Knowing & Doing

Many of us are familiar with hymns such as “And Can it Be?” and “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” written by Charles Wesley. These and thousands more came after Wesley’s conversion in 1738. Although well versed in the Bible and Christian practice, Wesley had never understood the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which “put a new song” in his mouth. Here, Pastor Bill Kynes takes us through Wesley’s profound spiritual transformation and the new life in Jesus he expressed in in his hymns. Read this article online here.

Barbara Bradley Hagerty, a New York Times best-selling author, says that Christians need to operate on two levels: the human and the spiritual. Just as bifocal lenses allow us to see the “far away” and the “up close”, so must we see things spiritually and humanly at the same time. Spiritual perception—seeing human circumstances from God’s point of view—helps a Christian get past his physical circumstances by knowing that God is sovereign. Are you wearing your bifocals?

Dr. Art Lindsley argues that the greatest crisis facing both culture and the church is the abandonment of absolute truth, warning that relativism erodes our ability to recognize good, evil, and even meaning itself. He notes, “moral relativity is the enemy we have to overcome before we tackle atheism,” a reminder that without shared standards, even our deepest convictions lose their foundation.

In 1734, Jonathan Edwards sparked a powerful religious revival in Northampton by preaching the necessity of personal conversion and justification by faith, igniting what became known as the Great Awakening across New England. Joined by dynamic evangelist George Whitefield, the movement led to tens of thousands of conversions, revitalized American Christianity, reshaped church practices, and left a lasting impact on religious liberty and the spiritual foundations of early America. Read this article online.

There is such an avalanche of evidence for the trustworthiness of the Gospels that the burden of proof is on those who maintain the inauthenticity of the Gospels. Learn more in this message from Dr. Art Lindsley. Read this article online here.

How are you experiencing your union with Christ? Are you abiding in Him? Pastor Bill Kynes says that for many believers, although their faith in Christ has resulted in a new legal condition and a new name, it has not resulted in a real relationship of love. Find out how you can truly abide in Christ through God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Read this article online.

What is postliberal theology? This “very brief presentation” by theologian Adonis Vidu attempts to answer that question in a very esoteric discussion involving linguistics, apologetics, history, doctrine, modernity, and postmodernity. It may very well leave you scratching your head—or pique your interest in some very complex theological issues. Read this article online here.

C.S. Lewis struggled with grief following the death of his wife Joy and later published a journal — A Grief Observed — of his thoughts during that time. C.S. Lewis scholar Art Lindsley describes for us the progression of Lewis’s grief and how his faith, though challenged, was gradually restored. Lindsley concludes that when we experience such pain — as we all will — a little courage, a little human sympathy, and the love of God will help. Read this article online here. This episode is narrated by Aimee Riegert.

Have you ever wondered if Biblical manuscripts are reliable? Theologian Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing gives us some reasons why people might be skeptical and why their logic is faulty. In each instance, she provides sound arguments and examples that show how Biblical manuscripts are truly reliable and have withstood the test of time. Read this article online.

There are three types of people during the Christmas season. All three view Christmas with differing feelings and thoughts. This season, as we encounter the scrooges and the traditionalists, would we truly share the gospel, crying out, “Merry Christmas! Long live the True King!” Read this article online here. This episode is narrated by Aimee Riegert.

Princeton Theological Seminary librarian Archibald Alexander, who died in 1851, had a love for learning and taught students how they best could use books for information and edification. He described books as “the scholar’s armor with which he fights” and emphasized that “the Bible, the first and best of books and heaven’s richest gift to man, contains treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Read this article online here.

What does it mean to be “in Christ,” and what does this mean for our salvation? Pastor Bill Kynes explains how this “profound mystery” is essential for joining us to our Lord. Only as we are “in Christ” are we chosen, called, regenerated, justified, sanctified, redeemed, assured of the resurrection, and given every spiritual blessing. Read this article online here.

What will be your legacy? What will you leave behind when you’re gone? Some will leave wonderful memories and stories; some, wreckage and sorrow; others, little at all. Bill Hendricks remembers his father as a model of one who invested his time on earth with a view of his future in heaven. Will you do the same? Read this article online here. This episode is narrated by Aimee Riegert.

How much do you know about Martin Luther? Some scholars have called him a villain; others, a saint.  C.S. Lewis scholar and theologian Art Lindsley gives us a brief biography of Luther, describing his upbringing, his life as a monk, his musical gifts, his marriage, his idiosyncrasies, and—most importantly—his love of Christ. Learn more here.

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What are the influences that shape our lives and either make us a man or woman of God or of little use to mankind? Pastor A.W. Tozer lists six: Our friends, the literature we read, the music we listen to, the pleasures we seek, the ambitions we hold, and the thoughts we entertain. The wise Christian will take advantage of these and others to develop a Godly character.

Too busy for Scripture? Drowning in daily worries? What if the very thing you’re neglecting is the one thing that could carry you through the chaos? John Chrysostom, one of the early church fathers, reminds us that Scripture is not just a book—it’s our full armor. Just as a tradesman can't work without his tools, we can’t fight life’s battles without the Word of God. It is our weapon, our shield, our lifeline. Don’t go into the day unarmed—pick up your sword and step into strength.

What can we learn from the early evangelicals of the 18th century on what it means to be a true disciple? Jonathan Edwards, John Newton, and George Whitefield point out the differences between faithful followers of Jesus and those only in name. These three key leaders offer us some insights on how to truly walk with Jesus through scripture, prayer, loving our neighbors, and communion with God. Read this article from Tom Schwanda online here.  This episode is narrated by Aimee Riegert.

Perhaps the most prominent and current figure who guides us in the endeavor of looking to Jesus for vocational vision is N.T. Wright. His work shows us the job and calling of the Church in the world. He helps us understand Jesus’ vision and how this should transform the way we interact with creation. Read this article online here.

We, as Christians, are invited to change and grow on this side of Heaven. Nonetheless, this journey and path is not easily taken up. As Paul says, we must press on. So, how do we know we are growing? Genuine spiritual growth is an increase in the experience of the new life of which Jesus spoke when he said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” See how you can partake of this Abundant Life. Read this article online here.

If God already knows what we need, why should we bother to pray? Learn more about the nature of God and prayer. Discover how you can experience God’s presence and power through prayer in Jesus’ name.  Read this article online.

Prudence is seeing the world as it truly is. Culture, from time immemorial, often hides true reality with a mask of gratification and pleasure. The world espouses messages like, “Sworn to fun! Loyal to none!”, but this is not the truth. Being unfaithful, in the end, is a painful life. As we soak in culture, at the movie theatres and elsewhere, we must have wise brains that question the messages the world gives us by asking, “but is that actually true?” Read this article from Professor Steve Garber online here.

Eric Liddell, rugby and track phenom, used his athletic ability as a platform for sharing the Gospel. He understood that God gave him certain abilities in order to further God’s Kingdom on earth. Eric eventually hung up his Olympic track spikes to go serve as a missionary in China. Despite persecution, moral convictions, and trials, Eric remained faithful to God and served as an example to many. Read this article online here.

Apologetics has for a long time, been motivated either by guilt, because one has failed to give a defense or by pride, because one desires to win arguments. Nonetheless, a new and welcome change is motivating Christian Apologetics: Concern, which stems from true love for those around us. Read this article online.

The grace that comes to us in Jesus Christ is not measured. This grace refuses to allow itself to be tethered to our innate sense of fairness, reciprocity, and balancing of the scales. It is defiant. Learn more in the audio message narrated by Aimee Riegert. Read this article online here.

C.S. Lewis used imaginative depiction to enable readers to see a particular thing or truth more clearly. This message explores one of his greatest powers as an author. Read the article.

May 7, 1963, Sherwood Wirt climbed the long wooden stairway to C.S. Lewis’s office, hoping to interview Lewis on his thoughts on the subject of writing. The interview, however, quickly morphed into a much different conversation. Listen in as Sherwood narrates his experience or read this article online here.

The modern notion of Apologetics is often thought of as someone bringing philosophical ideas into a battle of wits, with the only thing coming from it being murkiness. The Bible calls for all Christians to be prepared to give a defense of their faith. How can we, as ordinary lay people, best understand and apply this command? Listen in to learn more in this message from Michael Ramsden or read this article online here.

Is being jealous – red faced – a divine perfection? How can God be a God of love if the Old Testament seems to describe Him as jealous, angry, and ruthless? Learn more in this message by Kevin Vanhoozer narrated by Aimee Riegert. Read this article online.

Many are aware of the accomplishments of William Wilberforce and his successful initiatives to abolish slavery and introduce institutional reforms in the United Kingdom. What is not known, however, is that his work is indebted to his closest friends, the ‘Clapham Sect,’ a group of men and women dedicated to being instruments of social and moral welfare. This underground group was highly influential in ingraining Christian principles into British Institutions and government. Learn more in this message narrated by Aimee Riegert. Read this article online.

Join J.I. Packer, in a past interview with CSLI, reflected on his daily walk with God. Packer covered his schedule, his insights, and revealed how he kept God at the forefront of all his actions during his daily walk with God. Learn more in this audio message narrated by Aimee Riegert. Read this article online.

The Kingdom of God moves forward through Prayer. The Holy Spirit and our prayers to God contain incredible power to bring God’s will. Old Testament patriarchs, the early Church, and Jesus especially, show us and tell us how to pray. We must lean into this power. Praying takes our limited and rational vision of life, and opens our minds to God’s wonderous, glorified plan. Read this article online here.

The Jewish people make up less than one percent of the population, yet their impact on the world and culture is undeniable. Read how Dr. Newman, a Messianic Jew, describes how the Jewish people see the world and why that is important when talking about the matters of pain, pride, pleasure, and promise. Read this article online here.

Once you realize your own worth hinges on Christ and not your resumé, you are freed up to love and appreciate others — regardless of their job or standing in life. A stay-at-home mom shares lessons learned in her journey from "politics to pampers." Read this article online here.

Eighteenth century philosopher and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, speaks to us today as convincingly as several centuries ago. Learn more about the life and faith of one of America's greatest philosophers and theologians. Read the full article here.

Francis August Schaeffer was born on January 30, 1912 in the small town of Germantown, Pennsylvania. His life, books and Switzerland-based ministry L’Abri have had immense and wide-ranging impact on this generation. Schaeffer was known not just for his academic knowledge, but also his ability to answer difficult questions with personal and applicable ‘real knowledge’. He had the keen ability to relay the truth to the most skeptical people groups. Read this article online.

Rationalism often claims God cannot exist because there is no empirical evidence of God. This, however, is an incoherent argument and impossible to prove because it is a negative assertion. In this podcast, Dr. Lindsley argues that Rationalism is a limited argument. It fundamentally cannot disprove God. When doubts and attacks are prevalent, sometimes the most logical thing to do is to trust and have faith. Read this article online.

The big moment of abandoning the faith didn't occur out of thin air; there was a gradual slope toward unbelief occurring within the heart. Learn more in this episode featuring insights from Dan Osborne. Recommended Resources: The Danger of Drifting from the Word by John Piper (A message available from DesiringGod.org)  A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal Their Complete Truthfulness by John Piper

Joe Loconte reveals to us some of the ways C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien found faith in some of the most unlikely settings – the battlefields of World War I. While many people lost faith in God because of the carnage they experienced during those dark days, Lewis and Tolkien were transformed for eternal beauty. And their friendship after those days encourages all of us in profound ways. Read this article online.

C.S. Lewis’s book Mere Christianity has a claim to being one of the most important religious works of the twentieth century. In this article, George Marsden discusses the origins of the book and its reception, as well as the factors that give the book its ongoing vitality. Read this article online.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a gifted nineteenth century American writer who helped launch a movement of sorts called transcendentalism, in which the individual supplanted religious traditions and institutions. David George Moore argues that while Emerson’s work isn’t well known among Americans, his influence on our lives is incalculable. In this article, he offers suggestions for how Christians can address the ongoing challenges posed by Emersonian philosophy. Read this article online.

We might think that the antidote to fear is courage, since it is one of the classical cardinal virtues. But, the biblical response to fear is really hope. Learn more in this message from Dennis Hollinger. Read this article online.

There is no such thing as Hinduism. Hinduism is a word that the British coined as a catch-all term for the innumerable and often contradictory religions they found on the Indian subcontinent. Gerald McDermott presents a thumbnail sketch of Hinduism for Christians. Read the full article here.

Most Christians are taught to believe that ambition is sinful and therefore to be avoided. But what is godly ambition and how can we harness it for good? Discover principles for exercising ambition in an honorable and godly way. Read this article online.

Christians feed on Scripture. Holy Scripture nurtures the Holy Community as food nurtures the human body. Eugene Peterson helps us understand how we can find nourishment from the Bible. Read this full article here.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between Christianity and the natural sciences. Oxford Professor Alister McGrath illustrates how Christianity helps make sense of the world and provides a framework for both science and a spirituality of nature. Read this full article online.

The modern world tends to downplay or deny the reality of death, relegating it behind closed doors or to a few lines in the back of the newspaper. Death is considered a rare stranger instead of a certain and approaching visitation. But ignoring death is short-sighted and can prevent us from living fully. Death not only filters our priorities, it also filters our passions. In this insightful message, Gary Thomas helps us understand why it is wise to remember the fragility and brevity of our own lives and recall the lives of those who have gone before us. Read this article online here.

We’re burdened for our friends who don’t know the joy of the Gospel. So how do we approach evangelism and apologetics? Randy Newman shares our need to ask God to reshape us so we truly love people and see them as “precious, eternal, valuable souls.” Furthermore, he suggests that we must adjust our approaches to sharing the Gospel according to the dramatic changes in our culture. Read this article online.

Christians aren't immune to evil, but skeptics are often quick to seize on a Christian's bad behavior as reason to discount the faith. The gospel can uniquely address the skeptic’s contention – because the gospel’s response is to demonstrate that there is Someone they can trust. Read this article online.