A Tale of Two Cities: Reception vs. Rejection (Acts 17:1-15)
Christ the King Church, Kenosha, WI
April 3rd, 2022
Evangelism
Goodreads Review of Disruptive Witness by Alan Noble
Disruptive Witness by Alan Noble
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Noble argues that we live in a distracted age. Secularism bombards us with a paralyzing amount of “options” in terms of what to think about ultimate matters of meaning and existence. And the technological forms and habits of our current existence keep us sufficiently preoccupied such that the tide of modern life pushes us towards diminishing space for deep reflection. Both of these factors work to make modern humanity a deeply distracted, shallowly reflective bunch. The views we hold are “thin,” often inconsistent, and performative (cue social media)–perceived not so much as actual truth claims about the core of reality, but expressions of self-identity, and thus on par with personal preferences. In part 1 Noble unpacks this situation, drawing on observations from folks like Charles Taylor; and then in part 2 he offers practical counter-measures for how we can bear a sort of witness that disrupts the distracted, anesthetized age in which we live.
Relating this book to other literature: I felt like Noble’s work here was like a particular practical application of a slice of Carl Trueman’s recent work, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self (cf. expressive individualism). In addition, I sensed a lot of overlap in philosophical-cultural analysis with Rod Dreher’s The Benedict Option (cf. we live in a now “unenchanted” world). Noble also expressly draws on the work of James K.A. Smith’s “cultural liturgies” and the church’s counter-formative liturgy. And then finally, there’s Charles Taylor of course.
Very thoughtful. Very insightful. Very good.
Coronavirus, Missiology (Mission), & Our Unexpected Evangelistic Opportunity (Coronavirus, Ep. 6)

In this final (at least as currently planned) episode we consider our unexpected evangelistic opportunity brought on by this moment. May it be that God is preparing hearts and using this unusual situation to advance his gospel across the globe.
Access the episode here (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more).
See all episodes in this series.
This episode is brought to you by Logos Bible Software, with special discounts available to listeners of this podcast.
Paul’s Gospel Testimony Preserved to Rome, Pt. 2 (Acts 24:1-26:32)

Paul’s Gospel Testimony Preserved to Rome, Pt. 2 (Acts 24:1-26:32)
CrossWay Community Church
August 11th, 2019
Jealous Opposition vs. Eager Examination (Acts 17:1-15)

Jealous Opposition vs. Eager Examination (Acts 17:1-15)
CrossWay Community Church
June 2nd, 2019
