Christ and Covenant Theology Jonathan and James invite Dr. Cornelis Venema for a conversation about his collection of essays entitled Christ and Covenant Theology. But what is Covenant Theology? Dr. Venema offers a rich definition, making a distinction between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace.  He clarifies the significance of Adam under the covenant of works, the theological issue of Republication, and more. Does Jesus save us by grace, or by His work? Tune in and hear what the professor has to say! Show Notes About Dr. Cornelis Venema Mid-America Reformed Seminary Our Reasonable Faith by Herman Bavinck Thanks to our friends at P&R Publishing, we’re able to give away few copies of Dr. Venema’s book Christ and Covenant Theology. Register for the opportunity to win!

Pastor Herman Bavinck Many know Herman Bavinck as a reputable Dutch theologian, whose Reformed Dogmatics continues to shape the thoughts of theologians, pastors, and lay Christians alike. What is largely unknown is that Bavinck was also a devout and heartfelt preacher. To bridge the gap between Bavinck, the scientific theologian and Bavinck the preacher, Jonathan and James welcome Dr. James Eglinton. He’s translated and edited Herman Bavinck on Preaching and Preachers. Dr. Eglinton shares how he got involved in the project and outlines what Bavinck meant by “eloquent preaching.” Show Notes About James Eglinton Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics If you’d like to win a free copy of Dr. Eglinton’s book Herman Bavinck on Preaching and Preachers, don’t hesitate to sign up! This giveaway is a generous gift from our friends at Hendrickson Publishers.

When studying the history of the Church, we tend to jump from the apostolic era right to the third century and beyond, where theological controversies were taking shape and ecumenical councils were being called. What about the second century? Was anything significant happening then? Michael Kruger has written Christianity at the Crossroads: How the Second Century Shaped the Future of the Church to provide valuable insight. Who would have imagined that--amid theological and cultural transitions, and much political instability--this time period would actually serve to solidify the Church! Show Notes About Michael Kruger Don’t miss the opportunity to win a free copy of Christianity at the Crossroads. Sign up! The books are a generous gift from IVP Academic. Coming up next: You might know Herman Bavinck as a great theologian, but have you thought of him as a preacher and devoted pastor? James Eglinton joins us to tell us about the Bavinck we haven’t heard much about it!

Interpreting Scripture with The Great Tradition Jonathan and James meet with Craig Carter to talk about his recent book, considered (by some) to be controversial--Interpreting Scriptures with the Great Tradition: Recovering the Genius of Premodern Exegesis.  Craig talks about the growing gulf between academic hermeneutics and Sunday preaching, and argues for a recovery of the context provided by the Nicene theological method of interpretation. Listen in, as Craig explains Christian Platonism, the role of metaphysics in Bible interpretation, and other compelling topics.   Show Notes Dr. Craig Carter’s Bio The Superiority of Pre-critical Exegesis essay by David Steinmetz Confessions by Augustine - Book VII City of God by Augustine - Book VIII Thanks to Baker Academics we can offer you the opportunity to win a copy of Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition. Sign up!!

Insuppressible Truth Jonathan and James welcome Gabriel Fluhrer. He’s a pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, and one of the main speakers at the Pensacola Theological Institute conference Insuppressible: Glory, Gospel, and the Design of Life, happening this summer in Pensacola, FL. The science-faith debate continues to rage, so Gabe, Derek Thomas, and Douglas Axe join forces to present a theological and scientific case showing that the Bible stands up to scientific critique. Once again, we see that Genesis 1 through 3 plays a foundational role in our faith – and, in the whole of Scripture -- in this time of existential darkness. As you enjoy the conversation, register for the conference, and prepare to witness Bible exposition and biology joining hands in a God-glorifying way.   Show Notes Insuppressible: Glory, Gospel, and the Design of Life McIlwain Presbyterian and Pensacola Theological Institute Sign up for the opportunity to win a free registration to attend the conference!

How important are the first chapters of Genesis to our understanding of the whole of Scripture? What happens to our perspective if we isolate Genesis 1-3 from the rest of God’s Word? Richard Barcellos drops in. He’s written Getting the Garden Right: Adam’s Work and God’s Rest in Light of Christ. The book is a sharp analysis of both the covenant of works and the Sabbath.  Was Adam called to simply tend the Garden of Eden, or was there a greater goal given even before the fall? Richard paints the big picture, applying Scriptural proofs along the way. Show Notes Richard Barcellos New Covenant Theology (NCT) Romans 3:23 Genesis 1:28 2 Thessalonians 2:14 We are happy to be giving away copies of Getting the Garden Right by today’s guest. Sign up for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a generous gift from Founders Press.

Primary or Secondary Importance? Jonathan and James are enjoying a conversation about doctrines of primary and secondary importance. What are these doctrines, and how may we distinguish them? Can our clear understanding of certain doctrines help us determine their importance? Our hosts carefully consider the doctrines of first importance and make the case that doctrines of secondary importance can sometimes obscure those of the first, which can cause us to err.   Are you putting first things, first? Let’s find out together.

Music In Worship Jonathan and James are joined by Michael Card. Michael is a singer-song writer, author, and Bible teacher. He has recorded over 37 albums and has authored a number of books. Michael shares about being influenced by his former professor, the late William Lane. It was William’s passion for God’s Word that first led Michael to begin writing music. Michael’s Bible-centered view of music can be heard throughout his catalog of songs; it's easy to see that Michael considers himself foremost as a Bible teacher. What role does music play in Scriptures? Should Christian musicians be also trained as bible scholars? Listen in as Michael answers these questions and expresses his concern for the place music has taken in some churches. Show Notes Michael’s Biography William L. Lane We are pleased to give away some copies of Give Praise to God by Philip G. Ryken. Sign up for the opportunity to win a copy.

The One Who Endures Can we claim the doctrine of perseverance is the distinct doctrine in the Reformed tradition? Jay Collier does. When thinking about the Reformed faith, we typically about think election and predestination. But in his recent book, Jay makes a strong case for the distinctiveness of the perseverance of the saints around and post Reformation time. How important is a proper reading of Augustine for getting this doctrine right? Jay's study uncovers competing readings of Augustine; a few men interpreted Augustine's writings as if he was making a distinction between God’s gift of conversion and God’s gift of perseverance. Listen to how historical theology - including the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints - had social and even political implications! Follow the link to sign up for an opportunity to win a free copy of What Is Perseverance of the Saints by Michael Milton. This book is a courtesy from our friends at P&R publishing Follow the link to sign up for an opportunity to win a free copy of What Is Perseverance of the Saints by Michael Milton. This book is a courtesy from our friends at P&R publishing Show Notes About Dr. Jay Collier Debating Perseverance - The Augustinian Heritage in Post-Reformation England Junius Institute for Digital Reformation Research Lambeth articles - Cambridge, 1595 The Canons of Dort - Of the Perseverance of the Saints, Rejection 3. Matthew Hutton Wolfgang Musculus

Today, Dr. Michael Allen is with us! He’s the professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. And he’s the author of Sanctification, part of the New Studies in Dogmatics series from Zondervan. His visit gives us the perfect sounding board to ask “Can our sanctification be simply the act of looking back and accepting our justification?”  Dr. Allen gives a Christ-centered view of sanctification; not only Christ's past, but present and future work in the lives of His people. In order to establish a biblical view on the topic, Michael offers three contexts: the Trinity, the covenant, and our double grace in Christ. What do these three have to do with our sanctification? Listen in as Dr. Allen distinguishes the biblical doctrine of sanctification from some popular contemporary doctrines. Show Notes Lev. 10:10 (ESV) Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV) Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Heidelberg Catechism Question 91 - Good Works Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter XVI - Good Works Augustine on Faith and Works.   Michael Allen’s recommended books on Sanctification.   Faith and Works by Augustine of Hippo Calvin’s Institute - Chapters 6 - 10 of Book III Pneumatologia by John Owen The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher Studies in Dogmatics - Faith and Sanctification by G. C. Berkouwer Holiness by John Webster   Thanks to Zondervan, we’re able to give away some copies of Sanctification. Please follow the link and sign up for a chance to get one!     We’re happy to announce the winners of Retrieving Eternal Generation by Fred Sanders, from our past episode Eternally Begotten. You can also purchase a copy at our Reformed Resources.     LeRoy D. - Greenwood, DE   Frank A. - Conyers, GA Warren D. - Garland, TX Joel H. - Newman Lake, WA Christopher L. - New Windsor, NY