Theology on the Go

“When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.”  Returning guest Geoffrey Thomas joins James and Jonathan today for an inspiring conversation about his new book, Knowing the Cross, in which he investigates God's Word to understand the true meaning of the cross of Christ. How did this instrument of death become a symbol of life? How did the verdict of bad news for Jesus become a declaration of good news for His people?  "Jesus took my place and bore my condemnation, so now I don't face a tut-tutting God, I don't face a cold welcome, a slightly frowning God who sees me with all the inconsistencies of my life because Jesus Christ has removed every molecule of my guilt, all my shame, all my inadequacies."  – Geoff Thomas  As James says, "The cross actually means something, and it's not whatever we want it to mean, but it's what the Scripture says it means." Listen as Geoff encourages us to love the cross and God's glorious work through it.  Congratulations to the following listeners, each of whom won a copy of Knowing the Cross, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books: John F. from York, PA, Stephen D. from Wheaton, IL, and Jonathan W. from El Paso, TX.   Show Notes: The Death of Death, by John Owen

James and Jonathan welcome Todd Rester back to the podcast to discuss the 4th volume of Petrus van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology: Redemption in Christ. An associate professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, Todd has spent many years translating Volumes 1-4 of this comprehensive, influential work and has already started working on the fifth volume! Redemption in Christ examines God's great work of obtaining redemption in the Mediator, Jesus Christ.  "The whole thing is about has Christ done everything necessary that we might have full assurance of God's love and mercy, His grace, and His covenant and faithfulness to us, and the answer is a resounding yes!" – Todd Rester In addition to learning about various aspects of this book, be sure to tune in to discover how Mastricht's work is still relevant today and was referenced in a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling! We awarded away two copies of Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 4: Redemption in Christ, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books. Congratulations to Bobby F. from Oklahoma City, OK and Alexander L. from Jacksonville, TN!

James and Jonathan spend time reflecting on Psalm 46 today. Martin Luther claimed this was “his psalm,” it is the basis for one of our most well-known hymns, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” This beautiful psalm starts with the comforting words, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Written for all of us who will at some point face troubles that seem to shake the ground beneath us, Psalm 46 has been a source of strength and comfort to countless people through the ages by focusing our attention on heaven.  We need to train our minds and train our hearts to be attentive to heaven precisely because that’s the anchor for our souls in many respects when we face these times of great troubles. – Jonathan Master “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Be encouraged by this reflection of Psalm 46, a balm for our souls.  Congratulations to Richard R. from Ladysmith, WI and Zach W. from Gold Bar, WA, each of whom will receive a copy of Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey, generously provided by Ligonier Ministries. 

The much-anticipated follow-up to the first episode of James and Jonathan’s book club is here! Today, the guys sit down again with their friend, Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, for Part 2 of this series. Though written in the 17th century, The Pilgrim’s Progress has essential applications that we can glean from reading this classic work. Based on the feedback from listeners, you’re as excited about this as we are! “When you think about the Wicket Gate being readiness, when you think about the scroll being assurance, and that whole idea that this is what Christ has done for you. You don’t learn those once, and then your Christian life is made easy because of them. Those are things that you say to yourself repeatedly every day of your life, you know. That’s the Gospel preaching that you do to yourself every day, that you need or you’re not going to last with any sort of vigor or strength.” – Jeffrey Stivason We hope you enjoy this second installment of our book club as James, Jonathan, and Jeff (J3) discuss the Interpreter’s House through Hill Difficulty. If you’re following along, plan to read Palace Beautiful through the Valley of Despair and Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death for next time. Congratulations to Anthony H. from New Berlin, WI who won the drawing for a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Thank you, Banner of Truth.   Show Notes: The Strait Gate by John Bunyan: https://a.co/d/4dgBmk8

In today’s culture, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been impacted by sexual sin, either personally or in their family or social circles. Issues of pornography, transgenderism, and homosexuality are pervasive, yet many in the evangelical church do not feel equipped to face the challenges of sexual brokenness. James and Jonathan are joined today by Mark Sanders, the executive director of Harvest USA. Harvest brings the truth and mercy of Jesus Christ by helping individuals and families affected by sexual struggles and by providing resources that address biblical sexuality to individuals and churches. Over the years, as the rise of the internet, it’s become much more of a broad discipleship ministry addressing any way that sin has affected our sexuality and our gender, and we’re just seeing more and more the ways that the fall and denial of God as our creator is going in more and more directions with sin. So we want to continue to see how Scripture brings clarity on God’s design but also brings clarity on the hope that we have in Christ. – Mark Sanders Harvest USA has always been an important ministry, but it is becoming increasingly vital in today’s culture. Tune in to hear more, and check out their website to see what resources are available, including two new online courses, “Raising Sexually Faithful Kids” and “Parenting Boys and Girls in a Gender-Confused World. Thank you, Harvest USA, for providing two copies of Across the Kitchen Table for our listeners. Congratulations to Sharon B. from Lancaster, PA and Billy C. from Virginia Beach, VA!  Show Notes: For more information about Harvest USA and to access their new online courses: https://harvestusa.org/

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