The Magazine Podcast

Iain H. Murray, a noted speaker and author, discusses the remarkable life of John Newton, a pastor and hymnwriter from the 1700s. He highlights Newton's transformation from a morally lost sailor to a pivotal figure in the evangelical movement. Murray reflects on Newton's unique approach to pastoral counseling, emphasizing humility and reliance on Christ. The conversation also touches on Newton's legacy of hope and redemption, encouraging listeners to engage with his influential writings.

To learn the backstory of a hymn can be a richly rewarding exercise. The same applies with hymnwriters. This week we consider the life and faith of two wonderful hymnists of yesteryear: Isaac Watts (1674–1748) and Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879).    Featured Resources:  – Mark S. Shuttleworth, 'Isaac Watts: The Man Behind the Hymns', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 221, February 1982. – Pamela D. Bugden, 'Sweet Singer and Poet of Worcestershire', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 503, August–September 2005.    Worthy of note:  The Havergal Trust has been set up by David Chalkley to make the complete works of Frances Ridley Havergal available to the body of Christ in our own day. To date, a number of the titles have appeared as paperbacks, and there is a strong desire to see all volumes published in due course. If you would like to browse the books, or find out more about the project, see below:  https://www.havergaltrust.com/about/about-the-havergal-trust/    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

There is, writes the Preacher of Ecclesiastes, 'a time to die' (Ecclesiastes 3:2). The believer in Christ is called to be mindful of this time, to prepare for it, and then, when it comes, to commit his or her soul to a faithful Heavenly Father.    Featured Resources:  - Toni Saad, 'Life at all Costs?', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 738, March 2025. - Excerpt from Iain H. Murray, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith 1939–1981 (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1990, 2024), Chapter 35, 'Dying ... He Worshipped', pages 746–748.    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Explore the profound question of how Christians can prepare for death. Dive into historical insights from George Swinnock and Archibald Alexander, advocating for a courageous approach to mortality. Learn about the importance of faith and grace in ensuring a peaceful transition. Discover how a clear conscience and strong belief in God's mercy can bring a sense of peace. The conversation also touches on the value of service and community engagement in facing life's final chapter.

In this, the first of three episodes on the subject of dying in the Lord, we ask what the Bible teaches about death, and apply it to the case of the unbeliever and the believer.    Featured Resources:  - George Curry, Preparing Unbelievers for Death, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 317 (Ferbruary 1990). - Excerpt from 'The Christian Man's Calling' in The Works of George Swinnock, Vol. 3 (1672; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1996), pages 84–86.  - Excerpt from 'The Christian Man's Calling' in The Works of George Swinnock, Vol. 3 (1672; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1996), page 46.    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Meditating on the Lord Jesus Christ is a high privilege of the Christian. It strengthens his faith, deepens his love, and calibrates his hope. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One in whom we, by the power of the Spirit, see the glory of the Father.  This week we take time not to pursue another aspect of Christian living, or another profile from church history, but to think about 'God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side' (John 1:18).   Featured Resources:  - Excerpt from John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (1541), (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2014).  - Charles Hodge, Christ, the God of Christians, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 590 (November 2012).   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast  

New this summer from the Banner of Truth is a unique collection of lectures on revival from nineteenth-century Scotland.  In this brief bonus episode, we read a portion of the Publisher's Introduction by Banner trustee Donald John MacLean to see just why this collection warrants republication today.    Read the entire Publisher's Introduction: https://banneroftruth.org/resources/book-excerpts/2025/the-revival-of-religion-publishers-introduction/  Buy your copy of Revival of Religion: https://banneroftruth.org/store/uncategorized/revival-of-religion/    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Pastoral ministry isn't for everyone. Indeed, it isn't for the many. 'Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers', writes James, 'for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness' (James 3:1).  This week's readings spell out and explore some bad reasons for going into ministry, hopefully serving men considering the pastoral office, as well as those who advise and support them.    Featured Resources – Rebecca Vandoodewaard, Five Bad Reasons to Go Into Ministry, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 698 (November 2021). – Albert N. Martin, Wrong Reasons for Entering the Christian Ministry, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 208 (January 1981).   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In this engaging discussion, David Campbell, an author and expert on George Whitefield, dives into the life of the 18th-century evangelist renowned for his powerful sermons. He shares Whitefield's journey from spiritual struggle to impactful ministry, notably his revolutionary open-air preaching. The conversation examines the societal chaos of the time, including the gin craze, and highlights how Whitefield provided hope amidst despair. Campbell also critiques the rise of Deism, urging a revival of Christian faith and leadership in today's landscape.

Last year the Trust published W. Ross Blackburn's Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ. Ross has a background in Old Testament studies, has pastored in the ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) and has been involved for many years with the pro-life movement in the USA. We sat down with Ross and found out a bit more about his own backstory, and also his burden in Unveiling the Cross. We trust you'll enjoy the conversation.    Buy the Book: Unveiling the Cross: Beholding and Proclaiming the Whole Christ   Online articles from W. Ross Blackburn: - Down Syndrome Day? (Human Life Review) 'Have you ever wondered why we see so few children with Down Syndrome today compared with past generations?...' Read the article - Keep Them From Idols: The Education of Children Takes Generations of Fidelity (Touchstone Magazine) 'Education is chiefly about God. If that sounds strange, it is because we have understood education to be a different endeavor than raising children to know God...' Read the article.   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast