not. The war was not about elegant maneuvers or reputation, but about pressing forward relentlessly, accepting losses and refusing to stop. Donaldson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, the Wilderness, Appomattox. The failures had taught him things that successful men never learned. What it was to be underestimated, to be written off, to keep moving even when the odds looked long. The boy who didn't want to be a soldier, the the lieutenant who resigned in shame, the farmer who failed, and his brother's store. Hiram Ulysses Grant, or as the West Point Clerk mistakenly wrote, U.S. grant, ended the war as General of the armies, the man who had saved the Union and later President of the United States. It turned out that the long road had been the training. Weeks before his death, Grant wrote the preface to his personal memoirs, saying, man proposes and God disposes. There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice. Most of us at some point will know what it is to be in our own wilderness. We will know what it is to wait, to wait through years that seem to lead nowhere, to feel forgotten by God, to look out at a landscape that gives no sign that he is at work. And we will be tempted in those years to conclude that nothing is happening, that God has misplaced us, that our life is being spent in vain. This morning, as we come to a passage in the Book of Exodus that speaks directly into that experience. It is the story of 40 silent years in the life of Moses and 400 silent years in the life of Israel. It is the story of a God who appears to all human eyes to be doing nothing. And it is the story of how, beneath that silence, he was doing everything. So if you would with me open your Bibles, please, to the Book of Exodus. And this morning we're going to finish chapter two, verses 11 to 25. One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, why do you strike your companion? He answered, who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and thought, surely the thing is known. When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well. Now, the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away. But Moses stood up and saved them and watered their flock. When he came home to their father, Reuel, he said, how is it that you have come home so soon today? They said, an Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and even drew water for us and watered the flock. He said to his daughters, then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man. And he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he Said I have been a sojourner in a foreign land. During those many days. The king of Egypt died and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God, and God heard their groaning. And God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel and God knew. Let's pray. Father. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts this morning be acceptable in your presence. Lord, I pray, after my words are long forgotten, that your word would be remembered. Jesus name. Amen. Exodus is an epic of God's love and redemption of his people. Every scene reads like an action novel. The baby in the basket, the burning bush, the plagues, the angel of death. The parting of the Red Sea, the thunder and lightning around Mount Sinai, the covenant with the Almighty. Before we dive into our text, we must read Exodus rightly. We have to read it Christologically, that is, in relation to Jesus Christ, who is our perfect sacrifice, who saved us out of our bondage to sin and delivered us into a right relationship with God. When Jesus appeared to his disciples on the road to emmaus in Luke 24:27 Records beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. If Jesus started with Moses when describing himself, perhaps we can also we also read it historically. Scholars debate whether the Exodus took place around 1446 BC or around 1260. Good evidence exists for both dates and ancient Israel did not work with an absolute calendar the way we do. But what matters for us this morning is not the precise year, but the fact that it is history, not myth. The renowned Old Testament scholar Nahum Sarna observed that no nation would invent for itself and then faithfully transmit for thousands of years an inglorious origin story of slavery, grumbling and and idolatry. Israel did not flatter itself into existence. This happened. Exodus 2:11 to 25 sits at 1 of the great hinge moments of redemptive history. The book opens with the sons of Jacob settling in Egypt under the protection of Joseph. But there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph. What begins as refuge becomes bonding. Hebrews multiplied, and Pharaoh, fearing them, enslaved them and decreed that every male child be cast into the Nile. Into that decree Moses is born. Wes laid out for us last week that Moses mother hides him, his sister watches over him, and then Pharaoh's daughter draws him out of the water. He grows up in the palace, Stephen tells us in Acts 7:22 that he was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in his words and deeds. And that is where our passage begins. The structure that we will use this morning breaks down into four movements. Verses 11 to 14 Moses takes matters into his own hands. Verses 15 to 17 Moses flees and is shaped at a well. 18:22 Moses is welcomed and becomes a sojourner. 23 To 25 While Moses tends sheep, Israel groans and God acts. Start with 11 to 14. Moses has grown. Now the infant in the basket has become a man in Pharaoh's court, raised as Egyptian royalty. How much did he know about his true background growing up? Wes mentioned last week that Moses mother was allowed to nurse him. So did they still have a relationship? Certainly possible. There are so many unanswered questions. Did he live with a divided heart for years? Did he spend endless nights pleading with Pharaoh? Was he embarrassed by his background and didn't want to believe it? We have no idea. What we do know is that he was raised to be a prince of Egypt. But by the time he was 40, he knew exactly who he was and who his brothers and sisters truly were. Were. One day he goes out to his brothers, the Hebrews, and he looks on their burdens. And what he sees he cannot unsee. An Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own. He looks this way and that, and when he sees no one watching, he strikes. Strikes the Egyptian down and buries him in the sand. Now this raises a nagging question for me. If Moses was a member of Pharaoh's household in the royal family, so to speak, why would he have feared killing someone? Wouldn't a royal be able to kill a lowly Egyptian taskmaster with little to no reprisal? This goes into the historical context at the time. Exodus 1:8 says, now there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph. Commentators note that this likely indicates a dynastic change. A new royal house with no political or familial loyalty to the previous regime. In fact, during either time period, you believe royal houses at that time were very politically unstable, with different factions having different claims to the crown. The princess who had adopted him was almost certainly aging or dead. And the reigning pharaoh would have viewed an adopted Hebrew with suspicion, not affection. And the man Moses killed was not a slave. He was an Egyptian official, a representative of Pharaoh's economic and political authority. This is crucial. In ancient Egypt, killing a Hebrew slave was something an Egyptian could do with little consequence. But a member of the royal household killing one of Pharaoh's taskmasters. This probably would not have looked so much like murder. It would have looked like the potential beginning of an insurrection. The next day, Moses goes out and this time he finds two Hebrews fighting each other. He steps in to make peace, and the man in the wrong rounds on him with words that must have cut deeply. Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill us as you killed the Egyptian? And Moses is afraid. The secret is out. Beneath these interactions is something deeper that the New Testament helps us understand. The writer of Hebrews tells us this whole episode began in faith. By faith. Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the Reward. That's Hebrews 11:24-26. When Moses walked out of the palace, he was not slumming, he was choosing. He looked at the gold of Egypt on the one hand and the suffering of God's people in the other. And he chose the suffering. That is faith. So what went wrong? Well, it can be summed up in the next phrase. He looked this way. That a long line of preachers have lingered over those words and noticed what was missing. As Chuck Swindoll says, he looked east, he looked west, he looked over his shoulder, but he didn't look up, did he? He looked in both directions horizontally, but he left the vertical completely out of it. Moses was a man with a true call, but a glance still fixed on the ground. Here is the heart of the problem. Moses tried to bring about by his own hand what God had promised to bring about by his covenant. The deliverer was right, the cause was right, the method was wrong, and the time was not yet. And the proof is what he is in what he does next. He hides the body in the sand, as if sand could keep a secret from God. Within a day, the rumor was loose. Within a week, Pharaoh wants him dead. Three things to take from these opening verses. First, a true call from God does not exempt a man from from the discipline of God's timing. Moses had the right cause and the right collar. But he ran ahead. And it will take 40 years in the desert to refine him. Second, hidden sin is a poor investment. Sand is a thin grave. What God means to expose, no man can keep buried. Third, there is mercy for those with juvenile or immature faith. John Calvin's pastoral word on this passage is really helpful. Even the obedience of the saints, stained as it is by sin, is still sometimes acceptable to God through his mercy. So Moses runs, but God was not finished with him. He was only beginning verses 15 through 17. Verse 15 begins with collapse. However noble Moses motives may have been, when he took matters into his own hands, he was outside the will of God. And yet God still had a plan for him. This is one of the great promises of Scripture. God uses sinners for his glory. It's the only kind he has to work with. When you read the heroes of the faith, they read a lot more like a Alcoholics Anonymous meeting than a catalog of superheroes. I can almost see them in a church basement, sitting in a circle on folding chairs, sipping bad coffee, introducing themselves. Hi, I'm Abraham and I'm a liar who pimped out my wife. Hi, I'm Jacob. I'm a deceiver and I'm a thief. How? Hi, I'm Samson and I'm a lust addicted vow breaker. Hi, I'm David. I'm an adulterer and a murderer. Hi, I'm Jonah and I'm a racist runaway. Hi, I'm Peter and I'm a coward who denied my Savior. Hi, I'm Moses and I'm a murderer. When Janet and I lived in Atlanta, we had a pastor who was fond of saying that God doesn't look for ability, he looks for availability. God uses broken people because it's his strength, it's his wisdom, it's his power, and it's for his glory. God would be using Moses, but he had some seasoning yet to experience. Verse 15. When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. There's no firm consensus on where exactly Midian was, but the traditional and most widely accepted location is in northwest Arabia, east of the Gulf of Agapa, in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia. The Midianites appear to have been a semi nomadic people, so Midian may refer to an area where the tribe ranged rather than a specific location. Calvin, commenting here, sees in Moses flight not cowardice, but the sovereign hand of God, breaking a man down before he builds him up. Calvin's instinct is that the Lord put his servant through a long banishment precisely so that he would learn humility and dependence, because the work for which he was designed was greater than human strength could compass. 40 Years of palace training had to be matched by 40 years of desert undoing. Augustine, in a different connection, spoke of being in the region of unlikeness that far country, where the soul learns who it is by losing what it had. Moses, sitting by that well is in the region of unlikeness. Verse 15 ends noting that Moses, obviously exhausted, sat down by a well. One of the beauties of Scripture is the inclusion of what so often to us seems like pointless details. But wells, as it turns out, is an important location in the Bible, specifically, if you are looking for a wife. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant meets Rebekah, Isaac's future wife, at a well. In Genesis 29, Jacob meets Rachel at a well. This time, who is Moses going to meet? Verses 16 and 17. Now, the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up to save them and watered their flock. Moses is once again faced with injustice. Has he learned anything? A group of young women have come to the well to draw water, and a group of shepherds is going to give them a hard time. Moses, again courageously rises to their defense. Already we see clues that he is learning from his past mistakes. The text does not record that he killed the shepherds, and not only that he served the young women by watering their flock. For the first time, he was learning what it was to be a deliverer. He stands firm for what is just and begins to practice true leadership, which is born out of service. It would have been unthinkable at the time for a man to perform a menial task for women. But Moses stooped to serve. And by learning to serve, he was learning to lead. For all God's leaders are servants. He, in time, the one who is the true and better. Moses would himself kneel and wash 12 pairs of dirty feet and tell his disciples that whoever wants to be great must be a servant of all. Service is always one of the first courses in God's leadership training. Anyone who aspires to spiritual leadership, especially in the church, should begin by finding a place of humble service. If you travel to my alma mater, Wheaton College, one of the most striking little buildings on campus is the Marion E. Wade center, which houses the largest collection of C.S. Lewis writings in the world. Its namesake, Marian Wade, was an American businessman and founder of the large company Servicemaster. Wade was a man of deep faith who established a tradition called six weeks on the front lines. Every future executive at the company would spend six weeks scrubbing floors on hands and knees, doing the work of those they would later lead. Wade believed that those who refused to serve had no business leading. One of the other blessings of servant leadership is that when kids watch authentic service from their parents, it has a tendency to be passed down through the generations. The other founder of Service Master was a gentleman by the name of Ken Hanson. Ken's son, Walter Hanson, when he grew up, would move to Cleveland. He started a little church in his living room. And it grew, and it grew to about a thousand. In 10 years, the church would grow into what is now called Parkside Church. And if that name rings a bell, it would be because it's the church that Alistair Begg just retired from. It's amazing how these things pass down. Moses is being molded. Though he must feel lost and alone, God is right there, directing the most salient detail, refining his champion. God creates this dress rehearsal. The stage is a backwater. Well, the cast is seven anonymous girls, but the script is the same script that would one day be played out at the Red Sea. This is how God so often works. CS Lewis, in his collected letters, wrote that the great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's own or real life. The truth is, of course, that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life, the life God is sending one day by day, Moses thought his real life had ended at the border of Egypt. In fact, his real life was just beginning in Midian. There are seasons of our lives where it seems to have been derailed, where the calling we thought we had has collapsed and we find ourselves sitting by a well in some unfamiliar place. The temptation is to read those seasons as God's absence. But this text invites us to read them as God's curriculum. The God who is going to deliver Israel is at this very moment teaching his deliverer how to stand up for seven helpless women at a watering trough. Nothing in your wilderness is wasted. Turn to verses 18 to 22. The daughters return home and their father called Ruel here or Jethro elsewhere, most likely the same man. So don't get confused. Very common at the time for there to be multiple names for somebody. And he asked why they're early, and they say, an Egyptian delivered us. It's a quietly ironic line. Moses has gone out to deliver Hebrews and was rejected as a meddling Egyptian. He flees to Midian and is received as a generous Egyptian. The man cannot escape his identity, and yet his identity is not what God will make of it. Ruel rebukes his daughters for leaving the man unhosted. Call him that. He may eat bread and Moses is brought in. Verse 21 simply says Moses was content to dwell with the man. The Hebrew verb here ya all carries the sense of consenting, of being willing, even of resigning oneself. Moses is not striving anymore. He has come to the end of his striving. He sits down and he stays. The Book of Acts tells us that 40 years passed between Moses flight to Midian and his encounter with God at the burning bush. D.L. Moody is often quoted as saying Moses spent 40 years in Egypt learning to be something. 40 Years in the desert learning to be nothing. And 40 years in the wilderness proving God to be everything. Philip Reichen notes that whenever we are tempted to grow impatient with God's timetable for our lives, we should remember Moses, who spent two years of preparation for every year of ministry. Zipporah is given to Moses as a wife and a son is born. Moses names him Gershom new meaning I have become an alien in a foreign land. The name comes from the Hebrew verb garash, which means to drive out or expel. It may refer to Moses own experience of being driven out of Egypt. It also sounds like the Hebrew words ger and sham, which is a pun that means an alien there. Every time Moses speaks his son's name, he confesses that he does not belong. Midian is not home. Egypt is not home. He is a man between worlds. The Puritans loved this theme of sojourning. John Owen described the believer as a stranger and a pilgrim traveling through a country not his own, with his heart fixed on a city whose builder and maker is God. Jonathan Edwards preached a famous sermon called the Christian Pilgrim, in which he said that the true Christian travels on through this world as a wayfaring man and looks not upon any of the enjoyments of this world as his own. GK Chesterton, with his usual paradox, put it this way. How can we contrive to be at once astonished at the world and and yet at home in it? The answer of Scripture is that we cannot. Not fully, not yet. We are pilgrims. Gershom is the name of every saint. But notice Moses, sojourning is not a punishment, it is a preparation. RC Sproul emphasized that the entire 40 year sojourn in Midian was God's way of thinking. Moses for leadership, a man trained only in Pharaoh's court could not lead Israel through Pharaoh's wilderness. But a man who had himself become a shepherd of sheep in that very wilderness could one day shepherd God's people through it. The geography of Midian is the geography of the Exodus. Route. The skills Moses learned watering Reuel's flock are the skills he would use leading Israel's flock. God was not killing time. God was forging an instrument. And Moses doesn't know he names his son after his displacement. He doesn't name him soon to be deliverer or heir of promise. He names him Sojourner. The man cannot see what God is doing. Alistair Begg has spoken movingly of how God's people are very often in the dark about the brightness of God's plan for them. Moses is in the dark, but the brightness is gathering. If you are a Christian, you are a Gershom. You are a sojourner in a foreign land. The disquiet you feel, the restlessness, the sense that this world is not home is not a defect of your discipleship. It is a feature of it. CS Lewis spoke of this often when he talked about the pilgrim longing in Mere Christianity. He wrote, if we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. The long ordinary years in which it seems nothing of eternal weight is happening to you are very likely the years in which God is doing his deepest work. Verses 23 and 20 through 25. And now the camera pulls back, just like in a movie. We get a break from the action in Midian and the screen flashes. Meanwhile, back in Egypt. Verse 23. During those many days, the king of Egypt died and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. 40 Years have passed. A Pharaoh has died, another has come. Nothing has changed for Israel. They are still in chains. Bricks still must be made, whips still fall. And from those brick fields raises a sound. The text uses the strongest words in Hebrew for it. A groaning, a crying, a shrieking that goes up out of the dust. Where does the cry go? To all human eyes, the cry goes nowhere. Pharaoh doesn't hear it. The Egyptians don't hear it. Moses doesn't hear it. And then come four of the most precious verbs in the Old Testament. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God, and God heard their groaning. And God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel, and God knew. God heard. God remembered. God saw. God knew. John Piper has called these four verbs the Gospel before the Gospel, the announcement hundreds of years before Bethlehem that the God of heaven is not a deistic clock maker, but a covenant father who hears the groaning of his enslaved children. Each verb carries a war world. God heard, not merely overheard, the Hebrew implies attentive, responsive, hearing the cry that no human ear answered, the cry that seemed to die in the air over the Egyptian sky. The cry arrived at the throne of heaven. The silence of God is never the deafness of God. When his people cry, he hears with the ears of a father. God remembered. This does not mean that God had forgotten and now recalled. To remember in the covenantal sense is to act upon a prior commitment. When Scripture says God remembered Noah, the next thing is that the waters subside. When it says he remembered Hannah, the next thing is that she conceives. When it says he remembered his covenant with Abraham, the next thing is the Exodus. God's remembrance is the prelude to his deliverance, the covenant he made 400 years before. I will be a God to you and to your offspring after you has not faded. He was about to honor it. God saw. The verb is the same verb used in Genesis 1. And God saw that it was good. It is the verb of attentive, evaluating, sight. He saw the bruises, he saw the broken backs. He saw the widows, the unburied babies. There is no suffering of his people that is hidden from him. The Scottish divine Samuel Rutherford, writing from his imprisonment in Aberdeen, often returned to the image of God as the watchman over Israel, who never slumbers, whose people's tears are gathered in heaven long before they fall to the ground. God sees and God knew. Interestingly, the verb stands alone in the Hebrew. There is no object God knew. Some translations may supply one. God knew their condition, but the Hebrew leaves it bare. Why? Perhaps because what God knows here is larger than any object can contain. He knows their pain, he knows their bondage, he knows their names, and he knows what he is about to do. Jonathan Edwards taught that every act of God in history is the unfolding of a purpose conceived before time began. God knew. While Moses sits in Midian thinking he had been forgotten, and while Israel cries in Egypt, thinking that they have been forgotten, neither has been forgotten. God is doing two things at once. In Midian, he is shaping his deliverer. In Egypt, he is hearing their cries. The two threads are converging towards a burning bush in the next chapter. But neither Moses nor Israel can see it. Yet Augustine in his Confessions, wrote this sentence. Thou, O Lord, wert more inward to me than my most inward part and higher than my highest. That is the God of Exodus 2. He is closer to Israel's groaning than the chains on their wrists. He is closer to Moses weariness than the dust on his sandals. He is not far off. He is not distracted, he is at work. Four thoughts to close. First, be still and know that he is God. What we are very often is people who run ahead of God. Moses is not alone in this. Abraham had the promise of a son and and couldn't wait until he took Hagar. And the household of faith has lived with the consequences ever since. Jacob had the blessing already promised to him, but couldn't wait, and so he stole it with a goatskin and a lie. Peter had a lord he loved and couldn't bear to see him arrested. So he drew a sword in Gethsemane and cut off a man's ear. The pattern is older than Moses, and it is as new as this morning. The right cause can be pursued in the wrong way and the wrong time. Bradley Gray puts it bluntly. Nothing good happens when you get ahead of God and take matters into your own hands. Second, the silence of God is not the absence of God. 40 Years passed in Midian and 400 years in Egypt before God spoke from the bush. But not one of those years was empty. God was hearing, he was remembering. He was seeing, he was knowing. If your life feels like a wilderness right now, if you have been sitting by your own well in Midian waiting for a word from heaven that just doesn't come, take this passage and press it to your heart. The silence is not absence. The God who shaped Moses in obscurity is shaping you now. In his 1967 book Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders quoted this anonymous poem. When God wants to drill a man and thrill a man, and skill a man. When God wants to mold a man to play the noblest part, when he yearns with all his heart to create so great and bold a man that all the world shall be amazed. Watch his methods, watch his ways, how he ruthlessly perfects whom he royally elects. How his hammer he hammers him and hurts him and with mighty blows converts him into trial shapes of clay which only God understands. While his tortured heart is crying and he lifts beseeching hands, how he bends but never breaks when his good he undertakes, how he uses whom he chooses and with every purpose him by every act induces him to try his splendor out. God knows what he's about. Third, your sojourning has a destination. Moses named his son Gershom because he felt the foreignness of his life. But the foreignness was not the end of the story. It was the prelude to a calling. The writer of Hebrews tells us that all the saints acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. They desired a better country. That is a heavenly one. Your pilgrimage is not a pointless one wandering. It is a movement towards a country God has prepared for you. Fourth, and most importantly, the God who heard Israel has heard you in a fuller way still. The end of Exodus 2 is a foreshadowing. The four verbs heard, remembered, saw new, find their final fulfillment not at Sinai, but at Calvary. There the Father heard the cries of his people. There he remembered the covenant he had made before the foundations of the world. There he saw his Son lifted up between heaven and earth, bearing the groaning of every enslaved soul in his own body. And there he knew in a way only the triune God could know the cost of redeeming a people for himself. If God heard Israel groaning under Pharaoh and he sent Moses, how much more has he heard your groaning and sent his son? The exodus from Egypt is the shadow. The exodus from sin and death is the substance. And the same four verbs hover over the cross. Today God hears your cries that come up from the dust of this fallen world. God remembers his covenant with you. God sees you right now in this room, in your struggle, in your brokenness. And God knows exactly what he's doing. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this text. Father, thank you for your covenant with us. That you know us, that you love us, that you see us, that no prayer goes unheard, no silence is a waste. And that wherever we are in our life, whatever burdens we are carrying, that you're right here. That you are molding us and you are creating us in just the way that you had planned for us before the creation of the world. Thank you for who you are. In Jesus name, amen. The post Moses Flees to Midian – Exodus 2: 11-25 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Matt and Michael wrestle with one of the oldest questions in philosophy. Why does accepting objective meaning make life harder, not easier? They start with nihilism and why almost nobody can actually live it out. Michael plays devil's advocate for the social contract view of morality. Matt pushes back hard. If your worldview is just preferences, what do you do when Thanos shows up? The conversation spirals through C.S. Lewis, 1984, Sam Harris's wireless dog fence, and why telling the truth is just easier than lying. They land on the cross as the place where God measures himself by himself and absorbs the gap we cannot close. Cheers y'all

Dr. Leslie Baynes returns to the podcast to talk about biblical and literary allusions in (and origins of) The Magician's Nephew! If you haven't already, check out her book, Between Interpretation and Imagination: C.S. Lewis and the Bible. Among other things, we discuss:  1:37 — Introductions Chris introduces Dr. Leslie Baynes — NT scholar, author on CS Lewis and the Bible. 3:30 — Stars, Singing & Job 38 Discussion of how Aslan's creation song echoes Job 38 ("the morning stars sang together"). Lewis loved this verse even as a teenage atheist. 6:07 — Hebrew Poetic Parallelism Leslie explains Hebrew poetic parallelism and the connection between "stars" and "sons of God" in Job. How this idea — that stars are divine beings — was widespread in the ancient world. 9:09 — Stars as Minor Gods in Narnia & Tolkien Voyage of the Dawn Treader's Ramandu as a retired star; comparison to Tolkien's Ainur singing creation into existence in the Silmarillion. 11:58 — E. Nesbit as a Source for Lewis Lewis openly based the Chronicles on E. Nesbit's children's books. The frame story of The Magician's Nephew (sick mother, absent father, magical adventure, happy resolution) follows Nesbit's formula exactly. 18:04 — The Wood Between the Worlds & Charn These sections feel less biblical; Charn likely drawn from Nesbit's The Amulet (children traveling through time to an ancient Near Eastern setting). The Wood Between the Worlds echoes Lewis's Mere Christianity hallway metaphor. 23:03 — Jadis/White Witch & Lilith Luke Mills found a passage in the medieval kabbalistic Alphabet of Ben Sira linking Lilith to a golden bell — possible indirect influence on Lewis's Witch origin story. 26:08 — Narnia's Creation vs. Genesis Aslan creates stars first — Lewis "correcting" the light-before-sun problem in Genesis 1. Frank and Helen as Adam & Eve; their children marrying nymphs and dryads resolves the "who did Cain marry?" puzzle. 31:22 — The Garden of the Hesperides The western garden in The Magician's Nephew blends the Garden of Eden with the Greek Garden of the Hesperides (Atlas's daughters, golden apples, a guardian dragon/serpent). Lewis changed the apples to silver — possibly echoing Yeats's "silver apples of the moon." 34:45 — Milton's Comus & Watchful Dragons Lewis adored Comus as a teenager. His famous "past watchful dragons" metaphor connects to the guardian dragon of the Hesperides (who keeps people away from the apples), inverting the Eden serpent (who tempts people toward the fruit). 39:48 — Joy, West, and the Last Battle The western garden = "Joy" (sehnsucht) for Lewis. In The Last Battle, the characters run west, then turn east to their final home — fulfilling joy rather than endlessly pursuing it. Same arc as The Pilgrim's Regress. 42:25 — Lewis as a "Magpie" Creator Lewis freely borrowed from everything — Nesbit, Milton, Job, the Hesperides — without apology. Discussion of his view (in Mere Christianity) that true originality comes from surrender to God, not self-invention. 45:43 — Pagan vs. Christian — A False Split Lewis (like Justin Martyr) believed all truth is God's truth. Anything good in "pagan" sources can be integrated into a Christian worldview — rejecting the idea that they must be kept entirely separate.

In C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity he says: “the Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time”This idea—that the point of the church is to make disciples is, at its core, not a highly contested one. But ideas about the way disciples are made and the context in which discipleship happens are much more varied.And, in these conversations, the question of a church's size looms large.On the one hand you have the small church. It could be anywhere from just a handful of members to a few hundred, but, in any case, there is a much greater likelihood for congregants to build personal relationships with those leading the church, a greater sense of a tight-knit community where everybody knows one another and oftentimes a wide variety of ages in attendance, with some congregants having attended for the bulk of their lives.On the other hand you have the large church. Maybe its attendance is in the upper hundreds, the thousands or even the ten-thousands. This substantial attendance often means the ability to acquire a large chunk of land and employ a staff of seasoned professionals for everything from worship leaders who sound like pop-stars to trained baristas for their in-house cafes. And, with these resources and this influence, there is a greater ability to quickly raise money for disaster relief or needs in the congregation. There may be more comfort for new believers to not feel like they are standing out in the crowd. And the culture might be one which more naturally attracts non-christians.Criticism from one size of church to the other is not uncommon—the small churches will say congregants don't know their pastors at large churches. The large churches will say the small churches aren't going to reach unbelievers.But, what size is right for a church? Is there one at all? To find out, I spoke with Karl Vaters. Vaters was a pastor for decades, and now he creates resources dedicated to helping small churches thrive. Back in 2024, he wrote a book called “De-Sizing The Church” which investigates the way many churches pursued growth in attendance above all else, often to their detriment. Vaters' book doesn't demonize church growth, but instead asks pastors and congregants to consider what it means to be a healthy christian community, without anchoring that health to merely the number of people in the pews.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Someday, when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I'll tell them: I loved you enough to bug you about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home. ... I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover your friend was a creep. I loved you enough to make you return a Milky Way with a bite out of it to a drugstore and confess, ‘I stole this.' ... But most of all I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all.”~Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), humorist and mother “‘You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve,' said Aslan. ‘And that is both honor enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content.'”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) in his book Prince Caspian “…shame…is the emotional weapon that evil uses to (1) corrupt our relationships with God and each other, and (2) disintegrate any and all gifts of vocational vision and creativity.”~Curt Thompson in The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves “Christ releases you to be truly human, and you must now learn to express your true self according to the divine pattern, not in self-assertion but in self-giving.”~N.T. Wright, New Testament scholar “Your real, new self (which is Christ's and also yours, and yours just because it is His) will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for Him…. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) in his book Mere Christianity “Let us be buried with Christ by Baptism to rise with Him; let us go down with Him to be raised with Him, and let us rise with Him to be glorified with Him.”~Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390), Roman Christian theologian and church leader “Holy baptism…is tantamount to [Christ] saying, My righteousness shall be your righteousness; my innocence, your innocence. Your sins indeed are great, but by baptism I bestow on you my righteousness; I strip death from you and clothe you with my life.”~Martin Luther (1483-1546), German reformerSERMON PASSAGE Romans 6:1-11 (NASB)1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence. Why We're Catholic by Trent Horn (click HERE for Amazon link) The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (click HERE for Amazon link) The Case for The Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas and Michael Licona (click HERE for Amazon link) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (click HERE for Amazon link) Catholic Answers website (click HERE) Trent Horn's website (clcik HERE)

In this episode, Madeline chats again with Bill Patenaude, a retired mechanical engineer who used to work for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. During their conversation, they discuss talk about his sci-fi novel and its sequel, the inspiration for the novel, why he chose a near-future sci-fi setting, the importance of feedback on creative endeavors, the incarnational aspect of reading, and so much more!-link: During the course of their conversation, they make many references which you can explore. Some of these references include his previous episode on the podcast as well as episode 94, Laudato 'Si, 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Sore Must Be the Storm anthology, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and Dune by Frank Herbert.If you're interested in checking out Bill's writing, you can check out his blog and read his debut novel, A Printer's Choice.Feel free to like, subscribe, and share the episode! Follow us on Instagram! @sbltfpodcastDon't forget to go out there, and be a light to this world!

If that title about The Lord Jesus Christ for my devotional this week does not sound original, it's because it isn't. Those were the words of Christian apologist, C.S.Lewis from his incredible book, Mere Christianity. Our study texts this morning provided some of the many texts that caused Lewis to make that statement. A careful examination of the words of Jesus in the gospels leave us no other options. No mere man can make the claims of Deity and being equal to God The Father that Jesus made and be a good man or a good teacher. Every claim to deity that He made is recorded in Scripture in order that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. The claims of Jesus are stunning. Read all of His verily, verily and I Am statements. He is to be honored equal to The Father (John 5:23) and believed on equal to The Father (John 14:1)Thirty eight times in the New Testament we find the phrase sent Me to describe why God The Father sent Jesus. He sent Jesus on a mission of redemption. He sent Jesus to die on the cross of Calvary as The Perfect Lamb of God to take away our sin and rise from the dead in order to provide forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God for those who would repent and receive Him as Lord. But what are the consequences for not believing the claims of Christ or the purpose for The Father sending Him? John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.Reader, your decision about who Jesus is on earth will determine your eternal destiny. The clock towards your eternity is ticking my friend. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Liar? Lunatic? Or Lord? The choice is yours. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com

In this verse by verse Bible study, Dave Bigler of Iron Sheep Ministries explores Hebrews 1.3-14, establishing the foundational identity of Jesus Christ and His superiority over the angels. The session begins by breaking down verse 3 into four key points: Jesus as the "radiance of God's glory," the "exact representation of His being," the sustainer of all things through His powerful word, and the one who provided purification for sins before taking His seat at the right hand of God. Dave draws connections to the Transfiguration in Matthew 17 and Jesus' own claims in John 14 to illustrate how Christ fully reveals the character of God to humanity.The second half of the study focuses on the comparison between the Son and angelic beings. Dave explains the historical context of the first century, where angels were held in extremely high regard, and shows how the author of Hebrews systematically places Jesus above them. Through a series of Old Testament quotations from the Psalms and Deuteronomy, Dave highlights that while angels are created "ministering spirits" and messengers, Jesus is the eternal Son, the Creator, and the King whose throne will last forever. The study concludes with a powerful challenge from C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, urging listeners to decide if Jesus is a liar, a lunatic, or truly LordNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HWquQQ2GDlj98OwJ0MRAZsZwPTgM8GrTlL3Fubb81uY/edit?usp=sharingSupport Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:10+ We will be made glorious like Jesus.+ We will be at home with Jesus.Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want and want acutely something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, our longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy. I am not now speaking of what would be ordinarily called unsuccessful marriages, or holidays, or learned careers. I'm speaking of the best possible ones. There was something we grasped at, in that first moment of longing, which just fades away in the reality. I think everyone knows what I mean.” – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. “Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exist. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such thing as water… If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.” – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. John 17:24 NIV+ We will be rewarded by JesusRevelation 20:11–15 NIVColossians 2:13–141 Corinthians 3:10–15 NIV

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Anchored Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of an "enchanted intellect" with Andrew Morton, a senior fellow at Worldview Academy. Discover how reading full novels and engaging with classics like Narnia and Lord of the Rings can shape a vibrant, resilient faith in students.Join us as Andrew shares how Worldview Academy's summer camps forge hearts and minds through interactive experiences, igniting a love for truth, goodness, and beauty. Learn how this approach challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith and reason, fostering a worldview rooted in awe and wonder.If you're a parent, educator, or student longing for education that feeds the soul as much as the mind, this episode is your catalyst. Discover the revolutionary potential of seeing God's glory in the ordinary and learn how to cultivate an enchanted worldview that lasts beyond the classroom.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to The Anchored Podcast for more inspiring content. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions and transformative ideas.Thank you for listening and stay anchored in truth!To learn more about Worldview Academy, visit their website at:https://worldview.org/Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction and guest Andrew Morton's background[01:10] Andrew's educational journey from homeschooling to Grove City College[02:44] The role of classical education unknowingly received by Andrew[03:52] The influence of books and literature on his worldview formation[04:36] The value of Grove City College as a cost-effective, faith-aligned institution[05:47] The importance of the classical Christian renewal and its hidden impact[06:25] How Andrew's familiarity with the term 'classical education' evolved[07:21] The impact of reading Lewis, Tolkien, and George MacDonald on imagination[08:17] Worldview Academy's classical experience and its formative role[09:15] The cultural significance of The Lord of the Rings release[09:42] The decline of reading full novels and its impact on imagination[10:01] The connection of fiction to the formation of moral imagination[11:19] The misconception about fantasy and the reinforcing of reality through fiction[12:04] How Andrew and his family first engaged with Worldview Academy[12:30] Overview of Worldview Academy's mission and camp experience[14:26] How camp simulates an internship in a life committed to Christ[15:25] The integration of heart, mind, and will in formation at camp[16:23] The importance of love for truth and personal devotion[17:41] Evangelism training and real-world application during camp trips[19:04] The transformative impact of shared faith experiences and evangelism[20:22] Target demographics and demographic diversity at camps[21:00] Locations and frequency of camps across the country[22:30] The flexibility of student backgrounds and their growth[23:44] The role of being 'enchanted' in teaching and educational impact[24:19] Andrew's reflections on GK Chesterton's The Ethics of Elfland[26:50] The significance of beauty, wonder, and the enchanted worldview[30:12] The challenge of modern mechanistic explanations versus biblical wonder[33:26] Encapsulating wonder: wonder at the magic, gratitude to the magician[34:23] Chesterton's imagery of enchantment and the everyday wonder of God's creation[36:37] The diverse profiles of students and how the camp impacts different backgrounds[39:22] The encouraging statistic of student retention and enthusiasm for camp[40:22] The alignment of CLT's humanized assessment with the camp's formative goals[40:57] Andrew's recommended reading: The Weight of Glory and Mere Christianity[43:04] Closing thoughts and encouragement to explore cla

Send a textEach week Pastor Mark takes time to go deeper and talk about the week's message!  If you have questions you'd like him to answer or hear more about please send those in by texting us at the link in the show notes!You can also view video of this podcast and our Sunday sermons by visiting our YouTube channel!https://www.youtube.com/@lifehousemot People have opinions about Jesus everywhere you turn, but Jesus doesn't let us stay in the safe zone of “what people say.” He looks His disciples in the eye and asks the question that exposes everything: “Who do you say that I am?” We slow down in Matthew 16:13–20 and talk through Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and why that statement is the dividing line between admiration and faith.We also get honest about modern confusion. You can respect Jesus as a servant leader and still miss the point if you ignore what He claimed about Himself. We walk through the C.S. Lewis trilemma (liar, lunatic, or Lord), connect it to Jesus' own words and actions, and point to practical resources for Christian apologetics and evidence for Jesus Christ, including The Case for Christ and Mere Christianity. If you're seeking truth, or if you believe but want a stronger foundation, this is meant to help you think clearly and trust wisely.From there we address the hard reality that many groups say the name “Jesus” while preaching a different Jesus and a different gospel. We talk about why Christ's deity is a hill to die on, why salvation is not something we can earn, and why real belief produces a real response: worship that becomes a lifestyle, trust in suffering, and obedience that follows a surrendered confession of Jesus as Lord.If this conversation stirs questions, lean into them. Listen, share it with someone who's sorting through what they believe, and then subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: how would you answer Jesus' question today?New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.com Join us Sundays at 9 & 11 AM Intro music by Joey Blair

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“When man subverted order he did a great deal more than merely fall away from the rationality of his nature… he brought disorder into the divine order, and presents the unhappy spectacle of a being in revolt against Being. ...Every time a man sins he renews this act of revolt and prefers himself to God; in thus preferring himself, he separates himself from God; and in separating himself, he deprives himself of the sole end in which he can find beatitude and by that very fact condemns himself to misery.”~Etienne Gilson (1884-1978), French philosopher and scholar “Our knowledge of God is paradoxically not of him as the object of our scrutiny, but of ourselves as utterly dependent on his saving and merciful knowledge of us.”~Thomas Merton (1915-1968), American Trappist monk, theologian, writer and social activist “Some of us who seem quite nice people may, in fact, have made so little use of a good heredity and a good upbringing that we are really worse than those whom we regard as fiends….That is why Christians are told not to judge. We see only the results which a man's choices make out of his raw material. But God does not judge him on the raw material at all, but on what he has done with it. Most of the man's psychological make-up is probably due to his body: when his body dies all that will fall off him, and the real central man, the thing that chose, that made the best or the worst out of this material, will stand naked. All sorts of nice things which we thought our own, but which were really due to a good digestion, will fall off some of us: all sorts of nasty things which were due to complexes or bad health will fall off others. We shall then, for the first time, see every one as he really was. There will be surprises.”~C.S. Lewis, Mere ChristianitySERMON PASSAGERomans 3:9-20 (ESV) 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:  “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands;    no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;    no one does good,    not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave;    they use their tongues to deceive.”   “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 

Send a textDownload Ekho: ancientlanguage.com/ekho/Subscribe to New Humanists+ for bonus episodes: buzzsprout.com/1791279/subscribePop culture. Cancel culture. Judeo-Christian culture. Everyone likes to talk about "culture," but what actually is it? One of the greatest writers of the 20th century, the poet and essayist T.S. Eliot, wrote a short book, Notes Toward the Definition of Culture, attempting to answer exactly that question. Written in the latter days of World War Two, as the Allied nations began to realize that Germany's surrender was imminent and that it was up to them to rebuild European culture, Eliot's Notes Toward the Definition of Culture was part of a broader anxiety among European and American elites about what the postwar world would look like. In Chapter One, Eliot proposes three necessary ingredients for the existence of high culture: the durability of social classes, regionalism, and the balance of unity and diversity in religion. He also gestures towards two possible definitions of culture: first, simply that which makes life living, and secondly, the incarnation of the religion of a people. Jonathan and Ryan discuss Chapter One, as well as related matters, such as California cuisine.Alan Jacobs's The Year of Our Lord 1943: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780190864651T.S. Eliot's Notes Toward the Definition of Culture (in Christianity and Culture): https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780156177351Richard M. Gamble's The Great Tradition: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9781935191568C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780060652920Matthew Arnold's Culture and Anarchy: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780199538744H.I. Marrou's A History of Education in Antiquity: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780299088149Ayaan Hirsi Ali's "Why I Am Now a Christian": https://unherd.com/2023/11/why-i-am-now-a-christian/Charles Taylor's A Secular Age: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780674986916New Humanists is brought to you by the Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/Links may have referral codes, which earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. We encourage you, when possible, to use Bookshop.org for your book purchases, an online bookstore which supports local bookstores.Music: Save Us Now by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comSupport the show

In this episode I continue my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I am joined by Charles Askew and Caysie Ashton, campus ministers with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). Charles and Caysie bring their unique perspectives to help us better understand the ministry of RUF and whether it might be right for you. In this podcast we discuss: What “Reformed” means How Casey and Chuck got involved in RUF How RUF got started The core mission of RUF How to find a RUF chapter What to expect at a RUF chapter How chapters differ campus-to-campus What is required to be involved in RUF What makes RUF distinct from other campus ministries Why RUF doesn't have a curriculum that students go through How RUF helps students build deep relationships RUF's weekly activities for students  RUF's strengths and weaknesses Why students should look into joining a RUF chapter The importance of just showing up Why we shouldn't fear the “secular” university Resources mentioned during our conversation: RUF website & various RUF chapter's Instagram accounts C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope That Matters John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (especially “The Golden Book of the Christian Life” section) Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will

The culture's biggest lie about good and evil is that they're equal and opposite forces locked in an endless cosmic tug-of-war. Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian explore why that idea quietly reshapes how we see God, Satan, heaven, and hell — and why C.S. Lewis insists it falls apart under real Christian theology. From Jesus' temptation in the wilderness to Lewis' picture of hell as a shrinking, hollow existence, the guys explore how evil is a distortion of what God created as good. In this episode: Matthew 4, verses 1–11; 1 John 2, verses 15–17; 1 Timothy 6, verses 11–16; 2 Corinthians 12, verses 7–10; Hebrews 12, verses 26–28; 1 Kings 8, verse 27; Acts 7 Today's conversation is about Lesson 7 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Jesus vs. Satan Arm Wrestling 05:12 Why Satan Isn't Jesus' Equal 09:40 The Temptation of Jesus & True Authority 15:05 Plato's Dilemma & What Makes Something Good 20:40 Heaven Isn't Hell's Opposite 26:05 Annihilation, Eternal Torment & Lewis' View 31:30 Can There Be Pain in Heaven? 36:10 When Suffering Turns Into Glory 41:20 Bureaucracy & How Evil Operates 46:10 Taking Hold of Eternal Life Now — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guys confess their most egregious romance fails from forgotten birthdays, last-minute Valentine's plans, and bookstore traditions gone stale to wildly different philosophies on “setting the bar” in marriage. Al uses the pain of romance to highlight another truth: there's pain that hurts, and pain that alters. That distinction becomes personal as Zach opens up about his mother's long battle with early-onset dementia and the complicated grief that followed her passing. The conversation turns to one of Christianity's hardest realities: if God is good and all-powerful, why does so much suffering continue in the world?  In this episode: Ecclesiastes 3, verse 11; Psalm 90, verse 12; Hebrews 12, verse 2; Colossians 2, verses 20–23; Romans 1, verses 24–25; Romans 8, verses 20–23; 1 John 2, verses 15–16; 1 John 4, verses 8–10 Today's conversation is about Lesson 6 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Valentine's Day Fails & Romantic Confessions 05:10 The Problem of Pain Explained 11:45 Is God All-Powerful & All-Loving? 18:20 Free Will, Satan & the Origin of Evil 26:30 Jesus' Suffering Before the Resurrection 33:40 Personal Loss: Dementia, Grief & Faith 42:10 “Pain Is God's Megaphone” 48:30 A Grief Observed & Wrestling With God 55:00 God Is Love & the Reality of Eternity — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk recently said he agrees with the teachings of Jesus. That simple statement raises the biggest question any of us will ever face: Who is Jesus, really? Today, Todd Huff explores C.S. Lewis' famous “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argument from Mere Christianity and explains why Jesus didn't leave room for being labeled just a “great moral teacher.” This is more than theology — it's the foundation of freedom, morality, and the ideological battle shaping America today. If Jesus is who He claimed to be, everything changes. If He isn't, that changes everything too. Let's walk through the evidence and the choice before all of us.

Elon Musk recently said he agrees with the teachings of Jesus. That simple statement raises the biggest question any of us will ever face: Who is Jesus, really? Today, Todd Huff explores C.S. Lewis' famous “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argument from Mere Christianity and explains why Jesus didn't leave room for being labeled just a “great moral teacher.” This is more than theology — it's the foundation of freedom, morality, and the ideological battle shaping America today. If Jesus is who He claimed to be, everything changes. If He isn't, that changes everything too. Let's walk through the evidence and the choice before all of us.

Zach, Al, Christian, and John Luke dig into why unanswered prayers can feel like personal rejection from God—and how faith survives that silence. Zach surprises everyone first with his unexpected knowledge of cosmic anomalies, then with an embarrassing middle school dance rejection story he's clearly still not over. The conversation turns to C.S. Lewis's struggle with loss, doubt, and the “sincerity spiral” that nearly drove him from faith. His journey becomes a hopeful illustration of how to move your prayer life beyond fear and into something both deeply sincere and thoughtfully rooted in Christ. In this episode: Romans 12, chapters 1–2; Romans 8, verses 18–27; Genesis 1, verse 28; John 1, verses 1–2; John 1, verse 14; John 5, verse 39; Luke 24, verses 13–35; Colossians 2, verses 20–23; 2 Peter 1, verse 4 Today's conversation is about Lesson 5 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Prayer Pushed Lewis to Atheism 03:02 Losing His Mom & Losing His Faith 07:48 The Sincerity Spiral 13:10 The Union of Wills 18:42 Romans 8 & Wordless Groans 24:08 Breaking the Self-Imposed Spell 30:05 Stop Standing in the Corner 36:20 The Word Made Flesh 41:15 Reading the Bible by Genre 45:12 Christ Unlocks Scripture 48:22 Hearts Set on Fire — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixpence drummer Dale Baker is my special guest! A member during the heyday of the 90's as well as now, Dale has stories to share. The band's name was taken from the C.S. Lewis book "Mere Christianity". Are they a Christian band? Appearing on The Martin Short Show, meeting Tom Hanks, going to The Grammys, some vinyl chat, and more. If you're interested in learning how to play the drums, you can find Dale at www.durhamdrumlessons.com .

Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian wrestle with why intimacy feels so difficult for American men—both with God and in marriage. Following along with C.S. Lewis's Surprised by Joy, they explore how knowledge alone can't produce real closeness, and why desire and longing shape the way men actually live. The guys challenge the idea that faith is about mastering concepts instead of participating in a relationship. They point toward a hopeful vision of intimacy that isn't forced or performed, but rediscovered through joy, presence, and learning to live inside God's story rather than observing it from a distance. Today's conversation is about Lesson 3-4 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 Why This C.S. Lewis Lecture Is Tough 03:02 When the Philosophy Gets Heavy 06:42 The Inklings & Writing Under Critique 11:06 Why Lewis's Conversion Feels Underwhelming 15:26 Conversion Isn't Always a Moment 20:08 Why Desire Drives Our Actions 25:26 The Beam of Light Explained 31:12 Joy as Longing, Not Satisfaction 36:58 From Holding the Garden to Living in It 42:26 Conversion as Intimacy, Not Performance 47:12 Final Reflections on Living the Story — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Robertsons dig into why truth doesn't always play well in modern culture, and why Jesus wouldn't be popular in a TikTok world built on virality and approval. The guys talk through everything from their long-running distrust of dentists to why being pro-life isn't a matter of personal preference or opinion. They reflect on how stories like The Chronicles of Narnia communicate hard truths better than arguments ever could and why true change is often so uncomfortable. Today's conversation is about Lesson 2 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 0:00 – All good conversations need caffeine 4:05 – Why studying C.S. Lewis still matters today 8:25 – “I can't believe anything unless it makes sense” 13:10 – Objective truth vs. subjective feelings 18:20 – The problem of evil & why moral outrage points to God 23:55 – How suffering backed C.S. Lewis into Christianity 29:10 – Tolkien, Dyson, & relaxing into the Christian story 34:40 – Faith as participation, not just belief 40:05 – Why C.S. Lewis wouldn't be popular in today's culture 45:30 – Christianity isn't safe but it is good — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many wives have heard that men think about sex nearly all the time. But do they? We tackle this important question, because it influences what we think about men, sexuality, and challenges in our marriage. Sponsor Through story-centered counseling and coaching for individuals and couples, Aldrich Ministries helps you move beyond surface solutions into real healing and lasting change. Check them out! From the Bible Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22–24 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 Resources Sexual Morality by C.S. Lewis Doodle (BBC Talk 14) - reading and visual representation of Mere Christianity chapter that talks about sexual starvation or gluttony Study Debunks Stereotype That Men Think About Sex All Day Long Should You Be Reading My Blog? - Hot, Holy & Humorous Episode 104: How Often Should You Have Sex? How Often Do Men Think About The Roman Empire? A Lot, According To New TikTok Trend The Higher Desire Wife by J. Parker Masterclass: Sexual Desire Differences Thanks for joining us at the virtual kitchen table for another great chat! We'd love for you to join our inner circle by supporting us on Patreon. You can contribute to our wonderful ministry while getting some fun perks for yourself! Check it out here: https://patreon.com/ForChristianWives If you could, leave a rating and/or review so that others can find the show. Please also check out our website and webinars at forchristianwives.com. And visit our individual ministry pages for more resources as well: Strong Wives - Bonny Burns Honeycomb & Spice - Chris Taylor Hot, Holy & Humorous - J. Parker 

Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian reflect on a moment when Phil, a man who rarely got emotional, was moved to tears after witnessing the reality of unimaginable evil. The guys launch into a sobering conversation about why atrocities like the Holocaust can never be reduced to opinion or explained away, and why denying such evil ultimately erodes the very idea of right and wrong. Drawing on the works of C.S. Lewis, they wrestle with where moral truth comes from, why it exists beyond personal preference, and how abandoning it opens the door to history's darkest chapters. Today's conversation is about Lesson 1 of C.S. Lewis on Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale professor Michael Ward. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about C.S. Lewis on Christianity: Encounter the faith & wisdom of C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis's writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. In this free, seven-lecture course, Professor Michael Ward—a leading scholar of C.S. Lewis—will explore Lewis's: argument for objective moral value in response to the rise of modern subjectivism; bittersweet path to conversion and the role of enjoyment in the Christian life; advice regarding the proper way to pray and read the Bible; teachings concerning the purpose of pain and how to confront suffering and loss; insights about the nature of heaven and hell. This course examines these fundamental topics not only through his classic works—including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Abolition of Man—but also through Lewis's personal experiences with doubt, conversion, suffering, grief, and joy. Through this course, students will discover Lewis's core lessons regarding the truth and goodness of the Christian faith and how to apply those lessons to one's life.  Join us today in discovering C.S. Lewis's enduring lessons about the meaning and practice of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00 — Straight from the duck blind to the podcast table 05:18 — Why studying C.S. Lewis is different from studying Scripture 10:02 — What a Christian “apologist” actually is (and isn't) 15:44 — How C.S. Lewis moved from atheism to belief 21:31 — Objective vs. subjective morality explained 28:47 — Auschwitz, evil, and why some truths are self-evident 35:12 — What happens when “might makes right” 41:26 — Can morality exist without God? 48:39 — Why C.S. Lewis still matters today — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Aaron and Bella for another uplifting No Suck Saturday, where the news cycle takes a well-deserved break. This week features five stories that genuinely don't suck: a young Eagles fan's hilariously blunt post-game rant, a 90-year-old grandfather's unforgettable aisle performance at a wedding, and more. Plus, they dive into the chapter on charity in C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity."   No Suck Saturday, positive news, heartwarming stories, C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, charity, Christian love, puppy rescue, baby delivery trooper, wedding grandfather, RJ Mitte, Can Do Canines, personal goals, habits, family podcast, uplifting content, conservative family

Marty Solomon, Brent Billings, and Reed Dent talk about the virtue of faith and the idea of trusting the story.“Bad Theology: A Quiz” by Scott Cairns — America MagazineWishful Thinking by Frederick BuechnerMere Christianity by C. S. LewisThe Gospel of Being Human by Marty Solomon and Reed DentAsking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty SolomonVelvet Elvis by Rob BellGravity and Grace by Simone WeilZero at the Bone by Christian WimanMark 8 — Reed Dent, Campus Christian Fellowship

Genesis 1:1-3 Romans 1:18-201. Our God is ETERNALPsalm 90:2Isaiah 40:28Ecclesiastes 3:11“A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food.  A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water.  Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex.  If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.  If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, well, earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity.2. Our God is the CREATORJeremiah 33:27Ephesians 3:20-213.Our God is TRIUNEColossians 1:16John 1:2-3Acts 17:24-254. Our God wants to LIGHT up your LIFEJohn 8:12

Aaron and Bella return with uplifting stories including the new inverted food pyramid prioritizing protein and healthy fats, a compassionate flower delivery man's viral comfort, a deployed dad's recorded story for his son, an 88-year-old completing the Appalachian Trail, and a discussion of C.S. Lewis on pride as the great sin.   inverted food pyramid, RFK Jr, healthy fats, protein diet, Greg Sherman flower delivery, deployed dad Toniebox, Betty Kellenberger Appalachian Trail, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis pride

Send a textThe moral argument is a core apologetic to both Christians and Atheists. While the world was at war, C.S. Lewis brought to a radio presentation a presentation of Christianity without the use of direct scripture reference. A fascinating story on how an argument can be created using secular means is presented in Mere Christianity. Considering morality, Lewis presents an argument that morality has three parts. Within yourself, yourself toward others, and collectively as a society and direction represent the three parts. If you think you aren't hurting anyone else with your choices, are you hurting yourself internally? The teaching of the New Testament champions personal improvement and change from your old self. Going so far as to calling our old self evil, calling us to sanctification through internal change. Put aside the old man and renew your mind. This internal change is what triggers your interaction toward others. Finding like minded people who are also working out their salvation is the purpose of the church, through edification and community. =====Searching for answers to life's questions? Need help finding a church? Drop us a line. We would love to help you find a congregation that practices the love of Christ. The Extra Mile Podcast is a work of Milwaukee Ave Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Assembly times:9:30 AM - Classes for all ages10:30 AM - Sunday Morning Assembly5:00 PM - Sunday Evening Assembly7:00 PM - Wednesday Evening AssemblyEmail us:  the.emile.pod@gmail.comInstagram: @extramilepodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/546CHn6Qvdh807yhYC5sHL?si=j6-jHRTiRh6_Non9E9URagApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-extra-mile-podcast/id1550189689Google Play: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMjgwNTI1LnJzcwWe would love to hear from you! Email: the.emile.pod@gmail.com Instagram: @extramilepodcast

Dr. Michael Ward, Oxford scholar and professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University, didn't just study C. S. Lewis—he lived in his bedroom and study for three years. In this episode, Dr. Ward takes us through his discovery that will change how you read Narnia, as well as Lewis's journey from atheism to faith, his pivotal late-night conversation with Tolkien about Christianity as "the true myth," and why Lewis believed story captures truth better than systematic theology. We'll explore his wrestling with pain and grief, and the imaginative genius behind works like Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, and the Ransom trilogy.   Want to dive deeper into Lewis's world? The C. S. Lewis exhibit at Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, closes February 14, 2026. Don't miss your chance to experience it firsthand. Guest bio: Dr. Michael Ward is a theologian and literary scholar with a particular focus on the work of C. S. Lewis. He is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford and a professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas. MichaelWard.net "After Humanity: A Guide to C. S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man" “Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis” “The Cambridge Companion to C. S. Lewis (Cambridge Companions to Religion)” The Official Website of C. S. Lewis  Stay up to date with Museum of the Bible on social media:  Instagram: @museumofBible  X: @museumofBible  Facebook: museumofBible  Linkedin: museumofBible  YouTube: @museumoftheBible

In this essay we explore three short pieces by C. S. Lewis which capture Lewis's heart to find, believe, live, and preach 'Mere Christianity'. The essay "Christian Reunion" is actually a piece he penned on the back of notes for his 1944 Mere Christianity broadcasts. We begin with an editorial letter, "The Holy Name" which Lewis wrote to a magazine in 1951, and another editorial back and forth Lewis was writing in 1949, published now as "The Church's Liturgy, Invocation, and Invocation of the Saints." Find more Lesser-Known Lewis — Online: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pintswithjack.com/lesser-known-lewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/lesserknownlewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lesserknownlewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesser-Known Lewis Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: lesserknownlewis@gmail.comGraphic Design by Angus Crawford.Intro Music - Written by Jess Syratt, arranged & produced by Angus Crawford and Jordan Duncan.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis w/Christen Blair Horne & Jesan Sorrells---00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.00:10 Belief, Theology, and Worldview.08:32 "Confused Reading Journey"10:44 "Fear of Critiquing Islam"20:01 "Somme: 60,000 British Lost"21:40 "Reflections on War and Legacy"29:44 "Chesterton vs. Lewis: Class & Wit"36:48 "Enlightenment's Law of Human Nature"42:05 "Secular Shift in Christian Education"44:49 "Exploring the Hebrew Roots Movement"49:42 "Revelations, Robots, and Survivalists"58:09 "Towards a Unique American Theology"01:01:26 Critique of Billy Graham's Approach01:07:21 Controversial Reformed Christian Leader01:10:31 "Church vs. State Authority"01:17:04 "Faith, Debate, and Dismissal"01:25:45 "Paul Johnson on Christianity"01:29:41 "Modern Beliefs and Ancient Heresies"01:34:53 "Questioning Moral Relativism"01:41:13 "Parable of the Sower"01:44:22 Rooted Faith or Shallow Ground01:49:03 "Seeking Understanding and Context"01:55:50 "Disagreement Isn't Sinful"---Opening and closing themes composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribeCheck out HSCT Publishing at: https://www.hsctpublishing.com/.Check out LeadingKeys at: https://www.leadingkeys.com/Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/Contact HSCT for more information at 1-833-216-8296 to schedule a full DEMO of LeadingKeys with one of our team members.---Leadership ToolBox website: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/.Leadership ToolBox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldrshptlbx/.Leadership ToolBox YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptoolbox/videosLeadership ToolBox Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldrshptlbx.Leadership ToolBox IG: https://www.instagram.com/leadershiptoolboxus/.Leadership ToolBox FB: https://www.facebook.com/

••• Cooperating with the Divine Plan, Ep 408c . ••• Bible Study Verses: Luke 1:5-38, Exodus 3:1-4 . ••• "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God" C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. † ••• "Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life", Corrie Ten Boom.1892–1983 ††••• "There were only a few shepherds at the first Bethlehem. The ox and the donkey understood more of the first Christmas than the high priests in Jerusalem. And it is the same today", Thomas Merton 1915-1968 ††† ••• “...And she brought forth her FIRSTBORN SON, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they WERE GREATLY AFRAID...” Luke 2.7+ NKJV ••• What was the difference between the virgin Mary's and Zechariah's reactions? ••• Who can say like Mary, "Be it unto me, according to your word"? ••• What question must you ask to make Christmas meaningful in your life? ••• What were the 5-reasons why Mary's response was so special? ••• Will you ask your small group to pray that you will be the kind of person who will see God's plan fulfilled in his or her life? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Nasa's Deep Space Hubble Telescope , Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/cooperating-with-the-divine-plan-ep-408c . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/C.S.-Lewis-Quotes/ . Clive Staples Lewis, 1898-1963, was born in Belfast Ireland to a devout Christian mother who influenced his beliefs. After she died in his early youth, he was influenced by his agnostic/atheistic friends. Later, in a moment of clear rationality, he came to a belief in God and later became a Christian. After being wounded in WWI, he attended university at Oxford. He joined the faculty of Magdalen College where he taught ancient English. He often wrote clearly on the topic of religion. His most famous works include the Screwtape Letters, Chronicles of Narnia and “Surprised by Joy”, his autobiography about his conversion from atheism in 1931. †† http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Corrie-Ten-Boom-Quotes/ . Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch, Christian, Holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape the Nazis. She returned to Germany in 1946, and traveled the world as a public speaker, appearing in over 60-countries and writing many books . ••• ††† http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Thomas-Merton-Quotes/ . Thomas Merton wrote more than 70 books, mostly on spirituality, as well as scores of essays and reviews. He had prohibited their publication for 25 years after his death . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 . ••• FERP251220-Episode#408c GOT251220 Ep408c••• Christmas Story: Response to the New Born KingSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education?   In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teaching about" doctrine, the role of the creeds, and how classical education approaches Scripture, church history, and doctrine at different stages of a student's formation. This conversation offers clarity for parents and teachers seeking a thoughtful, faithful, and intellectually honest approach to Christian education—one that emphasizes unity without avoiding depth.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "The Snow Walker" Farley Mowat (Martin) "Tolstoy or Dostoevsky" George Steiner (Martin) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) Frederick Douglas Biography (Dustin)

••• Response to the New Born King, Ep 407b . ••• Bible Study Verses: Matthew 2:1-16, Luke 2:7-17 . ••• "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God" C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. † ••• "Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life", Corrie Ten Boom.1892–1983 †† ••• “...And she brought forth her FIRSTBORN SON, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they WERE GREATLY AFRAID...” Luke 2.7+ NKJV . ••• What important announcement was made by the Duke of Cambridge on December 3rd, 2012? ••• How did the announcement by the Duke compare to the events almost 2000 years ago in Bethlehem? ••• What were the reactions of the world when it was discovered that the Prince of Peace had been born? ••• How has the reactions to the birth Of Christ Jesus faired over millennia? ••• What did the wise men do in order to respond to the birth of Christ Jesus in a way that was pleasing to God? ••• What was one of the key Christian attributes that were evident in the wise men from the east? ••• Why was the response of the wisemen so important in the light of eternity? ••• What were the 4-reactions of the wise men concerning the birth of Christ Jesus, Our Creator? ••• What were 3-key observations by the wise men? ••• What were at least 3-responses by the shepherds when they were informed of the birth of Christ Jesus? ••• Why were the shepherds so fearful when they heard the announcement? ••• What are at least 3-responses that a christian should have concerning the birth of Christ Jesus? ••• What responses to Christ Jesus's birth should we elicit in God's eyes? ••• What were some of the responses by the Inn Keeper related to the birth of Christ Jesus? ••• What things in one's life could possibly result in one making an Inn Keeper's response to the birthday of Christ Jesus? ••• Were the religious leaders of the day aware of the prophecy concerning the arrival of Christ Jesus to the earth? ••• What did the religious leaders do to prepare for the arrival of baby Christ Jesus? ••• How did King Herod respond to the birth of Christ Jesus? ••• What will be your response to The Creator of the Universe coming to earth as a baby to show you the way? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Nasa's Deep Space Hubble Telescope , Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/response-to-the-new-born-king-ep407b . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/C.S.-Lewis-Quotes/ .† † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Corrie-Ten-Boom-Quotes/ .••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 . ••• FERP251213-Episode#407b GOT251213 Ep407b . ••• Christmas Story: Response to the New Born King . Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

••• When the Heavens Appear Silent, Ep 406a ••• Bible Study Verses: Genesis 15:13-14, Numbers 23:19, II Peter 3:9, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-32, Malachi 4:5-6, Luke 1:5-17, Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:1-4, Isaiah 60:3.••• "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God" C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. † ••• "Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life", Corrie Ten Boom.1892–1983 ††••• “...you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.Luke” 1:31+, NKJV . ••• What does Genesis 15 have to do with the Christmas story? ••• What are at least 8-actions by Our Creator when He is about to fulfill His promises? ••• What can we know about God when it appears that He has forgotten His promise? ••• What are at least 4-reasons why God choose unusual characters to fulfill the Christmas story? ••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about using advent season as a springboard to tell others about The Lord Christ Jesus through the power of Holy Spirit? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible.••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you.••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Nasa's Deep Space Hubble Telescope , Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/when-the-heavens-appear-silent-ep-406a••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/C.S.-Lewis-Quotes/ . Clive Staples Lewis, 1898-1963, was born in Belfast Ireland to a devout Christian mother who influenced his beliefs. After she died in his early youth, he was influenced by his agnostic/atheistic friends. Later, in a moment of clear rationality, he came to a belief in God and later became a Christian. After being wounded in WWI, he attended university at Oxford. He joined the faculty of Magdalen College where he taught ancient English. He often wrote clearly on the topic of religion. His most famous works include the Screwtape Letters, Chronicles of Narnia and “Surprised by Joy”, his autobiography about his conversion from atheism in 1931.† † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Corrie-Ten-Boom-Quotes/ . Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch, Christian, Holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape the Nazis. She returned to Germany in 1946, and traveled the world as a public speaker, appearing in over 60-countries and writing many books .••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ .••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20••• FERP251206-Episode#406a GOT251206 Ep406a .••• Christmas Story: When the Heavens Appear SilentSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brent Billings, Reed Dent, and Elle Grover Fricks talk about the virtue of temperance.A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace“A Thousand No's for Every Yes” — YouTubeMere Christianity by C. S. LewisThe Screwtape Letters by C. S. LewisThe Cardinal and the Deadly by Karl Clifton-SoderstromFace with Steam From Nose — EmojipediaDedicated by Pete Davis

On the last four episodes of the Profile, we have discussed the importance of understanding and living in accordance with the fact that we as human beings are intentionally created by God, in His image. When we lose sight of this central truth about our humanity, much moral and societal confusion and many evils will soon follow. If naturalism is true, then morality and virtue are mere sentiments, not anything objectively true or real. Literary scholar and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis recognized what individual and cultural consequences would follow in the wake of moral relativism. On this episode of Apologetics Profile, we discuss C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man with Lewis scholar and author Dr. Michael Ward and how Lewis's thoughts are still very much relevant for our time. From michaelward.netMichael Ward is an English literary critic and theologian. He works at the University of Oxford where he is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis (Oxford University Press) and of After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man (Word on Fire Academic); he is the co-editor of The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis (Cambridge University Press). Though based at Oxford in his native England, Dr Ward is also employed as Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas, teaching one course per semester as part of the online MA program in Christian Apologetics.Free Four-Page Articles From Watchman FellowshipCharles Darwin Carl Sagan's CosmosNaturalism Deconstruction FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Scripture: Genesis 19 Key Takeaways: + The Spiritual Condition of Sodom Ezekiel 16:49 + The Spiritual Condition of Lot Hebrews 11:8-10 + The judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah is a dress rehearsal for a future and greater judgment Jude 1:7 Luke 17:26-35 Romans 5:8-10 Matthew 11:20-24 + Judgement begins with the household of God 1 Peter 4:14-19 1 John 2:15-17 “Sin is never at a stay; if we do not retreat from it, we shall advance in it.” – Puritan Writer “But we can guess why He is delaying. He wants to give us the chance to join His side freely. God will invade...When that happens it is the end of the world. When the author walks on to the stage, the play is over. God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on his side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like and dream and something else - something it never entered your head to conceive - comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left. For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing; it will be the time when we discover which side we have really chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity.

No Suck Saturday brings five uplifting stories: a 5-year-old's solo trip to Chick-fil-A in Florida, an Ohio man's 3,599-book reading list inspiring a new generation, Tim Tebow's gospel-sharing moment at a college football kickoff, a 40-year-old man rescued from a playground slide, and Ava Jones' inspiring cancer remission after a tragic accident. Aaron and Bella also dive into C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, exploring Chapter 7 on forgiveness and the concept of loving the sinner but hating the sin.   positive news, Chick-fil-A, Florida police, reading legacy, Tim Tebow, gospel, playground rescue, Ava Jones, cancer remission, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, forgiveness, Christian values

Join Aaron and Bella for another uplifting edition of No Suck Saturday, featuring five stories that objectively don't suck. From the legacy of compassionate judge Frank Caprio to a Jamaican student's innovative self-cleaning door handle, NYPD officers' heroic rescue, a unique sleep apnea solution, and Riley Gaines' heartwarming pregnancy discovery. Plus, a brief study of C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity on the true meaning of marriage and a highlight of the week focused on family time.   A.M. Update, Frank Caprio, self-cleaning door handle, NYPD rescue, sleep apnea, conch blowing, Riley Gaines, C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, marriage, family, positivity    

Aaron and Bella McIntire celebrate episode 50 of No Sucks Saturday with five feel-good stories: Chattanooga police brave flash floods to rescue stranded drivers, a Michigan gym empowers seniors to lift heavy weights, a 30-year-old frozen embryo becomes the world's oldest newborn via Christian adoption, an AI system fights insurance denials for cancer patients, and a dad's viral Amazon-style review of his baby. Plus, a book study on C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity explores sexual morality, and the highlight of the week is their son's fourth birthday.   Chattanooga police, flash flood rescue, senior weightlifting, embryo adoption, AI insurance denials, baby product review, C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, sexual morality, family milestones

On Legal Docket, testing the boundaries of free speech; on Moneybeat, David Bahnsen on the new Fed nominee, jobs data, and trade alliances; and on History Book, C.S. Lewis takes to the airwaves. Plus, the Monday morning news Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Covenant College. Rigorous academics, grounded in Reformed theology, lived out in Christ-centered community. covenant.edu/WORLDFrom Dordt University, where pre-med students gain knowledge through undergraduate research and hone skills through hands-on simulations. Dordt.eduAnd from WatersEdge Kingdom Investments — personal investments that build churches. 5.05% APY on a three-month term. WatersEdge.com/investWatersEdge Kingdom Investments - WatersEdge securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular and are not FDIC or SIPC insured. This is not an offer to sell or solicit securities. WatersEdge offers and sells securities only where authorized; this offering is made solely by our Offering Circular.

True peace in our homes begins with the choice of whom we serve and what we believe. As Christine F. Perry reflects in today's prayer, our beliefs shape our behavior—whether that’s striving to earn love, chasing wealth, or living for earthly rewards. When we choose our own way over God’s, chaos, fear, and anxiety often follow. But when we surrender authority and headship to the Lord, we invite His peace to reign in our hearts and our homes. Drawing from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Christine reminds us that God designed us to “run on Himself” — there is no true happiness or peace apart from Him. Today, we are called to make the intentional choice to serve the Lord, letting His presence shape our relationships, attitudes, and daily life. Today's Bible Verse:

No Suck Saturday returns with five uplifting stories. A heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan, who passed at 71, features a man sharing how Hogan walked with his daughter, giving her hope to overcome a rare disease. In Iowa, baby Nash Keen, born at 21 weeks, earns a Guinness World Record as the youngest premature baby to survive, defying a 0% survival chance. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a British Open win, emphasizes faith and family over fleeting victories. A humorous TikTok shows a family scattering ashes, interrupted by a Spotify ad about clearing “stuck poop,” bringing levity to a somber moment. Finally, Peyton Manning recounts a secret workout with Tom Brady, threatening high schoolers to keep their friendship under wraps. The episode closes with a discussion on C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, exploring morality versus psychoanalysis, and a bittersweet highlight of Bella weaning her daughter.   Hulk Hogan, Nash Keene, Scottie Scheffler, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, premature baby, Guinness World Record, British Open, Spotify ad, morality, psychoanalysis