C.S. Lewis

Aiming Higher

by Ben Zornes · Feb 25, 2014

When Evangelical Christians turn on the TV, check their Facebook, or read the news, a wagging of the head is likely becoming a more frequent response. We read about the latest antics of some pop-star and wonder how such an innocent young man with swooshy hair, a properly auto-tuned voice, the high pitched squeals of adoration from millions of 14 year old girls, and his trademark face on lunch-boxes, pillow cases, and toothbrushes could turn into such a confused individual. How could this have happened?! We hear about Washington gridlock, where one party gets up in arms because the other party wants to reduce a food stamps program by $8 billion. The accusation is that the latter party hates the poor, wants them to starve, and probably kicked a puppy earlier in the day. However, what we fail to note is that both parties are, in fact, proposing increasing the spending on food stamps from what it is currently; only, one party doesnâ€™t want to increase quite as much as the other! What scoundrels! Our magazines, movies, music and media are full of endless stories of rape, divorce, violence, infidelity, irresponsibility, and this doesnâ€™t only describe low-income communities; this deterioration of society is from the top down. [Read more…] about Aiming Higher

The Recipe for Spiritual Starvation

by Ben Zornes · Dec 3, 2013

Scripture warns us to take heed over 60 times, and each of these instances would provide a profitable meditation for our soul. We are exhorted, when we think we are standing, to take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). The nature of manâ€™s soul is such that we can be starving spiritually, and yet think ourselves healthy and robust merely because we do a whole bunch of spiritually oriented things. Modern Christianity is filled with many instances of this standing but actually falling paradox.

And Still the Light Grew: A Tribute to C.S. Lewis

by Ben Zornes · Nov 22, 2013

Fifty years ago today, Jack Lewis entered the High Countries (as he called it). This manâ€™s testimony (going from Atheism toÂ Christianity), though marked by imperfections, is also marked by incredible richness and above all was a voice of sanity in an era of madness. He had a prophetic edge to much of what He said, and now we are living in an age of thought which he foresaw, and warned us to flee. The postmodernist mantra of the subjectivity of truth, the diminishment of reason for the sake of â€œcommunalism,â€ and the misdirected use of joy and desire were all things Lewis combatted, decades before they became the prevailing â€œwinds of doctrine (Eph. 4:14).â€

What a Leader is Not

by Ben Zornes · Nov 15, 2013

Leadership is one of my passion points.Â When you begin to look at the life of Jesus you see the perfect portrait of what a leader ought to be. However, we can learn a lot about what true leadership is NOT, by watching this whole Obamacare debacle unfold.

Ten observations of how not to be a good leader:

[Read more…] about What a Leader is Not

A Deathbed Hymn

by Ben Zornes · Oct 10, 2013

William Cowper’s famous hymn, Sometimes a Light Surprises , is a powerful proclamation of choosing to praise God no matter what the circumstance or situation. This world promises joys and comforts, but leaves us dissatisfied and disillusioned. The Christian, however, is no longer thirsty, for they are given the very fountain head; we are free, but, like CS Lewis once said, “Free, as a man is free to drink while he is drinking. He is not free still to be dry.” Or, you could say, we are free to rejoice while we are enjoying the unfailing presence of Jesus; we are not free still to be glum.

We moan and complain life’s circumstances; yet, true faith holds steadfast to the promise of the Promiser. This hymn has come to be a precious reminder to me for two reasons. The first is obvious, it is a tremendous hymn of praise to the Lord. The second is because I recently read in M’Cheyne’s biography that this was the final song he heard, as he was dying of the fever, racked with pain, delirious with his illness. His sister read or sangâ€“I don’t quite rememberâ€“this to him a few hours before his death.

What a statement to end one’s life with! Is your deathbed hymn one of glumness, sorrow, regret, or doubt? Or can you say with the final two lines: Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice, for while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice?

Is your hope in the temporal pleasures of earth, or have you found the fullness of the fountainhead? The Gospel truth of Christ abides ever faithful, ever available, and since He cannot fail, we cannot help but rejoice.

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
The theme of Godâ€™s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.

It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens, no creature but is fed;
And He Who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.

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