Mortification of Spin

Who would have thought a few years ago that today, blogging would be considered a great intellectual exercise…in comparison to the complex ideas we now try to discuss in 280 characters or less?The ugliness of Christians belittling other Christians on social media can be disheartening, indeed. But is there any salvageable reason for keeping a Twitter or Facebook account? The trio comes out to discuss the topic, among others. Our spin-killers touch on the self-promotion of failed ministers who left wreckage behind them, and are now capitalizing on their comeback stories of “grace and redemption.” How have Christians come to ignore the biblical qualifications of church leaders where a ‘Christian celebrity’ is concerned?Show NotesNeil Shenvi on TwitterRobert GeorgeThe book of James talks much about what the Christian speech should and should not be like, so we’re giving away The Message of James—part of The Bible Speaks Today series by Alec Motyer. Register for the opportunity to win a copy. They’re a generous gift from our friends at IVP.

Are Christians promised a life free from suffering? If not, how should we respond when trouble comes our way?The team considers suffering and the place of lament in the life of the Christian. Is it wrong or sinful to lament? What should one say to God when going through the valley of the shadow?Scripture has the answer! The Psalms especially are full of instruction on how to praise God in our lament, and offer hope in the “vale of tears” that life on earth can be.Settle in for a deep conversation, and take note of the place the Lord has provided for His suffering children, and the witness they bring to other members of the body. Show Notes·Todd Billings’ Interview - When You Know You’re DyingWe recommend, and are happy to give away a few copies of, J.Todd Billings’ book Rejoicing in Lament.Register for the opportunity to win one! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Brazos Press.

It seems like a never-ending story, but there’s more disturbing news about the saga of a certain celebrity pastor. The crew finds cover in the bunker, and “takes a shot” at commenting on the allegations that this high-profile reverend tried to hire…a hit man. You can’t make this stuff up!Who is immune to excesses and abuse of power in ministry? Could congregants be enabling the abusive behavior of their leaders? The trio shines a light on the total depravity of the human heart, and reviews the temptations that haunt the leaders of churches from 12 to 12,000.Show Notes7 Reasons Not to Send Nude SelfiesGoodFellasWe’re giving away a great resource on the topic! Register for the opportunity to win a copy of Liberating Ministry From the Success Syndrome by Kent and Barbara Hughes. The copies are a complimentary gift of our friends at Crossway.

It’s widely known that Carl and Todd are the Presbyterian symbols of natural good looks, and rumor has it that they’re working on a line of male grooming products. People are noticing how Carl has sloughed off a few decades of decay since starting to use Kiehl's Age Defender Moisturizer.(Disclaimers: No endorsement implied, no compensation offered. Speak to your doctor before starting any skin regimen. Results may not be typical. Member FDIC)What does this have to do with today’s topic? Absolutely nothing! The real conversation is about a recent article interview with Dr. Dru Johnson on personal devotional time. Is there a right or wrong way to do daily devotionals? Must one have a set time for it? Is it sinful to miss these “quiet times?” How essential are devotionals for the Christian? The crew reviews Dr. Dru’s answers, and recommends some additional resources to enhance your spiritual life.Show Notes·A Scholar’s Devotion with Dru Johnson·Daily Readings - The Early Church Fathers·On God and Man - The Theological Poetry of St. Gregory of Nazianzus·The Book of Common Prayer·Bible commentaries and cross references as devotional toolsRegister for the opportunity to win a free copy of The Valley of Vision, a complimentary gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

While Aimee is away, Todd and Carl are feeling pretty empowered to have a free conversation in their “safe space.”In light of the abhorrent shooting at a Poway, CA synagogue some weeks ago, the guys are pondering the extent of responsibility inherent upon church officers and members to “police” the behavior of other congregants. They also discuss the new areas of concern that social media has created for pastors.At what point can it be determined that a congregant is crossing the line on social media, requiring some pastoral intervention? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear Carl actually complimenting Todd. This may never happen again!Show Notes·Who’s to Blame When the Shooter is One of Our Own? by Carl Trueman·Kinism

The trio meets at the VA bunker, and—even without their morning coffee—they manage to answer a few listener questions. Aimee brings up the “bad book” box, as Carl tries to offer an eco-friendly disposal solution for hazardous theological material.What’s the difference between error and heresy? Up to what age can the behavior of the child of a church office bearer disqualify him for leadership? What does it mean to manage the household well? And, last but not least, are Christian camps and conferences an appendix of the Church, or might they become an obstacle to regular attendance at the Sunday gathering? You don’t want to miss all the wisdom offered in this episode!

John V. Fesko is the current Academic Dean and professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California…but, he’s packing up and getting ready to move to Jackson, MS where he’ll be teaching at Reformed Theological Seminary. The team rolls up its proverbial sleeves and gives Fesko a hand with the boxes, while carrying out a conversation about his latest, “Reforming Apologetics”.The professor addresses his exploration of classical reformed theology, and some of the views held by Cornelius Van Til that distanced him from the confessional tradition. Is God the starting point for all knowledge? How do the Reformed confessions approach the topic? Is Fesko going back to the “vomit of Rome”, as some would say, or is the light of nature an important truth to be considered?Register for an opportunity to win a free copy of Reforming Apologetics: Retrieving the Classic Approach to Defending the Faith. The books are a complimentary gift of Baker Academics.

Simonetta Carr makes her return to the bunker. She’s written a number of Christian books (including some wonderful children’s biographies) and she’s also a contributor of Place for Truth, another Alliance website.This time around, Simonetta joins the team to talk about a very different kind of book she’s written lately: Broken Pieces, and the God Who Mends Them. It’s a memoir of her son, where she addresses mental illness from a very personal and painful experience.Simonetta’s story doesn’t end there, as the second part of the book’s title suggests. She also shares the encouragement found in the weekly preaching of God’s Word, and all the ways in which the Lord has blessed her through suffering. Pull up a chair, and join in the discussion.We are pleased to give away some copies of Simonetta’s book Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them. Register for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.

Matthew Barrett is the associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas, MO. Matthew joins in to chat about his latest work, None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God.If you’re wondering what Matthew means by the word “undomesticated,” you’re not alone! Could it be that—because of our fallen, limited abilities to apprehend the infinite attributes of God—we tend to try and “tame” Him, or “pull Him down” to our level? Are those immutable attributes what make Him worthy of worship? Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation about the relationship between the doctrine of God and His divine attributes.Show Notes· David Bentley Hart· Stephen Charnock· Herman BavinckWe are pleased to give away a few copies of None Greater. Register for the opportunity to win. The copies are a complimentary gift of Baker Books.

Carl and Aimee travel to a much nicer bunker this week, enjoying the comfort of Todd’s fully renovated quarters in VA. Joining them is Tim Geiger, president of Harvest USA, to chat about his sessions on Gender, Sexuality, and What it Means to be Human, the theme of this year’s Blue Ridge Bible Conference.Tim tells us how Harvest USA began, and how its focus has expanded as the needs of the church and the surrounding communities have broadened. As an attendee of the recent Revoice conference, Tim shares his perspective on the event, and its approach to the nature of identity and personhood.Is it right for one to consider himself a “gay Christian?” What does that say about one’s identity and calling? Tune in for this critical and timely conversation.Show Notes·Harvest USA·Hide or Seek by John Freeman·When Your Husband is Addicted to Pornography by Vicki TiedeThanks to our friends of New Growth Press, we can offer our listeners a few copies of Hide or Seek by John Freeman. Register for the opportunity to win one!