Theology On The Go

COVID Repentance  Peter VanDoodewaard is the pastor of Covenant Community Church in Taylors, SC. He’s in-house today to chat about an article he’s written for Reformation21.org titled Covid-19 Repentance. Peter's piece combines a reflection on the Old Testament minor prophets with the unprecedented sequence of events that followed the first COVID-19 lockdown in March. At issue: the speed at which the Church Global ceased to meet for worship by government order.  Could the coronavirus pandemic be interpreted as a judgment from God like those found in the Old Testament? Regardless of the answer to that sobering question, shouldn’t we be paying closer attention? Are there lessons to be learned, and repentance to be sought before God? Peter’s words give us much to consider! We are giving away free download of the plenary sessions of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology titled Profaning the Sacred: Beauty and Holiness of the Bride of Christ by speakers like Michael Horton, Richard Phillips, Phil Johnso

The Story Retold  Benjamin Gladd is the associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. He joins James and Jonathan to discuss The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament, his recently published book co-written with G.K. Beale. No ordinary work, Ben enthusiastically tells us what’s so distinct about this project. Reformed theology is at the center of it all, connecting the Old and New Testaments into one, big redemptive story. Written at a popular level and geared toward college students—all will benefit from this rich study.  Show Notes  ·  According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible by Graeme Goldsworthy ·  An Introduction to the New Testament by D.A. Carson and Douglas Moo ·  From Adam and Israel to the Church by Benjamin Gladd ·  Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by Beale and Carson  Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of the Story Retold. The books are a generous gift from our frien

Pastors and Polemics  Jonathan and James bring up a timeless topic facing pastors of every generation—most especially, today. Polemical debates and arguments rage in the streets, online, even from the pulpit. But, should pastors be involved, and—if so—to what extent?    Could engaging in polemics actually be one of the duties of a pastor? Should all polemics be discussed behind closed doors, or are there instances when certain issues must be addressed publicly? The apostle Paul posits guidelines about the manner in which polemics are to be conducted. We are offering you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Greatest Fight in the World. Register! The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

Every Day Matters  Brandon Crowe is the associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, and the author of several books—most of them on the theology of the Old Testament. This time, he’s written a book on productivity, which piqued our curiosity. In the past decade or so, Crowe has heard through his students’ innumerable prayer requests for time management to balance family life, church, work, school, etc. Brandon identifies with his students, as he’s had to learn how to do the same in his personal life as well.  In a market inundated with productivity books, there was still a need for one written from a biblical perspective. What is distinct about this book, and why does Reformed theology matter regarding productivity? Tune in to Theology on the Go for a productive conversation! We have a few copies of Every Day Matters to give away. Register for the opportunity to win a free one. The books come courtesy of Lexham Press.

The Doctrine of Angels  Jonathan and James tackle a topic somewhat underemphasized in Reformed circles, and—perhaps—overemphasized elsewhere. Should we give more attention to angels? What are the benefits of studying the few verses in Scriptures that address these holy and glorious creatures?  Angels are certainly a display of God’s creative power, but what is their purpose, and how do they relate to us? The discussion doesn’t begin and end here; our hosts promise more comprehensive conversations in the near future.  We’re giving away a few copies of Satan Cast Out: A Study in Biblical Demonology. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

With All Your Heart Dr. Craig Troxel is professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California and James’ former pastor.  Craig visits the podcast to discuss his recently written book, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will toward Christ.  When Scripture mentions the word heart, to what is it referring? Some view the heart as a “gut feeling;” others believe the heart to be the seat of all emotions. Dr. Troxel explains that the Bible portrays the heart as the governing center of life, and outlines principles for orienting our hearts to love and obey God.  

Historical Collections of the Past  A socially-distanced Caleb Cangelosi joins Jonathan and James via Zoom. Caleb is the senior pastor at Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, MS, and the founder of Log College Press—the topic of our conversation today. Log College Press is a publishing company and free online library that seeks to collect and reprint historic Christian texts, especially from 18th and 19th century American Presbyterian writers. With approximately 6000 works by over 900 authors in its free PDF library, Caleb enthusiastically shares with us the broad appeal the resources offer to all.  Show Notes  ·  Explore the Resources of Log College Press ·  A Forty-Three Year Pastorate in a Country Church by C.W. Grafton ·  Various devotional writings by William Swan Plumer ·  Discourses of Redemption by Stuart Robinson ·  Aging in Grace: Letters to Those in the Autumn of Life by Archibald Alexander

Walking with God Jonathan and James have the pleasure of speaking with Rhett Dodson today. He’s the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Hudson, OH. Pastor Dodson was scheduled to speak at the Banner of Truth East Coast Ministers’ Conference this month, had the event not been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Communion with God would have been the topic of Rhett’s talks at the conference, and that subject piques the interest of Jonathan and James. What does it mean to walk with God and how does it express itself in times of difficulty? Can the walking imagery also relate to the Christian’s pilgrimage in this life with all its ups and downs? Rev. Dodson shares some resources that have been helpful to him in understanding what it means to commune with God biblically and in the personal Christian walk.  Show Notes  ·  Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos ·  The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson ·  Graeme Goldsworthy ·  Communion with God by John Owen ·  Marching to Zion: Ancient Psalms for Mo

Fear Podcast  Jonathan and James lead a timely conversation about fear. As we all grapple with a viral pandemic—and the social isolation, anxiety, and economic uncertainty it can bring--fear can creep in, bringing with it hopelessness and even despair.   How must Christians respond when the world is struggling with such unusual and difficult times? Our hosts ponder both the negative and the positive connotations of the word fear, discussing the danger of crossing from a proper concern of looking after one’s well-being into a state of irresolvable anxiety. What is the prescribed antidote for fear?   We would like to offer you the opportunity to win a copy of a great resource: A Small Book for the Anxious Heart. Register! The copies are a courtesy of New Growth Press.  

Hugh Martin was a 19th century Scotsman and distinguished mathematician who became a minister of the gospel. As he battled mental health issues, Martin’s last 20 years of life were marked by writing--sermons, essays, and letters--as well as some occasional preaching. Sinclair Ferguson joins Jonathan and James to talk about Martin’s book, Christ Victorious, and give us a wider scope of Hugh Martin’s life and ministry. How did Martin’s mathematical and analytical mind serve him in his approach to theology? Join us for this intriguing conversation. Works by Hugh Martin Christ Victorious Christ For Us The Shadow of Calvary Simon Peter Free download of The Atonement: In Its Relations to the Covenant, the Priesthood, The Intercession of our Lord

Doctrinal Introduction: Perseverance of the Saints Jonathan and James have a chat about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. The Christian race isn’t always easy, which sometimes may cause us to wonder whether we’ll finish well. What assurance do we have that our running is not in vain and that we’ll finish the course? What’s the role of grace in the perseverance of the saints, and is there any work to be done on our part?  Our hosts review a few of God’s promises in this regard and the purposeful tension that exists between those promises and God’s commands.    Show Notes  ·  Canons of Dort heading 5 ·  2 Corinthians 4:7 ·  John 6 ·  Philippians 2:13    

Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ   Jonathan and James are joined by Alan Strange. Alan is professor of church history at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The question is posed: How important is the doctrine of the active obedience of Christ? The resulting conversation deals not only with the biblical text, but with the historical aspect of the doctrine as well. Is there more to the doctrine than “Christ died for our sins”? What are some of the great truths attached to this statement? What’s the relationship between our law keeping and justification?  We have a few copies of Alan’s book, Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ in the Westminster Standards. Register for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.

Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals What do evangelicals need to retrieve, and why? Gavin Ortlund is pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai, California.  He joins James and Jonathan to talk about his book--Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals--and to answer these questions, and others. Some church history and tradition have been forgotten or neglected by many modern Christians…in part, for lack of knowledge of their importance. Gavin believes that we still have a lot to learn from the early and medieval church, and he calls for a balance on tradition and the authority of Scripture. We have a few copies of Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals for giveaway. Register for the opportunity to win one!

Ministering With a Clear Conscience  Why does Paul emphasize clearness of conscience in regard to one’s ministry? James defines “conscience”, expands on its dual function, and talks about how it often speaks against our will.  The hosts discuss the fallibility of the conscience, and how it can—at times—prevent us from enjoying a fruitful spiritual walk. So, what determines the standard of conscience, and how is it applied? Can a guilty conscience in ministry be a good thing, and—if so—to what extent?  We are giving away a copy of Christ Victorious, Selected Writings of Hugh Martin. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy. The book is a complimentary gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

Jonathan and James are happy to introduce our listeners to another great book written by Benjamin Shaw, who—for many years—was professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary…but recently took a position as Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College in Orlando, FL. The book’s title is Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World, and in it, Shaw describes Ecclesiastes as a big dose of realism without rose-colored glasses.    What contributions does the book of Ecclesiastes make to our understanding of the world? How do we apply this book to our lives, and how does Dr. Shaw “break it up” for his readers?   We are pleased to be giving away a few copies of Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World. Register for the opportunity to win one of them. They’re a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

Foundations of Covenant Theology  Jonathan and James are very excited to introduce Lane Tipton. He’s fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Reformed Forum, and pastor of Trinity OPC church in Easton, PA. Lane has assembled an outstanding video series for the Forum titled Foundations of Covenant Theology, which he passionately calls “the history of heaven”. In this series, Lane seeks to ask (and answer) the question, How does the primal history from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:2 provide a foundational interpretive lens for understanding Adam in the covenant of works in Eden? Tune in to hear about this relationship of earth to heaven.  In cooperation with Reformed Forum, we’re pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of the Foundations of Covenant Theology video series. Register! Show Notes Reformed Forum resources   

Doctrine of God and Church Discipline - Q&A  Jonathan and James answer a few listener’s questions as a follow-up to a prior episode. Our hosts address the question of how one can know if Scripture is speaking of God metaphorically or literally. How should one understand Scripture when it talks about God having body parts and emotions, such as passions and feelings? James uses the term “God’s absolute sourcehood” to establish the standard of judgment on such matters.  Shifting gears, Jonathan tackles church discipline—what it is, and what it is intended to produce. How should 1 Corinthians 5 be understood where Paul dictates “no association” with the immoral person? Listen in!  

The Newton Guy  Keith Plummer is professor at Cairn University teaching a variety of classes related to pastoral ministry, apologetics, and biblical courses. He also happens to work next door to Jonathan and James, lending a comfortable familiarity to their conversation.  Keith shares how he became interested in the life of John Newton, and how that interest affected his reading habits. What is it in Newton’s words that provides such a benefit for pastors and other readers today?  Have you considered allowing the writings of a mentor from the past to influence you? Listen to Keith’s recommendation on where to start!  Show Notes  ·  The Works of John Newton published by Banner of Truth ·  Follow Keith Plummer ·  A Guide to Godly Disputation by John Newton ·  Thoughts Upon The African Slave Trade by John Newton  We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Life of John Newton. Register! The books come courtesy of our friends at Banner of Truth.  

The First Five  Jonathan and James welcome their friend Stephen Unthank. He’s pastor of Greenbelt Baptist Church in Maryland, and a contributing writer for PlaceForTruth.org. Stephen shares his experiences as a relatively new pastor…the joys and challenges of the calling…and, how it all lined up with his expectations.  Stephen’s convictions about the ordinary means of grace and the slow, steady preaching of the Word played an important role in his first years of ministry…not to mention the uniquely gifted people God has perfectly placed to serve alongside him. Listen to Stephen’s exciting and encouraging words! Show Notes ·  Reformation of the Church by Iain Murray ·  You Lift Me Up by Al Martin ·  The Work of the Pastor by William Still   We’re pleased to give away You Lift Me Up. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy!    

Our dynamic duo brings up a topic that is usually difficult, and—many times—hard to swallow in the local church. Church leaders and congregants alike can also often misunderstand its procedure and purposes.   What is church discipline, and what does Scripture teach about it? What’s the purpose of church discipline, and what does it represent to the body of Christ? Jonathan and James answer those questions, and explain what ecclesiastical discipline is meant to protect as well.  If we say that we believe certain things about Scripture, we must back up that belief with action, drawing appropriate lines while caring for an offender. Difficult for sure, yet necessary nonetheless. Listen in!  Show Notes 1 Corinthians 5 Matthew 16 Matthew 18