Meaning

Over the last two years I have become familiar with the work of two Christian ministries that focus on furthering the gospel through apologetics.

One of them is Justin Brierley’s book and podcast entitled, “The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God,” in which the British author and speaker highlights how his work has changed over the past twenty years. He’s noticing an increasing number of atheists and agnostics, secular thinkers who are rejecting humanism and considering how the Christian story brings meaning to a world experiencing an existential crisis.

The other organization is Apologetics Canada which offers conferences and a podcast that help Christians gain confidence and hope in their faith. Recently, this ministry gained a huge following when one of their staff was invited to join the Joe Rogan podcast to highlight the archaeological evidence that supports the integrity of Scripture among other things. The Joe Rogan Experience is the most popular podcast in America, listened to by millions of people each week. Rogan’s podcasts have increasingly focused on religious/philosophical matters as he senses a changing landscape.

In both of these cases their ministries have grown exponentially as the world has seemingly changed overnight. The hope that Christianity brings has miraculously found traction in the Western world again after years of being pushed to the margins. How did that happen? Clearly, the power of God is on full display as he changes hearts but the interest in matters of faith also stem from a lack of meaning that life without God offers. This has been particularly true for young men, the fastest growing demographic of people turning or returning to faith.

The Apostle Paul highlights the dichotomy of worldly thinking and gospel truth in 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 where he contrasts human wisdom with the foolishness of God. Christianity’s countercultural message of power through love and sacrifice, culminating in Jesus’ death on the cross, seems foolish at first but brings deep and lasting meaning to those “whom God has called…”

Heavenly Father, you have given us the words of life. Fill us with your joy and meaning that will radiate through every pore of our being and help us give an answer for the hope within us.

Throughout this day: Investigate the work of Justin Brierley and Apologetics Canada to gain a deeper understanding of what God is doing in our world today.