Theology on the Go

The Fall of Satan and the Demons Today’s discussion began years ago when our hosts collaborated to create a college course on angels and demons. Today, Jonathan and James reconvene in our digital classroom and focus their discussion more specifically on the fall of the demons and their ringleader Satan. You’ll learn about the origins and specific sins of that rebellion, and how their fate differs from man’s corporate fall from grace. It’s a conversation rich with biblical truth about this unseen realm. Courtesy of Banner of Truth books, we have a few copies of Satan Cast Out by Frederick Leahy to give away. Here’s where you register.

In the Fullness of Time   Many Christians believe that eschatology is simply a matter of understanding a future event—what will happen when Christ returns. Over the years, students of today’s guest have observed that eschatology is defined by two points—past and future—Christ’s death, resurrection, and Pentecost in the past; and continuing through the ongoing fulfillment of Christ’s promises to the end of the age.    Richard Gaffin is professor emeritus of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. His seminal courses on Paul and the book of Acts have deeply influenced many, including Jonathan and James. Dr. Gaffin offers a clear perspective on Paul’s ministry and redemptive history in his book, In the Fullness of Time: An Introduction to the Biblical History of Acts and Paul.   Crossway Books has provided a limited number of copies of In the Fullness of Time for giveaway. For an opportunity to receive one, enter here.

Trinitarian Dogmatics It’s a question few Christians will typically entertain: how do you enjoy communion with all three persons of the Godhead in worship? Dr. Glenn Butner offers satisfying, biblical answers to many such queries in his outstanding book, Trinitarian Dogmatics: Exploring the Grammar of the Christian Doctrine of God. It’s his topic of discussion today with Jonathan and James.  Indeed, the word “Trinity” is not mentioned in Scripture. Still, the evidence for the eternal coexistence, inseparable operations, and unmistakable unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is found throughout its pages. Today’s conversation and Butner’s book help us clarify—or even “correct our grammar”—when considering this essential doctrine of God. Baker Academic has provided a few copies of the book for giveaway. Get in the running here.

God to Us   Jonathan and James welcome Stephen Myers to the podcast. He’s associate professor of Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  Stephen explains that Covenant Theology is a wonderful, essential study. It reveals God’s character and how He binds Himself to us. It’s a helpful means of understanding how God’s other covenants are irreplaceable in the progressive unfolding of the Covenant of Grace. Myers’ book—God to Us: Covenant Theology in Scripture—explains the purpose and work of the covenant in detail so that our relationship with Him may become richer as we grow into living as His people.    We have a few copies of Stephen’s book to give away, courtesy Reformation Heritage Books. Click here to enter.

The title of the most recent Blue Ridge Bible Conference seems an appropriate descriptor for today's episode of Theology on the Go. Jonathan and James discuss the biblical, familial, and social implications of the latest manifestation of gender dysphoria: transgenderism. Why is a decision to reject one's "sexual assignment" at birth an example of covetousness? And if, as a recent Supreme Court candidate asserted, we can't describe what a woman is because we're "not biologists," then how can anyone make such a determination about his own "perceived gender identity?"

Jesus and the God of Classical Theism In Jonathan’s absence, James is flying solo as host, welcoming author and seminary professor Steven Duby to the podcast. Steven’s new book, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism: Biblical Christology in Light of the Doctrine of God, provides the foundation for today’s conversation and the discourse is as weighty as the book’s title suggests.  The issue is clear: do modern treatments of the person of Jesus Christ align with earlier teachings of God’s attributes such as immutability, impassibility, eternality, and the like? Duby’s excellent treatise carefully and convincingly makes the case that biblical Christology clearly affirms the divine distinctions of our Lord.  To possibly win a copy of Duby’s book, enter here. The books are provided by Baker Academic.

Is your prayer life merely a lengthy list of requests that so often seem to go unanswered? Sarah Ivill never tires of considering the Christian’s privilege to pray directly to the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit. Equally amazing is the fact that God initiates that relationship with us, made possible by Jesus’ finished work on the cross.  You’ll hear the wonder in her voice as Sarah ponders how our prayers in eternity will consist of unceasing praise to our God. Jonathan is out and about the work of the church, so James remains to chat with Ivill about her new book, The God Who Hears: How the Story of the Bible Shapes Our Prayers. Sarah contends that, as we study prayer through the unfolding narrative of Scripture, the Covenant God to whom we pray is revealed to us. Be encouraged by today’s hopeful discussion! Register here for an opportunity to win a copy of The God Who Hears courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.

In the Shadow of the Rock Geoff Thomas is our guest for the 200th episode of Theology on the Go. He’s a seminary professor and conference speaker who served over 50 years behind a pulpit in Aberystwyth, Wales. Geoff’s outstanding autobiography recalls the friendships gained and lessons learned over decades of ministry.   Thomas recalls (and recommends) some of his favorite Bible teachers, recounts his formative years in the pastorate, and reflects on the sheer joy of meditating on the word of God.    Wherever and whenever God has called you in ministry, learning from Geoff’s outstanding example and advice is time well spent.   For an opportunity to win a copy of In the Shadow of the Rock: An Autobiography, click here. The books are a gift from Reformation Heritage Books.

Arminius and the Reformed Tradition Was Jacob Arminius a Reformed theologian who held to the basic tenets of Reformed soteriology? Today’s guest skillfully dissects his writings on predestination, union with Christ, justification, and more to effectively prove that Arminius’ views on salvation differed significantly from confessional norms. J.V. Fesko serves as professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and is an ordained OPC minister. Fesko is the author or editor of more than 20 helpful books on Reformed theology, justification, and other biblical topics. In conversation with Jonathan and James, the professor carefully describes Arminian positions that arguably break from Reformed traditions. To possibly win a copy of Arminius and the Reformed Tradition: Grace and the Doctrine of Salvation, sign up here. Our copies are a gift from Reformation Heritage Books.

Calls to Worship, Invocations, and Benedictions Pastors and worship leaders recognize the significance of every liturgical element in the organization of a worship service. Today’s guest offers both a guide to Scripture-filled worship and some historical background on the use of these all-important elements. Ryan Kelly is an associate professor of music at West Chester University, and—as an experienced church musician and organist—he’s also director of music at Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, PA. Ryan’s new book provides hundreds of calls to worship, invocations, and benedictions and over one hundred optional congregational responses, along with seasonal and topical suggestions for worship planning which combine to make his book an invaluable practical resource for worship leaders. For an opportunity to win Calls to Worship, Invocations, and Benedictions, register here. Our giveaway copies are a gift from P&R Publishing.