Life and Books and Everything

When someone has pastored the same church for nearly 40 years, you should listen to what he has to say about thriving in ministry. That’s the topic of Joel Beeke’s new book and the focus of this week’s LBE. Listen in as Kevin and Joel talk about the benefit of long-term pastorates, how a pastor might know he’s being called somewhere else, how to maintain healthy rhythms in ministry, how to avoid personal scandal, and why it’s okay for pastors to focus (within reason) on the things they do best.

What is classical theology? Why was it sometimes forgotten by evangelicals in the 20th century? What difference does this theology make for our modern world? Listen in as Kevin talks to Carl Trueman about his newest book, and they discuss important doctrines like immutability, impassibility, and the hypostatic union. You’ll also hear why Carl is encouraged about the next generation of students in America.

“What do I do about my grown children who not only have abandoned the faith and values they were raised with but have also estranged themselves from us?” This painful, and increasingly prevalent question, is what Noelle’s Mering’s new book is about. Noelle is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, an author and commentator, and a wife and mother of six children. Listen in as Kevin and Noelle talk about the rise of this “No Contact” phenomenon—where it came from, what is wrong with it, and how parents can respond to it with truth and grace.https://www.crossway.org/LBEKidsJournalhttps://www.crossway.org/books/future-grace-case/

Just before heading to Belfast and Glasgow, Alistair stopped by LBE to talk to Kevin about his new book on the fruit of the Spirit. Listen in as Alistair explains why it’s “fruit” not “fruits” and why it is the work of the Spirit not ultimately our will power that makes the difference. You’ll also want to hear Alistair talk about what it’s like in a different season of ministry after stepping away from Parkside Church. And stick around until the end for some talk about the Beatles and the World Cup.

After a summer in the sun (as much as Scandinavians can dare to be in the sun), the boys are back in town and full of witty banter—on everything from the World Cup to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Make it to the middle, and you’ll get a bevy of book recommendations (including several books Kevin plugs but hasn’t read!). In the last third of the podcast, you’ll get a serious discussion about AI and writing—why it’s a wisdom issue and why there are also some lines we shouldn’t cross. Sponsors http://crossway.org/LBEPleasuresofGod https://www.desiringgod.org/solid-joys