Theology on the Go

Foundations of Covenant Theology  Jonathan and James are very excited to introduce Lane Tipton. He’s fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Reformed Forum, and pastor of Trinity OPC church in Easton, PA. Lane has assembled an outstanding video series for the Forum titled Foundations of Covenant Theology, which he passionately calls “the history of heaven”. In this series, Lane seeks to ask (and answer) the question, How does the primal history from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:2 provide a foundational interpretive lens for understanding Adam in the covenant of works in Eden? Tune in to hear about this relationship of earth to heaven.  In cooperation with Reformed Forum, we’re pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of the Foundations of Covenant Theology video series. Register! Show Notes Reformed Forum resources

Doctrine of God and Church Discipline - Q&A  Jonathan and James answer a few listener’s questions as a follow-up to a prior episode. Our hosts address the question of how one can know if Scripture is speaking of God metaphorically or literally. How should one understand Scripture when it talks about God having body parts and emotions, such as passions and feelings? James uses the term “God’s absolute sourcehood” to establish the standard of judgment on such matters.  Shifting gears, Jonathan tackles church discipline—what it is, and what it is intended to produce. How should 1 Corinthians 5 be understood where Paul dictates “no association” with the immoral person? Listen in!

The Newton Guy  Keith Plummer is professor at Cairn University teaching a variety of classes related to pastoral ministry, apologetics, and biblical courses. He also happens to work next door to Jonathan and James, lending a comfortable familiarity to their conversation.  Keith shares how he became interested in the life of John Newton, and how that interest affected his reading habits. What is it in Newton’s words that provides such a benefit for pastors and other readers today?  Have you considered allowing the writings of a mentor from the past to influence you? Listen to Keith’s recommendation on where to start!  Show Notes  ·  The Works of John Newton published by Banner of Truth ·  Follow Keith Plummer ·  A Guide to Godly Disputation by John Newton ·  Thoughts Upon The African Slave Trade by John Newton  We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Life of John Newton. Register! The books come courtesy of our friends at Banner of Truth.

The First Five  Jonathan and James welcome their friend Stephen Unthank. He’s pastor of Greenbelt Baptist Church in Maryland, and a contributing writer for PlaceForTruth.org. Stephen shares his experiences as a relatively new pastor…the joys and challenges of the calling…and, how it all lined up with his expectations.  Stephen’s convictions about the ordinary means of grace and the slow, steady preaching of the Word played an important role in his first years of ministry…not to mention the uniquely gifted people God has perfectly placed to serve alongside him. Listen to Stephen’s exciting and encouraging words! Show Notes ·  Reformation of the Church by Iain Murray ·  You Lift Me Up by Al Martin ·  The Work of the Pastor by William Still   We’re pleased to give away You Lift Me Up. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy!

Our dynamic duo brings up a topic that is usually difficult, and—many times—hard to swallow in the local church. Church leaders and congregants alike can also often misunderstand its procedure and purposes.   What is church discipline, and what does Scripture teach about it? What’s the purpose of church discipline, and what does it represent to the body of Christ? Jonathan and James answer those questions, and explain what ecclesiastical discipline is meant to protect as well.  If we say that we believe certain things about Scripture, we must back up that belief with action, drawing appropriate lines while caring for an offender. Difficult for sure, yet necessary nonetheless. Listen in!  Show Notes 1 Corinthians 5 Matthew 16 Matthew 18

God Without Passions What do we mean when we say that God is without passion…that He’s indifferent to His creation? Is God moved by anyone or anything? How should we handle the difficult Bible passages that seem to contradict the doctrine of impassibility?   Sam Renihan is a pastor at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, CA, and adjunct faculty member of IRBS Theological Seminary. Sam joins Jonathan and James to discuss his ever-relevant 2015 publication, God without Passions - A Primer. As a pastor, Sam guarantees that there are practical personal applications, as well as pastoral implications, for the doctrine of impassibility.  As James puts it: God without Passions – A Primer is the most accessible, yet orthodox introduction to the doctrine of divine impassibility you’ll find. Listen to learn why!   Show Notes  IRBS Theological Seminary Reformed Baptist Academic Press We’re pleased to give away a few copies of God without Passions - A Primer. Register for the opportunity to win a free one!

Divine Knowledge Jonathan and James share an informal conversation about the knowledge of God.  What are we really saying when we claim that God knows all things? What’s the scope of God’s knowledge? Is God continuously learning everything at the moment it happens?  James affirms that God is “uneducated”—what does he mean by that? Join us for another mind-expanding episode of Theology on the Go!

Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? Michael Morales, professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, joins us on the podcast to discuss his latest work, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? Who is able to approach God’s presence? This investigative study examines the book of Leviticus and the Regulative Principle of Worship, with a focus on Psalm 15 and Psalm 24. Michael shows the significance of the “Mountain of the Lord” in the New and Old Testaments and how the priestly sacrifice offered to bridge the chasm between God and man plays out in the book of Leviticus and throughout the New Testament.

Theoretical-Practical Theology Vol. II 17th-century Reformed theologian Petrus Van Mastricht wrote a comprehensive treatment of theoretical-practical theology. This extensive collection is gradually being made available in English by Todd Rester, lead translator of this massive work. The second volume, Faith in the Triune God, was released this year. Todd is an associate professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.   Listen as Jonathan, James, and Todd discuss the priority and value Mastricht gave to the practical and pastoral aspect of theology in training church members—especially, new ones.

All Things for Good  James and Jonathan remove the dust from the cover of a classic book that’s played a big role in their lives. All Things for Good, formerly known as A Divine Cordial by Thomas Watson was originally published in 1663, and it reads as a series of sermons or expositions of Romans 8:28. Throughout the book, Watson offers reflections on the two greatest difficulties he faced in pastoral ministry: To make the wicked sad and the godly joyful.  Listen as Jonathan and James discuss the biblical and doctrinal muscle strength All Things for Good offers for whatever trials one might be going through.   Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of All Things for Good. The books are a gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.