Theology on the Go

The Cure for Unjust Anger  Jonathan and James welcome Brian Hedges to the podcast. Brian is the lead pastor at Redeemer Church in Niles, MI and is responsible for breathing new life into one of the works of John Downame, a 16th century Puritan who was known as a “physician of souls.”  In The Cure for Unjust Anger, Downame defines differing types of anger, distinguishing righteous anger from unjust anger…diagnosing the root causes of anger…and the motivations of the heart that give rise to sinful anger. Downame also suggests how to remove the causes for unjust anger. Is there really a just cause for anger? Editor Brian guides us through this latest gem from the Puritan Treasures for Today series. We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Cure for Unjust Anger. It’s a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books. Register!    Show Notes  ·  Puritan Treasures for Today Series

Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God   Jonathan and James invite Joel Beeke to the podcast to discuss the outstanding documentary Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God, tracing Puritanism from its birth to its modern influence.      Dr. Beeke—president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, and mastermind of this joint-project with Media Gratiae—explains the motivation behind producing such a thorough and costly project.   The Puritans have a bad reputation—to what extent is that reputation deserved? Joel shares some of the riches of puritan living and teaching, and shows how they influenced every area of life. Listen, and get to know more about the puritans.   The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and Reformation Heritage Books are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of the book Meet the Puritans. Register!

COVID Repentance  Peter VanDoodewaard is the pastor of Covenant Community Church in Taylors, SC. He’s in-house today to chat about an article he’s written for Reformation21.org titled Covid-19 Repentance. Peter's piece combines a reflection on the Old Testament minor prophets with the unprecedented sequence of events that followed the first COVID-19 lockdown in March. At issue: the speed at which the Church Global ceased to meet for worship by government order.  Could the coronavirus pandemic be interpreted as a judgment from God like those found in the Old Testament? Regardless of the answer to that sobering question, shouldn’t we be paying closer attention? Are there lessons to be learned, and repentance to be sought before God? Peter’s words give us much to consider! We are giving away free download of the plenary sessions of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology titled Profaning the Sacred: Beauty and Holiness of the Bride of Christ by speakers like Michael Horton, Richard Phillips, Phil Johnson, and others. Just Register and download!

The Story Retold  Benjamin Gladd is the associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. He joins James and Jonathan to discuss The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament, his recently published book co-written with G.K. Beale. No ordinary work, Ben enthusiastically tells us what’s so distinct about this project. Reformed theology is at the center of it all, connecting the Old and New Testaments into one, big redemptive story. Written at a popular level and geared toward college students—all will benefit from this rich study.  Show Notes  ·  According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible by Graeme Goldsworthy ·  An Introduction to the New Testament by D.A. Carson and Douglas Moo ·  From Adam and Israel to the Church by Benjamin Gladd ·  Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by Beale and Carson  Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of the Story Retold. The books are a generous gift from our friends at IVP.

Pastors and Polemics  Jonathan and James bring up a timeless topic facing pastors of every generation—most especially, today. Polemical debates and arguments rage in the streets, online, even from the pulpit. But, should pastors be involved, and—if so—to what extent?    Could engaging in polemics actually be one of the duties of a pastor? Should all polemics be discussed behind closed doors, or are there instances when certain issues must be addressed publicly? The apostle Paul posits guidelines about the manner in which polemics are to be conducted. We are offering you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Greatest Fight in the World. Register! The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

Every Day Matters  Brandon Crowe is the associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, and the author of several books—most of them on the theology of the Old Testament. This time, he’s written a book on productivity, which piqued our curiosity. In the past decade or so, Crowe has heard through his students’ innumerable prayer requests for time management to balance family life, church, work, school, etc. Brandon identifies with his students, as he’s had to learn how to do the same in his personal life as well.  In a market inundated with productivity books, there was still a need for one written from a biblical perspective. What is distinct about this book, and why does Reformed theology matter regarding productivity? Tune in to Theology on the Go for a productive conversation! We have a few copies of Every Day Matters to give away. Register for the opportunity to win a free one. The books come courtesy of Lexham Press.

The Doctrine of Angels  Jonathan and James tackle a topic somewhat underemphasized in Reformed circles, and—perhaps—overemphasized elsewhere. Should we give more attention to angels? What are the benefits of studying the few verses in Scriptures that address these holy and glorious creatures?  Angels are certainly a display of God’s creative power, but what is their purpose, and how do they relate to us? The discussion doesn’t begin and end here; our hosts promise more comprehensive conversations in the near future.  We’re giving away a few copies of Satan Cast Out: A Study in Biblical Demonology. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

With All Your Heart Dr. Craig Troxel is professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California and James’ former pastor.  Craig visits the podcast to discuss his recently written book, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will toward Christ.  When Scripture mentions the word heart, to what is it referring? Some view the heart as a “gut feeling;” others believe the heart to be the seat of all emotions. Dr. Troxel explains that the Bible portrays the heart as the governing center of life, and outlines principles for orienting our hearts to love and obey God.

Historical Collections of the Past  A socially-distanced Caleb Cangelosi joins Jonathan and James via Zoom. Caleb is the senior pastor at Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, MS, and the founder of Log College Press—the topic of our conversation today. Log College Press is a publishing company and free online library that seeks to collect and reprint historic Christian texts, especially from 18th and 19th century American Presbyterian writers. With approximately 6000 works by over 900 authors in its free PDF library, Caleb enthusiastically shares with us the broad appeal the resources offer to all.  Show Notes  ·  Explore the Resources of Log College Press ·  A Forty-Three Year Pastorate in a Country Church by C.W. Grafton ·  Various devotional writings by William Swan Plumer ·  Discourses of Redemption by Stuart Robinson ·  Aging in Grace: Letters to Those in the Autumn of Life by Archibald Alexander

Walking with God Jonathan and James have the pleasure of speaking with Rhett Dodson today. He’s the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Hudson, OH. Pastor Dodson was scheduled to speak at the Banner of Truth East Coast Ministers’ Conference this month, had the event not been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Communion with God would have been the topic of Rhett’s talks at the conference, and that subject piques the interest of Jonathan and James. What does it mean to walk with God and how does it express itself in times of difficulty? Can the walking imagery also relate to the Christian’s pilgrimage in this life with all its ups and downs? Rev. Dodson shares some resources that have been helpful to him in understanding what it means to commune with God biblically and in the personal Christian walk.  Show Notes  ·  Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos ·  The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson ·  Graeme Goldsworthy ·  Communion with God by John Owen ·  Marching to Zion: Ancient Psalms for Modern Pilgrims by Rhett Dodson ·  Every Promise of Your Word: The Gospel According to Joshua by Rhett Dodson Register for the opportunity to win some Banner of Truth merchandise!