Theology on the Go

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)!

Dive into the transformative journey of pastoral ministry with intriguing insights from a three-volume work. The discussion highlights the significance of a true calling, emphasizing community support in the path to ministry. Personal anecdotes add depth, showcasing the emotional complexities faced by pastors. Discover the evolution of pastoral training sparked by mentorship and learn about the impact of effective theological research on ministry preparation. A genuine exploration for both established and aspiring ministers!

Jonathan and James explore the vital topic of church membership with guest, Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor and author. Together, they discuss why church membership is not only a biblical principle but also a profound blessing for believers despite its imperfections.  The person who is hurt the most by the church is the one who loves her the best, and that's Jesus Christ. And even knowing the failures of his followers and future leaders in the church, he still says to his disciples, says to his believers, says to Christians, that church is the place to be. -- Jonathan Cruse Based on his new book, Church Membership, Jonathan Cruse addresses common objections and highlights the importance of commitment, accountability, and spiritual growth within the church community.  I'm not a joiner. But this is the one thing which I've always felt: I must be joined in membership to the local church. This is that one thing where membership is a must and membership matters. I think people are members of all sorts of things right now but that membership has such low-level obligations that it's just easy to transfer that mentality over into the church as well. – James Dolezal Two of our listeners will receive a copy Church Membership, thanks to the generosity of P&R Publishing. Congratulations to Jeff K. from Douglassville, PA and Kadeem G. from Decatur, GA! Show Notes: Church Membership by Jonathan Landry Cruse https://reformedresources.org/church-membership-hardcover/

"How can I pick the right job?" This question is of utmost concern for many young people. But according to William Boekestein, pastor of Emmanuel Fellowship Church, you don't need to choose a job that's "perfect for you." But you must be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life.  Your choices matter. You have real agency, real responsibility to choose wisely. – William Boekestein Today, Jonathan and James sit down with Bill to discuss his insightful new book, Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling, and the everyday challenges young people face, including apathy, ambivalence, anxiety, and ambition. How can Scripture guide us in understanding God's sovereignty and our responsibility to make wise decisions about our future? God does the calling and the appointing. He has a plan that is good for his children. – William Boekestein This episode offers valuable advice for anyone – young and old alike – grappling with questions of vocation and purpose. Congratulations to Kyle A. from Clarksville, IN who was selected to receive a copy of Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling," thanks to the generosity of Reformed Free Publishing! Show Notes: Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein https://reformedresources.org/finding-my-vocation-a-guide-for-young-people-seeking-a-calling-paperback/

We are pleased to publish the fourth episode in our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress. James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, explore the significance of the Palace Beautiful and its representation of the church.  We want to just keep underscoring this point, I think in this episode, is the importance of the church, the importance of Christian fellowship as we walk our pilgrimage as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. – Jonathan Master Discover how Christian fellowship, pastoral guidance, and the journey through the Valley of Humiliation and the Shadow of Death form a cohesive unit in Bunyan's timeless work. This episode provides deep insights into the importance of the church, the role of pastors, and the transformative power of Christian conversations. We should be encouraging each other to articulate the hope that we have – not just what we left or what we fled or how we used to be, but what we’re aiming at now, so that we can encourage each other to press on. – James Dolezal 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

Michael Wilkinson, an attorney and adjunct professor at Trinity Law School, joins Jonathan and James for an engaging discussion about his new book, Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology. Michael’s primary assertion is that Jesus Christ is the definitive revelation of what it means to be human.  Jesus is the only man who was ever purely human in the unalloyed sense of being not corrupted in his mind or his will. In that respect, if we want to look for a blueprint of what is true man and then also what true man ought to be, then he is right, we ought to be looking to Christ for that. – James Dolezal  Michael purports that Chalcedonian Christology offers a unique perspective on human ontology, distinguishing itself from other anthropological models. This episode offers a fresh perspective on human nature, challenging contemporary models and inviting us to look to Christ for clarity. Thanks to the generosity of Lexham Academic, we are pleased to award two copies of Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology by Michael Wilkinson to our listeners. Congratulations to John R. from Winoka, MN and Kevin E. from Edison, NJ!

Jonathan and James continue their engaging conversation with Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about Volume 1 of his insightful commentary on the Book of Numbers. They kick off the discussion by exploring  the profound connections between the earthly and heavenly realms. The wondrous reality that’s going on in those early chapters of Numbers is God is creating this earthly host, this entourage, among whom He’s going to dwell and with whom He’s going to sojourn. - Michael Morales They then touch on James’ favorite topic of angels and cherubim, the significance of the wilderness sojourn, and the Old Testament motifs of prophet, priest, and king that culminate in the Lord Jesus Christ. Michael’s Numbers Commentary will be an excellent and relevant resource for Bible students and pastors. Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to award a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to one of our listeners. Congratulations to Joshua C. from Anoka, MN!   Show Notes: https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday

Jonathan and James sit down with their friend, Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to discuss Volume 1 of his recently released commentary on the Book of Numbers, which covers Chapters 1 through 19. Ten years in the making, this much-anticipated work sheds light on a part of the Bible often referenced yet rarely preached and explained. Those opening chapters are not simply packing up to go on a journey, it's really what the entire meeting with God at Sinai has been about. And so you get the creation of the covenant community – the first time in history God dwelling literally in the midst of His people…that became the linchpin. Then I realized the rest of the book is analyzing this thing that we call "covenant community." – Michael Morales Together, they discuss the concept of the covenant community, the significance of the Tabernacle, and how the structure of the camp reveals deeper theological truths about communion with God. Tune in to hear about the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians.  Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to award a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to Rob M. from Lachute, Quebec. Congratulations!    Show Notes: https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday