Mortification of Spin

Everyone's favorite Welsh theologian returns, and Pelagius has nothing on Derek Thomas! Drop in to hear the Spinners talk with Derek about a whole slew of topics. Principally, they ask him about sin in the lives of pastors. Is it truly "authentic" to be vaguely vulnerable from the pulpit? How do pastor's keep themselves accountable? Hear some of Derek's wisdom on these concerns, and experience the musical delights of karaoke, Welsh style.  This week's free MP3 download is a sermon by Derek Thomas entitled, "The Word of God and Sanctification," from the 2013 Princeton Conference on Reformed Theology.

This installment of Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit sees the crew discussing a pervasive cultural sensation - The Fifty Shades of Grey book series. Since the release of the movie's first trailer, the Internet is abuzz with talk of the series; some of the hype is even streaming from Christians. The hosts cut to the chase: this is not harmless entertainment, it is pornography, and its effects alter a person's attitude and behavior towards sexuality, ourselves, and others on a fundamental level. As Christians, we must flee from sexual immorality, whether it comes in images or the written word. Listen in to hear what all the spin is about… maybe the issue isn't so grey after all.Don't forget about your free MP3 download, "Pagan Sexuality" by Peter Jones!

Crisis! Todd's past comes back to bite him. This Promise Keepers-sweatshirt-wearing hooligan and the rest of the gang discuss a continually important pastoral subject: leadership. Much of what passes for "leadership training" in the evangelical church is profoundly unhelpful. It has more in common with secular leadership theory than it has with anything found in Scripture. This becomes especially troubling when it comes to pastoral leadership. What qualities should a good leader have? How can pastors improve their leadership capabilities to better serve their churches? Listen in!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free MP3 of Dr. James Boice's message from the set Nehemiah: Learning to Lead titled "The Leader and God."

"If you will agree to tithe your income for 90 days and you don't receive a blessing from God, you'll get your money back, guaranteed!" This sort of spiritual mumbo jumbo is, as Carl nicely sums up, bonkers. Those who propose these gimmicks are treating God as a pagan deity, and wrapping it all in vaguely orthodox theology. We can't stand by and accept this "prosperity gospel lite." Tune in to the latest Bully Pulpit and you'll receive a blessing or your wasted time back, guaranteed!Visit Reformed Resources and download the free MP3 by James Boice, "Robbers! Robbers of God."

Dubbed the reformed Harry Styles, William Shatner, and Cruella De Vil, Carl, Todd, and Aimee set out on another spinning adventure. The MoS posse toss around ideas about the biblical concept of finding strength in the midst of weakness. As Christians, we must draw our strength from our brokenness, sinfulness, and weakness. How can pastors shepherd their flocks of weak, broken people as weak, broken people themselves? On a different note, how is Carl similar to Harry Styles? Will he be able to compete for some of Harry's fan girls?    Enter the giveaway for your chance to win the audio series "Overcoming Adversity" by James Boice!This study from the book of Genesis focuses on the early life of Joseph. As a young man, Joseph experiences hardships of all kinds, from betrayal and rejection to temptation and loneliness. Through these dark years, Joseph kept his eyes on God, and his faith was strengthened. From studying Joseph’s life, you can learn how God is working in your own difficulties. You’ll see why God allows his people to suffer at times, and what he is doing through our pain. This six-part series is taken from Dr. Boice’s study on the 39th chapter of Genesis.Enter our giveaway now!

Broadcasting from deep within the bowels of a college's frathouse, the wandering band of misfits address campus ministry. Bouncing off of an article published on First Things by Robert Gregory, the gang talks about campus ministry on secular colleges, some of which are making Christian groups hire non-Christian leaders. How should churches respond to this? Should they look toward starting their own on-campus ministries? How can they partner with solid, Bible-beliving, Reformed campus ministries already established? If you have enjoyed this weeks Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you The Cost of Discipleship by James Boice as a free digital download from Reformed Resources.

Quilting needles in hand (just listen, you'll get it), the Spin Team get to a controversial topic once again - this time discussing racial diversity with author Trillia Newbell. Trillia's perspective is a unique and helpful one, as she gets into issues not yet talked about on Mortification of Spin. Especially as Christians, we need to remember to treat other humans beings, created in the image of God, as brothers and sisters. What are practical steps that we can take to help create racially diverse churches? Can Aimee really quilt with nunchuck needles? What will  Mrs. Trueman think of Carl's "feminine side?"  If you enjoyed todays Mortification of Spin then you might enjoy a free copy of Trillia Newell's book United: Captured by God's Vision for Diversity.WinnersJason D., Haltom City, TXBeth H., Laceys Spring, ALRenee B., Oklahoma City, OKCharles B., Hattiesburg, MSAndrew F., Ben Lomond, CA

Fatherhood is a weighty responsibility. Fathering daughters is especially challenging. Who makes the rules for a daughter's life, particularly when it comes to dating? What is the dad's responsibility in setting the rules? Fathers must hold fast and protect their daughters wholeheartedly. The Spin Squad tackles another touchy subject, so listen with caution! With this episode of Mortification of Spin the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer the audio message Children and Parents by James Boice for free, you can recieve your free gift at Reformed Resources.

"Dispy Dan" Phillips drops by the West Virginian tavern the gang seems to find themselves in to talk bad about niceness. Is it wrong to be mean in conservative Evangelicalism? Is niceness the highest calling for a Christian? It's proposed as the end-all of Christian life, but is this really the case? Writing as a "pyro-maniac" for years, Dan has become something of an expert in Evangelical niceness. Listen to Dan and the crew make even more enemies and dig themselves even further in. If you have enjoyed this episode of Mortification of Spin then the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a chance to win a free copy of  Mortification of Spin: First Season MP3 by visiting reformed resources here.WinnersNoe A., Humble, TxThirza R., Houston, TXNord Z., Camden, INTerry C., Perkasie, PaJonathan D., Martinsburg, WVTerry F., Walbridge, OH

The ragtag group of vagabonds takes on the issue of pastoral plagiarism, and as usual pulls no punches. After scoffing at the "manly" Father's Day items Aimee is considering buying for her husband, they get down to the issue. How much can a pastor "borrow" from others before his preaching becomes plagiaristic? This is a weighty topic and an extremely important one for the church today.This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away Calvinist Experimental Preaching by Joel Beeke as a free audio message, you can download this free gift from Reformed Resources.