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 offer a copy of Crowned with Glory and Honor: A Chalcedonian Anthropology by Michael Wilkinson to our listeners. Enter here. 

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 offer a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to our listeners. Enter here. 

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 offer a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to our listeners. Enter here. 

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