Theology on the Go

Hell Podcast We managed to catch Jonathan and James in their offices having a conversation about hell. The topic might not be a very popular one, but—if Scripture addresses it—we should pay attention to it. The Bible uses a few different words referring to hell, describing it as a place of punishment. But, is the word punishment used in the sense of "retribution," or as meaning "corrective and rehabilitating?" What does scripture describe as being the real purpose of hell, and how does that purpose glorify God? Don’t miss this fascinating conversation. Show Notes Matthew 25 Hebrews 9:27 2 Thessalonians 1 Daniel 12 Congratulations to the winners of The Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation from our past episode For Instruction, Doctrine, and Morals. Follow the link to read more on the topic. Deborah C. - Wheeling, IL Trevor M. - Syracuse, NY Johnnymae B. - Ambler, PA

Word, Sacrament, and Discipline You’ve moved to a new area, and are looking for a church. What are the main things you should consider in your search? As a visitor, what are the visible signs that indicate you’re in a true church? Barry York is a pastor…president of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a co-host of 3GT podcast…and, the author of Hitting the Marks: Restoring the Essential Identity of the Church. In today’s conversation, Barry clearly distinguishes the biblical standards of church membership from those of the consumer mentality, and things of central importance from peripheral preferences. Have you considered that every member of the church is responsible for the health and growth of the local body? Tune in, and find out why and how. Show Notes About Barry Congratulations to the winners of Some Pastors and Teachers by Sinclair Ferguson from our past episode The Preacher and Teacher. Michael M. - Casa Grande, AZ Nathan M. - Beaver Falls, PA Joshua L. - Chesapeake Beach, MD

For Instruction, Doctrine, and Morals James and Jonathan have a few questions about biblical interpretation, and Keith Stanglin is the right man to answer them. He’s the associate professor of historical theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology, and has written The Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation, an overview from the early church to our day. How helpful, really, is the history of interpretation for Bible reading? Is there a considerable difference between how the Bible was interpreted and applied in the pre-modern era, compared to today? If so, what are the differences, and why do they matter? Dr. Stanglin deals with the historical-critical method, authorial intent, and the kind of student the Scriptural interpreter must be—and he’s not talking about the level of one’s education! Show Notes 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Isaiah 7 and Matthew 1:14 Song of Solomon 1:2   If you want the opportunity to win a free copy of Keith Stanglin’s book, register here. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends from Baker Academic.

Sinclair Ferguson is associate minister at Saint Peter’s Church in Dundee, Scotland. He’s a long-time professor of theology, a former member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals council, and author of numerous works, including Some Pastors and Teachers, which is the subject of today’s conversation. You have probably heard the question or asked it yourself: What’s the difference between preaching and teaching? Dr. Ferguson provides a clear answer, adding to it a few practices that have enriched his thinking, and improved his sermon preparations and writing. As a minister of the gospel, have you ever considered the benefits of being pressured to do things out of your comfort zone? As Paul inquired of Timothy: Is anyone seeing the progress you’re making in handling Scripture? Enjoy the warmth and wisdom of our honored guest. Show Notes Dr. Ferguson recommends readings by: ·  B.B. Warfield ·  John Murray ·  Several sources of the experiential preaching of the Puritan tradition

James and Jonathan welcome Pierce Taylor Hibbs. He’s the associate director of the Center for Theological Writing at Westminster Theological Seminary.   Through the years, Pierce felt that writing was not only a profession--one, in which, he was trained—but also a vocation and calling, especially when combined with theology. Pierce relates his personal experience of discerning that calling on his life and shares some encouragement for others who wish to become better writers as well. What is the purpose of writing? What are some of the dangers and temptations that may come with the task? Show Notes About Pierce T. Hibbs and his writing Pierce’s recent publication, Finding God in the Ordinary Called to the Ministry by Edmund P. Clowney Pierce’s list of writers that help him to write better: ·  John Henry Newman ·  E. B. White (One Man’s Meat, Elements of Style) ·  George Orwell ·  Karl Ove Knausgaard We’re pleased to give away a free MP3 download entitled C. S. Lewis the Evangelist by Philip Ryken to all of our listeners. Just register and download!   Congratulations to the winners of Derek Thomas’ book Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches About Life to Come. Michaiah S. Huntsville, AL Tony W. Anderson, SC Matt S. Marion, NC Greg H. Milwaukee, WI Daniel C. Hampton, VA Johnny W. Columbus, MS Mitchell W. Louisville, KY Bart W. Merchantville, NJ Kayleigh H. Harrisonburg, VA Lynda O. Memphis, TN

Dr. Carlton Wynne is the assistant professor of systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, and one of the speakers at the Quakertown Conference on Reformed Theology, entitled The Glory of the Cross. How does the historical Adam magnify the cross of Christ? Carlton gives us a little glimpse into the glorious topic he’ll be addressing at the conference November 9 and 10. Redemptive history is God’s theme for our faith, and Carlton comprehensively walks us through the imputation of Adam’s sin to all men, and how God deals with this catastrophic event through the person and work of Christ.   Show Notes The Glory of the Cross Romans 6 No Adam, No Gospel: Adam and the History of Redemption by Richard B. Gaffin Jr. 1 Corinthians 15 Genesis 3, 4, and 5   We are giving away a few free registrations for The Glory of the Cross Conference. Register here for the opportunity to attend free of cost!

What do we think when we think about heaven? Is heaven our eternal home? Derek Thomas joins us for conversation about the delightful topic of heaven and the new earth. He’s currently the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC. In this encouraging conversation, Derek tells us about his book, Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches about Life to Come. Drawing from Scripture, he outlines what happens immediately after death, and further: how our view of the life to come shapes our present hope. Find out how Derek answers the age-old question, “Will there be dogs in heaven?” Show Notes Isaiah 65 and 66 2 Peter 3 Revelation 21 and 22 Romans 8 Westminster Confession of Faith chapter XXXII 1689 Baptist Confession chapter XXXI The Savoy Declaration of Faith chapter XXXI   We have few copies of Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches About Life to Come. If you would like the opportunity to win one, register here. The copies are a generous gift from Christian Focus Publications.

Natural Revelation God has revealed himself in nature, as Romans 1 affirms, but should natural revelation be the starting point of conversation in an apologetic or evangelistic encounter? James and Jonathan consider the text of Acts 14, with Paul’s apologetic approach to Jews and Greeks. Is seeing God’s hand clearly at work in creation sufficient to turn rebellious hearts to the Creator in repentance? Enjoy what this engaging conversation reveals about the deity of God, and the beneficial application of natural revelation. Show Notes Francis Turretin’s Institutes of Elenctic Theology (1st Topic, Question 3)

There has been a steady stream of Protestants converting to Roman Catholicism in recent years, and many of these converts claim challenges with Protestantism itself. Darryl Hart is professor of history at Hillsdale College, and has recently written Still Protesting: Why the Reformation Still Matters. The book is a compelling work rising out of theological conviction, and it confronts the claims of these converts with the pressing question: “How do I stand right before God?” How would you counsel someone thinking about ‘going to Rome’? Join us, and hear what considerations Darryl says are of the utmost importance. Show Notes ·  Second Vatican Council ·  John Henry Newman ·  Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1   Thanks to Reformation Heritage Books, we can offer some copies of Still Protesting, Why the Reformation Still Matters. Register for the opportunity to win one!

Theology on the Go reaches the big 1-0-0! To celebrate, we (with tongue in cheek) present this special edition of the podcast, as Jonathan and James search the Scriptures for the many and significant appearances of the number 100. You may be totally underwhelmed! Nonetheless, you’re invited to join us in thanking the Lord for this exciting milestone. We’ll even conclude the podcast with “The Old 100th!” A special thanks to all who have shared their wisdom with us as guests on Theology on the Go, and to you--our faithful listeners and supporters.