Dr. Guelzo is back once again for another record setting appearance on LBE. Although he just moved across the country, Allen still made time to talk to Kevin about his latest two-volume mega-project with James Hankins, their new book The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition. Listen in as Kevin and Allen talk about remembering, history as gratitude, and the fragility (and resiliency) of Western Civilization. You won’t want to miss Dr. Guelzo recount the many blessings of the Western Tradition (and mention some faults too), while also singing Bach and reciting Shakespeare.
If you are looking for a deep dive into the history of early American Presbyterianism, you have come to the right place! Listen in as Kevin talks with pastor, scholar, and writer S.A. Fix—who goes by the name Fix (really he does)—as they talk about the Old Side/New Side controversy, the Adopting Act of 1729, and John Thomson’s Explication of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Come for the Presbyterianism, and stay for a look at what it means to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Be sure to look for Thomson’s Explication in the next week or two, introduced and edited by Dr. Fix and published by our friends at Westminster Seminary Press.
It’s been a long time since the last LBE episode—too long some (i.e., our mothers) might say. But after a summer hiatus, the three amigos are back in the podcast studio to talk about familiar topics like football, books, and “what time it is” in our world. They also touch on a few unfamiliar topics like weight loss and how funerals bring people together.
The triumvirate comes back together to wrap up another season of LBE. Along with the obligatory sports chatter, the three guys talk at length about the first Midwest Pope (and why they are not Catholics) and about life in middle age (and why they are not too depressed). There are, of course, many book recommendations as well.CHAPTERS0:00 Sponsors1:47 Greeting & Salutations4:10 The Midwestern Scale Of How Are You Doing?5:10 The First Midwestern Pope14:05 Deep Dive Into New Pope Expectations18:20 Why Don’t We Believe In A Pope?28:35 From The Midwest To Midlife32:44 Get A Tattoo And Buy A Motorcycle?35:07 Sponsor Break36:55 More On Midlife & Life As A Parent40:56 Have We Changed In Significant Ways?52:31 Collin’s Reading List57:50 Kevin’s Reading List01:03:01 Justin’s Reading List01:06:59 Summer Sports Report01:08:38 Thank You & Goodbye
What does the Bible say about life in the womb? When does life begin? What about personhood? What has the church taught about abortion over the centuries? How should we respond to familiar slogans like “My body, my choice”? In this important episode, Kevin talks with Tom Pennington, Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas, about his new book The Biblical View of Abortion: God’s Heart for Life in the Womb. Listen in as Tom and Kevin try to equip Christians to defend life and love the unborn, just like God does.CHAPTERS0:00 Sponsors1:39 Greeting & Salutations2:48 Who Is Tom Pennington?4:16 Grace To You Origins5:04 Tom’s Time In Texas7:24 Let’s Talk About The Book9:08 What’s Happened Since Roe v. Wade Overturned?11:40 The Effort To Persuade & Promote Biblical View15:17 Counterargument To “Historical Acceptance”18:33 Counterargument To “Might As Well Make It Safe”20:13 Counterargument To “Keep State Out Of Bedroom”21:35 Counterargument To “My Body, My Choice”22:19 Counterargument To “Can’t Legislate Morality”24:30 Positive Rights & Negative Rights29:28 Lack of Scientific Debate About Origin Of Life30:25 How Do We Diagnose This Issue Spiritually?33:55 Sponsor Break35:54 Speak To The Person Who Hates What We’re Saying39:42 Counterargument To “When Personhood Begins”42:24 Connections To Jesus Christ & Christology45:25 The SLED Acronym47:08 Church History Related To Abortion49:10 Rape, Incest & Life Of The Mother57:04 Ending Treatment vs Ending Life58:38 Pray For Us Pastor Tom1:00:55 Thank You & GoodbyeBOOKS & EVERYTHINGThe Biblical View of Abortion: God’s Heart for Life in the Womb by Tom PenningtonCROSSWAY | A Light On The HillDESIRING GOD | Be Happy EventGREENVILLE SEMINARY | Pastoral TheologyWESTMINSTER SEMINARY | Theological Studies
Kevin welcomes his good friend—neighbor, church colleague, and seminary colleague (soon to be boss!)—Blair Smith to the podcast. As a systematic theology professor, Blair’s expertise is on Trinitarian theology, in particular in the crucial fourth and fifth centuries. Listen in as Kevn and Blair look at the theology and the history behind the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). Yes, there are a lot of names and concepts flying around in the podcast studio with this one, but for good reason. What could be more important than the doctrine of the Trinity, than knowing who God is?CHAPTERS0:00 Sponsors & Intro2:11 Who Is Blair Smith?9:34 Four Degrees & Education Background12:20 Conversation Outline & Begin Nicene Discussion19:38 What Should We Know About The Fatherhood Of God?25:25 Nicene Origins & The Need For Clarity28:40 Sponsor Break30:54 How Does This Help Us Understand The Eternal Son?37:15 Trinity Debates & Subordination Controversy46:59 What Led To The Revision Of The Nicene Creed?54:53 Common Ground & Finding The Right Language57:07 How Does Augustine Fit Into Nicene Orthodoxy?1:01:38 Books From Blair To Consider1:03:42 Why Should We Care About The Doctrine Of The Trinity?BOOKS & EVERYTHINGThe Nicene CreedReformed ConfessionalismOne God Almighty: The Biblical Doctrine of the Triune GodOur Father in Heaven: Rediscovering and Embracing the Fatherhood of GodCROSSWAY | The Nicene CreedDESIRING GOD | What’s The Difference?GREENVILLE SEMINARY | Pastoral TheologyWESTMINSTER SEMINARY | Biblical Languages
First published in 1877, Thomas Murphy’s Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office is one of the absolute best books of its kind. Murphy’s treatise is inspiring, challenging, comprehensive, opinionated, practical, and spiritual in the deepest sense of the word. Listen as Kevin and Jonathan Master, president at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, talk about Thomas Murphy (pastor for 46 years of Frankford Presbyterian Church outside of Philadelphia) and this neglected resource, just recently republished by Log College Press.CHAPTERS0:00 Sponsors & Intro2:37 Who Is Jonathan Master?5:48 Let’s Dive Into Pastoral Theology9:23 Kevin Outlines Thomas Murphy Book10:58 Why Does Jonathan Love The Book?13:30 Kevin & Jonathan Explore Exemplary Piety17:18 Sponsor Break / Link For Book19:22 Vital Role For Women In The Church23:00 The Work Of God In The Church & Community24:18 How To Profit My Congregation As A Preacher27:41 Pastoral Care & Troublemakers In The Church31:10 Preach, Pray, People AND Patience32:31 What Else Is Jonathan Working On?33:53 Kevin’s Book Republishing Thoughts35:44 Until Next Time…BOOKS & EVERYTHINGPastoral Theology by Thomas MurphyCrossway | The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and HostDesiring God | What's the DifferenceGPTS | Pastoral TheologyWTS | MATS
It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assume that there is no right or wrong way to do spiritual formation. This often leads evangelical to adopt an eclectic approach to personal growth in Christ. Many Christians in conservative Protestant churches end up adopting Catholic and Orthodox approaches as being more fulsome and effective. But what if there is a Reformed approach to spiritual formation that is rich, deep, historic, and more biblical than the alternatives? That’s what Kevin explores with Matthew Bingham (associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary) as they dig into Matthew’s fantastic new book A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation (Crossway).Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro3:27 Tell Us About Yourself8:16 Spiritual Formation14:18 A Heart Aflame for God21:15 A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation26:53 Sponsor Break29:44 Biblical Centrality40:40 The Reformed Triangle of Spiritual Formation47:24 Quick Takes1:06:41 Final Thoughts1:12:14 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:ESV New Testament, Share the Good News® EditionDesiring God | Holy WeekGPTS | A Sacred CallingWTS | MA in Theological StudiesHeart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
Recently, Peter Williams, Principal at Tyndale House in Cambridge, preached at Christ Covenant Church for its missions week. At the end of the evening service, Kevin sat down with Peter and fellow Cambridge-alum Will Ross, who teaches Old Testament at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion about the importance of Tyndale House and its mission to foster faithful, biblical scholarship for the church. The group also talked about apologetics, the Septuagint, being confident in the word of God, and not being so smart that you believe stupid things.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors2:32 The Surprising Genius of Jesus6:27 On Tyndale House14:42 Christianity in the Cultures17:42 Sponsor Break19:45 On the Old Testament29:15 On Confidence in God’s Word31:55 On Biblical Scholarship37:24 Until Next Time…Books & EverythingUnderstanding God's Word: An Introduction to Interpreting the BibleThe Supremacy of God in PreachingGPTS | A Sacred CallingWTS | Biblical Language CertificatesThe Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher
In this wide-ranging interview, recorded live at Christ Covenant Church in conjunction with the Coram Deo Pastors Workshop, Kevin asks John about everything from preaching style, to the influence of his parents, to growing up in the South, to his strengths and weaknesses as a pastor. You’ll hear lots of stories, pastoral wisdom, and personal transparency. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors1:42 Introduction2:35 The Privilege of Preaching29:53 Humility in Pastoral Ministry41:38 On Marriage46:31 Sponsor Break48:13 Pastoral Communication53:30 Did You Ever Think of Leaving Ministry?54:58 Parental Influence1:01:23 Additional Thoughts1:13:53 John Piper’s LegacyBooks & Everything:Ask Pastor JohnThe Supremacy of God in PreachingGPTS | MidweekerMaster of Arts in Theological Studies
Before the Bushes or Clintons, before the Kennedy or Kardashians, there were the Beechers—a sprawling family of preachers, suffragists, abolitionists, and moral crusaders that defined (and exemplified) America as much as any single family in the nineteenth century. Join Kevin as he interviews Obbie Tyler Todd, a pastor and professor, about his new biography of the Beechers (LSU Press). From patriarch, Lyman Beecher, to the famous novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, to the most famous pastor of his age, Henry Ward Beecher, this episode explores the crazy and controversial life of Lyman Beecher, his three wives (not at the same time), and their thirteen children.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors2:00 Introductions5:37 The Beecher Family and Moral Influence10:45 Three Themes of the Beecher Family21:36 Beecherism and Controversy28:07 The Fate of the Nation and Presbyterianism36:49 Other Beeches50:38 Harriet Beecher Stowe54:43 Henry Ward Beecher1:09:11 The Beecher LegacyBooks & Everything:Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily WorshipThe Supremacy of God in PreachingGPTS MidweekerMaster of Arts in Theological StudiesThe Beechers: America's Most Influential Family
Listen to a special episode of Life and Books and Everything promoting Crossway's new Podcast, Doctrine Matters.
Kevin welcomes to the podcast Brandon Crowe, a native Alabamian, an SEC fan, a Teaching Elder in the PCA, and a professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Believe it or not, there is only question about football, and it comes at the very end. The rest of the time is spent trying to explain things like the hypostatic union, the communication of properties, Christ’s descent into hell, and how the Son of God could be ignorant of the time of his return. Lots of good theological exploration as Kevin talks to Brandon about his book The Lord Jesus Christ (Lexham Academic).Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro5:49 The Person and Work of Christ12:53 The Descent Question26:12 The Transformation Question38:40 Sponsor Break40:36 Some Definitions44:19 4 Major Heresies49:18 “An” vs. “In”53:45 Christ’s Offices1:00:16 Concluding Theses1:04:31 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible: Theology Rooted in the Word of GodSerious Joy ConferenceThe Pastor: His Call, Character, and WorkWTS | Master of Arts in Theological StudiesThe Lord Jesus Christ: The Biblical Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ
There has been some concern that Justin and Collin have been kept out of the “very special guest” designation. In order to make up for past offenses, this episode, with two very special guests, is being hailed as a very special episode. The three amigos start out by talking about football (of course) and a new cultural openness to Christianity. Then they turn their attention to New Year’s resolutions (which they all have) and books on time management and productivity (which Justin and Collin do not read). The episode finishes with a sweet conversation about their wives and lessons learned over the decades of marriage.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro4:15 Football, Culture, and Spirituality15:26 Goals, Habits, and Productivity40:07 Sponsor Break42:02 Marriage, That Blessed Arrangement1:04:46 Books on Marriage1:08:29 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the ChurchSerious Joy ConferenceThe Pastor: His Call, Character, and WorkWTS | Master of Arts in Theological StudiesThe Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time SportsRules of Life (Justin Taylor)Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to MakeMystery of MarriageThe Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of GodWhen Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for MarriageLove That Lasts: When Marriage Meets GraceGospel-Shaped Marriage: Grace for Sinners to Love Like SaintsThis Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence
How can you shine as a Christian in the world of professional sports—when sometimes your dreams come true and often they don’t? What does it take to be an elite athlete (and why is it a great profession for sleep enthusiasts)? You’ll want to listen to this special episode of LBE as Kevin asks Andre, a former NFL player, and Sydney—an Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder—about the pressure of being the best and the freedom of being in Christ. And don’t miss the bonus questions from a couple DeYoung children.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro 3:38 What did it feel like? 7:11 A Question From a Fan 8:49 Olympic Relationships 11:05 Life as a Professional Athlete 16:31 How Did You Two Meet? 20:40 Another Fan Question 22:06 Life and Testimony 32:29 Fifty Seconds 35:57 The Lifestyle of an Elite Athlete 40:08 Sponsor Break 41:55 Fame and Faith 47:45 Nature vs. Nurture 58:46 What’s Coming Up? 1:01:10 Book Recommendations 1:03:26 A Message to Christian Women 1:05:51 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:ESV Daily Reading Bible: A Guided Journey Through God's WordSerious Joy ConferenceThe Pastor: His Call, Character, and WorkWTS | Master of Arts in Theological StudiesWhat Is the Gospel?What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission
We’ve all been waiting, and it’s finally here: the annual Christmas LBE. Listen in as the three amigos talk about Christmas movies, favorite books, which LBE member is the most like Jerry Seinfeld, and, of course, the airing of many grievances.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro5:50 The Vibe Shift20:10 Let’s Talk About Christmas30:02 Sponsor Break31:20 The Airing of Grievances49:27 Books & Everything55:22 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire BooksDesiring God | Great JoyPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language CertificateThe Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental IllnessDaily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic TheologyChristopher Ash on the PsalmsThe Beechers: America's Most Influential FamilySwing Low, volume 1: A History of Black Christianity in the United StatesLetters of John CalvinDigital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online AgeTill We Have Faces: A Myth RetoldPastoral Theology
Mission is one of those words that Christians use all the time. So are words like “missions” and missionaries.” But what do they mean? Is “mission” even the best word to use to describe what Christians should be doing in the world? In today’s episode, Kevin talks with fellow Michigander, Brian DeVries, about his new book You Will Be My Witnesses. Brian has led church planting teams in South Africa and currently serves as a pastor and a seminary president in South Africa. He’s written an insightful and helpful book calling church and Christians to be witnesses for Christ in speaking, in living, in defending the faith, in working for church growth, and in suffering well.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors1:51 Introductions11:29 The Book and the Mission of the Church25:19 The Concept of Witness32:15 Five Witness Themes39:17 Sponsor Break41:00 On Evangelizing52:35 The Church As Hospital, Temple, Embassy, School, and Fortress58:07 Stop DoingThis, Start Doing ThatBooks & Everything:In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions Through the PsalmsDesiring God | Great JoyPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language CertificateYou Will Be My Witnesses: Theology for God's Church Serving in God's Mission
It is hard to exaggerate the influence of Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) in conservative Reformed circles over the past hundred years. And yet, there continues to be much discussion about what Van Til believed and how he meant for his apologetic ideas to be put into practice. Kevin welcomes Keith Mathison, from Reformation Bible College, to discuss his new book Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til (Mentor). Also joining Kevin is James Anderson, a leading Van Tilian philosopher and a fellow RTS Charlotte colleague. In this stimulating conversation, Kevin talks to Keith and James about what Van Til got right, where he made some mistakes, and whether Van Tilians and non-Van Tilians are all that different when it comes to defending the faith in practice.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro4:50 Who was Van Til?15:26 Van Til’s Theology25:38 The Absolute Antithesis40:00 Van Til’s Chief Epistemological Insight53:03 Sponsor Break54:41 The Question of Either/Or59:33 Van Til’s view of the Trinity1:18:06 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:ESV Teen Study BibleDesiring God | Great JoyCoram Deo Pastors WorkshopPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language CertificateToward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til
Recently, Steve Nichols spoke at the Faithful Conference, an annual conference for Christ Covenant Church. After giving a lecture on R.C. Sproul, Steve sat down with Kevin to talk about his own life and what he learned writing the biography of Sproul. Listen in as Kevin asks Steve about Sproul’s influences, his strengths and weaknesses, his friendships, and what made him such a uniquely gifted and inspiring teacher.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors & Intro3:30 On Being From Pittsburgh5:56 Tell Us About Your Family7:27 From Pennsylvania to Florida15:00 The Life and Ministry of R.C.26:20 Sponsor Break27:37 The Human Side of R.C.33:53 What Would He Have Said?44:14 Preaching InfluencesBooks & Everything:The Biggest Story Family DevotionalDesiring God | The Great EightCoram Deo Pastors WorkshopPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate
Most Christians in conservative churches are familiar with Paul Tripp’s books. He’s one of the most popular authors in the church today, with a knack for applying the gospel to all of life. His devotional New Morning Mercies has been a consistent bestseller. Now Tripp has a new devotional, Everyday Gospel, that serves as a gospel commentary on the text of Scripture itself. Listen in as Kevin asks Paul about his writing process, his favorite books, and why he does what he does. Along the way, you’ll hear a few dramatic stories from Paul’s life and get his gospel encouragement for pastors and their congregations.Chapters:0:00 Sponsors1:53 Welcome, Paul4:34 On Mustaches and Painting11:55 Everyday Gospel41:30 Sponsor Break43:10 Life & Ministry1:07:02 Until Next Time…Books & Everything:Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of LifeDaily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic TheologyDesiring God | The Great EightPuritan Treasures for TodayWestminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate
Mario Mcclinton
great ep