Woodcrest Chapel

Heroes: CS Lewis - Nov. 8 & 9

This week's scripture references: Galatians 6:9 1 Peter 3:15 1 John 2:20 Questions for today: What was the last movie you watched that was based on a true story? Have you ever seen a movie that started by saying it was based on a big lie? Before today’s service, what did you know about CS Lewis? Have you read any of his books? Have you seen the Narnia movies? What did you think of them? CS Lewis called himself “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.” Do you know people who have experienced a reluctant conversion to Christianity? What caused the reluctance? What finally pushed them over the edge? One of Lewis’ primary premises is that nature could not create a being with a longing that nature itself could not fulfill. What do you suppose he meant by that? How does that lead one to belief in God? Do you think we are currently living in a time of significant intellectual skepticism and relativism? In general, is it fashionable for intelligent people to believe in God? On the other hand, I’ve heard some Christians say “If I knew, I wouldn’t have to believe.” Do you know of Christians who tend to downplay an intellectual approach to God, faith, and scripture? Does Christianity require people to check their minds at the door? Lewis took issue with the idea that Christ was a great moral teacher, but that the idea that He was God is a myth that grew up over time. One of his main points on that topic is that if someone claims to be God and is not, that automatically disqualifies that person from being a great moral teacher. Did Jesus really claim to be God? Even if He did, is Lewis’ argument valid? Piet explained “holy discontent” in terms of Popeye’s, “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more!” What do you have a holy discontent about? If you eat your spinach, what do you think you could do about it? People who knew Lewis when he was in his 20’s, at the height of his atheism, would never have suspected that he’d turn out to be one of the most celebrated Christian apologists of his time. Do you know people who seem quite certain never to turn to Christ? Is there anything you can do to help guide them in the right path? Lewis’ books are quite easy to read, and provide great help in truly understanding the Christian faith and why people through history have been willing to mold their lives around it. His writing is very helpful in fulfilling the admonition in 1 Peter 3:15 that we “always be prepared to give an answer … for the reason for the hope that you have.” Have you read Mere Christianity, or any of his other books? If not, would you be willing to give it a shot? Are there any specific prayer requests? Prayer Prompt: Father, please help us to pursue the passions that you’ve instilled in us through your Holy Spirit, and guide us in our pursuit of those passions that we might fulfill your purposes.