The Magazine Podcast

Christian believers will be tempted to sin. How are we to understand what goes on in temptation? Where is God when we are tempted? How do we lay hold of the resources to resist and come through these times of agony? These and other crucial questions are considered in this week's episode.   Featured Resources: – 'Lead Us Not Into Temptation', Sinclair B. Ferguson, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 145 (October 1975). – Excerpt from William Bridge, A Lifting Up for the Downcast (1649; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2024), Chapter 7, 'A Lifting Up in the Case of Temptation', p. 214–220.    Further Reading: Bridge, William, A Lifting Up for the Downcast Gurnall, William, The Christian in Complete Armour (single volume or abridged in three paperback volumes) Owen, John, Temptation Resisted and Repulsed (abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing) Owen, John, The Mortification of Sin (abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing) Owen, John, Works, Volume 6: Sin and Temptation (includes full text of On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, Of Temptation, Indwelling Sin, and A Practical Exposition of Psalm 130)     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

Described as 'perhaps the greatest British theologian of all time', John Owen was far more than a theoretician. As a pastor-scholar, Owen showed that his great concern was to promote holiness in his hearers and readers, to the glory of God and their lasting joy. This week's episode constitutes an introduction to Owen and many of his chief works which, it is hoped, will be of help to those new to him, as well as to confirmed and seasoned appreciators of this humble, profound Christian teacher.   Featured Resources: – 'John Owen: A Defeated Puritan?', Ian Hamilton, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 711 (December 2022). – 'John Owen on Spiritual-Mindedness', J. I. Packer, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 620 (May 2015). – 'Some Thoughts on Reading the Works of John Owen', Sinclair B. Ferguson, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 152 (May 1976). – Three testimonies about reading John Owen, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 57 (June 1968).   From the Pen of Owen:  The Works of John Owen (Goold edition, 16 volumes). Please note each volume can be purchased separately. Owen's Exposition of Hebrews (Goold edition, 7 volumes). Please note each volume can be purchased separately. Apostasy from the Gospel: Nature and Causes (Puritan Paperback, 176 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Communion with God (Puritan Paperback, 224 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (Large paperback, 440 pages, introduction and analysis by J. I. Packer) Duties of Christian Fellowship (Puritan Paperback, 96 pages, modernized) The Glory of Christ (Puritan Paperback, 184 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Gospel Life (Puritan Paperback, 256 pages, modernized) Gospel Ministry (Puritan Paperback, 208 pages, modernized) The Holy Spirit (Puritan Paperback, 216 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Indwelling Sin in Believers (Puritan Paperback, 176 pages, abridged and made easy to read) The Mortification of Sin (Puritan Paperback, 144 pages, abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing) Searching Our Hearts in Difficult Times (Puritan Paperback, 160 pages, abridged and made easy to read) The Spirit and the Church (Puritan Paperback, 208 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law) Temptation Resisted and Repulsed (Puritan Paperback, 128 pages, abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing)   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

We caught up with Geoff Thomas at the recent Banner Ministers' Conference in Staffordshire. Geoff, who ministered at Alfred Place Baptist Church for over fifty years, has been a faithful friend of the Banner of Truth Trust. It was a joy to talk with him about his varied associations with the Banner, his friendship with Iain Murray, preaching through Romans, and pastoral visitation, among other topics.    Geoff Thomas' Sermon Archive Geoff's new book: Letters to my Grandson: On First Reading and Hearing Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Day One)   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

David Dickson (1583–1663) was a living testimony to the grace of God in Christ. In bearing suffering (he was deprived of his living and exiled for a time), in counselling convicted sinners, in preaching, and in writing he demonstrated the gifts and graces of a true under-shepherd of Christ's flock. This week we explore some of the details of his life, and hear a contemporary appreciation of his value as a Christ-centred commentator on the Psalms from Christopher Ash.   Featured Resources: – Excerpt from Faith Cook, Samuel Rutherford and His Friends (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1992), pp. 73–81 in the 2013 reprint. – 'A Personal Appreciation of David Dickson's Psalms Commentary (illustrated from Psalm 47)', Christopher Ash, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 691 (April 2021). – 'David's Antidote to Fear', David Dickson, from his commentary on the Psalms, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 614 (November 2014).   Further Reading: Ash, Christopher, The Psalms: A Christ-Centred Commentary (Wheaton: Crossway, 2024). 4 Volumes. Dickson, David, Psalms (1655; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1959).  Dickson, David, Truth's Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith (1684; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2007).    David Dickson's Therapeutica Sacra, his guide to ministering to those with troubled consciences and questions concerning their standing with God, has been republished by Monergism Books in paperback and free epub versions.   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

The practice of pastoral visitation in homes has fallen on hard times. For many of our forefathers in the faith, however, it was deemed an essential part of ministry, enabling effective oversight of the souls of the people of God. This week, we 'revisit' the area of pastoral visitation, although for many of us, it may be the first time we've considered the nature and benefits of this practice for ourselves and those we may serve in the church.   Featured Resources: – 'Pastoral Visitation—A Needed Revival', James Howard Lynch, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 731–732 (August & September 2024). – Excerpts from Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, with an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency (1850; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2018), pp. 344–360. – Ian Hamilton audio taken from Pastoral Visitation – Excerpts from 'The Directory for the Public Worship of God' in The Westminster Confession, with Associated Historical Documents (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2023), pp. 562, 574.   The artwork featured with this week's episode is Richard Norris Brooke's 'A Pastoral Visit' (1881, Public Domain, now at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.)   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

William Perkins, like Laurence Chaderton, was a Puritan of the Elizabethan age. As such, he lived before that golden generation of Puritans in which the likes of Flavel, Goodwin, Owen and Baxter ministered.  He was part of a pioneering generation that set to work applying the newly-recovered doctrines of the Reformation in the English context. Although he died at the age of 44, Perkins—a 'man of parts', as the Puritans might have said—would make contributions as a preacher, pastoral counsellor, theologian, and commentator that have stood the test of time.    Featured Resources: – 'Art of Prophesying: William Perkins' Famous Book Reprinted', Sinclair B. Ferguson, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 389 (February 1996). – 'Perkins: Father of English Commentators', Edward J. Malcolm, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 462 (March 2002).   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's episode is a little different, as we bring you a conversation with a great friend of the Banner, Dr Sinclair B. Ferguson, ahead of the release of his latest contribution to the Let's Study series: Let's Study Romans.  We asked him about his own history with the Letter to the Romans, advice for pastors and preachers seeking to teach and preach the book, and what his hopes are as this new volume goes out to readers.   Buy Let's Study Romans   Two hymns by James Montgomery Boice, inspired by Romans 8: Hallelujah! (What can separate my soul...) How Marvelous, How Wise, How Great   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

The United Kingdom has a rich Christian heritage, a standing testimony to the Lord's saving mercy and transforming grace. How can visitors to the UK trace some of these movements of God's Spirit? What if the Banner were to put together a suggested itinerary? Interestingly, the Banner did—back in 1978!—and it still makes for interesting and useful reading. We bring it to you this week as a podcast bonus, and also hear from Ben Virgo (Christian Heritage London), Jo Pinfield (Christian Heritage Cambridge) and Paul James-Griffiths (Christian Heritage Edinburgh) about the work they are doing today to share what the Lord has done in the UK.   N.B. At the time of podcast release, the address of The Evangelical Library is 5/6 Gateway Mews, London, N11 2UT.   Featured article: – 'Suggested Eight Days' Itinerary for Visitors to UK', Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 182 (November 1978).   Helpful Organisations and Links: Christian Heritage London (https://christianheritagelondon.org) Walking tours of London and the British Museum Three London highlights: St Mary Woolnoth (John Newton's church), Aldersgate Street (where John Wesley's heart was 'strangely warmed'), and the Shaftesbury Memorial (Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Lord Shaftesbury). Contact Christian Heritage London | Ben Virgo's podcast interview with Iain H. Murray   Christian Heritage Cambridge (https://roundchurchcambridge.org/) Visitor centre, walking tours of Cambridge, and historical events Three Cambridge highlights: The Round Church (c. 1130), the White Horse Inn (plaque only - inn no longer extant), and Emmanuel College (seedbed of Puritanism, college of John Harvard). Contact Christian Heritage Cambridge   Christian Heritage Edinburgh/Soul of Scotland Tours (https://soulofscotlandtours.com/) Visitor centre, walking tours of Edinburgh Three Edinburgh highlights: National Museum of Scotland (basement celtic crosses, etc.), Magdalene Chapel, Presbytery Hall at Edinburgh Theological Seminary (a National Covenant document, Disruption Painting, etc.) Contact Christian Heritage Edinburgh   Other useful links and resources for planning your trip: - Mayflower Pilgrims Tour from Pilgrims and Prophets/Bassetlaw Christian Heritage (https://www.pilgrimsandprophets.co.uk/tours/mayflower-pilgrims-highlights/) The area around Retford and Worksop has many connections to the 17th century groups who moved to the Lower Countries and to North America as they sought to leave a godly legacy. - England's Christian Heritage (https://englandschristianheritage.org.uk/)  - Wales's Christian Heritage (https://waleschristianheritage.org.uk/) Two resource websites for tracing notable figures in church history by county, and determining places to visit.   Please note that the Banner of Truth cannot be held responsible for the content of third-party websites or the substance of third-party tours, events, and publications. Listing here does not necessarily equal endorsement.    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  

Many Puritans, even leading Puritans, did not proffer much for publication and thus remain little known today. One such (relatively) unpublished leader of the Puritan movement during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I was Laurence Chaderton (1536–1640). A gifted preacher, college Master, and Bible translator, his life and legacy repay careful attention.    Featured Article: – 'Laurence Chaderton: Puritan, Scholar, and Bible Translator', Nick Lunn, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 537 (June 2008).   Christian Heritage Walks in Cambridge: Listeners wishing to explore Cambridge's Christian heritage in the company of a guide are encouraged to look into the walks offered at the Round Church. The University Walk, which provides a general overview of Cambridge's history, with special attention to how it has been shaped by the Christian faith, often stops at Emmanuel College. Private walks are available on request. For more info. and booking: https://roundchurchcambridge.org/ Watch 'Saints and Scholars', an overview of Cambridge's Christian connections narrated by David Suchet: https://youtu.be/txLJm2UjYZM?si=tiTFVmKyhHGbyh2-   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In this short, encouraging meditation, David Campbell reminds us that the Lord is sovereign over all of our days, and that it may be in our latter years that we discover new avenues of fruitfulness for Christ's kingdom.   Featured article: – 'God's Intriguing Timeframes', David Campbell, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 690 (March 2021).   David Campbell ministers at North Preston Evangelical Church, Lancashire, England. He is a trustee of the Banner of Truth, and author of Sanctification: Transformed Life (Banner mini-guides).    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