Episodes

  • It’s a trip down memory lane as Jonathan and James sit down with their former student, John Biegel, who is now serving as the lead pastor at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, VA. John recently authored a book, Offering and Embracing Christ: The Marrow Theology of John Colquhoun of Leith. Less well known than the famous “marrow man,” Thomas Boston, Colquhoun was a faithful Scottish minister and Calvinist whose life and preaching reflected the thought of the Marrow men on offering and embracing Christ.

    Colquhoun stands out as being especially indebted to Boston and Erskine and this whole stream of Marrow theology in a way that is unparalleled in the Church of Scotland at the time and really sets up what ends up being this evangelical revival in the Church of Scotland in the early 19th century. – John Biegel

    James and Jonathan are justifiably proud of their former student and commend his book to all, but in particular to anyone who feels the tension between the free offer of the gospel and particular atonement.

    For the opportunity to win a copy of John’s book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, enter here.

    Show Notes:

    John recommends the following books by John Colquhoun:

    The Covenant of Grace: https://heritagebooks.org/products/the-covenant-of-grace-colquhoun.html

    A View of Saving Faith: https://a.co/d/4C2HKUl

    A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel*: https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/a-treatise-on-the-law-and-the-gospel-colquhoun-hardcover.html

    https://thelawandthegospel.com/Repentance: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/theology-books/repentance/

  • Jonathan and James sit down with Brandon Crowe, an author and professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, to discuss his latest work, The Lord Jesus Christ: The Biblical Doctrine of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Brandon traces Christ’s person and work throughout the Old and New Testaments and church history through biblical, historical, and theological study and then presents systematic and practical implications.

    The book is something like a one-stop-shop where it’s not just the systematics or just biblical theology. It really brings those two between the same covers, and not just that, but also the practical applications of what this means for our salvation and for our worship of Christ. – James Dolezal

    Written from a confessionally Reformed perspective in concert with the great creeds of the church, The Lord Jesus Christ provides a thorough and trustworthy guide to understanding Jesus and his salvific work.

    For the opportunity to win a copy of Brandon’s book, thanks to the generosity of Lexham Press, enter here.

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • James and Jonathan are excited to kick off the Theology on the Go book club today with their good friend Jeffrey Stivason, coming together to discuss The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Jeff is pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

    In this episode, they will discuss the book's first section, from the City of Destruction to the Wicket Gate. So grab your copy of The Pilgrim's Progress (or order one here if you don't own one) and follow along with our knowledgeable and passionate hosts. Jeff believes this book has profoundly impacted his Christian experience, and he highly commends it to others.

    [The Pilgrim's Progress] has the ability to take me by the heart…I just find myself thinking; this is so much like us – to not be able to see the best of things but to be able to see the worst of things so clearly. And here [Christian] is, arriving at the gate, and it's a little triumph and it's a lot of joy to see him move through this part of the path. It feels like life itself, doesn't it? – Jeff Stivason

    Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner of Truth, we have a couple copies of Bunyan’s classic work to offer for a giveaway. Click here to enter.

    Each episode over the next several months will discuss a few chapters of the classic work. Part 2 of the book club will air on April 29th, at which time we will cover "The Interpreter's House" (pp. 25-29 in the Banner Books edition).

    Show Notes:

    To order your copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress:https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/

    The Strait Gate by John Bunyanhttps://a.co/d/abUTGaJ

  • Zachary Groff, pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church and managing editor of The Confessional Presbyterian Journal, joins James and Jonathan today to discuss the 19th annual edition of the publication, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in America. While serious-minded academically, the journal is accessible to readers from all backgrounds. One ringing theme is the intersection of faithfulness to the Scripture, being true to the Reformed faith, and obedience to the Great Commission.

    It is a very helpful platform...or venue for promoting discussion among conservative and confessional evangelicals on matters not just of confessional theology but also, more broadly, speaking biblical theology, recent publications, and even ongoing debates. — Zach Groff

    Get a copy to read about John Gresham Machen and his role in forming the PCA, the history and formation of the Standing Judicial Commission, a fascinating look at oaths and vows and witnesses in the courts of Presbyterian churches, and ecclesial unity and creation doctrine.

    Congratulations to our winners, Cynthia C. from Jonesborough, TN and Stephen S. from Jacksonville, FL, each of whom won a copy of the 19th edition of The Confessional Presbyterian Journal!

    Show Notes:

    To order your copy of the journal: www.logcollegepress.com/confessional-presbyterian-journal

    Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary: www.gpts.edu

  • James and Jonathan are happy to welcome Carl Trueman back to the podcast to discuss his newly-released book, Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity. An updated version of The Creedal Imperative (2012), Carl’s new edition analyzes how ancient creeds and confessions protect and promote biblical Christianity in a culture of expressive individualism. Listen to find out what has changed in the culture in the 11 years since he wrote the first book and why this updated version is so important.

    Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we had two copies of Crisis of Confidence to give away. Congratulations to our winners, Katherine C. from Anoka, MN and Stephen W. from Arlington, TX!

  • In the past century, one question has constantly plagued the church: How should the people of God respond to social issues? In this episode of Theology on the Go, Alex DiPrima talks to Jonathan and James about an unexpected source for us to consider for an answer: Charles Haddon Spurgeon. In his recent book, Spurgeon and the Poor: How the Gospel Compels Christian Social Concern, Alex examines how Spurgeon's belief that gospel preaching and soul-winning should be the church's primary mission informed his commendable benevolence and mercy ministry.

    Congratulations to Melanie M. from Warwick, RI and Juwan W. from Philadelphia, PA, the winners of a copy of Alex's book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books!

  • Author and Greenville Seminary professor Ryan McGraw sits down with James and Jonathan today to discuss his latest book, A Mystery Revealed: 31 Meditations on the Trinity. In this book, Ryan offers a fresh perspective on how the Trinity forms the foundation for everything from evangelism to corporate worship. The 31 daily meditations help bring this heavenly doctrine down to earth for the average Christian to experience.

    Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we were pleased to send two listeners a copy of Ryan McGraw's's book. Congratulations to Ryan C. from Glendale, AZ and Susan R. form Boonsboro MD.

    Show Notes:

    Dr. McGraw recommended this book on the Holy Spirit by Fred Sanders:

    https://www.crossway.org/books/the-holy-spirit-tpb-2/

  • In this episode, Jonathan and James are joined by their close friend and Mortification of Spin podcast host, Carl Trueman. They dive into a discussion of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, a book by John Owen that Carl considers the #1 book on justification. He has such high regard for it that he wrote an introductory essay for the latest edition published by Reformation Heritage Books. Listen in to discover more about Owen, why he wrote a book on justification, and why his writing is still relevant.

    Congratulations to Raymon C. from Lakewood, CO and Noah H. from Greer, SC who were selected to receive a copy of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.

  • What is the chief end of man? Many of us can recite the answer from memory. For centuries, the Westminster Shorter Catechism has helped Christians, young and old, know their “chief end.” Today, James and Jonathan are joined by William Boekestein, co-author of a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. In a year’s worth of Lord’s days, this valuable new resource is excellent for individual and family use for all who desire to “glorify and enjoy God forever.”

    Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books for generously providing two copies of this devotional by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew Miller. Our winners are Rich F. from Augusta, GA and Chris P. from Mill Spring, NC. Congratulations!

  • James and Jonathan are joined by Chris Castaldo today to discuss his new book, The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes. In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. How can we cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes, Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today.

    Congratulations to Joshua C. from Anoka, MN, the winner of a copy of The Upside Down Kingdom, thanks to our friends at Crossway Books!

  • Most pastors understand that prayer is an essential element of pastoral calling. Yet, many struggle to devote consistent time and affection to this sacred means of grace. David Irving sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his new book, Devote Yourself to Prayer: A Call to Pastors, in which he seeks to motivate his fellow pastors to pray more for their people and their labors and delight in this vital discipline.

    Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we gave away two copies of David's book to our listeners. The winners are Libby S. from St. Charles, MO, and Andrew C. from Corona, CA. Congratulations!

  • One of the central tenets of the Reformed faith, the perseverance of the saints, is not a belief held by all Christians, but it should be, argues Jonathan Master. James and Jonathan sit down to discuss this vital doctrine and what it does – and does not mean. What exactly is the perseverance of the saints? Does it give us license to sit back and rest on our laurels? If not, how do we participate in our growth as believers?

    Congratulations to the winners of the classic work, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, by John Murray: John F. from York, PA, Christopher D. from Gulf Breeze, FL, and Josh R. from Mesa, AZ. And thanks to Eerdmans Publishing for generously providing these copies for our listeners.

  • Nathan Eshelman, author of I Have a Confession: The What and Why of the Westminster Confession of Faith, joins James and Jonathan on the podcast to discuss the importance of creeds and confessions. Focusing on The Westminster Confession of Faith, Nathan argues that, understood rightly, historic creeds can help us find a church that promotes right thinking about the Bible, encourage unity with truth, protect us from error, and help us proclaim the good news.

    Congratulations to the winners of a drawing for Nathan’s new book, I Have a Confession, courtesy of Crown and Covenant Publishing: John M. from Ridgetown, Ontario, Jim B. from Overland, MO, and Beck O. from Danville, PA.

    Show Notes:

    Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

  • James and Jonathan sit down with long-time friend and highly esteemed theologian G.K. Beale to discuss his latest book, Union with the Resurrected Christ. Union with Christ is an important theological and practical concept that has received considerable attention in recent years. But not much consideration has been given to this union and its benefits in light of Jesus' resurrection and ascension…until now. Tune in as Dr. Beale shares highlights from the book and explains some important practical applications for everyday Christian living.

    Thank you Baker Academic for providing two copies of G.K. Beale’s book, Union with the Resurrected Christ for our listeners. The winners of the drawing were Maureen B. from Austin, TX and Joe G. from Orland Park, IL!

    Show Notes:

    Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

  • James and Jonathan are joined by Ryan Anderson, author of When Harry Became Sally—a book on responding to transgenderism that was banned by Amazon. On this episode, Ryan discusses his new book, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, co-written with pro-life journalist Alexandra DeSanctis. So far, the book is still available for purchase. Tune in for this fascinating conversation about the catastrophic failure—social, political, legal, and personal—of legalized abortion.

    Coleman E. from Tucker, GA and Mark S. from Ocean City, NJ were the winners of the giveaway of Tearing Us Apart, copies provided courtesy of Regnery Publishing. Congratulations!

    Show Notes

    https://www.amazon.com/Tearing-Us-Apart-Abortion-Everything/dp/1684513502

    Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

  • What are angels? How are they different from God, and how are they different from humans? How should we think about angels and demons, and how do they impact our lives? James and Jonathan discuss this fascinating and oft-misunderstood topic today in anticipation of the Gap Bible Series seminar at which James will be speaking in October, where he will cover this subject in greater depth.

    We are pleased to announce the winners of a copy of C.S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters. Congratulations to Talib M. from Cleveland, GA and Ed S. from Hudson, MA!

    Show Notes

    To register for the Gap Bible Series seminar in Lancaster, PA, click here: https://www.alliancenet.org/gapcenter

  • Gary Schnittjer is back on the podcast to discuss his most recent book, Old Testament Narrative Books: The Israel Story, a survey of the histories of the Hebrew kingdoms. Gary's book expertly ties these Old Testament narratives to the overarching theme of redemption throughout the Bible. Tune in to hear James and Jonathan chat with their old friend and newly-crowned honorary co-host of Theology on the Go.

    Congratulations to Barb P. from Langhorne, PA and Bobby F. from North Richland Hills, TX, each of whom won a copy of Gary Schnittjer’s book, courtesy of B&H Academic.

  • James and Jonathan sit down with William Varner to discuss his new book about the Apostolic Fathers— Christian writers of the 1st and 2nd centuries who knew or were associated with the New Testament apostles. William argues that there is great value in studying and understanding the writings of Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, and others. Tune in and find out why.

    Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of William Varner’s book, courtesy of our friends at T&T Clark Publishing.

  • Mack Tomlinson sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his latest book, The Indomitable Brainerds: The Gospel Legacy of David and John Brainerd’s Mission to the Indians. David Brainerd’s missionary efforts among the Native Americans of colonial North America are legendary, but how many people know that David’s brother John devoted decades of his life to continue this mission? Mack Tomlinson tells the inspiring story of the Brainerd brothers’ unconquerable faith in God and how their relentless mission work accomplished more for Native Americans than any other individual or organization at that time.

    Congratulations to Tony W. from Anderson, SC and Timothy G. from St. Clair Shores, MI, the winners of our book giveaway, and thank you Reformation Heritage Books for generously providing them!

  • Christopher Wright joins Jonathan and James to discuss his latest book, An Island of Grace: Redeeming Love in the Book of Ruth. This well-loved book of the Bible exemplifies kindness and everyday grace as the residents of the town of Bethlehem care for one another. But it is much more. It is also a picture of the redeeming work of Jesus Christ for all of His people. Christopher explains that drinking deeply from Ruth will be a balm for your soul in this present age.

    Thank you Crown & Covenant for providing a couple copies of Christopher Wright’s book for our listeners. The winners are Daniel F. from Fairfax, VA and Joanna S. from Rockaway, NJ. Congratulations!