Are you familiar with the expression “ignorance of the law excuses no one”? I wonder if we can flip this around and ask: “is there any excuse for ignorance”? I am not thinking of the hundreds of laws we have in our country, some of which you likely do not know. For instance, did you know it was illegal to drag a dead horse down the street … on a Sunday? Did you know it is illegal to take off a bandage in public? No, the ignorance I was thinking of is with respect to God. Never through human history have we had so many resources available to help us learn more about God. And never have we had so many different ways we may engage with those called by God to help us understand him better. Over the past three weeks we have recommended some books for your summer reading. Over the next three we wish to commend things to watch or listen to. So if reading is not your preference, or perhaps it is difficult to carve out the time to sit with a book, audio books and podcasts may be just what you need. You can listen whilst you commute to work, or work around the house, if your personality demands you multi-task!

One great resource is the wonderfully named “White Horse Inn” founded by Michael Horton (www.whitehorseinn.org). Horton believes that “each generation must rediscover and apply the gospel to their own time” and his mission “is to help Christians know what they believe and why they believe it through conversational theology.” He does this through a multi-media platform including: blogs, podcasts, a magazine, books, and various social media formats. The name stems from the meeting place of early English Reformers such as Tyndale, Coverdale, Bilney, Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, and others influenced by the writings of Martin Luther. Their meeting house was “The White Horse Inn”. Recent podcast subject matter includes “Christian Life in a Post-Christian World”, “Islam and Christian Apologetics”, “Is Jesus History?” and Christian reflection on “Near Death Experiences”.

Secondly, I would be remiss not to mention the rich apologetic and devotional material found within rzim.org (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries). The ministry is probably best known for the 30-minute podcast “Let My People Think”, but they offer so many different formats and styles you are sure to find something that suits your discipleship needs. There is the one-minute “Just a thought” offering, to the 15-minute “Just Thinking”, to more involved programming like “Ask Away” or “Thinking Out Loud”. In every case the RZIM mission of exploring the issues of life through the truth of the Christian message whilst upholding the uniqueness of Jesus Christ shines through.

We encourage you to avail yourself of the many discipleship tools offered today, but let me end with another saying: “don’t believe everything you hear”. Unfortunately, not all resources that offer themselves in the name of Christ are created equally. Ask the Lord to help you discern what is good for you, and honouring to Him. If you have any doubts or questions about a resource please do not hesitate to connect with Pastor Andrew or myself.

Much love,

Pastor Gary

Prepare your heart for Sunday by reading the passage and listening to the songs we’ll sing.