Theology on the Go

When studying the history of the Church, we tend to jump from the apostolic era right to the third century and beyond, where theological controversies were taking shape and ecumenical councils were being called. What about the second century? Was anything significant happening then? Michael Kruger has written Christianity at the Crossroads: How the Second Century Shaped the Future of the Church to provide valuable insight. Who would have imagined that--amid theological and cultural transitions, and much political instability--this time period would actually serve to solidify the Church! Show Notes About Michael Kruger Don’t miss the opportunity to win a free copy of Christianity at the Crossroads. Sign up! The books are a generous gift from IVP Academic. Coming up next: You might know Herman Bavinck as a great theologian, but have you thought of him as a preacher and devoted pastor? James Eglinton joins us to tell us about the Bavinck we haven’t heard much about it!  

Interpreting Scripture with The Great Tradition Jonathan and James meet with Craig Carter to talk about his recent book, considered (by some) to be controversial--Interpreting Scriptures with the Great Tradition: Recovering the Genius of Premodern Exegesis.  Craig talks about the growing gulf between academic hermeneutics and Sunday preaching, and argues for a recovery of the context provided by the Nicene theological method of interpretation. Listen in, as Craig explains Christian Platonism, the role of metaphysics in Bible interpretation, and other compelling topics.   Show Notes Dr. Craig Carter’s Bio The Superiority of Pre-critical Exegesis essay by David Steinmetz Confessions by Augustine - Book VII City of God by Augustine - Book VIII Thanks to Baker Academics we can offer you the opportunity to win a copy of Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition. Sign up!!

Insuppressible Truth Jonathan and James welcome Gabriel Fluhrer. He’s a pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, and one of the main speakers at the Pensacola Theological Institute conference Insuppressible: Glory, Gospel, and the Design of Life, happening this summer in Pensacola, FL. The science-faith debate continues to rage, so Gabe, Derek Thomas, and Douglas Axe join forces to present a theological and scientific case showing that the Bible stands up to scientific critique. Once again, we see that Genesis 1 through 3 plays a foundational role in our faith – and, in the whole of Scripture -- in this time of existential darkness. As you enjoy the conversation, register for the conference, and prepare to witness Bible exposition and biology joining hands in a God-glorifying way.   Show Notes Insuppressible: Glory, Gospel, and the Design of Life McIlwain Presbyterian and Pensacola Theological Institute Sign up for the opportunity to win a free registration to attend the conference!

How important are the first chapters of Genesis to our understanding of the whole of Scripture? What happens to our perspective if we isolate Genesis 1-3 from the rest of God’s Word? Richard Barcellos drops in. He’s written Getting the Garden Right: Adam’s Work and God’s Rest in Light of Christ. The book is a sharp analysis of both the covenant of works and the Sabbath.  Was Adam called to simply tend the Garden of Eden, or was there a greater goal given even before the fall? Richard paints the big picture, applying Scriptural proofs along the way. Show Notes Richard Barcellos New Covenant Theology (NCT) Romans 3:23 Genesis 1:28 2 Thessalonians 2:14 We are happy to be giving away copies of Getting the Garden Right by today’s guest. Sign up for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a generous gift from Founders Press.

Primary or Secondary Importance? Jonathan and James are enjoying a conversation about doctrines of primary and secondary importance. What are these doctrines, and how may we distinguish them? Can our clear understanding of certain doctrines help us determine their importance? Our hosts carefully consider the doctrines of first importance and make the case that doctrines of secondary importance can sometimes obscure those of the first, which can cause us to err.   Are you putting first things, first? Let’s find out together.

Music In Worship Jonathan and James are joined by Michael Card. Michael is a singer-song writer, author, and Bible teacher. He has recorded over 37 albums and has authored a number of books. Michael shares about being influenced by his former professor, the late William Lane. It was William’s passion for God’s Word that first led Michael to begin writing music. Michael’s Bible-centered view of music can be heard throughout his catalog of songs; it's easy to see that Michael considers himself foremost as a Bible teacher. What role does music play in Scriptures? Should Christian musicians be also trained as bible scholars? Listen in as Michael answers these questions and expresses his concern for the place music has taken in some churches. Show Notes Michael’s Biography William L. Lane We are pleased to give away some copies of Give Praise to God by Philip G. Ryken. Sign up for the opportunity to win a copy.  

The One Who Endures Can we claim the doctrine of perseverance is the distinct doctrine in the Reformed tradition? Jay Collier does. When thinking about the Reformed faith, we typically about think election and predestination. But in his recent book, Jay makes a strong case for the distinctiveness of the perseverance of the saints around and post Reformation time. How important is a proper reading of Augustine for getting this doctrine right? Jay's study uncovers competing readings of Augustine; a few men interpreted Augustine's writings as if he was making a distinction between God’s gift of conversion and God’s gift of perseverance. Listen to how historical theology - including the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints - had social and even political implications! Follow the link to sign up for an opportunity to win a free copy of What Is Perseverance of the Saints by Michael Milton. This book is a courtesy from our friends at P&R publishing Follow the link to sign up for an opportunity to win a free copy of What Is Perseverance of the Saints by Michael Milton. This book is a courtesy from our friends at P&R publishing Show Notes About Dr. Jay Collier Debating Perseverance - The Augustinian Heritage in Post-Reformation England Junius Institute for Digital Reformation Research Lambeth articles - Cambridge, 1595 The Canons of Dort - Of the Perseverance of the Saints, Rejection 3. Matthew Hutton Wolfgang Musculus

Today, Dr. Michael Allen is with us! He’s the professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. And he’s the author of Sanctification, part of the New Studies in Dogmatics series from Zondervan. His visit gives us the perfect sounding board to ask “Can our sanctification be simply the act of looking back and accepting our justification?”  Dr. Allen gives a Christ-centered view of sanctification; not only Christ's past, but present and future work in the lives of His people. In order to establish a biblical view on the topic, Michael offers three contexts: the Trinity, the covenant, and our double grace in Christ. What do these three have to do with our sanctification? Listen in as Dr. Allen distinguishes the biblical doctrine of sanctification from some popular contemporary doctrines. Show Notes Lev. 10:10 (ESV) Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV) Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Heidelberg Catechism Question 91 - Good Works Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter XVI - Good Works Augustine on Faith and Works.   Michael Allen’s recommended books on Sanctification.   Faith and Works by Augustine of Hippo Calvin’s Institute - Chapters 6 - 10 of Book III Pneumatologia by John Owen The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher Studies in Dogmatics - Faith and Sanctification by G. C. Berkouwer Holiness by John Webster   Thanks to Zondervan, we’re able to give away some copies of Sanctification. Please follow the link and sign up for a chance to get one!     We’re happy to announce the winners of Retrieving Eternal Generation by Fred Sanders, from our past episode Eternally Begotten. You can also purchase a copy at our Reformed Resources.     LeRoy D. - Greenwood, DE   Frank A. - Conyers, GA Warren D. - Garland, TX Joel H. - Newman Lake, WA Christopher L. - New Windsor, NY  

Conrad Mbewe, pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Zambia is on the podcast today. He will also be with us at the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology speaking on the topic of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mbewe speaks today on the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism. He gets right to the point by giving clear, simple, and yet powerful presentation of the Gospel. He anchors the work of the Spirit in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Scripture shows the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It’s of regeneration, conviction, reconciliation, and all the fruit that is produced in the life of the believer. Pastor Mbewe is excited to share with all that hear the power of the Spirit. Particularly that work  that he’s witnessed in the life of many around him! Join in on this encouraging and joyful interview!   Get a FREE audio set out of PCRT on the work of the Spirit! Sign up and use the coupon code HS326 to download!     Show notes Check what the Lord is doing in Zambia - Pastor Conrad Mbewe’s blog Kabwata Baptist Church Come hear Pastor Mbewe next month in Philadelphia The Nicene Creed The role of the Spirit in John 16:8; 1 Thes. 1:5; 1 Cor. 2:1ff. The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson The Holy Spirit: His Gifts and Power by John Owen Visit our Reformed Resources for more on the Holy Spirit   Coming up next! How important is for a believer to distinguish justification from sanctification? And what are some dangers in confusing the two? Jon and James talk to Michael Allen about what led him to write his latest book titled Sanctification.  

Today, Pastor Danny Hyde gives us an early glimpse of his messages at the upcoming Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology in April. The conference is on the Holy Spirit and Danny’s knowledge on the subject is primarily Scriptural but also very personal. He gives us a little bit of his background, including his conversion to Christ, his experience with Pentecostalism, and what led him to the Reformed Faith. You might have heard some say that Reformed Christians suppress the Spirit. Is this true? What do we believe about the third person of the Trinity and how do we relate to Him? Listen to what Pastor Danny, and John Owen, have to say! We’re giving away free audio messages to everyone who want it from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology The Promised Holy Spirit. Just use the coupon code HS312. And sign up today! Rev. Daniel Hyde is the pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in Southern CA. Pastor Danny, as he’s known, is a seminary professor, chief editor of the Alliance's Meet the Puritans, as well as the author and editor of a number of books and articles including Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims. He will be speaking at the upcoming Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology in Philadelphia, PA, April 27-28 on the topic The Spirit of the Age: Age of the Spirit. What to Expect in Reformed Worship Word & Sacraments or the Holy Spirit? Praying “In the Spirit”: Puritan Style 1 Cor. 15:45 Winners of The Attributes of God by A. W. Pink We have some winners of the episode The Tools You Need, from ABC to PhD  who entered for a chance to win The Attributes Of God. If you didn’t win a copy, you can visit our Reformed Resources to purchase one! Joshua L.   - from Chesapeake, MD Scott H.      - from Harrisonburg, VA Michael M. - from Casa Grande, AZ

Every pastor has encountered them.  Every member of the congregation has wondered after reading the title of the sermon and the accompanying text, "I wonder what he is going to say about this text?" Let's face it some texts are difficult and when a preacher preaches through a book, well, he has no choice but to face them head on - and members of the congregation have to hear them!  So, today Jonathan and James will visit with Liam Goligher on the topic of braving hard passages. What would you say about preaching through Song of Solomon? Should young pastors early in their ministry start teaching through difficult texts? Liam says, "Yes!", and he has some good reasons why! Jonathan and James found out that Liam does not shy away from preaching through difficult passages of Scripture. Liam is the senior pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church and the voice of No Falling Word, a ministry of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He’s also known for his teaching series on the Trinity. In fact, just for listening we are giving away Liam's, "Trinity: The Eternally Divine Son."  Just go to Reformedresources.org to get your copy!    

What is Eternal Generation? Dr. Fred Sanders, professor of theology in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University, CA, has written much about the topic. He recently co-edited Retrieving Eternal Generation, a set of essays focused on the Father-Son relationship and on the Son’s begottenness or "fromness", as Dr. Sanders puts it. Today, he meets with Jonathan and James to talk about the importance of Christ's eternal generation from the Father, in order to have a biblical doctrine of the Trinity. How do we get this doctrine from Scripture? Can we have a doctrine without having the exact words from the text? To answer these and other questions, Dr. Sanders gives us an overview of what is at the heart of the doctrine of the trinity and points us to the wealth of evidence found in Scripture. Listen to and be sharpened by this conversation! Just for listening we invite you to sign up for an opportunity to win a copy of Retrieving Eternal Generation edited by Fred Sanders.  Go to Reformedresources to sign up!

Last time our hosts discussed why one must study theology. Now Jonathan and James give practical tools to do just that in the form of book recommendations. These will encourage us to see the importance of the doctrine of God. They will also teach us something about contemplative theology and gazing at our Lord. James outlines the books he’s found most helpful throughout the years and why. He expands on the way the doctrine of God is addressed in each. And don’t fear, the books vary from entry-level to the scholastic, so you’re certain to find something. And as is said - from the Patristic era, to the Middle Ages, all the way to contemporary writers, there is a book for everyone. We invite you to listen, take note, and grow in grace and knowledge. Just for listening we invite you to sign up for an opportunity to win Arthur Pink's book The Attributes of God.  Go to Reformedresources to sign up!  

Theology on the Go starts the new year with an exciting announcement. Jonathan Master is pleased to introduce his new regular co-host Dr. James Dolezal. James is not only Jonathan’s friend but also a colleague at Cairn University where he teaches trinitarian theology, church history, and philosophy.   Sometimes, new beginnings call for a reflection on why we do the things we do, so James and Jonathan go back to basics and want to discuss why we should study theology. James uses Psalm 46 to help us think through how theology is a mixed discipline of theory and practice, and taking God at His word requires us to know who He is and our relation to Him. So, if you think that the study of theology is a leisure activity for people with a lot of time on their hands, our hosts want to dismiss such idea. Theology is for every child of God in whatever capacity they may find themselves, in times of peace, or times of trouble!   Enjoy this great episode!   We have a several copies of What is Reformed Theology? by R. C. Sproul courtesy of Baker Books that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

This week on Theology on the Go we are replaying an old conversation between our host, Dr. Jonathan Master and Dr. Rosaria Champagne Butterfield. Dr. Butterfield is a former tenured professor of English and women’s studies at Syracuse University, converted to Christ in 1999 in what she describes as a train wreck. Her memoir The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert chronicles that difficult journey. Rosaria’s second book, Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ, addresses questions of sin, identity, and repentance that she often encounters during speaking engagements. Her heart’s desire is for people to put the hands of the hurting into the hands of the Savior, who equips us to walk and grow in humility. Rosaria is married to Kent, a Reformed Presbyterian pastor in North Carolina, and is a homeschool mother, author, and speaker. Rosaria is also zealous for hospitality, loves her family, cherishes dogs, and enjoys coffee. This week on Theology on the Go the topic will be on sexual identity, the first in a series focusing on sexual identity and the public square. In light of recent cultural events, Theology on the Go believes that a series like this is an important service to the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So, grab that cup of coffee and meet us at the table! Just for listening, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free resource. An MP3 of Rosaria Butterfield's message, "The Testimony of an Unlikely Convert" is yours free as our gift to you.  Go to ReformedResources.org to download your free MPS!