Theology On The Go

God Without Passions What do we mean when we say that God is without passion…that He’s indifferent to His creation? Is God moved by anyone or anything? How should we handle the difficult Bible passages that seem to contradict the doctrine of impassibility?   Sam Renihan is a pastor at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, CA, and adjunct faculty member of IRBS Theological Seminary. Sam joins Jonathan and James to discuss his ever-relevant 2015 publication, God without Passions - A Primer. As a pastor, Sam guarantees that there are practical personal applications, as well as pastoral implications, for the doctrine of impassibility.  As James puts it: God without Passions – A Primer is the most accessible, yet orthodox introduction to the doctrine of divine impassibility you’ll find. Listen to learn why!   Show Notes  IRBS Theological Seminary Reformed Baptist Academic Press We’re pleased to give away a few copies of God without Passions - A Primer. Register for the opportunity to win a free one!

Divine Knowledge Jonathan and James share an informal conversation about the knowledge of God.  What are we really saying when we claim that God knows all things? What’s the scope of God’s knowledge? Is God continuously learning everything at the moment it happens?  James affirms that God is “uneducated”—what does he mean by that? Join us for another mind-expanding episode of Theology on the Go!  

Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? Michael Morales, professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, joins us on the podcast to discuss his latest work, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? Who is able to approach God’s presence? This investigative study examines the book of Leviticus and the Regulative Principle of Worship, with a focus on Psalm 15 and Psalm 24. Michael shows the significance of the “Mountain of the Lord” in the New and Old Testaments and how the priestly sacrifice offered to bridge the chasm between God and man plays out in the book of Leviticus and throughout the New Testament.

Theoretical-Practical Theology Vol. II 17th-century Reformed theologian Petrus Van Mastricht wrote a comprehensive treatment of theoretical-practical theology. This extensive collection is gradually being made available in English by Todd Rester, lead translator of this massive work. The second volume, Faith in the Triune God, was released this year. Todd is an associate professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.   Listen as Jonathan, James, and Todd discuss the priority and value Mastricht gave to the practical and pastoral aspect of theology in training church members—especially, new ones.

All Things for Good  James and Jonathan remove the dust from the cover of a classic book that’s played a big role in their lives. All Things for Good, formerly known as A Divine Cordial by Thomas Watson was originally published in 1663, and it reads as a series of sermons or expositions of Romans 8:28. Throughout the book, Watson offers reflections on the two greatest difficulties he faced in pastoral ministry: To make the wicked sad and the godly joyful.  Listen as Jonathan and James discuss the biblical and doctrinal muscle strength All Things for Good offers for whatever trials one might be going through.   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of All Things for Good. The books are a gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

Banner of Truth: A Conversation with Mark Johnston Mark Johnston is the pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cardiff, Wales. Mark also writes for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals on the Place for Truth website, has authored several books, and serves on the board of Banner of Truth Trust. Johnston joins Jonathan and James to talk a bit about the work of Banner; how it started and a few of its first publications.   What distinguishes Banner of Truth from other fine publishers? This conversation covers recommendations for beginners, Banner Mini Guides, and what’s in the pipeline: works addressing Christian living, use of the Psalms, church history, and more. Show Notes Martyn Loyd Jones Iain Murray H. Murray Robert Murray M’Cheyne John G. Paton’s Autobiography The Puritan Paperbacks Banner Mini Guides The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, along with Banner of Truth are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a copy of one of the Banner Mini Guides. Register!!  

From Shadow to Substance What is Federal Theology? Sam Renihan joins our hosts to address this very question. Sam is a pastor at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, CA and author of From Shadow to Substance: the Federal Theology of the English Particular Baptists.   Is it fair to say that Federal theology was the theology of the post-reformation English Puritan? If so, how? Sam focuses his attention on the distinctive features of Federal Theology among particular Baptists, their place in the 17th century literature, and the implications of departing from the English social institutions of long-held beliefs. Show Notes ·  Theologian Casper Olevian ·  Theologian John Cameron ·  Minister Benjamin Cox  ·  Unity and Continuity in Covenantal Thought by Andrew Woosley ·  The Covenantal Theology of John Spilsbery by Matthew Bingham ·  The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault  ·  Divine Rule Maintained: Anthony Burgess, Covenant Theology, and the Place of the      Law in reformed S

No Place for Truth Jonathan and James are discussing a book that influenced both of them decades ago. Why would they be talking about it now, and what is the book’s relevance for today?  25 years ago, David Wells wrote No Place for Truth, a microscopic analysis of how the purpose of the church and of pastoral ministry was shifting. Wells recounts a few responses from church members at large and theology students alike about what they thought really mattered in ministry. What was the thinking of the time, and how does it influence ministry today? Don’t miss this important conversation! We’d like to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of this timeless book No Place for Truth by David Wells. Register!  

Pastoral Visitation Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, CA, visits with Jonathan and James to talk about his journey from pragmatism to conviction. Chad gives us his background, and tells us who the Lord has used to change his ministry, and how God did so! Chad discusses his relationship with his congregation through pastoral visitations, and how those encounters impact his own preaching.  The pastor describes his “out of body” experience as he was convicted to obey the biblical mandate to perform this duty, and details the benefits he’s been reaping since he started the practice. Show Notes  ·  Radius International ·  John Calvin’s Commentary on the book of Acts 20:20 ·  John Owen Vol 16, chapter 5  ·  Articles on Pastoral Visitation by Banner of Truth  We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Elder and His Work by David Dickson, courtesy of the P&R Publishing team. Register!

Simonetta Carr joins Jonathan and James today. She opens up about very difficult times in her life, during which she dealt with schizophrenia in her family, which would ultimately claim her son.  In Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them, Simonetta recounts her experience as she learned much about schizophrenia and its forms of treatment, while she and her family experienced the love and support of their church community. Listen to this heartfelt conversation filled with sadness, as well as joy in the Lord, hope, and great encouragement. Thanks to our friends at P&R Publishing, we’re able to offer a few copies of Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them. Register for the opportunity to win one!!

Aquinas Among the Protestants Should Protestants read and engage with anything written by Thomas Aquinas? David VanDrunen sits in with Jonathan and James to talk about a book he co-edited with Manfred Svensson, titled Aquinas Among the Protestants. David is the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary in California.  In this episode, David talks about Aquinas’ interest in Aristotelian philosophy…how early reformers viewed him…and some of his valuable contributions. How relevant, if at all, is Thomas Aquinas for the present day?   We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Aquinas Among the Protestants. Click here to register. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Wiley-Blackwell. 

How Then Shall We Feel? In the house today is Dr. Keith Plummer. He’s a professor of a variety of topics related to pastoral ministry, apologetics, and spiritual formation at Cairn University. The topic of our conversation is the place that feelings or emotions have in the life of a Christian. How are our feelings to be shaped? Can emotional responses be right or wrong? If so, can they be directed? Keep listening for the answers.  

Grace Worth Fighting For To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Canons of Dort, Daniel Hyde has written Grace Worth Fighting For: Recapturing the Vision of God’s Grace in the Canons of Dort. Hyde’s work is a reminder for us to protect and proclaim the Gospel of grace. Danny is the pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in CA…adjunct instructor, prolific author…and the editor of Meet the Puritans, a ministry of the Alliance. Bonus material: In an impressive “Twitter-sized” version sprinkled with a Dutch accent, Hyde provides a synopsis of what Dort was all about, and how both sides were defining grace. Show Notes About Danny Hyde We are giving away a few copies of Grace Worth Fighting For. Register for an opportunity to win! The books are a generous gift from our friends at The Davenant Institute.

The Identity and Attributes of God Jonathan and James have the pleasure of speaking with Terry Johnson. Terry is the senior pastor of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA, and the author of several books including his latest, The Identity and Attributes of God by Banner of Truth. What was initially meant to be a small sermon series on the attributes of God, turned into 82 sermons, and eventually this helpful book. Why the need to know God and His attributes? Do we currently neglect the study of God? How does knowing God help us make daily decisions? Listen as Terry challenges us to delve into the study of God by feasting on spiritually rich books by Puritan Stephen Charnock and others. Show Notes Reformed Worship by Terry Johnson Worshipping With Calvin by Terry Johnson Stephen Charnock Thomas Boston Thomas Brooks The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall

Paul, Paton, and Missions Paul Schlehlein joins in today all the way from South Africa to talk about the life of one of the great Scottish missionaries of the 19th century, John G. Paton. Paul has written a biography of Paton, published by Banner of Truth, which features practical applications for the 21st century lay Christian. Schehlein tells us how the life of John G. Paton played a role in his decision to venture into the mission field, and how it shaped Paul’s approach to mission ministry. What were some of the challenges that John G. Paton faced in the mission field? Are the doctrines of grace a damper or booster to evangelism? Show Notes About Paul Schlehlein Between Two Cultures by Paul Schlehlein   John G. Paton’s Autobiography We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of John G. Paton’s biography by Paul Schlehlein. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

Christians Heresies 101 Today’s conversation might “trigger” you with some pretty big words…but there’s nothing to worry about. Jonathan and James are willing to break them down and carefully explain what they mean. What are “heresies?” The duo discusses the historical definition of the word, and gives us an introduction to some of the most famous heresies in church history.

Theoretical-Practical Theology One admirer has said that Petrus Van Mastricht’s works were the best thing ever written in any language, short of the Bible itself. That is indeed a high compliment! Jonathan and James have invited Dr. Joel Beeke to talk about the translation of Mastricht’s Theoretical-Practical Theology Vol. 1 that was published this past year. Is there a need for another translation of a 17th century reformed theology work? What is the four-pronged approach that Mastricht uses in his writings? Dr. Beeke tells us what distinguishes Mastricht’s work, and why it’s useful for pastors, students of theology, and the lay Christian. Show Notes About Joel Beeke The Dutch Reformed Translation Society Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we can offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Theoretical-Practical Theology. Register now!  

Some Influential Preachers Jonathan and James share today about the preachers who have the greatest influence on their personal lives and ministry, and the qualities that make these preachers so remarkable. Whether a Baptist, Presbyterian, or Anglican minister, there is much in common between Jonathan and James’ favorite picks. Listen in to identify what makes for faithful Biblical preaching. Show Notes ·  James Montgomery Boice ·  Richard Charles “Dick” Lucas ·  Martyn Lloyd Jones ·  John MacArthur ·  Sinclair Ferguson ·  Albert Martin We’re giving away a Discipleship Teaching Series with several outstanding teachers. Everyone can download using the coupon code 1903Disciple. Coupon expires May 31, 2019. Find thousands of resources from faithful biblical preachers at ReformedResources.org  

Obedience and Submission  The eternal submission of the Son to the Father in the Godhead has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. After the internet debate of 2016, Glenn Butner was motivated to conduct a thorough investigation into the topic. Glenn has summarized his findings on the pages of The Son Who Learned Obedience, and he’s in today to talk about the importance of differentiating the person from the being of Christ. Learn of the implications for our salvation, justification, and sanctification if one affirms the eternal submission of the Son (ESS) to the Father.      Show Notes About Glenn Butner Trinity Debate Timeline Thanks to our friends at PickWick Publications, we are able to offer some free copies of The Son Who Learned Obedience. Register for the opportunity to win one!

Reformed Preaching: Biblical, Doctrinal, and Practical Joel Beeke is a prolific author, professor, and president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He’s also the pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, MI. Beeke recently published Reformed Preaching: Proclaiming God’s Word from the Heart of the Preacher to the Heart of His People, which is the topic of today’s conversation. Joel tells us why—for a long time—he wanted to write this book. He shares the distinctives of Reformed preaching, and explains what he means by “experiential preaching” by citing a few examples from the past. How can one preach experientially, and speak to the hearts of both believers and unbelievers in one single sermon? Dr. Beeke offers a satisfying answer! Register for the opportunity to win a copy of Joel Beeke’s book, Reformed Preaching: Proclaiming God’s Word from the Heart of the Preacher to the Heart of His People. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at Crossway.