Theology on the Go

In this episode, Jonathan, James and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, focusing on the pivotal setting of Vanity Fair which represents the world's temptations and worldly pleasures that can distract pilgrims from their spiritual journey.  If we don’t look at our wives and our children and the things that make up our life, like our jobs, our calling even, the things that we would put most value in…if we don’t hold all those things with an empty hand and see them as things that are here today and gone tomorrow like the flowers of the field, then we have all of a sudden allowed things to creep into our thinking that have an opportunity to contest God’s authority in our lives, contest God Himself in our lives. – Jeff Stivason Today we discuss the challenges faced by the pilgrims Christian and Faithful, and the deeper meanings behind their experiences. Discover how Bunyan's insights remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys as they navigate the temptations of the world. Are we living in Vanity Fair as pilgrims, or are we making it our home? – Jonathan Master

Jonathan and James welcome Ronnie Kurtz, assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University, to discuss his recent book, Light Unapproachable: Divine Incomprehensibility and the Task of Theology. Together, they delve into the concept of divine incomprehensibility—what it means to know God in a world where He remains fundamentally other than us.  Divine incomprehensibility is a theological term to describe a feeling that a lot of listeners have probably felt before. – Ronni Kurtz Ronnie shares insights on how this doctrine has shaped theological thought throughout history, reminding us that theologians in all ages have wrestled with what we can and cannot say about God My book is just a long lesson in humility. – Ronni Kurtz Thanks to the generosity of IVP Academic, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Ronni Kurtz’s book, Light Unapproachable, to our listeners. Enter here to win.   Show Notes: Ronni’s book: https://www.ivpress.com/light-unapproachable

When considering the Reformation, men like Martin Luther and John Calvin come readily to mind, but few would put John Knox in the same category. And yet Jacob Tanner, author and pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, argues that Knox's contributions are as valuable as anything that Luther or Calvin put forth. Jacob sits down with Jonathan and James today to explore the life and teachings of John Knox, which are highlighted in Jacob's new book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God.  …John Knox, as the reformer of Scotland, as it were, is one of the most important, I would argue, theologians that the West has ever produced, and a lot of people don't think of him that way. – Jacob Tanner Together, they discuss why Knox remains a pivotal figure in Protestant theology and how his principles of resistance and obedience to God resonate in today's world. Join us for an enlightening conversation about faith, public witness, and the power of prayer. Thanks to the generosity of Founders Press, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Jacob Tanner’s book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God to our listeners. Enter here to win.   Show Notes: To view Jacob Tanner’s books: https://press.founders.org/?s=jacob+tanner  

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. – 2 Corinthians 4:17 Jonathan and James explore the profound topic of suffering and its essential role in spiritual growth in this episode of Theology on the Go. Drawing from Jonathan's insightful article, "Suffering Matters," published in TableTalk Magazine, the discussion delves into how suffering can lead to greater faith and reliance on God.  Suffering is absolutely essential to the Christian life, and it is one of the primary means – biblically speaking – that the Lord uses to cause us to grow. – Jonathan Master With biblical references and personal anecdotes, the hosts unpack the counterintuitive idea that suffering can be a source of joy and strength in the Christian life.  Once you recognize that God is charge of everything in your life, and that nothing happens apart from his control, apart from his divine wisdom mapping this all out, and you couple that with confidence in his divine goodness and his fatherly care, then you realize that actually, these things…are designed for my ultimate good. – Jonathan Master  Listen as they address the complexities of suffering, how it produces change in us, and how our suffering ultimately points to the suffering of Christ.   Show Notes: Jonathan’s article from TableTalk Magazine: https://tabletalkmagazine.com/daily-study/2024/05/suffering-matters/

Jonathan and James sit down with returning guest Chad Van Dixhoorn, a professor of church history and theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to explore Puritan John Arrowsmith's significant work, Plans for Holy War, one of the most expansive treatments of spiritual warfare ever written. A new English version was recently published by Reformation Heritage Books that presents modern readers with an exceptional guide to spiritual warfare. Having written the introduction and served as its editor, Chad explains why Plans for Holy War is worthy of translation and reintroduction to the church.  It's a unique book in the way in which it argues for us to be alert to the fact that all of life is spiritual warfare, and that in that spiritual warfare, which he considers on multiple levels, we are well-equipped… – Chad Van Dixhoorn Tune in to this insightful conversation that dives into Arrowsmith's insights on theological errors, the importance of prayer, and how his narrative approach sets him apart from his contemporaries.  Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award a couple of copies of Plans for Holy War to our listeners. Congratulations David M. from Independence, MO and Ron G. from Bluffton, IN!

Is the new birth still relevant? Join Jonathan and James as they answer this vital question, a central theme in Jonathan's latest book, You Must Be Born Again. They discuss the significance of regeneration, its biblical foundations, and the necessity for spiritual transformation in every believer's life. The new birth or regeneration means a radical transformation promised in the Bible. – Jonathan Master Explore how this doctrine challenges superficial religious practices and highlights the need for a genuine heart change through the Holy Spirit.  Cleaning yourself up religiously isn't going to cut it. – James Dolezal Thank you to our friends at P&R Publishing, we are pleased to award a couple of copies of You Must Be Born Again, written by our very own Jonathan Master, to Denise W. from Oley, PA and Carey P. from Plano, TX!    Show Notes: You Must Be Born Again https://reformedresources.org/you-must-be-born-again-hardcover/

James and Jonathan sit down with returning guest C.J. Williams, professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theology Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss his new book, The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job. In this accessible, insightful book, C.J. shows that Job's sufferings foreshadow the suffering and exaltation of our Savior, in whom we have a sure hope. Job is a picture of the Gospel where a blameless and upright man is humbled to the point of death and then exalted after that. – C.J. Williams In Job, we find that the hardships of life are a call to humble ourselves, worship, and draw near to the Savior who suffered for us. As we put our trust in him, we discover that the sufferings of this life cannot compare to the glory that God has in store for us.  Thank you to our friends at Crown & Covenant, we are pleased to award two copies of The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job to our listeners, Jennifer A. from San Diego, CA and Rob D. from Madison, WI!   Show Notes: The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job https://crownandcovenant.com/products/the-shadow-of-christ-in-the-book-of-job-c-c-update

Part 5 of our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, is finally here! James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, pick up where they left off with Christian coming out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death and meeting his friend, Faithful. Their subsequent conversation covers the profound themes of temptation, discontentment, and shame, subjects that are relatable and applicable to all believers and illuminate the complexities of the Christian journey for each individual.  Two things really jump out at me as I read this…Bunyan recognizes that there are differences in the ways in which Christians are tempted, the ways in which therefore they are comforted and find hope, and that's a profound insight… This conversation with Faithful serves such an important purpose because it shows two men, walking the same pilgrim journey, yet in one sense experiencing it very differently. – Jonathan Master Don't miss this enlightening, instructive discussion! For the opportunity to win a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth, enter here.    Show Notes: The Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/ Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/ Previous episodes in The Pilgrim’s Progress book series: Episode 1: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xagb6-15a7cd1 Episode 2: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yd3a6-15e351c Episode 3: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-etvjk-16d1999 Episode 4: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/the-pilgrims-progress-part-4/

Jonathan and James conclude their insightful 3-part series with Pastor David Chanski, delving into Albert Martin's third volume of Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life.  This is the volume that Christ's church needs today because it addresses these matters of worship of God and conduct of life in the church. – David Chanski Volume 3 is a treasure trove for pastors, offering guidance on various aspects of ministry, from worship and church government to counseling and the conduct of weddings and funerals. David shares his experiences and highlights the practical applications of Dr. Martin's teachings, emphasizing the importance of the church of Christ bearing fruit. Join us for a discussion that explores the depth and breadth of pastoral duties from the wisdom of a seasoned pastor. Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Book Service, we are pleased to award a copy of the 3-volume set, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin to Jonathan G. from Eagle, FL. Congratulations!   Show Notes: Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/   Trinity Book Service is also pleased to offer our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net price of 40% off the list price)!

Jonathan and James continue their conversation with David Chanski about Albert Martin's profound three-volume work, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life. They discuss Volume 2, which focuses on the essential duties of preaching and teaching, including sermon preparation and delivery, and the importance of simplicity in preaching. I don't want to show people how much I know. I just want to help them to understand what the Bible is saying. – David Chanski The art of delivery is also addressed extensively in Martin's work, and he shares how to overcome common pitfalls in pulpit mannerisms that may be a distraction to members of the congregation.  It's like a good friend coming alongside of you, putting his arm around your shoulder, and saying, "Hey, can I make some suggestions on how you present yourself to people in a way that would help that presentation be more effective because it's perhaps less offensive or distracting?"…I like the fact that Pastor Martin risks giving offense here to address some of those issues that often people are thinking them, they're just not saying them. – James Dolezal From the most seasoned preacher to the new pastor just starting out, the issues discussed in this episode and addressed in Volume 2 are invaluable.  Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Book Service, we are pleased to award a copy of the 3-volume set, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin to our listener, Dale A. from Loris, SC. Congratulations, Dale! Show Notes: Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/ Trinity Book Service is also pleased to offer our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net price of 40% off the list price)!