Theology on the Go

Back by popular demand, Jonathan and James continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, with expert Jeff Stivason. They delve into the harrowing encounter with Giant Despair, discussing themes of depression, guilt, and the importance of fellowship in overcoming despair. Depression is not a monster that can do with us anything that it will. Depression is something that can be broken and that brokenness can come through the Word of God. – Jeff Stivason With an emphasis on the power of God's promises, this episode offers a profound reflection on the human experience of suffering and the hope that the believer has in the midst of it.

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 award two copies of Christ of the Consummation: A New Testament Biblical Theology, Volume 2: The Testimony of Acts and Paul to our listeners. Congratulations to Rebecca K. from Douglassville, PA and Daniel B. from Wooster, OH! Show Notes: Christ of the Consummation, Volume 1: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/christ-of-the-consummation-volume-1-the-testimony-of-the-four-gospels Christ of the Consummation, Volume 2: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/christ-of-the-consummation-a-new-testament-biblical-theology-volume-2

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-ends and his encounter at Hill Lucre, explore the dangers of pursuing worldly success at the expense of spiritual truth, and reflect on the ups and downs of life’s journey. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner Publishing, we are pleased to award a copy of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to our listener, Janet K. from Sea Girt, NJ!

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 at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of copies of Obadiah Grew's The Lord Our Righteousness. Enter here to win.

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 award a copy of Scott Swain’s book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Congratulations Rob M. from Lachute, Quebec! Show Notes: If you live in the Sacramento, California area, check out this conference taking place September 19-20 at which James Dolezal and Fred Sanders will be exploring the history and significance of the Nicene Creed in greater detail. https://alliancenet.org/event/scg25/ Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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 views as we explore the rise of Puritanism in England, its theological significance, and its implications for personal piety today. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award a couple of copies of John Owen’s Freedom from Sin’s Dominion to our listeners: Brian Z. from Manhattan, KS and Jonathan S. from St. Augustine, FL! Show Notes: Stephen Yuille recommended the Puritan Treasures for Today for listeners. Specifically, these would be great books to start with. A Perfect Redeemer by William Perkins The Fountain of Life by John Flavel The Blessed and Boundless God by George Swinnock (Stephen’s personal favorite)

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 award two copies of James Dolezal’s book, All That Is In God, to our listeners: Mitchell W. from Crowley, TX and Ryan C . from Glendale, AZ.