
Hosted by The Narthex · EN

Is 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

Join 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.”

Dive 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

In 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

Explore a captivating Bible story about Elisha, emphasizing the importance of faith in God, and the power of spiritual vision. These bible videos bring ancient biblical events to life, showcasing the role of a prophet in delivering divine messages from God. Dive into the bible and discover inspiring truth!00:00 Introduction to Soren Kierkegaard01:34 The Concept of Spiritual Blindness02:31 Christian Hymns and Spiritual Sight03:41 GK Chesterton and Spiritual Blindness05:03 CS Lewis on Proximity to God06:45 The Worst State of Spiritual Blindness09:22 Jesus and the World's Hatred13:07 The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant14:51 Elisha and the King of Aram18:16 Surrounded by the Enemy21:38 Faith in the Face of Adversity28:44 The Power of Resurrection30:13 Spiritual Blindness and Elisha's Prayer31:15 Faith and Revelation32:29 The Vision of Heaven36:09 Grieving with Hope37:31 The Resurrection and Its Implications41:45 Elisha's Act of Grace49:20 Joseph's Story and God's Timing53:09 Trusting God's Promise

Join us as we dive into the powerful intersection of faith and Friday Night Football in this inspiring video. Featuring high school football players Birk Johnston, Hunter Goodsell, and Andrew Dobler, we explore the Christian perspective within the high-stakes world of the NFL and the Super Bowl. Through heartfelt discussion, we reflect on how faith shapes their love for the game and points to a greater truth: the ultimate victory found in God, which surpasses even the greatest earthly achievements, including those of NFL legend Tom Brady. Whether you're a football fan or seeking spiritual insight, this conversation will uplift and inspire.00:00 Introduction to the Narthex Podcast00:18 Integrating Christian Faith in Sports01:34 Personal Journeys to Faith05:01 Challenges of Being a Christian Athlete06:59 Balancing Faith and Competitive Spirit13:23 Dealing with Injuries and Setbacks17:54 Advice for Young Athletes25:05 Handling Team Conflicts25:33 Balancing Friendship and Team Dynamics25:57 The Importance of Conflict in Growth26:52 Challenges in Coaching Different Commitment Levels28:15 Struggles with Mediocrity in Teams31:07 Personal Reflections on Regret and Improvement31:49 Understanding and Addressing Mediocrity32:36 The Shadow Self and Deeper Issues35:40 Faith and Changed Hearts36:32 Faith in Sports and Life43:25 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Challenges46:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement#jesus #football

In this episode, we examine the Bible in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, delving into accusations of modern witchcraft from the controversial website Jezebel. Just days before his tragic death, witches allegedly cast curses on Kirk via Etsy, prompting us to question the power of dark forces versus the power of God. Dan Shaw confronts the reality of evil and witchcraft while emphasizing the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. Through biblical insights from C.S. Lewis, John, and Paul, we learn how Christians can remain steadfast in the face of malevolent forces. 00:00 Introduction to the Assassination of Charlie Kirk00:56 The Jezebel Curse and Its Implications01:21 C.S. Lewis on the Demonic and Witchcraft02:41 Megan Kelly's Take on the Hex03:37 Biblical Perspective on Evil and Witchcraft07:07 The Ultimate Defeat of Evil Through Christ09:20 The Cross as the True Exorcism15:02 Paul's Teachings on Self-Salvation and Paganism18:36 The Victory of Christ Over Evil24:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

“The war between the selves before you meet Christ is a world without hope. You cannot win…The war after you meet Christ you cannot lose.” -Timothy Keller. Those who know the Lord should remember our righteousness is loaned to us and to not let it become a barrier between us and others. Christ loves sinners so proclaim the Gospel and let the Holy Spirit do His work. Dan recognizes what Luther refers to as “the creature in waiting” at the Exchange and he shares the experience of his opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to a grieving widow and daughter.