The Pactum

All Christians agree that the Bible is important, but understanding what it means by what it says is more challenging. And more challenging still is how the Bible is to be taught. In this episode, Pat is joined by Dennis Johnson to talk about understanding and communicating the Bible as Christians and like Christians. Dennis Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, where he was a founding member of the faculty in 1982. He is the author of numerous books including Him We Proclaim, Walking with Jesus through His Word, and Journeys with Jesus.

When we fail to recognize the distinction between the law and the gospel, we fail to read the Bible like Christians. So wouldn’t it be nice if we had a teaching tool, like a catechism, to help us with this crucial distinction? Thankfully, we do! Pat is joined today by Jay Wipf, author of the newly released Learning God's Two Words: A Brief Catechism on the Law and the Gospel. Jay is also the co-host of the RenewalCast. You can find more from Jay and connect with him at https://lawgospelcatechism.com

Have we been misguided when it comes to Bible interpretation? Joining Pat to talk about hermeneutics in this episode is Brandon D. Smith. Brandon is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, the host of the Church Grammar podcast, and author of Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church.

Is there a coming judgment day for believers? On this episode of the Pactum, Pat is joined by T. Jeff Taylor who says, “There is no coming Judgment Day for the believer.” T. Jeff Taylor s a retired pastor, a graduate of Westminster Seminary California, the author of the book More Than Heaven: A Biblical Theological Argument for a Federal View of Glorification, and one who has done an excellent job of distilling the theological instruction of Meredith Kline. You can find more from Jeff on his website.

Meet your heroes! That is a favorite saying on The Pactum because showing honor where honor is due is one thing, but hero worship by Christians is just gross. And it is a real thing. On this episode Pat and Mike talk about Christian Celebrity Crushes. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Ordinary by Michael Horton

If you have been a Christian for even a brief time you know that Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches clearly that salvation is by grace through faith. But ask ten different people to define faith, and you may get ten different answers! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about matters related to faith. What is it? What about faithfulness? Do people really oppose sola fide? Resources mentioned in this episode: - What is Faith by J. Gresham Machen - The Giver of Life by J.V. Fesko - Subjective and Objective Justification from LCMS

In this episode, Pat is joined by Johnny Gravino to talk about gospel ministry in Rome, Italy. You can find more about Johnny Gravino at Lifegate Worldwide

In this episode Pat is joined by Josh Lofthus to talk about life, ministry, and his podcast, The Reformatory. You can find more from Josh and The Reformatory on X @joshlofthus or @reformatorypod

Listen in to this Pactum Responsum episode where we answer listener questions. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction by Harrison Perkins - More Than Heaven: A Biblical Theological Argument for a Federal View of Glorification by Jeff Taylor - 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory by Mitchell Chase

Is the Bible pro sports? What is the ultimate motivation for an athlete? Listen in as Pat, joined by his son, Owen, talk about christians and sports.