Theology On The Go

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.    

This World Is Not My Home We long for the end of the current pandemic and the opportunity to gather freely with old friends face-to-face. For now, our hosts make do with an online meeting with pastor, church planter, and author Mark Johnston. Mark has curated a series of his articles posted at PlaceForTruth.org into a compelling guidebook for pilgrims on the way entitled This World is Not My Home. Johnston reminds Christians of the nature of mankind’s redemption from Adam’s fall in Eden to its consummation in heaven and how that truth should give shape to living Christ-glorifying lives as “resident aliens” in this world.   

When you hear the title Expository Preaching, you may expect to find a “how-to” manual written for pastors. But David Strain’s contribution to the Blessings of the Faith series speaks instead to the congregation, providing a stout defense for expositional preaching in your Reformed church. David joins Jonathan and James on this episode to discuss the unique power and role of the preached Word and how God uses it in the context of gathered public worship within the local fellowship of believers. Great Bible teaching is available through various means, but your church is where God leads you in Christian growth. David’s final comments on today’s podcast will stay with you for a long time to come!  

Today Jonathan and James welcome—not just any old theologian—but an Adonis! That’s Dr. Adonis Vidu, author and associate professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. His latest book describes the Trinity and, more specifically, the doctrine of inseparable operations. Unfortunately, the Church has begun to view the Father, Son, and Spirit as three distinct beings, each with a different mission. The doctrine communicates the correct view of God as one in three Persons, operating in inseparable unity. Why is a correct view of the Trinity essential for the Church? How might an incorrect understanding of the triune Godhead affect our understanding of His divinity? Hear why Christ has always been about His Father’s work! We have a few copies of The Same God Who Works All Things: Inseparable Operations in Trinitarian Theology to give away, courtesy of Eerdmans Publishing. Register for an opportunity to win yours!  

Old Testament Use of Old Testament - Part 2 Jonathan Master and James Dolezal are beginning the new year with one of their favorite chats of 2021! So, Gary Schnittjer returns this week to conclude a fascinating and vital conversation about his book Old Testament Use of Old Testament. Released just a few months ago, the book has already proven to be an essential tool in the hands of Bible scholars, pastors, and students of theology.   One tragic issue in the Church today is that great portions of the Old Testament are viewed as "non-essential" at best or even embarrassing for Christians. Gary demonstrates why reading scripture with Old Testament authors and walking with them is crucial. He encourages pastors to not shy away from using the Old Testament to help their congregations answer the difficult questions we face today. He also guides us through the structure of his book and offers helpful suggestions for use.    We are thrilled to be able to offer our listeners one final opportunity to win a free copy

Old Testament Use of Old Testament - Part 1 NOTE: To begin the new year, Jonathan and James have chosen to repost one of their favorite interviews of 2021. This two-part conversation concludes on our next episode on 1/24/22.     Our hosts are delighted to welcome a friend and former colleague Gary E. Schnittjer. Gary joins them to discuss one of the most anticipated books of the year, Old Testament Use of Old Testament.    You’re likely familiar with how New Testament writers used the Old Testament. Gary explains that the New Testament authors modeled their interpretation based on how later Old Testament authors interpreted earlier Old Testament authors. His book is designed to help students and ministers make this connection and align their perspectives with the Old Testament authors as they study Scripture.    We’re giving away a copy of Old Testament Use of Old Testament. Register for the opportunity to win this great work published by Zondervan Academy.  

Manual of Christian Doctrine   Working in close proximity for years provided many opportunities for conversation between Jonathan and James. An annual topic of concern: choosing the theology curriculum for undergraduate students, particularly those in their first year at the university. What’s the best single-volume introduction to theology? On this, our professors would agree: Manual of Christian Doctrine, published in 1933 by theologian Louis Berkhof. Our hosts regard the book as not just an academic resource for undergraduates but also a theological manual for all Christians.   Jonathan and James discuss the manageability, accessibility, clarity, and richness of content in this early 20th-century work. Listen to their compelling argument for a work that will surely enrich every Christian’s life. We have a few copies of Manual of Christian Doctrine that we are giving away. Register for the opportunity to win a free one. The copies are a complimentary gift from Eerdmans Publishing.  

Do Calvinists believe in free will? Jonathan and James point to the Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 9 to help us tackle this turbulent topic. The Confession is very careful to qualify what it means for man to have free will while establishing the boundaries of human freedom. What does it mean to be “bound,” or to experience the loss of free will? If we affirm that man is free, well…what is man free from? What is he free for? This mind-expanding conversation will help calibrate your thinking! Show Notes ·  The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther The following listeners received a copy of The Way of Life by Charles Hodge thanks to our friends at Banner of Truth: Jonathan G. from Shippensburg, PA Mark L. from Altoona, PA Cindy B. from Borger, TX  

Jonathan and James welcome Caleb Cangelosi. He’s the senior pastor of Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, MS, and the director and curator of Log College Press, an online archive of mostly 18th and 19th century documents of American Presbyterian writings. Log College Press is a free resource offering thousands of PDFs written by more than seventeen hundred authors from all flavors of American Presbyterianism. Caleb gives us insights on what prompted him to launch the project, on how he tracks down original works, and offers a sampling of the documents that are available at Log College Press.  The growing popularity of the site gave birth to the Dead Presbyterians Society! Tune in to discover the Society’s many benefits, and to learn how you can join.  We are pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Presbyterianism: Its History, Doctrine, Government and Worship. Register now!


Though they now reside thousands of miles from one another, Jonathan and James are face-to-face today, broadcasting from the West Coast and discussing the Donatist Controversy.  In the early fourth century, the Roman emperor authorized a final wave of persecution of the Church that caused some bishops and pastors to leave their churches, while some gave in to pressure from Rome. When Constantine became emperor and stopped the persecution, the bishops who fled returned to duty and encountered their replacements. And here we have the crux of the issue. Were these returning pastors and bishops legitimate? What about those that gave in to Rome? Is the efficacy of the sacraments dependent upon the holiness of the bishop? Were the sacraments invalid if performed by an “illegitimate” bishop? Are the issues raised by the Donatist Controversy still present in the Church today?    

Chief Scottish Man Jonathan's and James' special guest is a friend with whom they share good memories. Sandy Finlayson is library director and professor of Theological Bibliography at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of Chief Scottish Man: The Life and Ministry of Thomas Chalmers.  What makes this 18th-century man such an extraordinary figure, both then and today? As a recently converted minister—and, at a very young age—Chalmers was able to diagnose the problems plaguing his parish and effectively address them. He would eventually become the leader of the Evangelical Party in the Church of Scotland, which was later to become the Free Church of Scotland. Join us as our guest recounts Chalmers' fascinating life and ministry.    We would like to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Chief Scottish Man. Sign up! The books are offered compliments of Evangelical Press.