The Narthex

The Narthex

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.

  1. 12/05/2025

    Are You Born Again?

    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 Recap 00:45 Understanding 'Born Again' 02:18 Tolkien and the Power of Fairy Tales 04:32 The Gospel as the Ultimate Fairytale 06:14 CS Lewis and the Argument from Desire 10:50 How Does One Get Born Again? 17:10 Faith and the Word of God 18:29 The Power of Proclamation 24:52 Hearing the Voice of the Good Shepherd 27:22 The Power of Preaching 28:16 Understanding Being Born Again 29:20 The Role of Pastors and Forgiveness 29:53 CS Lewis on Faith and Compulsion 33:22 The Paradox of Free Will and Compulsion 35:42 The Test of True Faith 41:57 The Prophets and the Promise of Salvation 43:59 Angels and the Gospel 50:50 The Ultimate Hope in Jesus Christ

    52 min
  2. 11/25/2025

    LIFE CHANGING Facts About Trusting God That Will Blow Your Mind

    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.”

    55 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.