Theology on the Go

Hugh Martin was a 19th century Scotsman and distinguished mathematician who became a minister of the gospel. As he battled mental health issues, Martin’s last 20 years of life were marked by writing--sermons, essays, and letters--as well as some occasional preaching. Sinclair Ferguson joins Jonathan and James to talk about Martin’s book, Christ Victorious, and give us a wider scope of Hugh Martin’s life and ministry. How did Martin’s mathematical and analytical mind serve him in his approach to theology? Join us for this intriguing conversation. Works by Hugh Martin Christ Victorious Christ For Us The Shadow of Calvary Simon Peter Free download of The Atonement: In Its Relations to the Covenant, the Priesthood, The Intercession of our Lord

Doctrinal Introduction: Perseverance of the Saints Jonathan and James have a chat about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. The Christian race isn’t always easy, which sometimes may cause us to wonder whether we’ll finish well. What assurance do we have that our running is not in vain and that we’ll finish the course? What’s the role of grace in the perseverance of the saints, and is there any work to be done on our part?  Our hosts review a few of God’s promises in this regard and the purposeful tension that exists between those promises and God’s commands.    Show Notes  ·  Canons of Dort heading 5 ·  2 Corinthians 4:7 ·  John 6 ·  Philippians 2:13

Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ   Jonathan and James are joined by Alan Strange. Alan is professor of church history at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The question is posed: How important is the doctrine of the active obedience of Christ? The resulting conversation deals not only with the biblical text, but with the historical aspect of the doctrine as well. Is there more to the doctrine than “Christ died for our sins”? What are some of the great truths attached to this statement? What’s the relationship between our law keeping and justification?  We have a few copies of Alan’s book, Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ in the Westminster Standards. Register for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.

Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals What do evangelicals need to retrieve, and why? Gavin Ortlund is pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai, California.  He joins James and Jonathan to talk about his book--Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals--and to answer these questions, and others. Some church history and tradition have been forgotten or neglected by many modern Christians…in part, for lack of knowledge of their importance. Gavin believes that we still have a lot to learn from the early and medieval church, and he calls for a balance on tradition and the authority of Scripture. We have a few copies of Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals for giveaway. Register for the opportunity to win one!

Ministering With a Clear Conscience  Why does Paul emphasize clearness of conscience in regard to one’s ministry? James defines “conscience”, expands on its dual function, and talks about how it often speaks against our will.  The hosts discuss the fallibility of the conscience, and how it can—at times—prevent us from enjoying a fruitful spiritual walk. So, what determines the standard of conscience, and how is it applied? Can a guilty conscience in ministry be a good thing, and—if so—to what extent?  We are giving away a copy of Christ Victorious, Selected Writings of Hugh Martin. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy. The book is a complimentary gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

Jonathan and James are happy to introduce our listeners to another great book written by Benjamin Shaw, who—for many years—was professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary…but recently took a position as Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College in Orlando, FL. The book’s title is Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World, and in it, Shaw describes Ecclesiastes as a big dose of realism without rose-colored glasses.    What contributions does the book of Ecclesiastes make to our understanding of the world? How do we apply this book to our lives, and how does Dr. Shaw “break it up” for his readers?   We are pleased to be giving away a few copies of Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World. Register for the opportunity to win one of them. They’re a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

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!