James and Jonathan welcome their bowtie-clad friend, T. David Gordon, to discuss his latest book, Choose Better: 5 Biblical Models for Making Ethical Decisions. How do we know if we’re making the best choices possible? T. David says that over the centuries, Christians in different traditions have distilled scriptural guidance into five models for ethical decision-making. These models give us clear questions to ask in every situation, helping us improve our choices and better understand the choices of fellow believers—especially when they differ from ours. The creature made in God’s image has the capacity for reflection, for contemplation, for decision making, and so any choice we make about any aspect of our life is a reflection of the image of God in us, and therefore, it is subject to ethical inspection. – T. David Gordon Tune in to discover how T. David’s five biblical models for making ethical decisions equip believers to think biblically and choose better. And also learn why one of these models has him regularly spending a night sleeping in the forest. You may be inspired to grab a hammock and follow suit! Amber F. from Langhorne, PA and Brett F. from Ballwin, MO were each chosen to win a copy Choose Better, thanks to the generosity of P&R Publishing!   Show Notes: Why Johnny Can’t Preach by T. David Gordon: https://reformedresources.org/why-johnny-cant-preach-paperback/  

It’s a trip down memory lane as Jonathan and James sit down with their former student, John Biegel, who is now serving as the lead pastor at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, VA. John recently authored a book, Offering and Embracing Christ: The Marrow Theology of John Colquhoun of Leith. Less well known than the famous “marrow man,” Thomas Boston, Colquhoun was a faithful Scottish minister and Calvinist whose life and preaching reflected the thought of the Marrow men on offering and embracing Christ. Colquhoun stands out as being especially indebted to Boston and Erskine and this whole stream of Marrow theology in a way that is unparalleled in the Church of Scotland at the time and really sets up what ends up being this evangelical revival in the Church of Scotland in the early 19th century. – John Biegel  James and Jonathan are justifiably proud of their former student and commend his book to all, but in particular to anyone who feels the tension between the free offer of the gospel and particular atonement.  Congratulations to Delano R. from Conway, AR and TH from Soldotna, AK, each of whom won a copy of John’s book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books!   Show Notes: John recommends the following books by John Colquhoun:  The Covenant of Grace: https://heritagebooks.org/products/the-covenant-of-grace-colquhoun.html A View of Saving Faith: https://a.co/d/4C2HKUl A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel*: https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/a-treatise-on-the-law-and-the-gospel-colquhoun-hardcover.html https://thelawandthegospel.com/Repentance: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/theology-books/repentance/

Jonathan and James sit down with Brandon Crowe, an author and professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, to discuss his latest work, The Lord Jesus Christ: The Biblical Doctrine of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Brandon traces Christ’s person and work throughout the Old and New Testaments and church history through biblical, historical, and theological study and then presents systematic and practical implications.  The book is something like a one-stop-shop where it’s not just the systematics or just biblical theology. It really brings those two between the same covers, and not just that, but also the practical applications of what this means for our salvation and for our worship of Christ. – James Dolezal Written from a confessionally Reformed perspective in concert with the great creeds of the church, The Lord Jesus Christ provides a thorough and trustworthy guide to understanding Jesus and his salvific work. Thanks to the generosity of Lexham Press, we were able to award two copies of Brandon's book to our listeners. Congratulations to Melissa V. from Chevy Chase, MD and Brent B. from Aberdeen, SD!

James and Jonathan are excited to kick off the Theology on the Go book club today with their good friend Jeffrey Stivason, coming together to discuss The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Jeff is pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  In this episode, they will discuss the book's first section, from the City of Destruction to the Wicket Gate. So grab your copy of The Pilgrim's Progress (or order one here if you don't own one) and follow along with our knowledgeable and passionate hosts. Jeff believes this book has profoundly impacted his Christian experience, and he highly commends it to others. [The Pilgrim's Progress] has the ability to take me by the heart…I just find myself thinking; this is so much like us – to not be able to see the best of things but to be able to see the worst of things so clearly. And here [Christian] is, arriving at the gate, and it's a little triumph and it's a lot of joy to see him move through this part of the path. It feels like life itself, doesn't it? – Jeff Stivason Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner of Truth, we awarded copies of Bunyan’s classic work to two of our listeners. Congratulations to Franklin H. from Derry, PA and Logan S. from Pittsburgh, PA! Each episode over the next several months will discuss a few chapters of the classic work. Part 2 of the book club will air on May 27th, at which time we will cover "The Interpreter's House" (pp. 25-29 in the Banner Books edition).  Show Notes: To order your copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/ The Strait Gate by John Bunyan https://a.co/d/abUTGaJ

Zachary Groff, pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church and managing editor of The Confessional Presbyterian Journal, joins James and Jonathan today to discuss the 19th annual edition of the publication, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in America. While serious-minded academically, the journal is accessible to readers from all backgrounds. One ringing theme is the intersection of faithfulness to the Scripture, being true to the Reformed faith, and obedience to the Great Commission.  It is a very helpful platform...or venue for promoting discussion among conservative and confessional evangelicals on matters not just of confessional theology but also, more broadly, speaking biblical theology, recent publications, and even ongoing debates. — Zach Groff Get a copy to read about John Gresham Machen and his role in forming the PCA, the history and formation of the Standing Judicial Commission, a fascinating look at oaths and vows and witnesses in the courts of Presbyterian churches, and ecclesial unity and creation doctrine. Congratulations to our winners, Cynthia C. from Jonesborough, TN and Stephen S. from Jacksonville, FL, each of whom won a copy of the 19th edition of The Confessional Presbyterian Journal!   Show Notes: To order your copy of the journal: www.logcollegepress.com/confessional-presbyterian-journal Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary: www.gpts.edu

James and Jonathan are happy to welcome Carl Trueman back to the podcast to discuss his newly-released book, Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity. An updated version of The Creedal Imperative (2012), Carl’s new edition analyzes how ancient creeds and confessions protect and promote biblical Christianity in a culture of expressive individualism. Listen to find out what has changed in the culture in the 11 years since he wrote the first book and why this updated version is so important.  Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we had two copies of Crisis of Confidence to give away. Congratulations to our winners, Katherine C. from Anoka, MN and Stephen W. from Arlington, TX!

In the past century, one question has constantly plagued the church: How should the people of God respond to social issues? In this episode of Theology on the Go, Alex DiPrima talks to Jonathan and James about an unexpected source for us to consider for an answer: Charles Haddon Spurgeon. In his recent book, Spurgeon and the Poor: How the Gospel Compels Christian Social Concern, Alex examines how Spurgeon's belief that gospel preaching and soul-winning should be the church's primary mission informed his commendable benevolence and mercy ministry. Congratulations to Melanie M. from Warwick, RI and Juwan W. from Philadelphia, PA, the winners of a copy of Alex's book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books!

Author and Greenville Seminary professor Ryan McGraw sits down with James and Jonathan today to discuss his latest book, A Mystery Revealed: 31 Meditations on the Trinity. In this book, Ryan offers a fresh perspective on how the Trinity forms the foundation for everything from evangelism to corporate worship. The 31 daily meditations help bring this heavenly doctrine down to earth for the average Christian to experience. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we were pleased to send two listeners a copy of Ryan McGraw's's book. Congratulations to Ryan C. from Glendale, AZ and Susan R. form Boonsboro MD.   Show Notes: Dr. McGraw recommended this book on the Holy Spirit by Fred Sanders: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-holy-spirit-tpb-2/

In this episode, Jonathan and James are joined by their close friend and Mortification of Spin podcast host, Carl Trueman. They dive into a discussion of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, a book by John Owen that Carl considers the #1 book on justification. He has such high regard for it that he wrote an introductory essay for the latest edition published by Reformation Heritage Books. Listen in to discover more about Owen, why he wrote a book on justification, and why his writing is still relevant.  Congratulations to Raymon C. from Lakewood, CO and Noah H. from Greer, SC who were selected to receive a copy of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.

What is the chief end of man? Many of us can recite the answer from memory. For centuries, the Westminster Shorter Catechism has helped Christians, young and old, know their “chief end.” Today, James and Jonathan are joined by William Boekestein, co-author of a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. In a year’s worth of Lord’s days, this valuable new resource is excellent for individual and family use for all who desire to “glorify and enjoy God forever.” Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books for generously providing two copies of this devotional by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew Miller. Our winners are Rich F. from Augusta, GA and Chris P. from Mill Spring, NC. Congratulations!