The Magazine Podcast

The system of false teaching known as Socinianism proved a thorn in the side of the Reformed churches for more than two centuries. Even today, the essential tenets of Socinianism are still with us, and aspects of it pop up in the teaching of such movements as Unitarian Universalism, 'Oneness' Pentecostalism, Christadelphianism, and among the Jehovah's Witnesses.  As such, it is well for us to take a closer look at this movement, its key commitments, and how it emerged in the context of Reformation-era Europe.    Banner resources relevant to Socinianism: – The Works of John Owen, Volume 12: The Gospel Defended (Clothbound, 639 pages) – The Works of Andrew Fuller (1 Volume, 1012 pages) – William Cunningham, Historical Theology (Clothbound, 1408 pages)   John Owen's (tragically amusing) presentation of John Biddle's Socinianism, in the form of a satirical catechism, can be found on pages 588 to 590 of The Works of John Owen, vol. 12: The Gospel Defended.  This week's podcast artwork features an image of a plaque in the Sozzini's palace in Siena which depicts Fausto and Lelio Sozzini. The etching on the plaque claims that 'During ages of fierce despotism, with their new doctrines they awoke the free thought'.    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

As summer turns to autumn in the northern hemisphere, we do hope this note finds you doing well. This week we bring you an audio recording of Iain H. Murray speaking on 'John Knox' at the 2003 Youth Conference in Leicester, England.    More resources on John Knox: – The Select Practical Writings of John Knox (Clothbound, 336 pages) – The Works of John Knox (6 Volumes, 3824 pages) – D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Knox and the Reformation (paperback, 144 pages)   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

This week we bring you a conversation with Rev Jim McCarthy of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Statesboro, Georgia. Jim is the author of a new exposition of the two (yes, two) minor prophets who were sent by God to Nineveh, a leading city (and later capital) of the Assyrian empire. Join us as we consider what these two biblical books have to say to us today.  The Two Prophets To Nineveh (paperback, 120 pages) will be released on October 6. You can join the waitlist to be informed when the title is available for purchase.    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

This week we read some words of comfort and counsel suitable for all weary believers, and especially for pastors who feel stretched beyond what they can bear.    Featured Resources:  – C. H. Spurgeon, 'The Minister's Fainting Fits,' in The Minister's Self-Watch & The Minister's Fainting Fits (booklet), (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2025), p. 40–42. This lecture also appears in Lectures to My Students by the same author.  – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 'To the Rev. Dan. Edwards' in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), p. 282.  – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 'To the Rev. W. C. Burns' in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), p. 216.  – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 'To the Rev. W. C. Burns' in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), p. 289.    New from the Banner:  The Minister's Self-Watch and The Minister's Fainting Fits (booklet)   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 life of Arnold Dallimore, a devoted pastor and biographer, whose struggles in writing key Christian biographies shaped his legacy. Discover the resilience of his marriage to May amidst financial and mental health challenges during World War II. Delve into the solitary journey of crafting George Whitefield's biography, filled with obstacles and transformative mentorship from Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. Experience the dedication and impact of Dallimore's work and its lasting influence on the Christian community.

Delve into the influential book that sheds light on the teachings of Charles Spurgeon and the doctrines of grace. Discover personal testimonies that reveal its impact on readers and pastors alike. Explore Spurgeon’s theological legacy and the controversies he faced, particularly his views on baptism and the downgrade movement. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding key theological concepts, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the material to enrich their faith journey.

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.