Theology On The Go

Growing in Grace   As both of our hosts are respected authors and enjoy discussing a great book, it would only follow that sometimes the interviewers would become interviewees. Such is the case today as James Dolezal grills (even fillets!) Jonathan Master, concerning his book Growing in Grace: Becoming More Like Jesus.   It’s an accessible work that deals with the scriptural command for Christians to work diligently at growing in the grace and personal knowledge of the Lord. That includes walking worthy of our calling and enjoying the blessings of our salvation through the gathering together with others in the Church. Dr. Master explains how we’re called to die to sin and be enslaved to righteousness and discusses the roles humility and suffering play in the growth of every believer.   Banner of Truth graciously provided three copies of Jonathan's book for a giveaway. Congratulations to our winners: Marianne M. from Sterling Heights, MI, Dwayne S. from Cedarburg, WI, and Joe K. from Williams, AZ. 

Face to Face with God We celebrate Christ’s work as our high priest and mediator.  Is Jesus active in those roles today? And how is Jesus “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek?” Guest Desmond Alexander provides satisfying answers to these questions and others through the course of today’s conversation and with his new book, Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator. Courtesy of IVP Academic, we have a few copies of Desmond’s book to give away. To get in the running, sign up here.  

Zwingli: God’s Armed Prophet In his time, Huldrych Zwingli was a deeply polarizing figure. Though clearly a leader of the Swiss Reformation, contemporaries Martin Luther and John Calvin denied Zwingli's influence,  due in large part to his position on the Lord's Supper. Unlike his more famous critics, Zwingli would die on a battlefield in Zurich engaged in an armed defense of the Reformation in his homeland. Today’s guest Bruce Gordon is the Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Yale Divinity School and the author of many books on the Reformation. Dr. Gordon joins Jonathan and James to provide a fresh biography of the warrior prophet and a deeper appreciation of Zwingli's contribution to Reformation thought. Thanks to Yale Books, we were able to offer a copy of Gordon's book Zwingli: God's Armed Prophet. The winner was Kurt V. from Yuba City, CA.

The Fall of Satan and the Demons Today’s discussion began years ago when our hosts collaborated to create a college course on angels and demons. Today, Jonathan and James reconvene in our digital classroom and focus their discussion more specifically on the fall of the demons and their ringleader Satan. You’ll learn about the origins and specific sins of that rebellion, and how their fate differs from man’s corporate fall from grace. It’s a conversation rich with biblical truth about this unseen realm. Courtesy of Banner of Truth books, we have a few copies of Satan Cast Out by Frederick Leahy to give away. Here’s where you register.     

In the Fullness of Time   Many Christians believe that eschatology is simply a matter of understanding a future event—what will happen when Christ returns. Over the years, students of today’s guest have observed that eschatology is defined by two points—past and future—Christ’s death, resurrection, and Pentecost in the past; and continuing through the ongoing fulfillment of Christ’s promises to the end of the age.    Richard Gaffin is professor emeritus of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. His seminal courses on Paul and the book of Acts have deeply influenced many, including Jonathan and James. Dr. Gaffin offers a clear perspective on Paul’s ministry and redemptive history in his book, In the Fullness of Time: An Introduction to the Biblical History of Acts and Paul.   Crossway Books has provided a limited number of copies of In the Fullness of Time for giveaway. For an opportunity to receive one, enter here.  

Trinitarian Dogmatics It’s a question few Christians will typically entertain: how do you enjoy communion with all three persons of the Godhead in worship? Dr. Glenn Butner offers satisfying, biblical answers to many such queries in his outstanding book, Trinitarian Dogmatics: Exploring the Grammar of the Christian Doctrine of God. It’s his topic of discussion today with Jonathan and James.  Indeed, the word “Trinity” is not mentioned in Scripture. Still, the evidence for the eternal coexistence, inseparable operations, and unmistakable unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is found throughout its pages. Today’s conversation and Butner’s book help us clarify—or even “correct our grammar”—when considering this essential doctrine of God. Baker Academic has provided a few copies of the book for giveaway. Get in the running here.   

God to Us   Jonathan and James welcome Stephen Myers to the podcast. He’s associate professor of Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  Stephen explains that Covenant Theology is a wonderful, essential study. It reveals God’s character and how He binds Himself to us. It’s a helpful means of understanding how God’s other covenants are irreplaceable in the progressive unfolding of the Covenant of Grace. Myers’ book—God to Us: Covenant Theology in Scripture—explains the purpose and work of the covenant in detail so that our relationship with Him may become richer as we grow into living as His people.    We have a few copies of Stephen’s book to give away, courtesy Reformation Heritage Books. Click here to enter.  

The title of the most recent Blue Ridge Bible Conference seems an appropriate descriptor for today's episode of Theology on the Go. Jonathan and James discuss the biblical, familial, and social implications of the latest manifestation of gender dysphoria: transgenderism. Why is a decision to reject one's "sexual assignment" at birth an example of covetousness? And if, as a recent Supreme Court candidate asserted, we can't describe what a woman is because we're "not biologists," then how can anyone make such a determination about his own "perceived gender identity?"   

Jesus and the God of Classical Theism In Jonathan’s absence, James is flying solo as host, welcoming author and seminary professor Steven Duby to the podcast. Steven’s new book, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism: Biblical Christology in Light of the Doctrine of God, provides the foundation for today’s conversation and the discourse is as weighty as the book’s title suggests.  The issue is clear: do modern treatments of the person of Jesus Christ align with earlier teachings of God’s attributes such as immutability, impassibility, eternality, and the like? Duby’s excellent treatise carefully and convincingly makes the case that biblical Christology clearly affirms the divine distinctions of our Lord.  To possibly win a copy of Duby’s book, enter here. The books are provided by Baker Academic.  

Is your prayer life merely a lengthy list of requests that so often seem to go unanswered? Sarah Ivill never tires of considering the Christian’s privilege to pray directly to the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit. Equally amazing is the fact that God initiates that relationship with us, made possible by Jesus’ finished work on the cross.  You’ll hear the wonder in her voice as Sarah ponders how our prayers in eternity will consist of unceasing praise to our God. Jonathan is out and about the work of the church, so James remains to chat with Ivill about her new book, The God Who Hears: How the Story of the Bible Shapes Our Prayers. Sarah contends that, as we study prayer through the unfolding narrative of Scripture, the Covenant God to whom we pray is revealed to us. Be encouraged by today’s hopeful discussion! Register here for an opportunity to win a copy of The God Who Hears courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.    

In the Shadow of the Rock Geoff Thomas is our guest for the 200th episode of Theology on the Go. He’s a seminary professor and conference speaker who served over 50 years behind a pulpit in Aberystwyth, Wales. Geoff’s outstanding autobiography recalls the friendships gained and lessons learned over decades of ministry.   Thomas recalls (and recommends) some of his favorite Bible teachers, recounts his formative years in the pastorate, and reflects on the sheer joy of meditating on the word of God.    Wherever and whenever God has called you in ministry, learning from Geoff’s outstanding example and advice is time well spent.   For an opportunity to win a copy of In the Shadow of the Rock: An Autobiography, click here. The books are a gift from Reformation Heritage Books.  

Arminius and the Reformed Tradition Was Jacob Arminius a Reformed theologian who held to the basic tenets of Reformed soteriology? Today’s guest skillfully dissects his writings on predestination, union with Christ, justification, and more to effectively prove that Arminius’ views on salvation differed significantly from confessional norms. J.V. Fesko serves as professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and is an ordained OPC minister. Fesko is the author or editor of more than 20 helpful books on Reformed theology, justification, and other biblical topics. In conversation with Jonathan and James, the professor carefully describes Arminian positions that arguably break from Reformed traditions. To possibly win a copy of Arminius and the Reformed Tradition: Grace and the Doctrine of Salvation, sign up here. Our copies are a gift from Reformation Heritage Books.    

Calls to Worship, Invocations, and Benedictions Pastors and worship leaders recognize the significance of every liturgical element in the organization of a worship service. Today’s guest offers both a guide to Scripture-filled worship and some historical background on the use of these all-important elements. Ryan Kelly is an associate professor of music at West Chester University, and—as an experienced church musician and organist—he’s also director of music at Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, PA. Ryan’s new book provides hundreds of calls to worship, invocations, and benedictions and over one hundred optional congregational responses, along with seasonal and topical suggestions for worship planning which combine to make his book an invaluable practical resource for worship leaders. For an opportunity to win Calls to Worship, Invocations, and Benedictions, register here. Our giveaway copies are a gift from P&R Publishing.  

The Works of God and the Fall of Man Dutch theologian Petrus van Mastricht ministered in a time much like our own. Emerging scientific methods, the politics of the day, and other 16th century issues were bringing into question accepted beliefs concerning the origins of the created order and sin. Mastricht’s masterful four-part treatment of these essential doctrines has been translated for the Church by today’s guest. Listen as church history professor Todd Rester describes Mastricht’s method for moving Scriptural text to essential doctrine that prepares his readers to live for God through Christ. We have a few copies of Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 3: The Works of God and the Fall of Man to give away. Register here for an opportunity to win, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.   

Under God, Over the People We live in an era of growing governmental interference and intervention in the life of the local church. So what is the proper Biblical relationship between the civil magistrate and the church? Our hosts reach across the pond to discuss the topic with Oliver Allmand-Smith. He’s a trustee of the International Reformed Baptist Seminary, a pastor for more than 20 years, and the author of Under God, Over the People: The Calling and Accountability of Civil Government. Allmand-Smith draws upon the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith as he defines both the calling and limitations of the civil magistrate’s authority over the local church. How should the church interact with the government? You’ll appreciate the clarity of both Scripture and the Confession on this timely topic. A free copy of Oliver’s book could be yours, courtesy of Broken Wharfe resources. Register here to win.     

The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church  Believers tend to regard our union with Christ as a merely spiritual or even mystical bond. But 16th-century Italian priest-turned-Protestant theologian Gilorama Zanchi maintained that our spiritual marriage with Jesus joins us as one flesh with the Savior.   Patrick O’Banion taught history at the university level for two decades and now trains pastors and other leaders overseas. Patrick has written several books and serves as translator for Zanchi’s The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful. O’Banion explains how Zanchi’s writings as a Reformed scholastic would be foundational to the training and preparation of future pastors and theologians, asserting a Reformed perspective on union with Christ, the Trinity, and other central doctrines of the faith. To possibly win a copy of Zanchi’s The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful, click here. The copies are a gift from Reformati

On Our Bookshelves Every college professor, theologian, and pastor takes on a substantial load of book study in the daily performance of his duties. Most, however, enjoy a bit of leisure reading whenever possible, and our hard-working hosts are no exception. Today Jonathan and James discuss the books each is currently enjoying as time permits in their busy schedules.  Does Jonathan tuck a 10-pound volume on systematic theology in his suitcase, or does he partake of some “lighter” reading on the road? Is James really working through a Harry Potter “classic?” You’ll be impressed with the guys’ downtime book lists!  You can win one of the books featured in today’s discussion: Thomas Boston’s Human Nature in its Fourfold State. Register here!    

Today’s guest asserts that natural revelation is like a work of art. And what it shows us about the Artist is Natural Theology. That’s the title of David Haines’ latest book, a biblical and historical introduction and defense of an essential element of Christian theology throughout history. Haines is the assistant professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethlehem College & Seminary, an associate professor of Philosophy and Religion at VIU, a lecturer in medieval philosophy at the University of Sherbrooke, and a teaching fellow in dogmatics and philosophy with Davenant Hall. You’ll learn much about the usefulness and significance of natural theology from today’s spirited dialogue. We’d like to offer the opportunity to win a copy of Natural Theology: A Biblical and Historical Introduction and Defense. Sign up here. The books are a gift from The Davenant Press. 

Foundations of Covenant Theology Several songs of the 60s refer to man’s need to “get back to the Garden.” Lane Tipton reminds us of a much greater place: a heavenly temple made holy by the presence of the glory of the triune God. It’s the starting place for Lane’s latest book, Foundations of Covenant Theology: A Biblical-Theological Study of Genesis 1-3.  Dr. Tipton is pastor of Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA, and Fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Reformed Forum. Through the book, Tipton clarifies Jesus’ person and work and provides a fuller understanding of Sabbath rest. What was Adam’s “test?” Who would truly ascend the mountain of God? Expect an inspiring and encouraging conversation among friends. Reformed Forum has offered a few copies of the book for giveaway. Register here to win!    

Dr. Carl Trueman visits from that “other” Alliance podcast (Mortification of Spin) to discuss his latest book: Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution. More than an abridged version of his 2020 bestseller The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Trueman’s new release offers additional insights not explored in the larger work with a more accessible format designed for all readers. How can an allegiance forged online be “more real” to a young person than the actual community where he lives? When did internal feelings surpass external realities as the way we perceive the world around us? How does technology reinforce that inward focus? For those left wondering how the world arrived at its current state of identity politics, today’s conversation will prove most enlightening!  We have a few copies of Strange New World to offer as giveaways, so register to win one! The books are a gift from the publisher Crossway.