Podcast
The Narthex
Hosted by The Narthex · EN
For those on the cusp of faith, considering should you stay or should you go. Perhaps you’re ready to throw in the towel on this whole following Jesus thing because the suffering is too much to bear. This channel is dedicated to you ❤️🩹. Explore this middle ground between faith and unbelief.
14episodes
Episodes
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Baptism: Why We Need to Return to the Pentecost Promise
2d ago00:30:41Tap to summarizeBaptism as God’s Promise: Forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and Acts 2The episode argues that because God is almighty (Pantokrator), humans can only know Him through His self-revelation, seen in Genesis where God creates ex nihilo through performative speech; Satan cannot oppose God’s power but twists God’s word for deception, as in Eden. This framework is applied to contemporary “churchianity,” where institutional self-interest can distort God’s word, prompting a reexamination of baptism. Using Acts 2 at Pentecost, the speaker emphasizes the gospel’s public, universal proclamation and Peter’s call to “repent and be baptized” for forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and a promise “for you and your children and all who are far off.” Baptism is presented as God’s future-oriented promise and assurance, not a human achievement, urging Christians to return to their baptism and leading into the next episode on Romans 6.00:00 Can We Know God01:12 Revelation and Genesis02:26 God Creates by Word04:34 Twisting the Word06:49 Church Deception and Baptism09:37 Pentecost and Preaching12:37 Baptism Gives Gifts14:51 Baptism as Promise17:19 Return to Baptism21:05 New Heart by Grace26:52 Assurance Not Achievement29:02 Closing and Next Episode
Transcribe →Leaving the Church: Is It Leaving Jesus?
3d ago00:12:36Tap to summarizeIn this segment, Shawn Ryan shares his personal journey and the reasons behind his decision to no longer attend church, exploring themes of yions, aiming to bring hope and understanding. His reflections provide valuable insights for anyone seeking peace in their spiritual walk.00:00 Why He Stopped Church01:35 Feeling Used for Exposure03:09 A Better Small Church03:54 What Church Really Is05:22 Anointed but Uneasy07:08 Called to the Cross08:21 Danger and Duty09:06 Jeremiah and the Burden10:51 Word as Our Weapon11:25 Final Thoughts and Comments
Transcribe →Is This Why People Leave Christianity?
6d ago00:33:03Tap to summarizeWhy does church so often feel fake — like just another business?Performance, corporate tactics, self-preservation, and the slow replacement of Word and Sacrament with image and numbers have left many people disillusioned and walking away. In this video, Dan Shaw speaks directly about the real reasons behind that feeling.From seminary church hopping and painful exits, to honest self-reckoning and the difference between the City of God and the City of Man — this is a clear diagnosis of what’s gone wrong in the visible church, and a return to what the Church actually is for.The visible church is full of sinners. It will disappoint. But Christ still builds His Church through His Word and Sacraments, not through branding or manipulation.00:00 Seminary Church Hopping00:58 The Drab Church That Worked02:10 City of God vs Man04:23 Sean Ryan’s Church Exit07:53 Pastor’s Self Reckoning10:43 What Church Is For12:49 Seminary Warning Story15:45 Sir We Wish To See Jesus19:29 Can’t Be Bought Or Bullied23:53 Witness To Truth Costs26:51 Courage Repentance Reform30:53 Invitation To Respond32:29 Closing Blessing
Transcribe →The Biblical Truth About Marriage That Changes Everything
Jan 801:07:36Tap to summarize00:00 Introduction and Dangerous Sermon00:30 The Miserly Husband Story03:31 Adam and Eve: Creation and Loneliness06:54 Understanding Hermeneutics and Exegesis07:57 The Christian Hermeneutic: Justification by Faith19:13 The Gospel's Impact on Relationships and Work28:07 The Curse and Its Impact on Men and Women36:01 The Pain of Childbirth and Biblical Context36:47 The Curse and Gender Roles39:27 Paul's Teachings on Marriage45:14 Husbands' Responsibilities53:11 Peter's Advice to Wives01:00:38 Concluding Thoughts on Marriage
Transcribe →Jesus as the Light: What C.S. Lewis Knew About Christmas
Dec 3000:53:06Tap to summarizeIn this insightful and heartwarming video, Dan Shaw shares his experience of a profoundly meaningful Christmas. Blending the spiritual depth of C.S. Lewis's writings with the light-hearted cheer of the movie 'Elf,' Dan contrasts the deeper Christian understanding of Christmas with modern secular traditions. Drawing from the Gospel of John, he explores concepts of light and darkness, salvation, and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This video is perfect for anyone seeking to find true fulfillment and joy in the holiday season by looking beyond themselves to God.00:00 A Christmasy Christmas Experience01:25 CS Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia02:48 Contrasting Christmas Messages05:40 The Dark Side of Christmas11:02 Winter Festivals vs. Christian Christmas24:24 The True Meaning of Christmas27:07 The Power of God's Word28:35 The Logos and the Greeks29:24 The Scandal of the Cross32:07 Jesus as the Light of the World35:35 The Conflict with the Light41:06 Receiving Jesus and Becoming Children of God46:24 The True Light and Our Identity in Christ51:54 The Christmas Message and Prayer
Transcribe →The Active Savior
Dec 1300:11:17Tap to summarizeUnderstanding the Grammar of the Gospel: Christ as the Active SubjectIn this video, the concept of the 'grammar of the gospel' is explored, highlighting how the structure and language used in Christian testimonies and the Bible emphasize Jesus Christ as the active subject. The speaker shares insights from graduate school and seminary experiences, showing how studying the grammar of the gospel reveals Christ's role in salvation. The discussion includes the importance of recognizing God's actions in our lives and how this perspective can deepen one's understanding of the Christian faith. The video encourages viewers to reflect on their own testimonies and the language they use to describe their spiritual journeys.00:00 Introduction: The Grammar of the Gospel01:13 Understanding the Grammar in Conversion Stories01:50 Jesus' Active and Passive Roles in the Gospel of Mark04:57 The Downward Trajectory of Christ's Action05:50 Reflecting the Gospel in Christian Testimonies08:53 Evaluating Spiritual Walk Through Gospel Grammar10:53 Conclusion and Call to Action
Transcribe →Are You Born Again?
Dec 500:51:49Tap to summarizeIs being Born Again a simple prayer? In this episode, we dive deep into the first chapter of 1 Peter, exploring the concept of 'being born again' through the lens of biblical texts and the remarkable insights of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. We discuss the profound idea that knowing and longing for Jesus Christ is akin to the themes found in the most compelling fairy tales. The speaker explains how Tolkien’s and Lewis’s literary works and personal journeys highlight the deep-seated human desire for hope, redemption, and joy. Additionally, we explore the role of faith, the importance of the gospel message, and the transformative power of Jesus' cross and resurrection. The talk also addresses how one becomes born again, with references to biblical passages and personal anecdotes that emphasize the centrality of Christ in all aspects of salvation.00:00 Introduction and Recap00:45 Understanding 'Born Again'02:18 Tolkien and the Power of Fairy Tales04:32 The Gospel as the Ultimate Fairytale06:14 CS Lewis and the Argument from Desire10:50 How Does One Get Born Again?17:10 Faith and the Word of God18:29 The Power of Proclamation24:52 Hearing the Voice of the Good Shepherd27:22 The Power of Preaching28:16 Understanding Being Born Again29:20 The Role of Pastors and Forgiveness29:53 CS Lewis on Faith and Compulsion33:22 The Paradox of Free Will and Compulsion35:42 The Test of True Faith41:57 The Prophets and the Promise of Salvation43:59 Angels and the Gospel50:50 The Ultimate Hope in Jesus Christ
Transcribe →LIFE CHANGING Facts About Trusting God That Will Blow Your Mind
Nov 2500:54:54Tap to summarizeJoin Pastor Dan Shaw as he explores 1 Peter 1, unpacking what it means to live as an exile in this world while holding onto the unshakeable hope found in Christ. This teaching emphasizes that faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17) and how trials refine and strengthen our faith.🔹 What You’ll Discover:The meaning of being “exiles” in a world opposed to GodHow faith is born from hearing the Word and through Christ’s bloodWhy our living hope “in heaven” sustains us through sufferingPractical encouragement for standing firm and living boldly💡 Key Takeaways:Believers’ identity is rooted in the resurrection of ChristTrials refine faith, turning what is perishable into what is imperishableThe Word of God is the foundation of hope and righteousnessWe’re called to live holy lives in anticipation of our inheritance⏱ Chapter / Time-Stamp Breakdown:00:00 Introduction to First Peter00:46 Debunking Common Misconceptions About the New Testament02:54 The Moratorium Fragment and Early Christian Texts04:49 Authorship of First Peter: Peter or Pseudepigraphy?06:33 Peter's Use of a Scribe and the Sophistication of the Greek10:18 Understanding Apostleship and Christian Exile19:00 The Concept of New Birth and Living Hope21:48 The Psychology of Hope and Its Importance27:37 The Resurrection of Jesus: The Foundation of Christian Hope28:26 Embracing Joy in Everyday Tasks29:00 The Eternal Inheritance29:24 Foretaste of Heaven30:36 Rejoicing in Suffering33:40 The Value of Faith36:11 CS Lewis and the Pursuit of Joy40:34 Tolkien's Influence on Lewis46:26 The Gospel as the Ultimate Fairy Tale53:57 Living in Hope and Joy📚 Scripture for Reflection:1 Peter 1: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Transcribe →STAND THE WATCH!
Nov 100:50:51Tap to summarizeDive into the powerful and moving story of C.S. Lewis' return to faith after a life of atheism and the heart-wrenching trials he faced. Learn how Lewis' personal struggle with belief mirrors the biblical journey of the prophet Habakkuk, who questioned God's actions in times of suffering and injustice. Discover how both figures teach us to wait obediently, patiently, and faithfully for God's plan to unfold, even when it seems delayed. This engaging discussion connects historical and theological insights, offering an encouraging message of hope, trust, and perseverance.00:00 Introduction to CS Lewis00:58 CS Lewis' Early Life and Atheism01:50 The Reluctant Convert03:25 Lewis' Later Life and Struggles05:13 Introduction to Habakkuk05:23 The Story of Job and Its Parallels07:09 Habakkuk's Dilemma10:28 Waiting on God: Lessons from Habakkuk11:33 Standing the Watch: A Military Analogy21:07 The Importance of Community and Faith24:40 Waiting with Expectation and Hope27:33 Reflecting on a Song of Faith28:05 The Power of Waiting on the Lord28:32 God's Message to Habakkuk29:12 The Importance of Plain Reading of Scripture30:56 The Revelation and Its Significance33:28 Trusting God's Timing34:22 Identity Beyond Feelings35:53 Lessons from Jane Eyre43:28 The Gift of Patience48:49 Standing the Watch50:00 Closing Prayer and Blessings
Transcribe →What's REALLY Happening When God Seems To Do Nothing?
Oct 3100:52:03Tap to summarizeIn this sermon, Dan Shaw delves into the Book of Habakkuk, a minor prophet whose faith in God is tested by God's seeming injustice. The context of Habakkuk's prophecy is explained, highlighting the corruption, injustice, and looming Babylonian invasion faced by Judah. The sermon draws parallels between historical events and personal struggles, emphasizing the relevance of faith and God's plans even in dire circumstances. The narrative is enriched with a personal anecdote from World War II and a literary reference to C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' The suffering and doubts of Habakkuk are compared to the sufferings of Jesus Christ, reinforcing the message of faith and trust in God's ultimate plan. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the power of faith and trust in God's promises.00:00 Introduction to Minor Prophets00:30 Habakkuk's Relevance in the New Testament01:30 The Corruption of Judah04:42 Personal Anecdote: WWII Survivor08:31 Modern-Day Parallels to Habakkuk's Struggles09:54 Habakkuk's Complaint to God17:17 God's Response to Habakkuk24:44 Theological Reflections on Suffering27:39 Habakkuk's Trust in God28:03 Faith Through Hearing29:05 The Miracle of Baptism30:55 The Chronicles of Narnia35:23 Shasta's Encounter with Aslan43:33 God's Ultimate Judgment44:34 Jesus Christ's Sacrifice49:23 Endurance Through Christ49:53 A Mighty Fortress is Our God51:19 Closing Prayer
Transcribe →