Mortification of Spin

Returning to the podcast today is Jonathan Landry Cruse to discuss his new book, The Character of Christ, with Todd and his plaid waistcoat-wearing partner, Carl. In this practical and applicable book, Jonathan examines the godly attributes of the fruit of the Spirit in the Lord’s example, showing us that we can bear true fruit for God only by our union with the life-giving Vine. Be sure to tune in, and as a bonus, you’ll also get a mini-class on Scottish tartans! Thanks to our friends at Banner of Truth for providing three giveaway copies of The Character of Christ for our listeners, and congratulations to the winners: Christa V. from Appleton, WI, Lori E. from Kenna, WV, and Stephen S. from Springfield, VA!

Joseph Minich discusses his book 'Bulwarks of Unbelief' and argues that the rise in atheism is due to a felt absence of God. Topics covered include Charles Taylor's exploration of belief in God, the impact of technology on identity, and the concept of a 'God instinct' and human agency.

Guest Christopher Yuan, author of The Holy Sexuality Project, discusses his personal journey of conversion from being an agnostic gay man. They also discuss the importance of homeschooling, equipping children with the right thinking, and breaking down walls when discussing sexuality with parents and children.

Author and scholar of Christianity, Thaddeus Williams, joins Carl and Todd to discuss his bold book, Don't Follow Your Heart, which challenges the cultural emphasis on self-worship. They delve into the challenges faced by young Christians, the rise of self-worship in society, and the need to break free from this worldview. The hosts also recommend the book, highlighting its practical insights on breaking the ten commandments of self-worship.

Todd acts as solo host today as Carl, clad in the latest fashions from J.Crew (thanks to his wife), shifts to the other side of the table to discuss John Owen’s book for which he recently wrote the foreword, The Doctrine of Justification by Faith. Owen’s classic work presents one of the most rigorous defenses of the Reformed doctrine of justification. While technical and challenging, Carl argues that it is well worth reading and offers suggestions for those new to Owen.  Thank you Reformation Heritage Books for providing giveaway copies of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith by John Owen, with an introduction by Carl Trueman, and congratulations to our winners: Mark J. from Stanfield, NC, Jeffrey T. from Haltom City, TX, and Jordan H. from Roanoke, VA!   Show Notes: The Doctrine of Justification by Faith: https://reformedresources.org/the-doctrine-of-justification-by-faith-paperback/ For those new to John Owen, Carl recommends the following books: Knowing God:  https://reformedresources.org/knowing-god-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/the-mortification-of-sin-dealing-with-sin-in-your-life-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/the-glory-of-christ-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/gospel-ministry-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/gospel-life-paperback/ Banner of Truth Puritan Paperbacks: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/puritan-paperback-series/

The PCA has been the subject of much buzz on the podcast, but today it’s the OPC’s turn to grab the spotlight. Carl and Todd sit down with David Nakhla and Tim Hopper, deacons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, to talk about the ways the OPC is working to create a network of deacons within the OPC and how they seek to train and encourage deacons in their local church.   Show Notes: In case you haven’t heard about The Reformed Deacon, you can find it on most podcast players or by going to: thereformeddeacon.org.  You can find out more about the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries by going to OPCCDM.org. Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

Mary Harrington, author of Feminism Against Progress, shares her transformation from a feminist to a skeptic of progress. She redefines women's liberation as an economic transition rather than progress. The hosts discuss the impact of her book on their thinking, challenging the narrative of progress theology and embracing the truthful understanding of our createdness.

Rosaria Butterfield, author of Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, uses Scripture to confront cultural lies about sexuality, faith, feminism, gender roles, and modesty. They discuss the need for women to see the truth about who God created them to be. Topics include personal connections to Texas and Virginia, anecdotes about a Texas flag shirt and a Willie Nelson concert, reasons why Christians fall for lies, the demonic aspect of transgenderism, and the impact of Islamic immigration and gender transition challenges.

Tim Witmer, author of The Shepherd’s Toolbox, joins the podcast to discuss innovative shepherding challenges. They explore investing in men for pastoral ministry and the advantages of long-term pastoral service. Plus, they announce the winners of a giveaway of Tim Witmer's book.

Should Christians be involved politically? “How can they not be?” asks David Innes when he sits down with Carl and Todd to discuss the upcoming Prince George’s Conference on Reformed Theology, The Political Christian: Citizens of Heaven in the City of Man. Partisan politics has divided our country and, sadly, even our churches. How are we to think biblically about government and our role in it?  Thank you P&R Publishing for providing copies of David Innes’ book, Christ and the Kingdoms of Men, for a giveaway. Congratulations to the winners: Maggie C. from Slippery Rock, PA, Isaac H. from Bloomfield, CT, and Aaron S. from South Royalton, VT!   Show Notes: To find out more about the Prince George’s Conference on Reformed Theology, September 29-30, 2023 in Washington, D.C. and to register to attend, visit https://www.alliancenet.org/thepoliticalchristian.