Jonathan and James welcome a very special guest today. J. V. Fesko is the Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. The Need for Creeds Today is one of Fesko’s most recent works and the topic of today’s conversation. Fesko defines four different ways Christians view creeds, as he argues that creeds are not only a wise and helpful practice for the wellbeing of the church but a necessity for the being of the church!    

Pastoral Visitation Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Bakersfield, CA, visits with Jonathan and James to talk about his journey from pragmatism to conviction. Chad gives us his background, and tells us who the Lord has used to change his ministry, and how God did so! Chad discusses his relationship with his congregation through pastoral visitations, and how those encounters impact his own preaching.  The pastor describes his “out of body” experience as he was convicted to obey the biblical mandate to perform this duty, and details the benefits he’s been reaping since he started the practice. Today’s program was originally broadcast 7/29/19.

The Word Became Fresh   Dale Ralph Davis has been a minister at a few traditional Reformed churches in the US. For some time, he was Old Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dale lives a much quieter life now, and is happy to chat with Jonathan and James about one of his remarkable books, entitled The Word Became Fresh - How to Preach from the Old Testament Narrative Texts.   What is it about some OT narrative texts that intimidates many from preaching through them? What would be the possible negative effects on a church that does not receive the full revelation of God’s Word, including what Davis calls these “nasty narratives?”     We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Word Became Fresh. Register! The books are a generous gift from Christian Focus Publications.

Hypo What?   Our hosts Jonathan and James sit down together to discuss what to some may be a daunting topic—nevertheless, one that is important to get right.   Hypostatic union refers to the union of the two natures of Christ in His person. The questions then are raised: How do these two natures interact? Do they share 50/50 of the whole? Do the natures blend together, or do they exist simultaneously side by side? How can we reconcile the reality of Christ’s divinity with the reality of His humanity? Does Jesus have His humanity at the present moment?    Jonathan and James explain why this doctrine should not be ignored, and how a better understanding of Christ’s hypostatic union can help believers in their suffering.

Avoiding Chronological Snobbery    Nick Needham joins us from across the Atlantic. He’s the minister of Inverness Reformed Baptist Church and a lecturer at Highland Theological College. Nick’s also the writer of an outstanding four volume set entitled 2000 Years of Christ’s Power: The Age of the Early Church Fathers.   What can we gain from learning church history beyond the inspiring example of those who have gone before us? Will understanding the past keep us from error today, and just how far back should one look for doctrinal help and spiritual guidance? Needham deftly and thoughtfully provides the answers we seek.   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of The Early Church Fathers: Daily Readings by Nick Needham.

Original Sin: Born This Way James and Jonathan tackle a foundational theological topic this week. The doctrine of original sin is integral to our grasp of many other biblical doctrines. How should we define original sin, and how is it different from the sins we commit daily? Guilt, corruption, imputation, and federal headship are but a few of the terms worthy of discussion… but don’t be intimidated. Our hosts deftly describe how these concepts help define our status through our relationship with Adam.    We’re offering you the opportunity to win a copy of Imputation of Adam’s Sin, a classic on this topic. Register here! The books are a complimentary gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.   Imputation of Adam’s Sin is available for purchase at Reformed Resources. Show Notes Charles Hodge on original sin: Systematic Theology Vol. II Louis Berkhof on total depravity: Manual of Christian Doctrine, see Sin in the Life of the Human Race Westminster Larger Cathecism, in particular starting at question 22

No Creed but the Bible?   James Renihan joins us. He’s president and professor of Historic Theology at IRBS Theological Seminary in Mansfield, TX. At issue: Is it accurate to say that Baptists have no confessions, and “no creed but the Bible”? Our guest quickly and politely debunks these myths!   What motivated the 17th century Baptists to produce confessions, as they were already part of a broad Protestant movement that believed in the fundamental doctrines of Scripture? Hear what Renihan has to say about the interesting, uniting aspect of those confessions and about his upcoming project on the first London Confession.

By Good and Necessary Consequence James and Jonathan welcome special guest Ryan McGraw. Ryan is academic dean and professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. His book, By Good and Necessary Consequence, is the topic of today’s conversation. It is part of the series Explorations in Reformed and Confessional Theology by Reformation Heritage Books.   The phrase “by good and necessary consequence” appears in the Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter 1, paragraph 6. What does this phrase mean, and why has Ryan written a book about it? How do we guard against abusing the principle by taking it too far and deriving whatever we want from any text of Scripture?   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of “By Good and Necessary Consequence.” The books are a generous gift from our friends at RHB.

The Case for Biblical Archaeology    Jonathan and James meet to share a conversation with John Currid. He’s the Chancellor’s Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, a trained archaeologist, and an ordained minister in the PCA. Dr. Currid is in to chat about his fascinating book, The Case for Biblical Archaeology.   In what ways does such research serve Christians and the Church? How does archaeological knowledge help the lay Christian understand the Bible, and assist pastors in expositing Scripture? The book is accessible and edifying for all who will read it.   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of The Case for Biblical Archaeology. The books are a complimentary gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self - Part 1   Jonathan and James receive the visit of a close friend who has written one of the most significant books of 2020. Carl Trueman is the co-host of Mortification of Spin—another podcast from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals—and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Carl’s new book is The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution.    Why do we believe that Carl’s topic is so relevant? Short answer: Because the sentence “I am a woman trapped in a man’s body” is not just a passing statement; it’s a declaration loaded with philosophical underpinnings that have developed in the past several hundred years carrying implications in the educational, socio-economic, political, and religious spheres, among others.    We’ll be happy to give away copies of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self to some of our listeners. Register for the opportunity to win one! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway.