Theology on the Go

"How can I pick the right job?" This question is of utmost concern for many young people. But according to William Boekestein, pastor of Emmanuel Fellowship Church, you don't need to choose a job that's "perfect for you." But you must be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life.  Your choices matter. You have real agency, real responsibility to choose wisely. – William Boekestein Today, Jonathan and James sit down with Bill to discuss his insightful new book, Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling, and the everyday challenges young people face, including apathy, ambivalence, anxiety, and ambition. How can Scripture guide us in understanding God's sovereignty and our responsibility to make wise decisions about our future? God does the calling and the appointing. He has a plan that is good for his children. – William Boekestein This episode offers valuable advice for anyone – young and old alike – grappling with questions of vocation and purpose. For the opportunity to win a copy of Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling," thanks to the generosity of Reformed Free Publishing, enter here.  Show Notes: Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein https://reformedresources.org/finding-my-vocation-a-guide-for-young-people-seeking-a-calling-paperback/

We are pleased to publish the fourth episode in our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress. James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, explore the significance of the Palace Beautiful and its representation of the church.  We want to just keep underscoring this point, I think in this episode, is the importance of the church, the importance of Christian fellowship as we walk our pilgrimage as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. – Jonathan Master Discover how Christian fellowship, pastoral guidance, and the journey through the Valley of Humiliation and the Shadow of Death form a cohesive unit in Bunyan's timeless work. This episode provides deep insights into the importance of the church, the role of pastors, and the transformative power of Christian conversations. We should be encouraging each other to articulate the hope that we have – not just what we left or what we fled or how we used to be, but what we’re aiming at now, so that we can encourage each other to press on. – James Dolezal For the opportunity to win a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth, enter here.    Show Notes: The Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/ Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/   Previous episodes in The Pilgrim’s Progress book series: Episode 1: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xagb6-15a7cd1 Episode 2: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yd3a6-15e351c Episode 3: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-etvjk-16d1999

Michael Wilkinson, an attorney and adjunct professor at Trinity Law School, joins Jonathan and James for an engaging discussion about his new book, Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology. Michael’s primary assertion is that Jesus Christ is the definitive revelation of what it means to be human.  Jesus is the only man who was ever purely human in the unalloyed sense of being not corrupted in his mind or his will. In that respect, if we want to look for a blueprint of what is true man and then also what true man ought to be, then he is right, we ought to be looking to Christ for that. – James Dolezal  Michael purports that Chalcedonian Christology offers a unique perspective on human ontology, distinguishing itself from other anthropological models. This episode offers a fresh perspective on human nature, challenging contemporary models and inviting us to look to Christ for clarity. Thanks to the generosity of Lexham Academic, we are pleased to award two copies of Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology by Michael Wilkinson to our listeners. Congratulations to John R. from Winoka, MN and Kevin E. from Edison, NJ!

Jonathan and James continue their engaging conversation with Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about Volume 1 of his insightful commentary on the Book of Numbers. They kick off the discussion by exploring  the profound connections between the earthly and heavenly realms. The wondrous reality that’s going on in those early chapters of Numbers is God is creating this earthly host, this entourage, among whom He’s going to dwell and with whom He’s going to sojourn. - Michael Morales They then touch on James’ favorite topic of angels and cherubim, the significance of the wilderness sojourn, and the Old Testament motifs of prophet, priest, and king that culminate in the Lord Jesus Christ. Michael’s Numbers Commentary will be an excellent and relevant resource for Bible students and pastors. Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to award a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to one of our listeners. Congratulations to Joshua C. from Anoka, MN!   Show Notes: https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday

Jonathan and James sit down with their friend, Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to discuss Volume 1 of his recently released commentary on the Book of Numbers, which covers Chapters 1 through 19. Ten years in the making, this much-anticipated work sheds light on a part of the Bible often referenced yet rarely preached and explained. Those opening chapters are not simply packing up to go on a journey, it's really what the entire meeting with God at Sinai has been about. And so you get the creation of the covenant community – the first time in history God dwelling literally in the midst of His people…that became the linchpin. Then I realized the rest of the book is analyzing this thing that we call "covenant community." – Michael Morales Together, they discuss the concept of the covenant community, the significance of the Tabernacle, and how the structure of the camp reveals deeper theological truths about communion with God. Tune in to hear about the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians.  Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to award a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to Rob M. from Lachute, Quebec. Congratulations!    Show Notes: https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday

Hosts Jonathan Master and James Dolezal welcome back J.V. Fesko, the Harriet Barber Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to discuss his new book, The Giver of Life: The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation, in which John reflects on the person and work of the Holy Spirit and his role in salvation. With many other historic texts available which address this topic, why did John want to write about the Holy Spirit? Every generation has to own the teaching of Scripture in order to pass it on to future generations. We can’t just assume it. We have to own it. – J.V. Fesko Through a combination of biblical, historical, and theological study, Fesko illuminates the blessing of God’s presence with his people. This episode is a rich discussion for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in salvation.  

He's back! Gary Schnittjer, honorary Theology on the Go host, sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his book, How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible: Seven Hermeneutical Choices for the Old and New Testaments, which he co-wrote with Matthew Harmon. Intended for students of both testaments, Schnittjer's latest book demonstrates how the Old Testament's use of Scripture provides resources for the New Testament authors' use of Scripture.  "The Old Testament interpretation of itself set the course for the New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament." – Gary Schnittjer How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible is a model for students to ground hermeneutics in biblical evidence and provide insight into understanding why the Bible's use of the Bible is essential. After this conversation, Jonathan even comes around to Gary's point of view. "You've opened my heart to the study of hermeneutics with this book, and so I owe you a great debt of gratitude." – Jonathan Master Thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Academic, we were pleased to award two copies of How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible by Gary Schnittjer and Matthew Harmon. Congratulations to Rhett D. from Hudson, OH and Juliet F. from Langhorne, PA!   Show Notes: How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible: Seven Hermeneutical Choices for the Old and New Testaments by Gary Schnittjer and Matthew Harmon https://www.amazon.com/How-Study-Bibles-Bible-Hermeneutical/dp/0310142458 Videos associated with the book: https://masterlectures.zondervanacademic.com/products/how-to-study-the-bible-s-use-of-the-bible    

Join James, Jonathan, and their friend, Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, as they resume their insightful and practical discussion of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress in Part 3 of the series. Together, they explore the significance of the Palace Beautiful and its representation of the Church.  Bookending this whole section is…the importance of the Church, the importance of Christian fellowship as we walk our pilgrimage as followers of Jesus Christ. – Jonathan Master This episode provides deep insights into the importance of the Church, the role of pastors, and the transformative power of Christian fellowship. Don’t miss it! And if you’re following along, plan to read through the Valley of Humiliation and Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death for next time.   Show Notes: The Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/ Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/

James and Jonathan sit down with Ian Vaillancourt, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Heritage Theological Seminary, to discuss his book, The Dawning of Redemption: The Story of the Pentateuch and the Hope of the Gospel. Why is reading and studying the Pentateuch essential as a foundation for understanding the story of redemption revealed in the rest of Scripture? Imagine arriving at a movie fifteen minutes late, and you're all excited to settle in to see the movie, and very quickly realize, "I don't get it." And that's a little bit of what reading the Bible is like without understanding these first five books. It's the first act in the Bible's grand story of redemption. – Ian Vaillancourt Ian talks about the books of Moses in an engaging, clear way. He systematically examines the themes of creation, the fall, the exodus, genealogies, and more and how they point to and culminate in Christ and his redemptive work for us. We are pleased to award two copies of The Dawning of Redemption by Ian Vaillancourt to our faithful listeners, courtesy of Crossway Books. Congratulations Donnie H. from Colorado Springs, CO and Neal Y. from Ashville, AL!

Back on the podcast for the third time, Terry Johnson, senior pastor of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA, sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his book, Understanding Family Worship. A companion piece to The Family Worship Book, this work lays the foundation for why family worship is important from a historic perspective and then develops the elements and practices of family worship.   Family worship has been a foundation of faith for many families across many generations, but there are certainly barriers to this practice, including feelings of inadequacy and time restraints. Still, Terry believes these challenges can and should be overcome for the whole family's benefit.  I think that's part of the attraction of Terry's work on worship is that it's biblical grounded, it's presented in an understandable and reasonable manner, and I think that our listeners who aren't practicing this would be really encouraged to think constructively about the necessity of it. – James Dolezal We are pleased to award two copies of Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology and Practice by Terry Johnson to our listeners, as well as a bonus copy of The Family Worship Book, courtesy of Christian Focus Publications. Congratulations to Tonia W. from Anna, TX and Matthew B. from Manchester, NH!   Show Notes: The Family Worship Book: https://www.christianfocus.com/products/261/the-family-worship-book

Though we know God is righteous, defining that term can be challenging. What does it mean that God is righteous? How do we define and describe God's righteousness? How is it connected to divine justice? How does He demonstrate His righteousness?  James and Jonathan take a fresh look at this topic, considering the various forms of righteousness and how they apply to our Holy God and, therefore, to us as His redeemed children. We need to actually say that righteousness is something that God is; it's not simply something that He simply demonstrates through His works, but it's who He is. – Jonathan Master Take time to meditate on God's righteousness with James and Jonathan as they discuss this important topic.  We were pleased to award two copies of Everlasting Righteousness; How Shall Men Be Just with God by Horatius Bonar to our listeners, courtesy of Banner of Truth. Congratulations to Lawrence E. from Evansville, WY and Sam V. from Bakersfield, CA!   Show Notes: James Dolezal’s article on Ligonier: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/god-is-righteous

Award-winning author and editor Donald McKim joins James and Jonathan to discuss his book, Daily Devotions with Herman Bavinck. Bavinck was a significant Reformed scholar and theologian whose popularity has increased in recent years. Though Bavinck did not leave behind a body of devotional material, Don has written eighty-four brief devotional readings accompanied by Scripture exploring Bavinck's thoughts to deepen readers' understanding and faith. Donald McKim's book is doing for Bavinck what earlier Dutch Reformed theologians had done for themselves, which is step you into that practical application, and there's nothing unnatural about it. It feels like exactly the next step that you should take. – James Dolezal  With Bavinck, McKim understands that Christian belief is to be joined with Christian living, and he has given us an excellent practical application of Bavinck's theology. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at P&R Publishing, we are pleased to award two copies of  Donald McKim's book to our listeners. Congratulations to Brandon H. from Thompsons Station, TN and Alex H. from Cuyahoga Falls, OH!   Show Notes: Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck in 4 volumes: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/reformed-dogmatics-4-volumes/291090 Other books by Donald McKim: https://www.prpbooks.com/authors/donald-k-mckim

According to Joseph Pipa, "We need a robust theology of tithing" to remain faithful Christians. Jonathan and James sit down with Dr. Pipa to discuss his booklet, What Are the Benefits of Biblical Stewardship and Tithing?, in which he establishes the duty of tithing from both the Old and New Testaments and shows us that our stewardship is an essential act of worship that flows from the grace of God. In addition, there are spiritual blessings in this life for those who tithe. "I see two things in particular – that it mortifies greed and covetousness, and it teaches us to live by faith. And then of course, it sets our eyes on heaven and laying up treasures in heaven, directing through that our hearts there that God would focus them on him." – Joseph Pipa When we give faithfully, we and others enjoy blessings as the needs of the church are met at home and throughout the world. We gave away three copies of Dr. Pipa’s booklet to our listeners. Congratulations Cruz T. from Waco, TX, Jatniel P. from Mansfield, TX, and Jorge M. from Fall River, MA. Thank you Reformation Heritage Books!

“When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.”  Returning guest Geoffrey Thomas joins James and Jonathan today for an inspiring conversation about his new book, Knowing the Cross, in which he investigates God's Word to understand the true meaning of the cross of Christ. How did this instrument of death become a symbol of life? How did the verdict of bad news for Jesus become a declaration of good news for His people?  "Jesus took my place and bore my condemnation, so now I don't face a tut-tutting God, I don't face a cold welcome, a slightly frowning God who sees me with all the inconsistencies of my life because Jesus Christ has removed every molecule of my guilt, all my shame, all my inadequacies."  – Geoff Thomas  As James says, "The cross actually means something, and it's not whatever we want it to mean, but it's what the Scripture says it means." Listen as Geoff encourages us to love the cross and God's glorious work through it.  Congratulations to the following listeners, each of whom won a copy of Knowing the Cross, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books: John F. from York, PA, Stephen D. from Wheaton, IL, and Jonathan W. from El Paso, TX.   Show Notes: The Death of Death, by John Owen

James and Jonathan welcome Todd Rester back to the podcast to discuss the 4th volume of Petrus van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology: Redemption in Christ. An associate professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, Todd has spent many years translating Volumes 1-4 of this comprehensive, influential work and has already started working on the fifth volume! Redemption in Christ examines God's great work of obtaining redemption in the Mediator, Jesus Christ.  "The whole thing is about has Christ done everything necessary that we might have full assurance of God's love and mercy, His grace, and His covenant and faithfulness to us, and the answer is a resounding yes!" – Todd Rester In addition to learning about various aspects of this book, be sure to tune in to discover how Mastricht's work is still relevant today and was referenced in a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling! We awarded away two copies of Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 4: Redemption in Christ, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books. Congratulations to Bobby F. from Oklahoma City, OK and Alexander L. from Jacksonville, TN!

James and Jonathan spend time reflecting on Psalm 46 today. Martin Luther claimed this was “his psalm,” it is the basis for one of our most well-known hymns, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” This beautiful psalm starts with the comforting words, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Written for all of us who will at some point face troubles that seem to shake the ground beneath us, Psalm 46 has been a source of strength and comfort to countless people through the ages by focusing our attention on heaven.  We need to train our minds and train our hearts to be attentive to heaven precisely because that’s the anchor for our souls in many respects when we face these times of great troubles. – Jonathan Master “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Be encouraged by this reflection of Psalm 46, a balm for our souls.  Congratulations to Richard R. from Ladysmith, WI and Zach W. from Gold Bar, WA, each of whom will receive a copy of Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey, generously provided by Ligonier Ministries. 

The much-anticipated follow-up to the first episode of James and Jonathan’s book club is here! Today, the guys sit down again with their friend, Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, for Part 2 of this series. Though written in the 17th century, The Pilgrim’s Progress has essential applications that we can glean from reading this classic work. Based on the feedback from listeners, you’re as excited about this as we are! “When you think about the Wicket Gate being readiness, when you think about the scroll being assurance, and that whole idea that this is what Christ has done for you. You don’t learn those once, and then your Christian life is made easy because of them. Those are things that you say to yourself repeatedly every day of your life, you know. That’s the Gospel preaching that you do to yourself every day, that you need or you’re not going to last with any sort of vigor or strength.” – Jeffrey Stivason We hope you enjoy this second installment of our book club as James, Jonathan, and Jeff (J3) discuss the Interpreter’s House through Hill Difficulty. If you’re following along, plan to read Palace Beautiful through the Valley of Despair and Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death for next time. Congratulations to Anthony H. from New Berlin, WI who won the drawing for a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Thank you, Banner of Truth.   Show Notes: The Strait Gate by John Bunyan: https://a.co/d/4dgBmk8

In today’s culture, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been impacted by sexual sin, either personally or in their family or social circles. Issues of pornography, transgenderism, and homosexuality are pervasive, yet many in the evangelical church do not feel equipped to face the challenges of sexual brokenness. James and Jonathan are joined today by Mark Sanders, the executive director of Harvest USA. Harvest brings the truth and mercy of Jesus Christ by helping individuals and families affected by sexual struggles and by providing resources that address biblical sexuality to individuals and churches. Over the years, as the rise of the internet, it’s become much more of a broad discipleship ministry addressing any way that sin has affected our sexuality and our gender, and we’re just seeing more and more the ways that the fall and denial of God as our creator is going in more and more directions with sin. So we want to continue to see how Scripture brings clarity on God’s design but also brings clarity on the hope that we have in Christ. – Mark Sanders Harvest USA has always been an important ministry, but it is becoming increasingly vital in today’s culture. Tune in to hear more, and check out their website to see what resources are available, including two new online courses, “Raising Sexually Faithful Kids” and “Parenting Boys and Girls in a Gender-Confused World. Thank you, Harvest USA, for providing two copies of Across the Kitchen Table for our listeners. Congratulations to Sharon B. from Lancaster, PA and Billy C. from Virginia Beach, VA!  Show Notes: For more information about Harvest USA and to access their new online courses: https://harvestusa.org/

James and Jonathan welcome their bowtie-clad friend, T. David Gordon, to discuss his latest book, Choose Better: 5 Biblical Models for Making Ethical Decisions. How do we know if we’re making the best choices possible? T. David says that over the centuries, Christians in different traditions have distilled scriptural guidance into five models for ethical decision-making. These models give us clear questions to ask in every situation, helping us improve our choices and better understand the choices of fellow believers—especially when they differ from ours. The creature made in God’s image has the capacity for reflection, for contemplation, for decision making, and so any choice we make about any aspect of our life is a reflection of the image of God in us, and therefore, it is subject to ethical inspection. – T. David Gordon Tune in to discover how T. David’s five biblical models for making ethical decisions equip believers to think biblically and choose better. And also learn why one of these models has him regularly spending a night sleeping in the forest. You may be inspired to grab a hammock and follow suit! Amber F. from Langhorne, PA and Brett F. from Ballwin, MO were each chosen to win a copy Choose Better, thanks to the generosity of P&R Publishing!   Show Notes: Why Johnny Can’t Preach by T. David Gordon: https://reformedresources.org/why-johnny-cant-preach-paperback/  

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.  Congratulations to Delano R. from Conway, AR and TH from Soldotna, AK, each of whom won a copy of John’s book, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books!   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/