Theology On The Go

Author and Greenville Seminary professor Ryan McGraw sits down with James and Jonathan today to discuss his latest book, A Mystery Revealed: 31 Meditations on the Trinity. In this book, Ryan offers a fresh perspective on how the Trinity forms the foundation for everything from evangelism to corporate worship. The 31 daily meditations help bring this heavenly doctrine down to earth for the average Christian to experience. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of Ryan’s book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.   Show Notes: Dr. McGraw recommended this book on the Holy Spirit by Fred Sanders: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-holy-spirit-tpb-2/

In this episode, Jonathan and James are joined by their close friend and Mortification of Spin podcast host, Carl Trueman. They dive into a discussion of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, a book by John Owen that Carl considers the #1 book on justification. He has such high regard for it that he wrote an introductory essay for the latest edition published by Reformation Heritage Books. Listen in to discover more about Owen, why he wrote a book on justification, and why his writing is still relevant.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.

What is the chief end of man? Many of us can recite the answer from memory. For centuries, the Westminster Shorter Catechism has helped Christians, young and old, know their “chief end.” Today, James and Jonathan are joined by William Boekestein, co-author of a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. In a year’s worth of Lord’s days, this valuable new resource is excellent for individual and family use for all who desire to “glorify and enjoy God forever.” Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of this new devotional by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew Miller, thanks to the generosity of Reformation Heritage Books.

James and Jonathan are joined by Chris Castaldo today to discuss his new book, The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes. In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. How can we cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes, Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of The Upside Down Kingdom, thanks to our friends at Crossway Books.  

Most pastors understand that prayer is an essential element of pastoral calling. Yet, many struggle to devote consistent time and affection to this sacred means of grace. David Irving sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his new book, Devote Yourself to Prayer: A Call to Pastors, in which he seeks to motivate his fellow pastors to pray more for their people and their labors and delight in this vital discipline.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of David’s book, thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.  

One of the central tenets of the Reformed faith, the perseverance of the saints, is not a belief held by all Christians, but it should be, argues Jonathan Master. James and Jonathan sit down to discuss this vital doctrine and what it does – and does not mean. What exactly is the perseverance of the saints? Does it give us license to sit back and rest on our laurels? If not, how do we participate in our growth as believers?  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of the classic work Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray, available thanks to Eerdmans Publishing. 

Nathan Eshelman, author of I Have a Confession: The What and Why of the Westminster Confession of Faith, joins James and Jonathan on the podcast to discuss the importance of creeds and confessions. Focusing on The Westminster Confession of Faith, Nathan argues that, understood rightly, historic creeds can help us find a church that promotes right thinking about the Bible, encourage unity with truth, protect us from error, and help us proclaim the good news. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of Nathan’s new book, I Have a Confession, courtesy of Crown and Covenant Publishing.   Show Notes: Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

James and Jonathan sit down with long-time friend and highly esteemed theologian G.K. Beale to discuss his latest book, Union with the Resurrected Christ. Union with Christ is an important theological and practical concept that has received considerable attention in recent years. But not much consideration has been given to this union and its benefits in light of Jesus' resurrection and ascension…until now. Tune in as Dr. Beale shares highlights from the book and explains some important practical applications for everyday Christian living. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of G.K. Beale’s book, courtesy of Baker Academic. Show Notes: Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

James and Jonathan are joined by Ryan Anderson, author of When Harry Became Sally—a book on responding to transgenderism that was banned by Amazon. On this episode, Ryan discusses his new book, Tearing Us Part: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, co-written with pro-life journalist Alexandra DeSanctis. So far, the book is still available for purchase. Tune in for this fascinating conversation about the catastrophic failure—social, political, legal, and personal—of legalized abortion. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of their book, courtesy of Regnery Publishing.   Show Notes https://www.amazon.com/Tearing-Us-Apart-Abortion-Everything/dp/1684513502 Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

What are angels? How are they different from God, and how are they different from humans? How should we think about angels and demons, and how do they impact our lives? James and Jonathan discuss this fascinating and oft-misunderstood topic today in anticipation of the Gap Bible Series seminar at which James will be speaking in October, where he will cover this subject in greater depth.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of C.S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters.   Show Notes To register for the Gap Bible Series seminar in Lancaster, PA, click here: https://www.alliancenet.org/gapcenter

Gary Schnittjer is back on the podcast to discuss his most recent book, Old Testament Narrative Books: The Israel Story, a survey of the histories of the Hebrew kingdoms. Gary's book expertly ties these Old Testament narratives to the overarching theme of redemption throughout the Bible. Tune in to hear James and Jonathan chat with their old friend and newly-crowned honorary co-host of Theology on the Go.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of Gary Schnittjer’s latest book, courtesy of B&H Academic.

James and Jonathan sit down with William Varner to discuss his new book about the Apostolic Fathers— Christian writers of the 1st and 2nd centuries who knew or were associated with the New Testament apostles. William argues that there is great value in studying and understanding the writings of Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, and others. Tune in and find out why.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of William Varner’s book, courtesy of our friends at T&T Clark Publishing.

Mack Tomlinson sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his latest book, The Indomitable Brainerds: The Gospel Legacy of David and John Brainerd’s Mission to the Indians. David Brainerd’s missionary efforts among the Native Americans of colonial North America are legendary, but how many people know that David’s brother John devoted decades of his life to continue this mission? Mack Tomlinson tells the inspiring story of the Brainerd brothers’ unconquerable faith in God and how their relentless mission work accomplished more for Native Americans than any other individual or organization at that time.  Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of Mack Tomlinson’s book, courtesy of our friends at Reformation Heritage Book.

Christopher Wright joins Jonathan and James to discuss his latest book, An Island of Grace: Redeeming Love in the Book of Ruth. This well-loved book of the Bible exemplifies kindness and everyday grace as the residents of the town of Bethlehem care for one another. But it is much more. It is also a picture of the redeeming work of Jesus Christ for all of His people. Christopher explains that drinking deeply from Ruth will be a balm for your soul in this present age. Crown & Covenant has provided a few copies of Christopher Wright’s book for our listeners. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy.   Show Notes This podcast has been sponsored by SBTS. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

Decision Making and the Will of God How can we know God’s will for our lives and make responsible decisions? Why does decision-making and discerning the will of God seem so difficult? Jonathan and James tackle a topic that impacts every one of us, whether we’re making big, life-changing decisions or the seemingly less significant choices we face daily.  Banner of Truth has provided a few copies of the classic work by John Flavel, The Mystery of Providence, for our listeners. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy.   Show Notes This podcast has been sponsored by SBTS. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE. 

Today, Jonathan and James sit down with Bruce McClellan to discuss his latest book about Samuel Rutherford of Anwoth. Rutherford was an accomplished man—a university scholar, defender of the Reformed faith, and prolific author. But Bruce shares that Rutherford’s first love was preaching the gospel and shepherding the Lord’s people. Register here for the opportunity to win a copy courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.  Show Notes This podcast has been sponsored by SBTS. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE. 

Most people are familiar with the well-known hymns “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts. But Britt Stokes joins Jonathan and James on the podcast to share how Watts was more than just an accomplished hymn writer―he was a dedicated pastor-scholar pursuing sincere Christian devotion among the people of God. Register here for the opportunity to win one.    Show Notes Britt recommends these books by Isaac Watts: A Guide to Prayer Discourses on the Love of God The World to Come

To the Judicious and Impartial Reader James Renihan is back on the podcast to discuss his latest book with James and Jonathan, To the Judicious and Impartial Reader, an exposition of what is popularly known as the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. Dr. Renihan shines welcomed light on this important confession of faith that churches around the world have used for almost 350 years and still encourages and guides believers today. Thanks to Founders Press for providing three giveaway copies of Dr. Renihan’s book for our listeners. Congratulations to our winners -- Mona J. from Butler, KY, Aiden M. from Temple, TX, and Michael A. from Covington, KY!

The fear of God is essential to what it means to be a believer, yet there seems to be a modern aversion to this often misunderstood theme. Tune in as James and Jonathan talk to long-time friend Keith Plummer as he shares the security and courage that the fear of the Lord is intended to give to God’s people and how an appropriate fear of God is a delight and will result in a diminished fear of man.  Our friends at Reformation Heritage Books provided two copies of the classic book, Triumphing Over Sinful Fear, by John Flavel for a giveaway. The winners of the drawing are David L. from Arden, NC and Melinda M. from Turlock, CA. Congratulations!

What exactly do the terms Reformed and Reformed theology mean? Defining them is more challenging than it sounds. But in his latest book, Reformed Theology, our very own Jonathan Master has provided an excellent resource for anyone who wants a well-rounded and concise overview of these terms. Tune in as host James and guest Jonathan discuss what makes Reformed theology distinctive and how its specific doctrines apply to everyday life. Our friends at P&R Publishing provided three giveaway copies of Jonathan's book. The winners of the drawing were Todd O. from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Craig F. from Aubrey, TX, and Femi O. from Barre, VT.