It’s important that we proclaim a clear and accurate message when we share the gospel. It’s also important that our tone matches the grace of our message. Paul tells us that our speech needs to be done with grace and salt. (See Col. 4:2-6). We need to know what he meant. Recommended Resources: Questioning Faith by Randy Newman (2024) Fool's Talk by…

After writing many books on apologetics, Lee Strobel took a slightly different approach in his newest book to help people find the answer to this most important question, Is God Real? Resources: Is God Real? by Lee Strobel (2023) Lee Strobel's website The Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics Contagious Faith: Discover Your Natural …

Most Christians know of Jonathan Edwards and may have heard a quote or two of his. And they’ve been encouraged to read his writings. But he’s really hard to read. So getting help from George Marsden a great historian and biographer is key. This podcast digs into Edwards and what Marsden helps us see clearly. Resources: Marsden's long biography of E…

Digital technologies, the internet, Facebook, and many other means of connection are having their effects on us. They don’t just tell us what we should believe. (And that’s bad enough!) They also shape how we view ourselves, our world, and our God! Resources: Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel D. James Digi…

We hate to admit it (and that’s part of the problem) but, sometimes, we get tired - tired of serving God, tired of reading our Bible, tired of going to church. Dai Hankey has experienced all that kind of spiritual fatigue and has good lessons for those who need hope in the midst of exhaustion. Resources: Hopeward by Dai Hankey Red Community: combat…

The Bible tells us a lot about weakness and how God uses the weak to display his greatness and his strength. But we don’t like this theme very much. Aaron Welty explores this important idea and how he sees it play out in movies, stories, comic books and his life. Resources: Articles by Aaron Welty The Belfast Oxford Tour Surprised by Joy by C.S. Le…

The challenges of proclaiming the gospel in our doubt-filled times continue to grow. But we can incorporate numerous strategies for reaching people who are far from belief. This episode explores three. Resources: Questioning Faith by Randy Newman (2024) Strategies for Pre-Evangelism video lecture series with Randy Newman…

Christians know they should read the Bible. And they’re convinced that it would be good for them. But sometimes our motivation sags. Kristen Wetherell encourages us for those times when our hunger of God’s word dips down. Resources: Kristen’s website Help for the Hungry Soul by Kristen Wetherell Kristen’s other books Bible Reading Plan How to Read …

We live in hurried and distracted times. “Fear of Missing Out” actually makes us miss more and more of what’s right in front of us. Adam Ramsey has some great wisdom for how to live faithfully and embrace the limits God has placed on us. Resources: Faithfully Present: Embracing the Limits of Where and When God Has You by Adam Ramsey (Book) Liberti …

God could have made us all the same. But he didn’t! Trillia Newbell writes about this very good idea for children and adults with depth, clarity, and winsomeness. Resources: God's Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell Creative God, Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell 52 Weeks in the Word by Trillia Newbell Keeping The Faith…

For a while, people have been told that there’s no such thing as truth. You “create your own truth” and “find your own meaning” within yourself. Many are finding that unsatisfying and are beginning to wonder if there really is truth somewhere. We Christians have a great opportunity to tell them yes, there is truth. I explore this and suggest ways t…

Many Christians assume that discipleship begins with adults. But Jared Kennedy has a much bigger (and more Biblical) vision for discipleship that includes and even prioritizes discipling children. Resources: Jared’s bio Jared’s article about discipling children Jared’s book, "Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission"…

Jess Archer moved more than a dozen times before she reached the age of 15. As you might guess, that created a fair amount of anxiety in her life. She finds peace in the midst of anxiety through her relationship with the Lord. But it’s far more complex than a simplistic solution. Resources: Jess's Website: www.writerjessarcher.com Finding Home with…

Questions are some of the best tools we have in evangelism. They help more than long arguments of things we want people to believe. Greg Koukl helps us use questions in helpful, kind, and gospel-promoting ways. Resources: Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl (2023) Tactics, 10th Anniversary Editi…

God’s word tells us that, as believers, we’re “seated with Christ.” And we’re “sent.” What do those things mean? And how do they weave together? Resources: Heather's Website Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison by Heather Holleman Sent: Living a Life That Invites Others to Jesus by Ashley Holleman Other books by Heather Holl…

Talking about Jesus can be intimidating. And some things in our current culture work against it. But some other trends may be helping us tremendously. John Hopper shares about ways to make the most of these opportunities. Resources: Search Ministries' website Questioning God?: Answers to Questions Worth Asking by John Hopper Giving Jesus Away by Jo…

Our culture tells us to ignore suffering or downplay it. But it’s unavoidable. Fortunately, the Scriptures don’t ignore the topic. And the gospel offers amazing strength and confident hope in the midst of our honest laments. This conversation explores both those dynamics - hope and lament. Resources: Elise's Blog: Waiting for True Life The Widow So…

The intersection of faith and emotions can be a tricky one. How do theology and psychology, doctrine and practice, belief and behavior relate? These are the questions that matter addressed in the next podcast. Ed Welch’s insights take center stage. Resources: The Christian Counseling and Education Foundation All of Ed Welch's Books Two Books About …

For a while everyone was talking about postmodernism. Kristi Mair, a gifted apologist, says we’re past that now. Now we’re Meta-Modern. And there are some great opportunities for us in our world today because of that. Resources: More Truth: Searching for Certainty in an Uncertain World by Kristi Mair Gravity and Grace by Simone Weil https://www.sol…

The second century was a crucial time for the Christian church. In the midst of terrible persecution, God’s people found great hope and help in the scriptures and in corporate worship of Jesus. We have much to learn from them and that time. Resources: Michael's Website Christianity at the Crossroads: How the Second Century Shaped the Future of the …

We keep finding out more about C. S. Lewis from his diary, letters, and reports from people who knew him. So a recent 3 volume biography shines more light on aspects of Lewis that we didn’t know before. Hal Poe discusses his recent work and how it has encouraged him. Recommended Resources: C. S. Lewis’s diary One relevant collection of C.S. Lewis's…

Some Christians have been told they should never doubt. But Josh Chatraw and his co-author Jack Carson say that doubt can actually lead to a deeper faith - if handled properly. I chat with Josh about their book and how we can respond well when we face doubts of various kinds. Resources: Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Invite Us into a D…

Logic, arguments, and prose are vital forms of communication. But so are poems, stories, and all sorts of artistic expressions. And the arts can play powerful roles in both our spiritual growth and our outreach. Glen Scrivener of Speak Life shares his insights about this undervalued and underused resource for our lives. Podcast Resources: 3-2-1: Th…

Theology is inevitable. Everyone does it. We all make decisions and statements about what is true about God, his word, our nature, and our ultimate purpose. As Christians we want to make sure that we “do theology” well. Kevin Vanhoozer, professor of Systematic Theology and a C. S. Lewis Senior Fellow helps us tremendously. Recommended Resources: Pi…

Dr. Randy Newman explores words and images used in the New Testament to describe the gospel. Discover the richness of the good news of Jesus which includes: salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, adoption, atonement, and more. Learn how you can share the gospel with others using words and images that resonate and connect with diverse a…

Louis Markos has written a great deal about C. S. Lewis and the books that Lewis loved - the classics. He and I discuss the connections and how we can all benefit from reading more of Lewis and the books that pointed him to “The True Myth.” Recommended Resources: C.S. Lewis for Beginners by Louis Markos (2022). From Achilles to Christ: Why Christia…

It’s one thing to have a right standing before God. That’s what Jesus purchased for us at the cross. But it’s another thing to enjoy that new relationship. Experiencing a kind of connection with God that could be described as friendship may seem too good to be true. But that’s how amazing the gospel is and it’s the topic of this podcast featuring s…

There’s more to answering people’s questions than just knowing the right answer. Making sure we understand what they’re really asking and knowing how to present a response takes wisdom, patience, and sensitivity. Recommended Resources: Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman Bringing the Gospel Home by Randy Newman Unlikely Converts by Randy Newman …

We benefit greatly from the technological advances we’ve seen in our world in recent years. But there are problems that come with those advances. Keith Plummer and I discuss the pros and cons of technology and, in particular, how it can shape us in ways we may not realize. Recommended Resources: Keith Plummer’s bio The Keller Center for Cultural Ap…

Some people may be concerned about people between the ages of 18 and 28. And they have good reason for that concern. But there’s also good reason for hope. Shelby Abbott has ministered to this age group for over 20 years and his insights are very helpful. Recommended Resources: Shelby's Website Shelby's Podcast Shelby's Books…

This week we are presenting to you an interview from January 2020 when Art Lindsley discussed 'Strategies For Apologetics'. Art Lindsey is a senior teaching fellow at the C.S. Lewis institute and the Vice President of Theological Initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Works, & Economics. He has written: Love: The Ultimate Apologetic, The Case for …

The Bible has a lot to say about why we should pray and how powerful prayer is. But did you know that academicians study prayer to see how it effects the person praying? My guest on this podcast is my son, David Newman, who has a PhD in Social Psychology and has recently published a paper about prayer, studied from a social science perspective. The…

God has blessed my (Randy Newman’s) book Questioning Evangelism far more than I could have ever imagined when the book was first released almost 20 years ago. We use the book in our CSLI Fellows Program and people have said the book has helped them share the good news in effective ways. This newest edition updates some illustrations, considers evan…

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

God has done so many wonderful things through is people over the centuries. There are powerful lessons to learn. Ben Virgo leads tours through London that highlight the great works of people God has used. He’s a fountain of joyous stories and important insights. Recommended Resources: Ben's Ministry William Wilberforce: His Unpublished Spiritual Jo…

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

All people are looking for answers to big questions - even if they suppress those questions. They probably are answering those questions in bad ways and trying to drink from “cracked cisterns.” We can point them to the better answer of the gospel. Learn more in this episode of Questions That Matter as Randy Newman discusses "Magnetic Faith" with Da…

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

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? But for many of our friends, it’s a time with nothing more to offer than presents, egg nog, and songs about Santa and Frosty. On this episode’s conversation with Rico Tice, we explore how to offer people the best news they can ever hear - the very heart of what Christmas is all about. Recommended …

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

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

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

We need all the encouragement we can get in evangelism, especially in our world today that sees Christians as the “bad guys.” Sam Chan helps us a ton. Recommended Resources: How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan. Use the Bible to introduce your friends in Jesus. Discover how you can o…

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

Knowing how to engage in good conversations with Mormon friends and acquaintances is crucial in our pluralistic world today. Former Mormon and apologist, Corey Miller shares his very helpful insights from his experiences and study. Recommended Resources: Engaging with Mormons: Understanding Their World; Sharing Good News by Corey Miller. Ratio Chri…

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

Everyone - and we do mean everyone - is living out a story that shapes their lives, their perspective, and their hopes. The problem is, their stories are not helping them live according to God’s story. That story, the gospel, is better. In this episode we explore how to tell that better story. Recommended Resources: Center for Public Christianity T…

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

Western society holds strongly to some foundational values like equality, freedom, kindness, progress, and others. But all these values have Christian roots. Helping our non-Christian friends see this can help them move from unbelief to saving faith. Recommended Resources The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress…

We’ve heard that C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien and others were part of something called “The Inklings.” But what actually happened in those gatherings and how did that shape their writings. We’ll explore that theme and related topics in this episode. Recommended Resources https://www.dianaglyer.com Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and t…