Theology On The Go

Doctrinal Introduction: Perseverance of the Saints Jonathan and James have a chat about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. The Christian race isn’t always easy, which sometimes may cause us to wonder whether we’ll finish well. What assurance do we have that our running is not in vain and that we’ll finish the course? What’s the role of grace in the perseverance of the saints, and is there any work to be done on our part?  Our hosts review a few of God’s promises in this regard and the purposeful tension that exists between those promises and God’s commands.    Show Notes  ·  Canons of Dort heading 5 ·  2 Corinthians 4:7 ·  John 6 ·  Philippians 2:13    

Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ   Jonathan and James are joined by Alan Strange. Alan is professor of church history at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The question is posed: How important is the doctrine of the active obedience of Christ? The resulting conversation deals not only with the biblical text, but with the historical aspect of the doctrine as well. Is there more to the doctrine than “Christ died for our sins”? What are some of the great truths attached to this statement? What’s the relationship between our law keeping and justification?  We have a few copies of Alan’s book, Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ in the Westminster Standards. Register for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.

Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals What do evangelicals need to retrieve, and why? Gavin Ortlund is pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai, California.  He joins James and Jonathan to talk about his book--Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals--and to answer these questions, and others. Some church history and tradition have been forgotten or neglected by many modern Christians…in part, for lack of knowledge of their importance. Gavin believes that we still have a lot to learn from the early and medieval church, and he calls for a balance on tradition and the authority of Scripture. We have a few copies of Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals for giveaway. Register for the opportunity to win one!

Ministering With a Clear Conscience  Why does Paul emphasize clearness of conscience in regard to one’s ministry? James defines “conscience”, expands on its dual function, and talks about how it often speaks against our will.  The hosts discuss the fallibility of the conscience, and how it can—at times—prevent us from enjoying a fruitful spiritual walk. So, what determines the standard of conscience, and how is it applied? Can a guilty conscience in ministry be a good thing, and—if so—to what extent?  We are giving away a copy of Christ Victorious, Selected Writings of Hugh Martin. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy. The book is a complimentary gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

Jonathan and James are happy to introduce our listeners to another great book written by Benjamin Shaw, who—for many years—was professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary…but recently took a position as Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College in Orlando, FL. The book’s title is Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World, and in it, Shaw describes Ecclesiastes as a big dose of realism without rose-colored glasses.    What contributions does the book of Ecclesiastes make to our understanding of the world? How do we apply this book to our lives, and how does Dr. Shaw “break it up” for his readers?   We are pleased to be giving away a few copies of Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World. Register for the opportunity to win one of them. They’re a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.  

Foundations of Covenant Theology  Jonathan and James are very excited to introduce Lane Tipton. He’s fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Reformed Forum, and pastor of Trinity OPC church in Easton, PA. Lane has assembled an outstanding video series for the Forum titled Foundations of Covenant Theology, which he passionately calls “the history of heaven”. In this series, Lane seeks to ask (and answer) the question, How does the primal history from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:2 provide a foundational interpretive lens for understanding Adam in the covenant of works in Eden? Tune in to hear about this relationship of earth to heaven.  In cooperation with Reformed Forum, we’re pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of the Foundations of Covenant Theology video series. Register! Show Notes Reformed Forum resources   

Doctrine of God and Church Discipline - Q&A  Jonathan and James answer a few listener’s questions as a follow-up to a prior episode. Our hosts address the question of how one can know if Scripture is speaking of God metaphorically or literally. How should one understand Scripture when it talks about God having body parts and emotions, such as passions and feelings? James uses the term “God’s absolute sourcehood” to establish the standard of judgment on such matters.  Shifting gears, Jonathan tackles church discipline—what it is, and what it is intended to produce. How should 1 Corinthians 5 be understood where Paul dictates “no association” with the immoral person? Listen in!  

The Newton Guy  Keith Plummer is professor at Cairn University teaching a variety of classes related to pastoral ministry, apologetics, and biblical courses. He also happens to work next door to Jonathan and James, lending a comfortable familiarity to their conversation.  Keith shares how he became interested in the life of John Newton, and how that interest affected his reading habits. What is it in Newton’s words that provides such a benefit for pastors and other readers today?  Have you considered allowing the writings of a mentor from the past to influence you? Listen to Keith’s recommendation on where to start!  Show Notes  ·  The Works of John Newton published by Banner of Truth ·  Follow Keith Plummer ·  A Guide to Godly Disputation by John Newton ·  Thoughts Upon The African Slave Trade by John Newton  We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Life of John Newton. Register! The books come courtesy of our friends at Banner of Truth.  

The First Five  Jonathan and James welcome their friend Stephen Unthank. He’s pastor of Greenbelt Baptist Church in Maryland, and a contributing writer for PlaceForTruth.org. Stephen shares his experiences as a relatively new pastor…the joys and challenges of the calling…and, how it all lined up with his expectations.  Stephen’s convictions about the ordinary means of grace and the slow, steady preaching of the Word played an important role in his first years of ministry…not to mention the uniquely gifted people God has perfectly placed to serve alongside him. Listen to Stephen’s exciting and encouraging words! Show Notes ·  Reformation of the Church by Iain Murray ·  You Lift Me Up by Al Martin ·  The Work of the Pastor by William Still   We’re pleased to give away You Lift Me Up. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy!    

Our dynamic duo brings up a topic that is usually difficult, and—many times—hard to swallow in the local church. Church leaders and congregants alike can also often misunderstand its procedure and purposes.   What is church discipline, and what does Scripture teach about it? What’s the purpose of church discipline, and what does it represent to the body of Christ? Jonathan and James answer those questions, and explain what ecclesiastical discipline is meant to protect as well.  If we say that we believe certain things about Scripture, we must back up that belief with action, drawing appropriate lines while caring for an offender. Difficult for sure, yet necessary nonetheless. Listen in!  Show Notes 1 Corinthians 5 Matthew 16 Matthew 18  

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!!