Hello Fellow Exiles,
As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and share my vision for the future of Exiled From Eden. Though this site is still in its infancy, I’m deeply grateful for the engagement and encouragement it has already received. During the holiday season, I took a brief break from writing to recharge, a much-needed pause amidst the demands of school, work, and the weekly rhythm of creating content for EFE. Now, with the holidays behind us and a new year ahead, it’s time to dive back into our journey.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for EFE?
Demonology 101 and Beyond
We’ll continue our exploration of The Screwtape Letters in the ongoing Demonology 101 series, working toward a conclusion of C.S. Lewis’s brilliant insights into the unseen spiritual battle. Afterward, I plan to expand the scope of these posts beyond “demonology” to include a broader study of the Divine Realm. This will encompass not only demons but also angels and other spiritual beings mentioned in Scripture. While the category will remain Demonology 101 for now, I’m seeking a name that better reflects this broader focus, and I welcome your suggestions!
How to Read the Bible
The How to Read the Bible series will continue unpacking the genres and literary styles used by the biblical authors to convey God’s revelation. By understanding the cultural and historical context of their time, we can better grasp the timeless truths they communicated for us today.
Spiritual Formation 101
In Spiritual Formation 101, we’ll delve deeper into the spiritual disciplines, or “means of grace”, through which we partner with the Holy Spirit for genuine transformation. This series will continue exploring practices that nurture our faith and equip us to grow in godliness.
Tackling Relevant Topics
Additionally, I’ll post content addressing current issues and topics of interest within the church, such as the origins of holidays and the intersection of faith with contemporary culture. My goal is to provide thoughtful, biblically informed insights on matters that spark discussion and debate among believers.
Goals for 2025: Expanding and Deepening
- From Learning to Doing
This year, I aim to transition from teaching how to read the Bible to actually studying Scripture together. Once we’ve laid the groundwork through How to Read the Bible, we’ll begin a deep dive into the Book of Genesis. With fresh eyes and a better understanding of Ancient Near Eastern literature, we’ll uncover the richness of this foundational text in ways that may surprise you. - Practical Christian Living
Building on Spiritual Formation 101, I plan to tackle practical approaches to everyday challenges in Christian living. These posts will provide actionable insights to help us navigate faith in a complex and often confusing world. - Introducing Apologetics
I also hope to introduce a new series on apologetics, a field that focuses on providing reasons for the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). While it may sound intimidating, apologetics is a crucial tool for strengthening our faith and sharing it with others. - Growing the Community
One of my key goals this year is to grow the EFE community. Your comments and feedback are invaluable, and I encourage even greater participation in the discussions. By fostering engagement, I hope to present this site as a resource to my church leadership, potentially expanding its influence as a discipleship tool for the broader community.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
To everyone who has supported EFE from its “ground floor” stage, thank you. Your encouragement means more than I can express. Together, we’ll continue to explore Scripture, engage in meaningful discipleship, and grow in our walk with the Lord.
So, here’s to 2025, a year of learning, growing, and drawing closer to Christ. Stand by, because we are just getting started!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Patrick McDonnell
Author and Administrator, Exiled From Eden
Looking got to learning more this year.