What Happens When a Civilization Ignores God? (The Bible Already Told Us)

Home     Donate     Contact

Hi All, I think most people take civilization for granted. We have all been reared since infancy in a world where we can enjoy the fruits of centuries of progress. For example, many Eastern, African, and Aboriginal peoples must still walk long distances with large pots to capture water for the day’s chores while we have been living off the Romans’ development of infrastructure so the water comes to you for a couple of millennia. But it isn’t simply practical convenience that makes a civilization. As I discussed in my most recent podcast linked below, civilization can be described as the richness of life. That feeling you have knowing you are part of something that seeks out the best in ourselves and marks it for the world to see. Or, to quote T.S. Eliot from his book Christianity and Culture, “Culture may even be described simply as that which makes life worth living. And it is what justifies other peoples and other generations in saying, when they contemplate the remains and the influence of an extinct civilization, that it was worth while for that civilisation to have existed.” Yet, are we passing down those values and concepts of beauty that have been cultivated by our forefathers? Today’s society values new and edgy rather than long-standing tradition and the tried-and-tested. We like the excitement of the unfamiliar and become shocked when they birth disaster. Just look at the transgender calamity of the last ten years. Will anyone think a thousand years from now that cutting off functional organs in our children was something that made it worthwhile for our civilization to have existed? A central point Eliot makes in his essay on the “Three Senses of Culture” is that the development of culture can never be separated from a society’s religion. Religion refines culture as it informs us as to what is the good to which we should aspire, what is the truth about the world and how it works, and what should classify as beautiful.  In other words, how we can aim to grow into better versions of ourselves. It is our faith that shapes and molds the values to empower our civilization to greater heights and the legacy of Western civilization shows this. The crisis in failing to pass along the truth of Christianity means we are truly in danger of warping our cultural understanding of the good, the true, and the beautiful. And that means the Christian west is in danger of becoming as extinct as the Aztecs or the Babylonians—an interesting museum piece, but not much more. MINISTRY UPDATE – Dare to Defend Coming to Kalamazoo! I’m very excited to announce that our next Dare to Defend Conference has been set for September 25 and 26 in Kalamazoo, Michigan!  The theme of the conference is Dare to Defend: The Facts of Faith in a World of “My Truth” and will feature speakers such as Dr. Tim McGrew, Dr. Doug Groothuis, Dr. Bradley S. Belcher and Rob Bowman and myself. We are putting together the website now and tickets should go on sale beginning April 1.  Here’s a short description of what you’ll be experiencing: In a culture that says truth is personal and faith is private, can Christianity really stand up to scrutiny? Dare to Defend: The Facts of Faith in a World of “My Truth” is a powerful weekend designed to equip everyday believers and students with clear, compelling reasons for confidence in the Christian faith. Explore the historical evidence for the Resurrection, the reliability of Scripture, and how to answer the toughest cultural challenges posed to believers today. Learn why Christianity is not built on wishful thinking or emotional preference—but on clear evidence that can be examined and defended. If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith can withstand tough questions, join us this September. I’m busy with several different writing projects as well.  I’ve finished a rough draft of a book telling the true story of an Iranian woman’s journey from Islam to Christ, and showing how she survived and overcame both depression and physical abuse by discovering Jesus and his healing.  I’m also a co-editor on an upcoming compilation tentatively entitled 8 Things The Church Must Answer Now: Christian Apologetics for Our Cultural Moment. I will be contributing two chapters, one on the threat to the traditional family and one on the pervasive abuse of language to score political points. Both these projects are extremely important, especially with the headlines we read today. Please keep these in prayer.  Writing is hard work! FINANCIAL UPDATE As you might imagine, all the projects described above require significant time and resources. God has faithfully sustained this ministry for thirty years, but continuing this work has often required stretching our resources. That’s why I’m preparing to launch our Defenders Campaign, seeking individuals who recognize how important this ministry is in helping Christians think clearly and engage our culture. A Defender is someone who commits to supporting this ministry monthly. There are several giving levels to choose from, and Defenders receive exclusive access to our Dare to Defend Library—a collection of videos, notes, and resources not available to the general public. You can become a Defender today at: https://www.comereason/defenders/ Or, if you prefer, you can make a secure onetime gift through our giving page: https://www.comereason.org/support/ Either way, your partnership is a tremendous blessing to this ministry. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY One of the most encouraging things for us at Come Reason is hearing how God uses this ministry in people’s lives. Many readers have told us that our talks, articles, and videos have helped them better understand Christianity and engage others with confidence. If Come Reason has impacted you, would you consider sharing a short story with us? Even a few sentences can make a difference and may encourage others in their faith journey. Here are a few prompts if helpful: What questions or challenges were you facing before encountering Come Reason? How has that changed? Was there a particular talk, article, or video that made a difference to you? How has Come Reason helped strengthen your confidence in your faith or conversations about Christianity? Have you seen something you learned here influence others in your life? If you were describing Come Reason to someone new, what would you say about its impact on you? You can simply reply to this email and share your thoughts. With your permission, we may share a portion of your story in a future newsletter to encourage others. Thank you for being part of the Come Reason community and may you be blessed this month! Blessings, Lenny What Happens When a Civilization Ignores God? The Bible Already Told Us In this episode of the Come Let Us Reason Podcast, Lenny Esposito explores Deuteronomy 4 and Moses’ warning that cultures survive only if they listen to God’s Word, remember the lessons of the past, and pass those truths to the next generation.Drawing from thinkers like C.S. Lewis, Chesterton, and Roger Scruton, this episode examines how the erosion of Judeo-Christian foundations threatens modern society—and why the biblical warning is more relevant today than ever. Watch ➤ If You Burned Every Bible, You’d Still Be Stuck with Jesus — Here’s Why What if someone destroyed every Bible ever printed? Would the case for Jesus disappear with them? Cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace  argues the answer is a definitive no. In this compelling episode, Wallace applies the same investigative technique he used to solve decades-old murders to one of history's most contested questions: who was Jesus of Nazareth, and does the evidence demand a verdict? Using what he calls the "fuse and fallout" method Wallace traces the historical shockwave of Jesus's life through science, art, music, education, and world religion. What he found surprised even him. Watch ➤ Positioned for Miracles: The Faithful Steps God Uses to Do the Extraordinary Do miracles still happen today? And if they do, why do some believers seem to experience God’s power while others never do? In this episode, we explore how ordinary, covenant-rooted faithfulness positioned Israel to experience extraordinary results — and what that means for believers today. If you’ve ever longed to see God move in your life, this episode will help you understand the practical steps Scripture models for being fully used by Him. Watch ➤ What Drives a Cult Leader like David Koresh? Thirty-three years ago on March 16, the U.S. Government surrounded the compound of David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, sparking a stand-off that would last 51 days. It tragically ended in gunfire with 75 of the 84 people inside dead, including children. Just what motivates a cult leader like Koresh and why would people follow him to their deaths? Read More ➤ How Can I Know I'm Going to Heaven? Can just praying a prayer get you into heaven? In this article, Lenny answers a young person who is questioning her faith and wondering if God is real, how we can hear from Him, and how we can know where our eternal destiny lies. Read more ➤ Upcoming Speaking Events: Christianity, Superhero Movies, and the Problem of Evil March 16, 2026 Turining Point USA CBU Meeting 4130 Adams Street Riverside, CA 92504 Details ➤ This Changes Everything: The One True God April 12, 2026 The Church Family Fellowship 4130 Adams Street Riverside, CA 92504 Details ➤ Why Doesn’t God Make Himself More Obvious? April 19, 2026 The Church Family Fellowship 4130 Adams Street Riverside, CA 92504 Details ➤ Michigan Dare to Defend Conference: The Facts of Faith in a World of “My Truth” September 25 -26, 2026 Oakwood Bible Church 855 South Drake Road Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Details ➤ SUPPORT COME REASON 1. T. S. Eliot. Christianity and Culture: The Idea of a Christian Society and Notes toward the Definition of Culture. Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1949.  100.

© 2026 Come Reason Ministries PO Box 20527 Riverside, CA 92516-0527 || www.comereason.org

30 Years Online: What God Has Done From Dial-Up to Now

Home     Donate     Contact

January 2026 Hi All, Happy New Year! 2026 is upon us and looks to be quite a celebratory year. The Winter Olympics will be held in Italy, the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, and the year marks several notable anniversaries, such as 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Another noted anniversary is that 2026 marks thirty years since the launch of Come Reason! It was just after buying the family a new computer system for Christmas in 1995 that I decided to learn more about this new internet and build a website. Back in those days, I only had a dial-up connection with a modem, and our service provider was the local newspaper. Still, it gave us some server space, and I wanted to try to create an online “Bible-Answer Man”-type site that took the Bible seriously. However, to do so, one needs content. Back in those days, there used to exist small, local public message boards known as Bulletin Board Systems, or BBSes. You’d use a floppy disk with the software to dial into the server, where there were different groups chatting on different topics. It was the precursor to online forums. I logged into a Christian board and found a discussion between a Christian and an atheist where the atheist offered his objections to belief. I responded to each objection and sent him my replies. He wrote back, and we had another exchange. Those initial interactions are still part of the site, and you can read them here. Others then wrote in, and the site was off and running. I hadn’t planned on this becoming my full-time occupation—when I started, I didn’t even know the word apologetics—yet God has graciously blessed the endeavor, and now, thirty years later, I’m still engaging with people all around the world online and in many different formats! It is truly and only by God’s leading and grace that I’ve been able to do what I do, and through His blessing I can continue to do so! I’m currently studying the book of Deuteronomy. There, Moses recounts to the children of Israel all the Lord has done to protect them in their wilderness wanderings. But he mostly spends his time instructing them on how to successfully establish their new kingdom in the Promised Land. He tells them it is God’s land and they can have great success if they keep moving forward. That’s my attitude as well. Some of you reading this have been following the ministry since its inception. Others are new to the newsletter. I’m incredibly excited not only to celebrate thirty years of ministry but, more importantly, to see what the Lord is going to do this year. It’s the growth of His kingdom that interests me the most, and while marking the faithfulness of God through the trials and challenges of the past is important, continuing to be faithful to His call is even more important. I simply cannot wait to see what God does next and how His faithfulness will be shown. MINISTRY UPDATE One of the areas I truly enjoy is the in-person time I get to meet and interact with Christians at various speaking events as well as our Dare to Defend conferences. I’m discussing possibly three conferences this year at different venues and covet your prayers for these. It would be so exciting to bring top-tier Christian speakers to audiences across different parts of the country. Do you know of a church in your area that may be able to host one of these events? Get in touch! And if you want to experience what a D2D conference is like, you can buy access to stream any of the prior events. See https://www.comereason.org/daretodefend/ for a list of speakers and topics. HELP ME HELP YOU! Do you have a winter event coming up at your church, or would you like your group to hear more about how to better understand the times and share their faith? Now’s the time to reach out! I have several openings for winter months, and I’d love to come out and talk to your congregation or group, large or small! Get in touch (just reply to this email), and I can even supply you with ideas and some of the most popular talks I’ve given. I’d love to add you to our schedule! FINANCIAL UPDATE First, I want to thank all my supporters so much for standing with me these past decades. (Decades? shudder I’m old!) Without you, this ministry simply could not exist. I’m basically a missionary, seeking to evangelize those who are neighbors, family, co-workers—people with whom we associate daily and who are desperately held captive by the lies of the enemy and this world’s deceptions. But as I seek to reach them, I need other faithful friends who are willing to stand together with me in those efforts. It is an unfortunate truth that as the costs of ministry keep rising, the need for more support rises as well. Last year we had a slight budget shortfall. I want not only to meet our budget this year but also to be able to grow the ministry without worrying about how to pay for it. Your gift, no matter the size, can help this ministry move forward. Just visit https://www.comereason.org/support/ to make a New Year’s gift today. In an upcoming newsletter, I will let you know more about how we will mark this thirtieth anniversary of ministry. Until then, please feel free to write and let me know how I can pray for you! Blessings, Lenny The Gospel That Toppled Empires (and Confronts Culture Today) The book of Romans wasn’t written in a vacuum—it was delivered into the heart of a divided, hostile empire. Long before Rome persecuted Christians, Paul sent a letter that would redefine faith, grace, politics, and morality. In this episode, we explore Romans 1:1–7, the explosive power of the gospel, and why its message still confronts cultural chaos, identity politics, and moral confusion today. From Nero to now, Romans refuses to be tamed. Watch ➤ Is James Gunn’s Superman Still a Moral Hero? Superman has always stood for more than power. He’s represented restraint, sacrifice, and a vision of the good. But in a culture that no longer agrees on moral truth, even our heroes are being redefined. In this episode, we’ll compare James Gunn’s new iteration of Superman with earlier portrayals, uncover the philosophy shaping modern storytelling, and explore what all of this means for people of faith engaging culture today. Watch ➤ Why Everyone Loves Christmas (Even Atheists) — The Power They Can’t Escape While Christmas may have been co-opted and commercialized, since the roots of its modern incarnation, the core of the holiday and those celebratory aspects lie in the Gospel story. There’s simply no escaping the wonder of Emmauel: God with Us. As Christians we don’t have to shun the trappings of 21st century Christmas, but we must emphasize the transformative nature of the nativity and leverage it to transform ourselves, our communities, and our world. Watch ➤ Is There More Than One Genesis Account of Creation? In studying creation accounts, many skeptics will claim that The Bible holds two different creations accounts - the six days of Genesis 1 and a different version in Genesis 2. Are these accounts contradictory? Read More ➤ Yes, Jesus Existed! Even Romans Outside the Bible Wrote About Him Are the Bible writers unreliable when it comes to Jesus's lie and ministry? For the "Jesus is a Myth" types, they like to charge that Jesus never really did exist. They tell he was made up by those in the early church to gain adherents. Yet, even Jesus's enemies mention him in their writings. Read more ➤ Upcoming Speaking Events: The Responsibility of Service January 18, 2026 The Church Family Fellowship 4130 Adams Street Riverside, CA 92504 Details ➤ So Close and Yet So Far February 22, 2026 The Church Family Fellowship 4130 Adams Street Riverside, CA 92504 Details ➤ Seeing is Believing March 1, 2026 The Church Family Fellowship 4130 Adams Street Riverside, CA 92504 Details ➤ SUPPORT COME REASON

© 2026 Come Reason Ministries PO Box 20527 Riverside, CA 92516-0527 || www.comereason.org