Theology On The Go

Questions Women Asked (and Might Still Be Asking)   Simonetta Carr returns to the podcast to share highlights from her new book. Simonetta is a contributor at PlaceForTruth.org through her column Cloud of Witnesses and an acclaimed author known for the series Christian Biographies for Young Readers published by Reformation Heritage Books.    In her latest book, Simonetta shares the stories of women in church history, framing their biographies around important questions being raised during their lifetimes–questions pertaining to theology, philosophy, societal norms, and more. Some are still being raised today. Join Simonetta, Jonathan Master, and James Dolezal for this intriguing conversation.    We are pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Simonetta’s Questions Women Asked. Sign up! The copies are offered as compliments of Reformation Heritage Books.    

What Hath Athens to Do With Jerusalem? What does philosophy have to do with theology, the Church, and Christian doctrine? Should Christians be interested in philosophy, and—if so—why? To address these questions, Jonathan and James invited a good friend and former colleague. Bob LaRocca is an assistant professor of Liberal Arts and Science at Cairn University where he teaches Introduction to Philosophy and Apologetics. Bob sets the foundation for the discussion by defining philosophy and its purpose. What can philosophy teach us about faith that hasn’t already been addressed and explained in Scripture? In a simple but eloquent way, Bob provides an introduction as to how philosophy applies to many areas of life, whether your interests lie in politics, the environment, theology, or elsewhere. Listen in—you may discover that you’re already a philosopher! We are happy to recommend the book The Consequences of Ideas by the late R. C. Sproul and are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy. The b

Gary Schnittjer returns this week to continue the fascinating and vital conversation about his book Old Testament Use of Old Testament. Released just a few weeks ago, it 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.  If you haven’t listened to part one of this helpful conversation we encourage you to do so! We are thrilled to be able to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Old Testament Use of Old Testament. Register! The books are a generous gi

Things have shifted a bit, as James is now thriving on the West Coast while Jonathan remains in the Southeast. Regardless of the distance and time difference, both 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. Part 2 of this eye-opening conversation is coming up in our next episode! We’re giving away a few copies of Old Testament Use of Old Testament. Register for the opportunity to win this great work published by Zondervan Academy.

This week, Jonathan and James chat with Ken Golden. Ken’s a writer and contributor for reformation21.org, pastor of Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Illinois, and the author of Presbytopia and Entering God’s Rest. Today, Ken is joining us to talk about his most recent book, Eating and Drinking with God, which is an introduction to the Lord’s Supper.  Ken explores the supper as a means of grace, describes the blessings attached to it, and explains how the supper relates to the body, soul, and mind of man. Is the Lord’s Supper only a remembrance, or is there more to it? What does the supper mean in different Christian traditions? Join us for a truly enriching conversation!  We’d enjoy putting Ken’s book in the hands of a few of our listeners, so register for the opportunity to win a free copy of Eating and Drinking With God. The copies are offered compliments of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.  

Faithfulness of Christ or Faith in Christ? Jonathan and James are joined by good friend and former colleague Kevin McFadden, associate professor of New Testament at Cairn University. He is on the podcast to talk about his new book, Faith in the Son of God: The Place of Christ-Oriented Faith within Pauline Theology, an academic defense of justification by faith that carries significant implications for the lay Christian. The book is a broad study of faith in Christ in Paul’s theology, set in the context of the pistis Christou debate. Pistis Christou is a phrase that appears eight times in the Pauline letters. Because the phrase is ambiguous in the original Greek a debate has arisen among scholars as to the meaning. Why is there a debate about this term? How did it come about? What is really at stake here? Listen as Kevin makes a strong theological argument for the position the texts overwhelmingly point to.    We have a few copies of Faith in the Son of God. Register for the opportunity to win a free one. Th

Jonathan and James go guestless, discussing one-on-one the answer to Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 38 concerning the benefits believers will enjoy from Christ at the resurrection. Though we are already thoroughly blessed by our relationship with Christ, there are three distinct benefits that will be ours only when we are raised incorruptible. What is it about the bodily resurrection of believers that will “reverse the curse,” both physically and spiritually? In what ways will we be “perfectly blessed?” Don’t miss this encouraging conversation!   Show Notes Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 38    

Evangelism Around the World Jonathan and James have the privilege of speaking with Anthony Curto, professor of Missions and Apologetics at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Anthony also has extensive experience serving as a pastor, church planter, and missionary worldwide, all of which qualifies him as the ideal guest for today’s conversation.  Dr. Curto discusses his experience building a ministry “from the ground up”–quite literally laying down the bricks of a theological college's foundation before developing the curriculum, forming pastors, then helping them to plant churches. If that doesn’t sound challenging enough, imagine needing to learn the local cultural background, vocabulary, and beliefs before being able to teach the philosophy of theology to the locals! He brings a lot of valuable insight based on his experience to today’s show. Show Notes ICRC - International Conference of Reformed Churches We are pleased to be giving away a few copies of John Piper’s Let the Nations Be Glad! Regis

Confessional Subscription and the Minister’s Integrity  Today’s topic couldn’t be timelier. Jonathan and James are joined by David Strain, senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MI, to talk about David’s recent address at the Gospel Reformation Network conference on the topic of confessional subscription and why it matters. Are the confessional standards merely constitutional documents? What are some of the challenges and temptations reformed Christians--pastors in particular—face that could cause them to soften or even completely disregard their confessions? What about such pastors’ ministerial vows? Dr. Strain explains what “good faith subscription” means…follows up with what should be the acceptable exceptions for a ministerial candidate…then, closes by explaining why Christians in general should embrace confessionalism.    

Vital Churches Wendell McBurney is our special guest. He’s been dean of research at Indiana University and has done a lot of writing in academic circles. Dr. McBurney has also been a valuable member of the RPCNA—the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America for many decades. Today’s topic is his recent book related to his work as a churchman.  Vital Churches: Elder Responsibility for Their Pastors and Congregational Planning is the fruit of years of observing the reason why people in the Church do the things they do. The book examines “means” vs. “ends,” and the welfare of pastors. Should pastors be considered “professionals”? Wendell makes a case for it, explains why planning is so crucial for the health of a congregation and its pastor, and addresses some of the obstacles a congregation might encounter. How do we pass along an understanding of pastoral work to the next generation? Whatever your perspective may be, this conversation will help you become a more integral part of Christ’s Church.   We are p

R.C. Sproul, A Life  Reformation Bible College President Stephen Nichols joins Jonathan and James. Their old friend stops by to discuss the biography he’s written about pastor, teacher, and theologian R.C. Sproul. Nichols talks about his working and personal relationship with Sproul, and the wonderful experience it was to finally compile his memories and “napkin notes” into this lively book. Who was R.C. Sproul? Nichols points out some of the doctrines that were dear to Sproul’s heart, and a few of the most important stands he took through the years. Hear about R.C.’s fascinating life, including the wide range of relationships he enjoyed with everyday believers, famous golf players, even rock stars!  We’re pleased to give away copies of this great title, R.C. Sproul, A Life. Register for the opportunity to win one! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway.

Why Should You Be Acquainted with John Owen? Jonathan and James are pleased to be talking with Crawford Gribben today. He’s the professor of Early Modern British History at Queen’s University in Belfast. Gribben has written An Introduction to John Owen: A Christian Vision for Every Stage of Life, and today he shares with us why it is worth getting to know Owen.  In his book, Gribben strives to reclaim John Owen for the ordinary Christian. For many, Owen is perceived as a non-relatable, high-level Puritan intellectual concerned about the minutia of theology. Gribben is committed to revealing the pastoral side of Owen and his manner of preaching and teaching…how he dealt with the ordinary daily affairs of his congregants…and the struggles in his own personal life, including the loss of his first wife and all his ten children. What was Owen’s distinctive contribution, and how can we apply it to our lives today?  Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of An Introduction to John Owen. The books are a gene

“I Have Learned to be Content…”  The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals sponsors the Quakertown Women’s Conference in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. This year’s conference will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube May 14th and 15th, and the theme is “Contentment in Christ.” Among some very special speakers is Megan Hill. She’s a pastor’s wife, mom of four, editor and writer of numerous articles and some very helpful books including A Place to Belong and her latest, Partners in the Gospel.  Discontentment is a real heart issue and no one is immune to it. Why does it seem that the more we have, the more we desire? Can we affirm that discontentment is at the heart of every other sin? Megan has a few suggestions of practices and meditations to orient our desires and to help us cultivate thankfulness and contentment.  Resources Partners in the Gospel by Megan Hill The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs The Secret of Contentment by William Barclay The Envy of Eve by Melissa Kruger

PCRT and Praying to the Triune God   The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is renowned for its long-standing yearly conference: PCRT, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Once again, the event has been compelled to move online due to COVID restrictions. This year’s PCRT theme is Delighting in Our Triune God, the conference will be live-streamed April 28th to May 5th.   Jonathan Cruse is one of the conference speakers. He’s the pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI, and author of numerous articles and several very helpful books. Reverend Cruse will address the topic “Praying to the Triune God” at PCRT, and today we’ll enjoy a preview of that talk. Later this month, use the links below to access the conference livestream free of charge.    Show Notes    ·  Delighting in Our Triune God Conference Information   ·  Free Live Streaming on Facebook and Youtube  ·  What Happens When We Worship by Jonathan Cruse ·  The Christian’s True Identity by Jonathan Cruse    

No Creed But the Bible?   Jonathan and James welcome a very special guest today. J. V. Fesko is the Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. The Need for Creeds Today is one of Fesko’s most recent works and the topic of today’s conversation.    Fesko defines four different ways Christians view creeds, as he argues that creeds are not only a wise and helpful practice for the wellbeing of the church, but a necessity for the being of the church! What does it mean to “give the sense,” and what does it have to do with catechizing the next generations?     We are pleased to give away a few copies of Fesko’s The Need for Creeds Today. Register for the opportunity to win a free one! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Baker Academic.  

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. Today’s program was originally broadcast 7/29/19.  

The Word Became Fresh   Dale Ralph Davis has been a minister at a few traditional Reformed churches in the US. For some time, he was Old Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dale lives a much quieter life now, and is happy to chat with Jonathan and James about one of his remarkable books, entitled The Word Became Fresh - How to Preach from the Old Testament Narrative Texts.   What is it about some OT narrative texts that intimidates many from preaching through them? What would be the possible negative effects on a church that does not receive the full revelation of God’s Word, including what Davis calls these “nasty narratives?”     We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Word Became Fresh. Register! The books are a generous gift from Christian Focus Publications.  

Hypo What?   Our hosts Jonathan and James sit down together to discuss what to some may be a daunting topic—nevertheless, one that is important to get right.   Hypostatic union refers to the union of the two natures of Christ in His person. The questions then are raised: How do these two natures interact? Do they share 50/50 of the whole? Do the natures blend together, or do they exist simultaneously side by side? How can we reconcile the reality of Christ’s divinity with the reality of His humanity? Does Jesus have His humanity at the present moment?    Jonathan and James explain why this doctrine should not be ignored, and how a better understanding of Christ’s hypostatic union can help believers in their suffering.     

Avoiding Chronological Snobbery    Nick Needham joins us from across the Atlantic. He’s the minister of Inverness Reformed Baptist Church and a lecturer at Highland Theological College. Nick’s also the writer of an outstanding four volume set entitled 2000 Years of Christ’s Power: The Age of the Early Church Fathers.   What can we gain from learning church history beyond the inspiring example of those who have gone before us? Will understanding the past keep us from error today, and just how far back should one look for doctrinal help and spiritual guidance? Needham deftly and thoughtfully provides the answers we seek.   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of The Early Church Fathers: Daily Readings by Nick Needham.  

Original Sin: Born This Way James and Jonathan tackle a foundational theological topic this week. The doctrine of original sin is integral to our grasp of many other biblical doctrines. How should we define original sin, and how is it different from the sins we commit daily? Guilt, corruption, imputation, and federal headship are but a few of the terms worthy of discussion… but don’t be intimidated. Our hosts deftly describe how these concepts help define our status through our relationship with Adam.    We’re offering you the opportunity to win a copy of Imputation of Adam’s Sin, a classic on this topic. Register here! The books are a complimentary gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.   Imputation of Adam’s Sin is available for purchase at Reformed Resources. Show Notes Charles Hodge on original sin: Systematic Theology Vol. II Louis Berkhof on total depravity: Manual of Christian Doctrine, see Sin in the Life of the Human Race Westminster Larger Cathecism, in particular starting at question 22