Theology on the Go

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.

Banner of Truth: A Conversation with Mark Johnston Mark Johnston is the pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cardiff, Wales. Mark also writes for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals on the Place for Truth website, has authored several books, and serves on the board of Banner of Truth Trust. Johnston joins Jonathan and James to talk a bit about the work of Banner; how it started and a few of its first publications.   What distinguishes Banner of Truth from other fine publishers? This conversation covers recommendations for beginners, Banner Mini Guides, and what’s in the pipeline: works addressing Christian living, use of the Psalms, church history, and more. Show Notes Martyn Loyd Jones Iain Murray H. Murray Robert Murray M’Cheyne John G. Paton’s Autobiography The Puritan Paperbacks Banner Mini Guides The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, along with Banner of Truth are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a copy of one of the Banner Mini Guides. Register!!

From Shadow to Substance What is Federal Theology? Sam Renihan joins our hosts to address this very question. Sam is a pastor at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, CA and author of From Shadow to Substance: the Federal Theology of the English Particular Baptists.   Is it fair to say that Federal theology was the theology of the post-reformation English Puritan? If so, how? Sam focuses his attention on the distinctive features of Federal Theology among particular Baptists, their place in the 17th century literature, and the implications of departing from the English social institutions of long-held beliefs. Show Notes ·  Theologian Casper Olevian ·  Theologian John Cameron ·  Minister Benjamin Cox  ·  Unity and Continuity in Covenantal Thought by Andrew Woosley ·  The Covenantal Theology of John Spilsbery by Matthew Bingham ·  The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault  ·  Divine Rule Maintained: Anthony Burgess, Covenant Theology, and the Place of the      Law in reformed Scholasticism by Casselli

No Place for Truth Jonathan and James are discussing a book that influenced both of them decades ago. Why would they be talking about it now, and what is the book’s relevance for today?  25 years ago, David Wells wrote No Place for Truth, a microscopic analysis of how the purpose of the church and of pastoral ministry was shifting. Wells recounts a few responses from church members at large and theology students alike about what they thought really mattered in ministry. What was the thinking of the time, and how does it influence ministry today? Don’t miss this important conversation! We’d like to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of this timeless book No Place for Truth by David Wells. Register!

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. Show Notes  ·  Radius International ·  John Calvin’s Commentary on the book of Acts 20:20 ·  John Owen Vol 16, chapter 5  ·  Articles on Pastoral Visitation by Banner of Truth  We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Elder and His Work by David Dickson, courtesy of the P&R Publishing team. Register!

Simonetta Carr joins Jonathan and James today. She opens up about very difficult times in her life, during which she dealt with schizophrenia in her family, which would ultimately claim her son.  In Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them, Simonetta recounts her experience as she learned much about schizophrenia and its forms of treatment, while she and her family experienced the love and support of their church community. Listen to this heartfelt conversation filled with sadness, as well as joy in the Lord, hope, and great encouragement. Thanks to our friends at P&R Publishing, we’re able to offer a few copies of Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them. Register for the opportunity to win one!!

Aquinas Among the Protestants Should Protestants read and engage with anything written by Thomas Aquinas? David VanDrunen sits in with Jonathan and James to talk about a book he co-edited with Manfred Svensson, titled Aquinas Among the Protestants. David is the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary in California.  In this episode, David talks about Aquinas’ interest in Aristotelian philosophy…how early reformers viewed him…and some of his valuable contributions. How relevant, if at all, is Thomas Aquinas for the present day?   We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Aquinas Among the Protestants. Click here to register. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Wiley-Blackwell.

How Then Shall We Feel? In the house today is Dr. Keith Plummer. He’s a professor of a variety of topics related to pastoral ministry, apologetics, and spiritual formation at Cairn University. The topic of our conversation is the place that feelings or emotions have in the life of a Christian. How are our feelings to be shaped? Can emotional responses be right or wrong? If so, can they be directed? Keep listening for the answers.

Grace Worth Fighting For To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Canons of Dort, Daniel Hyde has written Grace Worth Fighting For: Recapturing the Vision of God’s Grace in the Canons of Dort. Hyde’s work is a reminder for us to protect and proclaim the Gospel of grace. Danny is the pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in CA…adjunct instructor, prolific author…and the editor of Meet the Puritans, a ministry of the Alliance. Bonus material: In an impressive “Twitter-sized” version sprinkled with a Dutch accent, Hyde provides a synopsis of what Dort was all about, and how both sides were defining grace. Show Notes About Danny Hyde We are giving away a few copies of Grace Worth Fighting For. Register for an opportunity to win! The books are a generous gift from our friends at The Davenant Institute.