Life and Books and Everything

When you consider the prospects for Christians right now, you might think they would be in despair. And you might be right. There is a lot of evidence that things are not going well. Kevin, Collin, and Justin look at several specific phenomena that would cause despair. And then they give us things that we can do now to move from that despair and into hope. Plus, there are some great book recommendations! Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord by Michael Reeves.  Rejoice and Tremble examines the difference between sinful and godly fear and corrects the negative perception of the fear of God. It is part of a series created in partnership with Union School of Theology to teach Christians to delight in God, grow in Christ, serve the church, and bless the world.   For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  Have you heard of Michael Reeves? [0:00 – 3:56]  Life & Football & Everything [3:56 – 7:22]  How’s COVID-19 going? [7:22 – 25:41]  Reasons for Current Earthly Despair [25:41 – 44:54]  Declining Fertility Rate  Declining Church Membership Rate   Cultural Institutions Aligned Against Christianity  The Speed of the Collapse  Race Relations Getting Worse   Now what do we do? [44:54 – 1:01:56]  Books & Everything [1:01:56 – 1:15:29]  Books and Everything:  Uprooted: Recovering the Legacy of the Places We've Left Behind, by GraceOlmstead   A Holy Baptism of Fire and Blood: The Bible and the American Civil War,by James Byrd   Churchill: Walking with Destiny, by Andrew Roberts   Surviving Religion 101, by Michael Kruger  The Life of John Murray, by Iain H. Murray   Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest, by Crawford Gribben   The Soul of Abraham Lincoln, by William Eleazar Barton  Gilead, by Marilyn Robinson  The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of September 11, 2001, byGarrett M. Graff 

The only way we can move forward in the church is by going back to the Gospel. Journalism and education have become intrinsically destabilizing forces for Christianity, and anxiety is at an all-time high. Sarah Zylstra and Collin Hansen have written Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age to respond to this very problem. [Collin also hosts another podcast called Gospelbound). You will find encouragement and direction in this episode.   Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Ten Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands by Jen Wilkin, the Best-Selling Author of Women of the Word.  Ten Words to Live By teaches readers how the Ten Commandments come tobear on their lives today, helping them to love God and others, to live injoyful freedom, and to long for that future day when God will be rightlyworshiped for eternity. Ancient and timeless, these words cannot be overlooked.They serve as the rightful delight and daily meditation of those who call onthe name of the Lord.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  The Prescriptivists Lost [0:00 – 1:00]  The First Ever Female Guest on LBE [1:00 – 1:57]  The Sarah Zylstra Orbit [1:57 – 6:20]  Where Good Writers Come From [6:20 – 11:27]  In what sense is the Gospel “binding?” [11:27 – 14:18]  Where is all this anxiety coming from? [14:18 – 20:01]  The Media, Education, & Anxiety [20:01 – 27:35]  Why do we prefer to be anxious? [27:35 – 35:15]  Stories that Encourage [35:15 – 45:40]  The Danger of Nostalgia [45:40 – 53:56]  A Better Way [53:56 – 59:50]  Books and Everything:  Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age, by Sarah Zylstra  

There is much at stake in God making humanity male and female. Created for one another yet distinct from each other, a man and a woman are not interchangeable—they are designed to function according to a divine fittedness. But when this design is misunderstood, ignored, or abused, there are dire consequences.  Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Men andWomen in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung.   Men and women—in marriage especially, but in the rest of life as well—complement one another. And this biblical truth has enduring, cosmic significance. From start to finish, the biblical storyline—and the design of creation itself—depends upon the distinction between male and female. Men and Women in the Church is about the divinely designed complementarity of men and women as it applies to life in general and especially ministry in the church.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  Background of the Book in Question [0:00 – 6:01]  We’re more confused than ever. [6:01 – 18:11]  Critiquing the Thin Complementarians [18:11 – 36:21]  Critiquing the Thick Complementarians [36:21 – 48:44]  Stop Cherry-picking Examples [48:44 – 58:20]  The Publishing Conundrum [58:20 – 1:04:24]  

Kevin DeYoung podcasts solo this time to help us understand from a Biblical perspective the wickedness of the Atlanta shootings. He picks apart four threads that feed into how we measure culpability for heinous public crimes. And he helps us distinguish what should be condemned from what shouldn’t. And of course, there are books. Learn what books about race and other ideas Kevin has been reading.  Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of PracticingThankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances by Sam Crabtree.   Pastor Sam Crabtree surveys the Bible’s teaching on gratitude, demonstrating that every moment is an opportunity to observe, embrace, and appreciate with thankfulness the wondrous workings of God in ordinary life. Practicing Thankfulness includes 100 practical suggestions for practicing thankfulnessin daily life.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  How to Be More Thankful [0:00 – 0:55]  4 Preliminary Comments on the Atlanta Shootings [0:55 – 8:49]  On Culpability [8:49 – 25:28]  Distinguishing the Bad Ideas from the Good [25:28 – 30:57]  Is the church to blame for this man’s bad ideas? [30:57 – 36:25]  Bad Culpability Extrapolations [36:25 – 45:12]  Don’t let the bad outweigh the good. [45:12 – 47:11]  Books [47:11 - 57:33]   Books and Everything:  Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair, by Duke L. Kwon &Gregory Thompson  More than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City, by WilliamJulius Wilson  Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation,by Gerald R McDermott  American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time, byJoshua Mitchell  Slaying Leviathan: Limited Government and Resistance in the Christian Tradition,by Glenn S. Sunshine  A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload,by Cal Newport  

Dr. Miguel Núñez, Pastor for Preaching & Vision at IBI and President of Ministerios Integridad & Sabiduría, left his medical practice to follow his passion of preaching the Gospel. When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, he used his medical expertise to assess the situation for The Gospel Coalition. Now, one year later, he again offers his insights to you, along with a conversation about how the preaching of the Gospel is spreading in the Dominican Republic. Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World by Brett McCracken.   Helping believers navigate today’s media-saturated culture, Brett McCracken presents a biblical case for wisdom. Inspired by the food pyramid model, The Wisdom Pyramid challenges us to increase our intake of enduring, trustworthy sources while moderating our consumption of less reliable sources.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  The Wisdom Pyramid [0:00 – 1:26]  March Madness & COVID-19 [1:26 – 4:05]  Introducing Dr. Miguel Núñez [4:05 – 6:01]  Revisiting COVID-19 a Year Later [6:01 – 10:59]  Why Developing Countries Handled COVID-19 Better [10:59 – 15:11]  Fear & Surprises [15:11 – 19:27]  What’s coming next? [19:27 – 22:20]  What COVID-19 Reveals About Our Spiritual Condition [22:20 – 27:24]  The Backstory of Dr. Miguel Núñez [27:24 – 33:17]  The Backstory of the Dominican Republic [33:17 – 43:47]  Influences in the Gospel Movement of the Dominican Republic [43:47 – 51:10]  The View of the U.S. Church from Latin America [51:10 – 59:48]  Americanos Hablando Español [59:48 – 1:04:20]  

Stephen J. Nichols is President of Reformation Bible College, Chief AcademicOfficer for Ligonier, and host of the 5 minutes in Church History podcast. He’s the co-editor of Crossway’s Theologians of the Christian Life series, and the reason he joins us for this episode is his new biography of R.C. Sproul. Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp.   Best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings in Journey to the Cross encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten season.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  Recommended Devotional for Lent [0:00 – 1:17]  Not THAT Stephen Nichols [1:17 – 4:05]  Meeting R.C. Sproul [4:05 – 11:12]  Shaping Influences on R.C.: Pittsburg, Gerstner, Berkouwer, Vesta [11:12 – 16:57]  Gravity and Gladness [16:57 – 23:21]  Ligonier Valley Study Center [23:21 – 30:31]  The Big Break [30:31 – 36:56]  Controversies [36:56 – 39:31]  Jim Boice [39:31 – 42:44]  Evangelicals and Catholics Together [42:44 – 49:04]  Classical Apologetics [49:04 – 53:59]  Favorite Book of R.C. Sproul [53:59 – 56:13]  Quick Questions [56:13 – 1:06:49]  Books and Everything:  Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional, by Paul David Tripp  R.C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols  The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul  

Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, shares his insights on the Reformed movement. He discusses the importance of evangelism and warns against the pitfalls of Christian celebrity culture. Keller offers impactful book recommendations for aspiring pastors and leaders, emphasizing personal reading's role in theological development. The conversation also touches on the complexities of evangelical identity and the challenges posed by societal changes, highlighting the need for humility and engagement in local churches.

Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Orto admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links.  Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.   The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life.  For 30% off this series and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46]  Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17]  A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34]  Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53]  VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15]  Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45]  Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54]  Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23]  Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57]  Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16]  Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25]  Books and More Books:  The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by ScottKlusendorf  Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith  Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey  Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds  The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray  Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel  The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema  Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America,by Ismael Hernandez  America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch  Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, by Clarke D. Forsythe  Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk 

John Piper sits down with Kevin DeYoung to discuss human purpose, pastoral leadership, the advantages of reading slowly. And of course they discuss books, too. So many books. Reading them; writing them; loving them; but most of all desiring God through them. (See the full list below.) And in this conversation you will get a picture of what will perhaps be John Piper’s magnum opus.   Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp. New Morning Mercies is great for people looking for a devotional in the new year—featuring 365 gospel-centered devotions. Each reading leads with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. It equips you with the good news that you need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out.  For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  An Excellent Book for 2021 [1:11 – 2:37]  What did John Piper do for Christmas during coronavirus? [2:37 – 4:58]  Why Piper doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’ [4:58 – 12:45]  Especially Formative Books for John Piper [12:45 – 19:57]  On the Pros and Cons of Reading Slowly [19:57 – 34:48]  Books to Kickstart Pastoral Ministry [34:48 – 43:54]  Favorite Biographies [43:54 – 46:32]  Books to Return To [46:32 – 51:59]  The Hardest Book John Piper Had to Write and His Favorite [51:59 – 57:38]  Providence: John Piper’s Latest Book [57:38 – 1:03:15]  Enjoying the Process of Writing; Praise for Pastors Who Don’t Write Books[1:03:15 – 1:09:33]  More Questions on Providence and Providence [1:09:33 – 1:20:40]  The Most Important Verse in the Bible [1:20:40 – 1:25:08]  Books and More Books:  New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp (get 30% off)  Thinking God’s Thoughts: The Hermeneutics of Humility, by Daniel P. Fuller  The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity, by Daniel P.Fuller  Freedom of the Will, by Jonathan Edwards  The End for Which God Created the World, by Jonathan Edwards  The Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.    Timestamps:  Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25]  If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37]  Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39]  Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26]  Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29]  Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32]  Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18]  Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48]  Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55]  What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –56:16]  Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50]  Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00]  Books and Everything:  The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, ExpressiveIndividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman  Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud  The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff  Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,by David VanDrunen  Hands Across the Aisle  “The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things