Theology On The Go

No Creed but the Bible?   James Renihan joins us. He’s president and professor of Historic Theology at IRBS Theological Seminary in Mansfield, TX. At issue: Is it accurate to say that Baptists have no confessions, and “no creed but the Bible”? Our guest quickly and politely debunks these myths!   What motivated the 17th century Baptists to produce confessions, as they were already part of a broad Protestant movement that believed in the fundamental doctrines of Scripture? Hear what Renihan has to say about the interesting, uniting aspect of those confessions and about his upcoming project on the first London Confession.    

By Good and Necessary Consequence James and Jonathan welcome special guest Ryan McGraw. Ryan is academic dean and professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. His book, By Good and Necessary Consequence, is the topic of today’s conversation. It is part of the series Explorations in Reformed and Confessional Theology by Reformation Heritage Books.   The phrase “by good and necessary consequence” appears in the Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter 1, paragraph 6. What does this phrase mean, and why has Ryan written a book about it? How do we guard against abusing the principle by taking it too far and deriving whatever we want from any text of Scripture?   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of “By Good and Necessary Consequence.” The books are a generous gift from our friends at RHB.  

The Case for Biblical Archaeology    Jonathan and James meet to share a conversation with John Currid. He’s the Chancellor’s Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, a trained archaeologist, and an ordained minister in the PCA. Dr. Currid is in to chat about his fascinating book, The Case for Biblical Archaeology.   In what ways does such research serve Christians and the Church? How does archaeological knowledge help the lay Christian understand the Bible, and assist pastors in expositing Scripture? The book is accessible and edifying for all who will read it.   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of The Case for Biblical Archaeology. The books are a complimentary gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self - Part 1   Jonathan and James receive the visit of a close friend who has written one of the most significant books of 2020. Carl Trueman is the co-host of Mortification of Spin—another podcast from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals—and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Carl’s new book is The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution.    Why do we believe that Carl’s topic is so relevant? Short answer: Because the sentence “I am a woman trapped in a man’s body” is not just a passing statement; it’s a declaration loaded with philosophical underpinnings that have developed in the past several hundred years carrying implications in the educational, socio-economic, political, and religious spheres, among others.    We’ll be happy to give away copies of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self to some of our listeners. Register for the opportunity to

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self - Part 1   Jonathan and James receive the visit of a close friend who has written one of the most significant books of 2020. Carl Trueman is the co-host of Mortification of Spin—another podcast from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals—and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Carl’s new book is The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution.    Why do we believe that Carl’s topic is so relevant? Short answer: Because the sentence “I am a woman trapped in a man’s body” is not just a passing statement; it’s a declaration loaded with philosophical underpinnings that have developed in the past several hundred years carrying implications in the educational, socio-economic, political, and religious spheres, among others.    We’ll be happy to give away copies of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self to some of our listeners. Register for the opportunity to

Exodus Old and New   Michael Morales is professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and his most recent book is getting some well-deserved attention. It’s titled Exodus Old and New, and Michael tells us how the book—which is not a commentary—traces the Exodus motif, which becomes the paradigm for redemption throughout God’s Word. What does the exodus from exile represent in the whole of Scripture? Listen as Michael chooses a few particular portions of Scripture to explain. We are giving away a few copies of Exodus Old and New. Register for an opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from IVP Press.   

The Exclusivity of the Gospel   Jonathan and James have a one-on-one conversation to sort through three views surrounding the way of salvation. Is Jesus Christ really the only way? If so, what is required? Can one be saved without any knowledge of Christ’s person and work? Romans chapter one offers clarity in sorting through each of the three views.   We are giving away copies of Only One Way, a collection of essays on the subject from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Register for the opportunity to win one.  

Green Pastures Ryan Davidson is the pastor of Grace Baptist Chapel in Hampton, VA, and the author of Green Pastures, A Primer on the Ordinary Means of Grace. Ryan starts the discussion by defining means of grace, then drills down to explain the ordinary means of grace.  What does the word ordinary really mean in this context? Ryan identifies the fruit and the effects of the ordinary means of grace as they are biblically applied in the life of a congregation.   We have a few copies of Green Pastures that we are giving away. Register for the opportunity to win a free one!  

The Cure for Unjust Anger  Jonathan and James welcome Brian Hedges to the podcast. Brian is the lead pastor at Redeemer Church in Niles, MI and is responsible for breathing new life into one of the works of John Downame, a 16th century Puritan who was known as a “physician of souls.”  In The Cure for Unjust Anger, Downame defines differing types of anger, distinguishing righteous anger from unjust anger…diagnosing the root causes of anger…and the motivations of the heart that give rise to sinful anger. Downame also suggests how to remove the causes for unjust anger. Is there really a just cause for anger? Editor Brian guides us through this latest gem from the Puritan Treasures for Today series. We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Cure for Unjust Anger. It’s a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books. Register!    Show Notes  ·  Puritan Treasures for Today Series  

Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God   Jonathan and James invite Joel Beeke to the podcast to discuss the outstanding documentary Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God, tracing Puritanism from its birth to its modern influence.      Dr. Beeke—president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, and mastermind of this joint-project with Media Gratiae—explains the motivation behind producing such a thorough and costly project.   The Puritans have a bad reputation—to what extent is that reputation deserved? Joel shares some of the riches of puritan living and teaching, and shows how they influenced every area of life. Listen, and get to know more about the puritans.   The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and Reformation Heritage Books are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of the book Meet the Puritans. Register!  

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