Theology on the Go

Confessional Subscription and the Minister’s Integrity  Today’s topic couldn’t be timelier. Jonathan and James are joined by David Strain, senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MI, to talk about David’s recent address at the Gospel Reformation Network conference on the topic of confessional subscription and why it matters. Are the confessional standards merely constitutional documents? What are some of the challenges and temptations reformed Christians--pastors in particular—face that could cause them to soften or even completely disregard their confessions? What about such pastors’ ministerial vows? Dr. Strain explains what “good faith subscription” means…follows up with what should be the acceptable exceptions for a ministerial candidate…then, closes by explaining why Christians in general should embrace confessionalism.

Vital Churches Wendell McBurney is our special guest. He’s been dean of research at Indiana University and has done a lot of writing in academic circles. Dr. McBurney has also been a valuable member of the RPCNA—the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America for many decades. Today’s topic is his recent book related to his work as a churchman.  Vital Churches: Elder Responsibility for Their Pastors and Congregational Planning is the fruit of years of observing the reason why people in the Church do the things they do. The book examines “means” vs. “ends,” and the welfare of pastors. Should pastors be considered “professionals”? Wendell makes a case for it, explains why planning is so crucial for the health of a congregation and its pastor, and addresses some of the obstacles a congregation might encounter. How do we pass along an understanding of pastoral work to the next generation? Whatever your perspective may be, this conversation will help you become a more integral part of Christ’s Church.   We are pleased to be giving away copies of Vital Churches. Register for the opportunity to win a free one. You can also visit ReformedResources.org to purchase a copy of this great title.

R.C. Sproul, A Life  Reformation Bible College President Stephen Nichols joins Jonathan and James. Their old friend stops by to discuss the biography he’s written about pastor, teacher, and theologian R.C. Sproul. Nichols talks about his working and personal relationship with Sproul, and the wonderful experience it was to finally compile his memories and “napkin notes” into this lively book. Who was R.C. Sproul? Nichols points out some of the doctrines that were dear to Sproul’s heart, and a few of the most important stands he took through the years. Hear about R.C.’s fascinating life, including the wide range of relationships he enjoyed with everyday believers, famous golf players, even rock stars!  We’re pleased to give away copies of this great title, R.C. Sproul, A Life. Register for the opportunity to win one! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway.

Why Should You Be Acquainted with John Owen? Jonathan and James are pleased to be talking with Crawford Gribben today. He’s the professor of Early Modern British History at Queen’s University in Belfast. Gribben has written An Introduction to John Owen: A Christian Vision for Every Stage of Life, and today he shares with us why it is worth getting to know Owen.  In his book, Gribben strives to reclaim John Owen for the ordinary Christian. For many, Owen is perceived as a non-relatable, high-level Puritan intellectual concerned about the minutia of theology. Gribben is committed to revealing the pastoral side of Owen and his manner of preaching and teaching…how he dealt with the ordinary daily affairs of his congregants…and the struggles in his own personal life, including the loss of his first wife and all his ten children. What was Owen’s distinctive contribution, and how can we apply it to our lives today?  Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of An Introduction to John Owen. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway. Show Notes ·  Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest by Crawford Gribben

“I Have Learned to be Content…”  The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals sponsors the Quakertown Women’s Conference in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. This year’s conference will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube May 14th and 15th, and the theme is “Contentment in Christ.” Among some very special speakers is Megan Hill. She’s a pastor’s wife, mom of four, editor and writer of numerous articles and some very helpful books including A Place to Belong and her latest, Partners in the Gospel.  Discontentment is a real heart issue and no one is immune to it. Why does it seem that the more we have, the more we desire? Can we affirm that discontentment is at the heart of every other sin? Megan has a few suggestions of practices and meditations to orient our desires and to help us cultivate thankfulness and contentment.  Resources Partners in the Gospel by Megan Hill The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs The Secret of Contentment by William Barclay The Envy of Eve by Melissa Kruger

PCRT and Praying to the Triune God   The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is renowned for its long-standing yearly conference: PCRT, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Once again, the event has been compelled to move online due to COVID restrictions. This year’s PCRT theme is Delighting in Our Triune God, the conference will be live-streamed April 28th to May 5th.   Jonathan Cruse is one of the conference speakers. He’s the pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI, and author of numerous articles and several very helpful books. Reverend Cruse will address the topic “Praying to the Triune God” at PCRT, and today we’ll enjoy a preview of that talk. Later this month, use the links below to access the conference livestream free of charge.    Show Notes    ·  Delighting in Our Triune God Conference Information   ·  Free Live Streaming on Facebook and Youtube  ·  What Happens When We Worship by Jonathan Cruse ·  The Christian’s True Identity by Jonathan Cruse

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.