Theology On The Go

We left our listeners on a cliffhanger at the end of Numbers 19. – Jonathan Master But never fear, Jonathan and James are pleased to welcome Michael Morales back to the podcast to continue where he left off when he was a guest late last year. A professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Michael returns to discuss the second volume of his commentary on the Book of Numbers. In his new 2-volume commentary, Michael carefully demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians.  Today, their discussion focuses on Numbers 20-36, including the significance of Balaam's oracles, the role of Jewish sources in understanding the text, and the poignant moments in Moses' leadership. Join us as we uncover the rich narratives and themes that shape this lesser-studied section of the Pentateuch. Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Press, we are pleased to offer two copies of Michael Morales’ Numbers Comm

Jonathan and James are joined by noted theologian O. Palmer Robertson, founder of Consummation Ministries. They delve into his monumental work, Christ of the Consummation, a three-volume series in which he explores progressive revelation across the redemptive history of the New Testament. Today's conversation focuses specifically on Volume Two, which examines the testimony of the Book of Acts, combined with the writings of the Apostle Paul and other New Testament authors. Palmer shares insights into the historical significance of Paul's writings, the progression of his understanding of Christ, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in preaching and spreading the Gospel. We should never lose hope, despite the nitty gritty day to day experience in the Church of Christ. – Palmer Robertson This conversation is a profound exploration of how Scripture anticipates Christ and the implications for the church today. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at P&R Publishing, we are pleased to offer a copy of Christ o

Today, James and Jonathan talk with Guy Waters, the James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and author of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church. Guy’s latest book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the nature and purpose of the church. Throughout redemptive history, he says, God has been gathering a people to himself to worship him, to serve one another, and to bring the gospel to the nations. The church is woven into the fabric of biblical revelation from start to finish. – Guy Waters Their discussion revolves around the premise that understanding the church's foundation can clarify its practices and mission today. Don’t miss this interesting and practical conversation.  Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Lexham Press, we are pleased to offer a copy of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church to our listeners. Enter here to win.    Sho

Jonathan, James, and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their discussion of John Bunyan’s classic allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, delving into the themes of true versus false contentment. Today, Christian and Hopeful arrive at a strange monument, before having a period of rest along a pleasant river.  Sometimes, God gives his people a foretaste of heaven; he gives them periods of rest in this life, and special extraordinary nourishment…and we would wish that the river of life would run hard by the way all the way to heaven, and yet as we know, it doesn’t. Sometimes the years are fat, and sometimes they’re lean, but we’re called to faithfulness and to trust and to continue our sojourn no matter what. – James Dolezal After this time of rest, they come to a path through By-path Meadow, at which point they decide to follow the easier-looking route, but challenges await them.  There’s a false contentment in seeking ease at the expense of truth. – Jeff Stivason Join us as we discuss the cautionary tale of By-

James and Jonathan welcome Patrick O'Banion back to Theology on the Go to discuss Girolamo Zanchi, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure who made significant contributions to Reformation theology. In particular, they focus on Zanchi's book, Confession of the Christian Religion, which Patrick translated into English. Written in the 1580s, Zanchi's Confession never attained confessional status at the ecclesiastical level as planned. Nonetheless, it proved influential in both the Reformed theological tradition generally and the development of Reformed dogmatics in particular. Zanchi is very concerned in this work to be catholic, to be connected to what Craig Carter would call the great tradition. – Patrick O'Banion Discover the historical context of Zanchi's writings, his theological insights, and the enduring relevance of his work in today's ecclesiastical landscape. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of copies of Girolamo Zan

In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' – Jeremiah 23:6 Jonathan and James sit down for a one-on-one discussion today to discuss the life and work of Puritan author Obadiah Grew, particularly his classic book, The Lord Our Righteousness. They explore the essential Christian doctrine of Christ as the righteousness of sinners before God, diving into themes of justification, imputed righteousness, and the distinctions between Protestant and Roman Catholic theology.  The righteousness that justifies a sinner is not in nor of himself. – Obadiah Grew The grace that God works into our lives by his Spirit uniting us to Christ is the fruit of our justification, not the root of it. – James Dolezal With a focus on the significance of Christ's sinless nature and his role in our redemption, this episode offers a rich exploration of theological truths vital for all believers.  Thanks to the generosity of our friends a

Jonathan and James sit down with Steven Spinnewebber today, the senior minister of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, about his new book, Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer. Stephen offers a fresh, engaging exploration of the Ten Commandments and their enduring relevance for Christians today as they convict, restrict, and guide us.  You could think of the Ten Commandments sort of like a mold into which every individual Christian is poured and that is how God forms us into the image of Christ, into a greater likeness to our Savior. – Stephen Spinnenweber The conversation examines the significance of the law in a Christian's life, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the goodness of God's law. The law sends us to the gospel for our justification. The gospel sends us to the law to frame our way of life. – Stephen Spinnenwebber Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Christian Focus Publications, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of co

On today’s episode of Theology on the Go, Jonathan and James explore the pivotal Council of Nicaea, held in 325 A.D, when the Nicene Creed was written which has shaped the church for centuries. What were the heretical teachings that led to this significant council, and why was the development of a creed necessary?  A good creed will positively state orthodoxy such that a myriad of false teachings are sort of slain in one paragraph. – James Dolezal Tune in as they examine the theological debates surrounding the nature of Christ and the relationship between the Father and the Son. Discover why this council was crucial for the formation of Christian doctrine and how its implications resonate with us today.  Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of copies of Scott Swain’s book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Enter here to win.    Show Notes: If you live in the Sacramento, California area, check out this conference taking place September 19-20 a

The Pilgrim's Progress book club continues today as Jonathan, James, and Jeff Stivason continue their exploration of Bunyan's classic work. This week, Christian and Hopeful leave Vanity Fair and encounter a new character on their journey, known as By-Ends. The discussion delves into the complexities of Christian companionship, the challenges of faith, and the nuances of worldly versus spiritual values.  A man that takes up religion for the world will throw away religion for the world. – Jeff Stivason Tune in as they explore the significance of these themes and their relevance for believers today! Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner Publishing, we are pleased to offer a couple of copies of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

In this episode, James and Jonathan engage in a thought-provoking discussion about Puritanism with Steven Yuille, the director of Puritan Publishing at Reformation Heritage Books and a professor of church history. Today, many people consider the Puritans to be a serious, joyless, dutiful group of people. In fact, it has been said that “a Puritan is mortified by the thought that someone, somewhere, is enjoying themselves.” What is Stephen’s response to this caricature? I just encourage people to lay all that aside, forget everything they think they know and have ever heard and all the little quips and sounds bites, here, there and floating everywhere, and just go back and read the Puritans, and recognize that when it comes to their approach to the Christian life, the starting point… is this: Theology is the science of living blessedly forever. It might surprise people to discover that the Puritans end up being the opposite of what they are often perceived to be. – Stephen Yuille Tune in and reconsider your own

Today, Jonathan and James engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Matthew Barrett, a professor of Christian theology and editor of the recently released book On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God. Motivated by the longstanding need to retrieve the classical doctrine of the Trinity, Matthew brought together Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox scholars to contribute to this important work.  In today’s discussion, they explore the challenges posed by social trinitarianism and its implications for contemporary theology, emphasizing the importance of returning to the Nicene understanding of the Trinity.  The Trinity is not “relevant”; it is the foundation of our faith and understanding of God. – Matthew Barrett Matthew shares insights on the historical context, the relevance of classical theism, and the foundational pre-commitments necessary for a robust understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity.  Thanks to the generosity of our friends at IVP Academic,

Wherever the Christian should find truth, understand that wherever he may find it, it is his Lord's. – Saint Augustine In this episode of Theology on the Go, Jonathan and James engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the significance of philosophy for Christians. Delving into the relationship between philosophy and theology, they explore how philosophical inquiry can enhance our understanding of faith, truth, and the world around us.  Good philosophy, even if in the hands of a pagan, is actually the ally of the Christian who loves truth and loves divine wisdom. – James Dolezal  Discover why cultivating a philosophical mindset is essential for defending the truths of Christianity and how it can enrich your theological journey. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer two copies of James Dolezal’s book, All That Is In God. Enter here to win. 

In this episode, Jonathan, James and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, focusing on the pivotal setting of Vanity Fair which represents the world's temptations and worldly pleasures that can distract pilgrims from their spiritual journey.  If we don’t look at our wives and our children and the things that make up our life, like our jobs, our calling even, the things that we would put most value in…if we don’t hold all those things with an empty hand and see them as things that are here today and gone tomorrow like the flowers of the field, then we have all of a sudden allowed things to creep into our thinking that have an opportunity to contest God’s authority in our lives, contest God Himself in our lives. – Jeff Stivason Today we discuss the challenges faced by the pilgrims Christian and Faithful, and the deeper meanings behind their experiences. Discover how Bunyan's insights remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on thei

Jonathan and James welcome Ronnie Kurtz, assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University, to discuss his recent book, Light Unapproachable: Divine Incomprehensibility and the Task of Theology. Together, they delve into the concept of divine incomprehensibility—what it means to know God in a world where He remains fundamentally other than us.  Divine incomprehensibility is a theological term to describe a feeling that a lot of listeners have probably felt before. – Ronni Kurtz Ronnie shares insights on how this doctrine has shaped theological thought throughout history, reminding us that theologians in all ages have wrestled with what we can and cannot say about God My book is just a long lesson in humility. – Ronni Kurtz Thanks to the generosity of IVP Academic, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Ronni Kurtz’s book, Light Unapproachable, to our listeners. Enter here to win.   Show Notes: Ronni’s book: https://www.ivpress.com/light-unapproachable

When considering the Reformation, men like Martin Luther and John Calvin come readily to mind, but few would put John Knox in the same category. And yet Jacob Tanner, author and pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, argues that Knox's contributions are as valuable as anything that Luther or Calvin put forth. Jacob sits down with Jonathan and James today to explore the life and teachings of John Knox, which are highlighted in Jacob's new book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God.  …John Knox, as the reformer of Scotland, as it were, is one of the most important, I would argue, theologians that the West has ever produced, and a lot of people don't think of him that way. – Jacob Tanner Together, they discuss why Knox remains a pivotal figure in Protestant theology and how his principles of resistance and obedience to God resonate in today's world. Join us for an enlightening conversation about faith, public witness, and the power of prayer. Thanks to the generosity of Founders Press, we are pleased

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. – 2 Corinthians 4:17 Jonathan and James explore the profound topic of suffering and its essential role in spiritual growth in this episode of Theology on the Go. Drawing from Jonathan's insightful article, "Suffering Matters," published in TableTalk Magazine, the discussion delves into how suffering can lead to greater faith and reliance on God.  Suffering is absolutely essential to the Christian life, and it is one of the primary means – biblically speaking – that the Lord uses to cause us to grow. – Jonathan Master With biblical references and personal anecdotes, the hosts unpack the counterintuitive idea that suffering can be a source of joy and strength in the Christian life.  Once you recognize that God is charge of everything in your life, and that nothing happens apart from his control, apart from his divine wisdom mapping this all out, and you couple that with confidence in his divine goodness and h

Jonathan and James sit down with returning guest Chad Van Dixhoorn, a professor of church history and theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to explore Puritan John Arrowsmith's significant work, Plans for Holy War, one of the most expansive treatments of spiritual warfare ever written. A new English version was recently published by Reformation Heritage Books that presents modern readers with an exceptional guide to spiritual warfare. Having written the introduction and served as its editor, Chad explains why Plans for Holy War is worthy of translation and reintroduction to the church.  It's a unique book in the way in which it argues for us to be alert to the fact that all of life is spiritual warfare, and that in that spiritual warfare, which he considers on multiple levels, we are well-equipped… – Chad Van Dixhoorn Tune in to this insightful conversation that dives into Arrowsmith's insights on theological errors, the importance of prayer, and how his narrative approach sets him apart from his contemp

Is the new birth still relevant? Join Jonathan and James as they answer this vital question, a central theme in Jonathan's latest book, You Must Be Born Again. They discuss the significance of regeneration, its biblical foundations, and the necessity for spiritual transformation in every believer's life. The new birth or regeneration means a radical transformation promised in the Bible. – Jonathan Master Explore how this doctrine challenges superficial religious practices and highlights the need for a genuine heart change through the Holy Spirit.  Cleaning yourself up religiously isn't going to cut it. – James Dolezal Thank you to our friends at P&R Publishing; we are pleased to offer a couple of copies of You Must Be Born Again, written by our very own Jonathan Master.  Enter here.    Show Notes: You Must Be Born Again https://reformedresources.org/you-must-be-born-again-hardcover/

James and Jonathan sit down with returning guest C.J. Williams, professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theology Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss his new book, The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job. In this accessible, insightful book, C.J. shows that Job's sufferings foreshadow the suffering and exaltation of our Savior, in whom we have a sure hope. Job is a picture of the Gospel where a blameless and upright man is humbled to the point of death and then exalted after that. – C.J. Williams In Job, we find that the hardships of life are a call to humble ourselves, worship, and draw near to the Savior who suffered for us. As we put our trust in him, we discover that the sufferings of this life cannot compare to the glory that God has in store for us.  Thank you to our friends at Crown & Covenant, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job.  Enter here.    Show Notes: The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job https://crownandcovenant.com/products/the-shadow-of-ch

Part 5 of our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, is finally here! James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, pick up where they left off with Christian coming out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death and meeting his friend, Faithful. Their subsequent conversation covers the profound themes of temptation, discontentment, and shame, subjects that are relatable and applicable to all believers and illuminate the complexities of the Christian journey for each individual.  Two things really jump out at me as I read this…Bunyan recognizes that there are differences in the ways in which Christians are tempted, the ways in which therefore they are comforted and find hope, and that's a profound insight… This conversation with Faithful serves such an important purpose because it shows two men, walking the same pilgrim journey, yet in one sense experiencing it