Theology on the Go

The Works of God and the Fall of Man Dutch theologian Petrus van Mastricht ministered in a time much like our own. Emerging scientific methods, the politics of the day, and other 16th century issues were bringing into question accepted beliefs concerning the origins of the created order and sin. Mastricht’s masterful four-part treatment of these essential doctrines has been translated for the Church by today’s guest. Listen as church history professor Todd Rester describes Mastricht’s method for moving Scriptural text to essential doctrine that prepares his readers to live for God through Christ. We have a few copies of Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 3: The Works of God and the Fall of Man to give away. Register here for an opportunity to win, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.

Under God, Over the People We live in an era of growing governmental interference and intervention in the life of the local church. So what is the proper Biblical relationship between the civil magistrate and the church? Our hosts reach across the pond to discuss the topic with Oliver Allmand-Smith. He’s a trustee of the International Reformed Baptist Seminary, a pastor for more than 20 years, and the author of Under God, Over the People: The Calling and Accountability of Civil Government. Allmand-Smith draws upon the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith as he defines both the calling and limitations of the civil magistrate’s authority over the local church. How should the church interact with the government? You’ll appreciate the clarity of both Scripture and the Confession on this timely topic. A free copy of Oliver’s book could be yours, courtesy of Broken Wharfe resources. Register here to win.

The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church  Believers tend to regard our union with Christ as a merely spiritual or even mystical bond. But 16th-century Italian priest-turned-Protestant theologian Gilorama Zanchi maintained that our spiritual marriage with Jesus joins us as one flesh with the Savior.   Patrick O’Banion taught history at the university level for two decades and now trains pastors and other leaders overseas. Patrick has written several books and serves as translator for Zanchi’s The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful. O’Banion explains how Zanchi’s writings as a Reformed scholastic would be foundational to the training and preparation of future pastors and theologians, asserting a Reformed perspective on union with Christ, the Trinity, and other central doctrines of the faith. To possibly win a copy of Zanchi’s The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful, click here. The copies are a gift from Reformation Heritage Books.

On Our Bookshelves Every college professor, theologian, and pastor takes on a substantial load of book study in the daily performance of his duties. Most, however, enjoy a bit of leisure reading whenever possible, and our hard-working hosts are no exception. Today Jonathan and James discuss the books each is currently enjoying as time permits in their busy schedules.  Does Jonathan tuck a 10-pound volume on systematic theology in his suitcase, or does he partake of some “lighter” reading on the road? Is James really working through a Harry Potter “classic?” You’ll be impressed with the guys’ downtime book lists!  You can win one of the books featured in today’s discussion: Thomas Boston’s Human Nature in its Fourfold State. Register here!

Today’s guest asserts that natural revelation is like a work of art. And what it shows us about the Artist is Natural Theology. That’s the title of David Haines’ latest book, a biblical and historical introduction and defense of an essential element of Christian theology throughout history. Haines is the assistant professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethlehem College & Seminary, an associate professor of Philosophy and Religion at VIU, a lecturer in medieval philosophy at the University of Sherbrooke, and a teaching fellow in dogmatics and philosophy with Davenant Hall. You’ll learn much about the usefulness and significance of natural theology from today’s spirited dialogue. We’d like to offer the opportunity to win a copy of Natural Theology: A Biblical and Historical Introduction and Defense. Sign up here. The books are a gift from The Davenant Press.

Foundations of Covenant Theology Several songs of the 60s refer to man’s need to “get back to the Garden.” Lane Tipton reminds us of a much greater place: a heavenly temple made holy by the presence of the glory of the triune God. It’s the starting place for Lane’s latest book, Foundations of Covenant Theology: A Biblical-Theological Study of Genesis 1-3.  Dr. Tipton is pastor of Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA, and Fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Reformed Forum. Through the book, Tipton clarifies Jesus’ person and work and provides a fuller understanding of Sabbath rest. What was Adam’s “test?” Who would truly ascend the mountain of God? Expect an inspiring and encouraging conversation among friends. Reformed Forum has offered a few copies of the book for giveaway. Register here to win!

Dr. Carl Trueman visits from that “other” Alliance podcast (Mortification of Spin) to discuss his latest book: Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution. More than an abridged version of his 2020 bestseller The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Trueman’s new release offers additional insights not explored in the larger work with a more accessible format designed for all readers. How can an allegiance forged online be “more real” to a young person than the actual community where he lives? When did internal feelings surpass external realities as the way we perceive the world around us? How does technology reinforce that inward focus? For those left wondering how the world arrived at its current state of identity politics, today’s conversation will prove most enlightening!  We have a few copies of Strange New World to offer as giveaways, so register to win one! The books are a gift from the publisher Crossway.

This World Is Not My Home We long for the end of the current pandemic and the opportunity to gather freely with old friends face-to-face. For now, our hosts make do with an online meeting with pastor, church planter, and author Mark Johnston. Mark has curated a series of his articles posted at PlaceForTruth.org into a compelling guidebook for pilgrims on the way entitled This World is Not My Home. Johnston reminds Christians of the nature of mankind’s redemption from Adam’s fall in Eden to its consummation in heaven and how that truth should give shape to living Christ-glorifying lives as “resident aliens” in this world.   

When you hear the title Expository Preaching, you may expect to find a “how-to” manual written for pastors. But David Strain’s contribution to the Blessings of the Faith series speaks instead to the congregation, providing a stout defense for expositional preaching in your Reformed church. David joins Jonathan and James on this episode to discuss the unique power and role of the preached Word and how God uses it in the context of gathered public worship within the local fellowship of believers. Great Bible teaching is available through various means, but your church is where God leads you in Christian growth. David’s final comments on today’s podcast will stay with you for a long time to come!

Today Jonathan and James welcome—not just any old theologian—but an Adonis! That’s Dr. Adonis Vidu, author and associate professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. His latest book describes the Trinity and, more specifically, the doctrine of inseparable operations. Unfortunately, the Church has begun to view the Father, Son, and Spirit as three distinct beings, each with a different mission. The doctrine communicates the correct view of God as one in three Persons, operating in inseparable unity. Why is a correct view of the Trinity essential for the Church? How might an incorrect understanding of the triune Godhead affect our understanding of His divinity? Hear why Christ has always been about His Father’s work! We have a few copies of The Same God Who Works All Things: Inseparable Operations in Trinitarian Theology to give away, courtesy of Eerdmans Publishing. Register for an opportunity to win yours!