In this sermon, Ian Faith addresses the reality of death, acknowledging the fear, grief, and anxiety it brings, especially when loved ones pass. Using Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 23:4, he reminds listeners that God is close to the brokenhearted and provides comfort even in the valley of the shadow of death. He encourages believers to understand life’s brevity, framed by Scripture like James 4:14 and Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, which call us to recognize the seasons of life and death and to live with purpose.

Faith then explores the nature of life, creation, and salvation, noting that while God grants life to all, the gift of eternal life comes through Christ (John 14:6, John 3:16). He wrestles with difficult questions about violence and death in the Old Testament, the fate of those who have not heard the gospel, and the justice and mercy of God, pointing listeners to Scripture like Romans 10:13–14 and Revelation 7:9–10.

He emphasizes that mourning is natural and healthy, showing that even Jesus wept at Lazarus’s death (John 11:35) and encouraging believers to grieve with hope and faith in God’s promises. The sermon brings hope and comfort through the promise of resurrection and eternal life. By reflecting on personal stories, like the passing of his mother and the scripture Isaiah 49:16.

Listeners are reminded that God remembers and cherishes every life. The call to live fully (John 10:10), love God and others (Matthew 22:36–40), and trust God’s eternal plan offers peace amidst grief, assuring believers that death is not the end, but a doorway to a greater story where God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

Confronting Evil in Our Time: Staying Vigilant and Faithful (Labor Day Edition)

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This week, Ian will be flying solo, as Galen is away dealing with family matters, and I’d ask everyone to keep him and his loved ones in prayer for healing and peace. As we head into Labor Day, with summer winding down in the north and spring arriving in the south, it’s a natural moment to reflect on the season and the year ahead. But amid these rhythms of life, we can’t ignore the constant presence of evil in the world—a reality that inspired our Screwtape Letters podcast, rooted in C.S. Lewis’s reminder that dark forces seek to pull us away from God.

Scripture repeatedly warns us not to invite evil in but to expose and resist it. Too often, trouble begins with small compromises—relationships or habits that seem harmless but open the door to destructive influences. The Bible shows us, from Judges to the Psalms, that without Christ as our compass, evil flourishes and the strong exploit the weak. The tragedies we see in the news—school shootings, stabbings, hate crimes, trafficking, displacement, and violence across nations—remind us that demonic forces delight in sowing chaos and despair, pushing people to question God’s presence. Yet Romans tells us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Confronting evil starts in our homes and hearts. We must guard against spiritual footholds, resist the devil through prayer and Scripture, and keep our families safe, both physically and spiritually. Small cracks—unchecked anger, harmful media, unwise choices—can become doorways for disruption. Leaders in the home must stay vigilant, while also practicing true charity, which weakens the grip of darkness and reflects Christ’s love. As Isaiah says, we are called to seek justice, defend the vulnerable, and care for the widow and fatherless. So as you enjoy this holiday weekend, remain mindful and faithful, standing firm against evil, and we look forward to Galen’s return next week.

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🙏 Reserve your signed, first edition book, “Confronting Evil in Our Time” today!

Limited copies available. Release date: September 2025. Bless a friend with a copy.

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The discussion on the podcast episode centers around the enduring significance of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase “give us this day our daily bread,” as an essential part of Christian spiritual discipline. The hosts highlight Lewis’s perspective that prayer should not be reserved solely for moments of spiritual fervor or times of need. Instead, prayer is a command and a daily discipline that keeps believers connected to God, serving as a means of seeking not only material sustenance but also grace, wisdom, forgiveness, and spiritual protection. The hosts emphasize that even when life seems fulfilling or when distractions abound—such as the character in Lewis’s letter who is in love and happy—regular, intentional prayer is both necessary and transformative.

They further explain how C.S. Lewis, once a skeptic, used his analytical and literary talents to explore and unpack deep Christian truths in accessible ways. The conversation unpacks the idea that many of Lewis’s works, including The Chronicles of Narnia, are deeply Christian even if not always identified as such by the broader public. Lewis’s later-life conversion brought a profound scriptural insight into his writings, connecting biblical themes and showing that the Bible’s teachings are more interwoven and relevant than they might first appear. Especially within The Screwtape Letters, Lewis uses literary “Easter eggs” from scripture to illuminate the subtle ways spiritual adversaries try to distract believers from practices like daily prayer and obedience, reinforcing that prayer is an act of faith done in all seasons—good or bad, emotional or routine.

Finally, the hosts reflect on how prayer, as taught in the Lord’s Prayer, is not just about asking for life’s material needs but about trusting God’s wisdom in providing what is genuinely needed, including grace to forgive others and strength to avoid temptation. They share personal anecdotes illustrating that answers to prayer don’t always align with personal desires, but often lead to outcomes that are ultimately revealed as better through faith and trust in God’s provision. The episode concludes by encouraging growth in prayer, scriptural understanding, and spiritual vigilance in confronting the challenges and distractions of modern life.

Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time,” which will be released this year.

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🙏 Reserve your signed, first edition book, “Confronting Evil in Our Time” today!

Limited copies available. Release date: September 2025. Bless a friend with a copy.

https://screwtapeletterspodcast.com/confronting-evil-in-our-time-the-book/

In this episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, the hosts dive into the nuanced, often misinterpreted biblical command to "love your neighbor as yourself," as discussed in one of C.S. Lewis's letters. They emphasize that the familiar phrase is frequently reduced to just "love your neighbor," overlooking the importance of healthy self-care and self-regard that the latter half of the command implies. The conversation draws a distinction between a balanced, non-narcissistic self-love, one in which individuals responsibly look after their own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and the egocentric attitudes often promoted in contemporary culture. The hosts argue that only by maintaining such a foundation can a person genuinely extend meaningful, active charity to others in accordance with the mind of Christ.

The podcast further explores how Lewis, through the lens of demonic distortion, exposes the pitfalls of misunderstanding selflessness and unselfishness in relationships, especially marriage. The demonic strategy, as described in Screwtape's letter, is to turn well-intentioned self-denial into a lose-lose dynamic: people sacrifice not to benefit each other, but simply to feel or appear selfless, resulting in mutual dissatisfaction and resentment. This false humility or passive self-erasure fails to foster genuine charity or unity. Instead, healthy relationships require clear communication of needs, the willingness to both give and receive, and an active pursuit of the other's well-being, not just a denial of one's own desires.

Ultimately, the episode challenges listeners to rethink both self-love and sacrificial love. The hosts warn against two extremes: selfish ambition, which leads to disorder and division, and a hollow unselfishness that produces bitterness and stagnation. Instead, they promote intentional, discerning charity, an active love that recognizes the individual needs and desires of both giver and receiver. By grounding their reflections in the teachings of Jesus and Paul, the hosts encourage listeners to seek wisdom in loving themselves and others, and to be aware of subtle traps that can undermine genuine Christian living.

Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time,” which will be released this year.

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🙏 Reserve your signed, first edition book, “Confronting Evil in Our Time” today!

Limited copies available. Release date: September 2025. Bless a friend with a copy.

https://screwtapeletterspodcast.com/confronting-evil-in-our-time-the-book/

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis was first published in February 1942 as a series of epistolary satirical letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, instructing his nephew Wormwood on tempting a human soul. It was originally serialized in The Guardian during WWII. It was a weekly Anglican church newspaper based in London, founded in 1846. Not to be confused with today’s Guardian Newspaper.

Early editions of the Screwtape Letters never included the “Toast from Hell” or the other title, “Screwtape Proposes a Toast” Written in 1959 this short sequel takes the form of a devilish after-dinner address by Screwtape at the Tempters' Training College and was added to later editions of the book release.

C.S. Lewis himself never labeled The Screwtape Letters as “satire.” There is talk that he only wrote 31 letters as the subject matter was very heavy and weighed on him.

In his own introductions and letters, Lewis usually called it a series of letters or a fantasy in reverse, and sometimes just “a little fun” he had writing in the voice of a senior tempter.

Publishers quickly saw “satire” as a useful marketing hook.

By the time the omnibus editions with Screwtape Proposes a Toast appeared in 1961, back covers and dust jackets openly called it “a classic of religious satire.”

Lewis’s private correspondence shows that he was wary of the term “satire,” partly because satire implies ridicule of people, whereas his aim was to illuminate spiritual warfare and human frailty. He preferred to think of it as diabolical correspondence or “theology in reverse.”

When the Toast was added, the satirical label stuck even harder because of its social commentary on education and democracy. With John Cleese of Monty Python fame narrating it in 1999, the push for it not to be taken as seriously as C.S. Lewis intended continued.

The question has to be asked: Was it just a money decision by the publishers, or was it also an attempt to hide what Lewis was revealing about spiritual warfare in our lives and confronting that evil?

We remastered the recordings after we found them openly available online, but in poor audio quality. Here for your enjoyment is the Toast from Hell.

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🙏 Reserve your signed, first edition book, “Confronting Evil in Our Time” today!

Limited copies available. Release date: September 2025. Bless a friend with a copy.

https://screwtapeletterspodcast.com/confronting-evil-in-our-time-the-book/

The podcast episode explores the depth and intentionality behind C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters," highlighting how Lewis subtly weaves biblical motifs and spiritual truths into his writing. The hosts appreciate Lewis’s creative use of "Easter eggs" from scripture and his nuanced understanding of Christianity, emphasizing that while his insights are profound, Lewis remains a fallible human and his letters are not infallible scripture. Their discussion recognizes Lewis’s ability to articulate complex Christian themes and his clear distinction between core and non-core beliefs in the faith.

A key topic centers on the dangers of adding anything to the core message of the gospel, summarized as “Jesus plus anything ruins everything.” Drawing from Galatians and Lewis’s concept of “Mere Christianity,” the hosts warn against the common tendency among Christians to conflate faith with political ideologies or cultural movements. They stress the importance of keeping the gospel pure and caution that even well-meaning causes—be it political activism, social justice, or specific church doctrines—should not be treated as essential to salvation or as grounds for division among believers.

Throughout the conversation, the hosts reflect on contemporary examples where Christians add to the gospel, such as justifying moral compromises or merging faith with partisan identity. They lament how such distortions lead to division, undermine the church’s witness, and risk turning faith into a tool for personal or political ends. Ultimately, they advocate for letting the gospel inform all areas of life without allowing external influences to reshape or dilute the central truth of Christianity, urging listeners to pursue spiritual growth with grace, discernment, and fidelity to the unchanging foundations of the faith.

Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time,” which will be released this year.

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🙏 Reserve your signed, first edition book, “Confronting Evil in Our Time” today!

Limited copies available. Release date: September 2025. Bless a friend with a copy.

The episode opens with the hosts highlighting the importance of prayer and faith within the Christian community, sharing a personal request for prayers for a sick child and recognizing how acts of faith and gratitude can inspire others. The hosts emphasize humility, noting that no one is more special than another in God’s eyes, and offer encouragement for collective support and outreach among listeners.

Diving into “The Screwtape Letters,” the discussion centers on the subtle tactic of spiritual pride, as depicted in Lewis’s narrative. They unpack the scenario where the demonic strategy shifts from typical temptations to leveraging the patient’s sense of belonging and superiority in a particularly pious Christian circle. Drawing from scriptural examples, such as Paul’s warning in Philippians and Jesus’s critique of the Pharisees, they explore how knowledge and zeal in faith—though positive in themselves—can easily be twisted into pride, exclusivity, and a sense of being ‘holier than thou.’ Both hosts reflect on personal experiences in ministry and church, warning of cliquishness, the dangers of prioritizing doctrinal correctness or spiritual status over genuine care, and how this can stifle authentic spiritual growth or community.

The episode concludes by striking a balance between truth and grace, pointing out that while confronting false teachings and upholding sound doctrine is vital, it must be paired with compassion and humility. The hosts caution against forming exclusive cliques and urge listeners to remain open, welcoming, and grounded in both love and truth. They note how Lewis may have intentionally juxtaposed letters addressing discernment and pride to remind believers that a mature Christian walk requires both a commitment to truth and an attitude of grace, ensuring that neither becomes a source of self-righteousness or division.

Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time,” which will be released this year.

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🙏 Reserve your signed, first edition book, “Confronting Evil in Our Time” today!

Limited copies available. Release date: September 2025. Bless a friend with a copy.

“Letter 23 is so powerful.” Ian and Galen, hosts of the Screwtape Letters Podcast: Confronting Evil in Our Time, explore the biblical "Easter eggs" implanted by C.S. Lewis in each letter of his classic work. Ian notes this particular letter was omitted from popular abridged audio versions. They discuss how this omission could be tied to its strong Christian messaging and the inherent power of its theological insights. The Easter Egg centers on Lewis's use of the phrase “Angel of Light,” drawn directly from 2 Corinthians 11:14, highlighting it as a core strategy in Satan’s playbook: to deceive believers not through obvious evil, but by masquerading as goodness and twisting spiritual truths.

They delve into how Satan's method is not creative invention but clever distortion, using aspects of God's own playbook, repackaging virtue and truth to mislead. This includes tempting people to redefine Jesus as merely a historical figure, a social reformer, or even a "celestial butler," rather than recognizing His divine authority. The hosts reflect on how these deceptions can infiltrate personal faith, churches, and larger culture, urging listeners to discern carefully the difference between true spiritual light and counterfeit goodness. They tie in scriptural examples, such as the devil's temptation of Eve and Jesus in the wilderness, to illustrate the enduring nature of spiritual deception and the necessity for vigilance and discernment.

Wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the critical role of grounding oneself in biblical truth and seeking God’s guidance through prayer to resist spiritual counterfeits. They note that the epistles and instructions within the New Testament are not just stories, but practical guides for Christian living. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on contemporary instances where evil is presented as good in their lives or culture and to consider how they can guard themselves against such deception. The episode closes with a call to examine personal beliefs, align them with scriptural truth, and remain alert to the ongoing spiritual battle described by both C.S. Lewis and the Apostle Paul.

Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time,” which will be released this year.

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