Life and Books and Everything

A few months ago, a prominent American scholar, Matthew Avery Sutton, published an article arguing there is no “through line” from Christians of the past to today’s post-WWII evangelicals. In order to assess this argument, Kevin invited two scholars of the evangelical movement to join him: Andrew Atherstone from Oxford in England and David Ceri Jones from the University of Aberystwyth in Wales. Together, they explore where the term evangelical comes from, whether the thing we call “evangelicalism” is a recent invention, why people call themselves “evangelical,” the difference between Stott and Lloyd-Jones, the difference between evangelicalism in America, in England, and in Wales, and whether the word “evangelical” is worth retaining. Plus, you’ll hear Kevin’s fantastic idea for Andrew to adopt the slogan “Make Oxford Great Again.”Chapters:0:00 intro & Sponsors4:00 Evangelical Identity17:45 The Through-line to Evangelicalism26:42 Evangelicalism Abroad53:15 The Balancing Act1:01:43 What is an Evangelical?1:03:27 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to EpiphanyHere We StandPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language CertificateRedefining the History and Historiography on American Evangelicalism in the Era of the Religious RightMaking Evangelical History

In his new book To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse, Carl Trueman argues that “Critical theory [sees] any notion of human nature as merely an ideological or social construct, a function of discourses of power.” Even though critical theory makes for dense reading, and is probably very little read by people in the pew, the ideas and assumptions of critical theory have shaped our world in undeniable ways. Listen in as Kevin and Carl talk about what critical theory is, where it came from, and how the church can provide a better, truer, and more beautiful alternative.Chapters:0:00 Intro & Sponsors4:48 What Kind of Historian Are You?9:03 Why Talk About These Things?24:23 The Critical Question46:04 Sponsor Break47:46 How Do These Ideas Shape Christians?1:02:43 Closing Questions1:13:18 Until Next Time….Books & Everything:ESV Men's Study BibleHere We StandPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language CertificateTo Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to MarcuseFrom Frankfurt to Fox: The Strange Career of Critical Theory

Chad Van Dixhoorn, the world’s expert on the Westminster Assembly, dives into fascinating discussions about church history and theology. He explores the life of John Arrowsmith, revealing his influence on spiritual warfare and church leadership. The importance of pastoral hospitality takes center stage, highlighting how it fosters integrity and community. Chad also touches on the evolving dynamics of church and state, reflecting on the unique challenges of establishing a reformed church in America. It's a nerdy yet insightful chat sprinkled with personal stories and bits of humor!

Listen as the two friends talk about the Land of Lincoln, about influential books and authors in their lives, and how the importance of friendship. You’ll get to learn more about Jason’s background, more about why he loves the PCA, and you’ll get to hear his great laugh.Chapters:0:00 Intro & Sponsors7:41 Hip-hop-Helopoulos10:32 Administration and Leadership in Pastoral Ministry26:16 More About Jason40:10 On the PCA45:38 Band of Brothers54:18 Sponsor Break56:08 Lessons From Ministry1:05:22 Books1:11:47 Personal Updates1:15:41 Who is Laughing at Who?1:19:41 How Many Wins for Da Bears?1:20:32 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important QuestionsCrossway PlusPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language CertificatePersistent Prayer (Blessings of the Faith)Covenantal Baptism (Blessings of the Faith)Expository Preaching (Blessings of the Faith)Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith)Reformed Theology (Blessings of the Faith)Church Membership (Blessings of the Faith)The New Pastor's Handbook: Help and Encouragement for the First Years of MinistryThe Preacher's Portrait: Five new Testament Word StudiesThe Shepherd Leader at Home: Knowing, Leading, Protecting, and Providing for Your FamilyAn Able and Faithful Ministry: Samuel Miller and the Pastoral Office

After a summer hiatus, the fellas are back together to kick off a new season of LBE. If you always look forward to the sports banter with these three, then you will LOVE this episode. You get a deep dive on the Olympics, including what makes them so joyful, what other countries besides America to root for, and whether other countries use Americans to announce their sports. After four years-worth of Olympics-related chatter, the three amigos turn their attention to more familiar fare: an enjoyable book they read over the summer and how to become better writers.Books & Everything:Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important QuestionsCrossway PlusThe Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels about You1861: The Civil War AwakeningTheo of GoldenStorycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative NonfictionThe Writing ToolsThe Writer’s Diet

Kevin is joined once again by his friends—and by now, only somewhat special guests—Justin and Collin. Listen in as the three amigos talk about books, summer plans, and what they are grateful for. Once again, you’ll find that the guys hit that sweet spot that combines ephemeral chatter and over-long monologues.Books & Everything:Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important QuestionsESV Teen Study BibleShaman and Sage: The Roots of “Spiritual but Not Religious” in AntiquityVietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975Churchill: Walking with DestinyThe Last of His Kind: Clayton Kershaw and the Burden of GreatnessPriests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric AgeChristendom: The Triumph of a Religion, AD 300-1300They Flew: A History of the ImpossibleThe Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil WarThe American Revolution: A HistoryThe Cause: The American Revolution and its Discontents, 1773-1783Final Pagan Generation: Rome's Unexpected Path to ChristianitySelect Letters of John NewtonThe Joy of PreachingExpository Reflections on the GospelsThe Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James CookThe Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect UnionAfter Disbelief: On Disenchantment, Disappointment, Eternity, and JoyA Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living (Learning to Live)

Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks, discusses the importance of good authority vs. abusive authority and shares real-life examples. Topics include perspectives on authority, wisdom, leadership, and the impact of authority on communities. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, openness to learning, and trust-building in leadership roles.

NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins talks about his journey from Chicago to the NFL, his time at Michigan State, and his faith. He discusses the challenges of being a Christian in the NFL, the traits needed for success as a quarterback, and the complexities of facing strategic defenses. The conversation also touches on his college football experience and the importance of faith in overcoming challenges and making comebacks.

What are you doing with your life? Todd Rester is using a big chunk of his life to translate a seventeenth-century Dutch theologian's magnum opus (all 1.7 million words of it) from Latin into English. Join Kevin and Todd as they take a deep dive into the world of Latin translation, systematic theology, and church history. Who was Petrus Van Mastricht? What was his method? What did he teach? Why does he matter? Come swim in the cool, refreshing waters of Reformed scholastic theology and be encouraged to "live to God, through Christ."Books & Everything:Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important QuestionsESV Systematic Theology Study Bible: Theology Rooted in the Word of GodTheoretical-Practical Theology

With everything the pastor must do—preach, pray, visit, raise money, organize meetings, write emails, study, write, marry, bury, and baptize—does he also need to be a leader? John Currie, in his new book The Pastor as Leader (Crossway), says yes. But don't fear, this is not about one more impossible task or another time burden for the pastor. Leadership is about living and preaching as a man of God for the people of God. In this practical episode Kevin talks with John Currie, professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, about what effective leadership in the church looks like (and doesn't look like). There is plenty of rich food for thought—both for the seasoned (and weary) pastor and for the young man just starting out in ministry.Books & Everything:The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and LeadershipThe (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next GenerationDon’t Waste Your Life