Theology on the Go

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!

James and Jonathan are joined by Chris Castaldo today to discuss his new book, The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes. In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. How can we cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes, Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today.  Congratulations to Joshua C. from Anoka, MN, the winner of a copy of The Upside Down Kingdom, thanks to our friends at Crossway Books!

Most pastors understand that prayer is an essential element of pastoral calling. Yet, many struggle to devote consistent time and affection to this sacred means of grace. David Irving sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his new book, Devote Yourself to Prayer: A Call to Pastors, in which he seeks to motivate his fellow pastors to pray more for their people and their labors and delight in this vital discipline.  Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we gave away two copies of David's book to our listeners. The winners are Libby S. from St. Charles, MO, and Andrew C. from Corona, CA. Congratulations!  

One of the central tenets of the Reformed faith, the perseverance of the saints, is not a belief held by all Christians, but it should be, argues Jonathan Master. James and Jonathan sit down to discuss this vital doctrine and what it does – and does not mean. What exactly is the perseverance of the saints? Does it give us license to sit back and rest on our laurels? If not, how do we participate in our growth as believers?  Congratulations to the winners of the classic work, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, by John Murray: John F. from York, PA, Christopher D. from Gulf Breeze, FL, and Josh R. from Mesa, AZ. And thanks to Eerdmans Publishing for generously providing these copies for our listeners. 

Nathan Eshelman, author of I Have a Confession: The What and Why of the Westminster Confession of Faith, joins James and Jonathan on the podcast to discuss the importance of creeds and confessions. Focusing on The Westminster Confession of Faith, Nathan argues that, understood rightly, historic creeds can help us find a church that promotes right thinking about the Bible, encourage unity with truth, protect us from error, and help us proclaim the good news. Congratulations to the winners of a drawing for Nathan’s new book, I Have a Confession, courtesy of Crown and Covenant Publishing: John M. from Ridgetown, Ontario, Jim B. from Overland, MO, and Beck O. from Danville, PA.   Show Notes: Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

James and Jonathan sit down with long-time friend and highly esteemed theologian G.K. Beale to discuss his latest book, Union with the Resurrected Christ. Union with Christ is an important theological and practical concept that has received considerable attention in recent years. But not much consideration has been given to this union and its benefits in light of Jesus' resurrection and ascension…until now. Tune in as Dr. Beale shares highlights from the book and explains some important practical applications for everyday Christian living. Thank you Baker Academic for providing two copies of G.K. Beale’s book, Union with the Resurrected Christ for our listeners. The winners of the drawing were Maureen B. from Austin, TX and Joe G. from Orland Park, IL! Show Notes: Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.