From the 2021 Faithful Conference, Kevin interviews keynote speaker William Taylor. Taylor is the rector of St. Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate, London. There is a lot of fun banter, book recommendations, and a wealth of advice about evangelism, but what shines through most clearly is William Taylor’s firm faith in the Word of God to accomplish the mission of the church.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Death of Porn, by Ray Ortlund. 

In The Death of Porn, Ray Ortlund writes six personal letters, as from a father to his son. Ideal for individuals and small groups, it will give hope to men who have been misled by porn into devaluing themselves and others.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps:

William Taylor [0:00 – 3:23]

End the Confusion! [3:23 – 4:56]

Conversion Story [4:56 – 10:27]

Hospitality [10:27 – 14:26]

Personal Miscellany [14:26 – 17:59]

St. Helen’s and Dick Lucas [17:59 – 26:02]

Teaching and Planting in England [26:02 – 32:35]

Christian America [32:35 – 35:19]

The Word: One to One [35:19 – 39:32]

Evangelism Advice [39:32 – 46:03]

Lightning Round: Books! [46:03 – 56:13] 

Books and Everything:

By William Taylor:

The Word: One to One

Revolutionary Work: What's the point of the 9 to 5?

Read, Mark, Learn series

On Evangelism:

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, by J.I. Packer

Knowing God, by J.I. Packer

Questioning Evangelism, Second Edition: Engaging People's Hearts the Way Jesus Did, by Randy Newman

Know and Tell the Gospel, by John Chapman

Evangelism As a Lifestyle: Reaching Into Your World With the Gospel, by Jim Petersen

True Devotion: In Search of Authentic Spirituality, by Allan Chapple

Funny:

The Jeeves & Wooster books by P.G. Wodehouse

Dr. Douglas Moo, theologian and professor at Wheaton, joins Kevin, Collin, and Justin to talk about his new and substantial contribution, A Theology of Paul and His Letters. Weighing in at 784 pages, there is a lot to unpack. Among the topics they cover are: how to balance text and tradition, the biggest change in Pauline theology, Paul’s instructions on the family and sex, the work of N.T. Wright, and how substitution makes everything work.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Good News of Great Joy, by John Piper, containing twenty-five short devotional readings from John Piper aim to help you keep Christ at the center of the Advent season.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps:

What Thanksgiving Means in Michigan [0:00 – 2:12]

Dr. Douglas J. Moo [2:12 – 7:32]

Text and Tradition in Theology [7:32 – 15:17]

What is the biggest recent change in Pauline theology? [15:17 – 19:29]

Same Text; Different Takes [19:29 – 29:26]

Traditional Conclusions [29:26 – 34:05]

Women and the Home [34:05 – 37:45]

Sexual Mores Conflict [37:45 – 41:08]

A Glaring Omission [41:08 – 44:25]

On N.T. Wright [44:25 – 49:07]

New Realm [49:07 – 51:57]

Substitutionary Atonement [51:57 – 55:24]

The Gagging of God, by D.A. Carson [55:24 – 1:01:45]

Books and Everything:

A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ, by Dr. Douglas Moo

Other books by Dr. Moo

How do you use the term ‘elite?’ Is it positive or is it a term of derision? Elites, and especially Evangelical elites, have been criticized a lot lately. Collin, Kevin, and Justin have given this matter some consideration, and on this episode they offer their thoughts, turning the focus both internally and externally, with both positive and negative critiques. But first… books! They’ve been reading a lot. You’ll hear about productivity, theology, classic fiction, and of course a lot of history.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ESV Concise Study Bible. The ESV Concise Study Bible is rich in content yet approachable and easy to carry—perfect for studying God’s Word in any context.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps:

Books First! [0:00 – 2:25]

Collin is surprised. [2:25 – 7:36]

Kevin is restrained. [7:36 – 19:18]

Justin is almost finished. [19:18 – 28:54]

Elites in the Spotlight [28:54 – 37:54]

Hating on Elites [37:54 – 43:03]

Evangelical Elites [43:03 – 46:40]

Public Religious Research Institute Survey [46:40 – 49:08]

Elitists Out of Step [49:08 – 53:35]

Kevin Responds [53:35 – 58:34]

Elites Not Reading the Room [58:34 – 1:02:11]

The Inner Ring [1:02:11 – 1:03:15]

Encouragement [1:03:15 – 1:07:18] 

Books and Everything:

Collin:

Brand Luther: How an Unheralded Monk Turned His Small Town into a Center of Publishing, Made Himself the Most Famous Man in Europe--and Started the Protestant Reformation, by Andrew Pettegree

Pilgrims and Priests: Christian Mission in a Post-Christian Society, by Stefan Paas

Kevin:

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, by Oliver Burkeman

Them Before Us: Why We Need a Global Children's Rights Movement, by Katy Faust and Stacy Manning

Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body, by John W. Kleinig

The Viking Heart: How Scandinavians Conquered the World, by Arthur Herman

1984, by George Orwell

Justin:

Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary, by Bruce K. Waltke and Ivan D. V. De Silva

The Zealot and the Emancipator: John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and the Struggle for American Freedom, by H.W. Brands

Lincoln in Private: What His Most Personal Reflections Tell Us About Our Greatest President, by Ronald C. White

Lonesome Dove: A Novel, by Larry McMurtry

Articles on Elites:</

On this episode, Kevin interviews Civil War historian Dr. Allen Guelzo , Senior Research Scholar at Princeton. Dr. Guelzo’s new biography of Robert E. Lee paints a portrait of neither a sinner nor a saint, but a full picture of a complex human being. Dr. Guelzo is a historian with a solid theological background. He and Kevin address how General Lee could be both opposed to slavery and commit treason to defend it. The South came very close to victory: How would that have changed history? How did Lee’s fatherlessness affect his leadership? And of course they cover the question of the removal of statues. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of new books by Michael Reeves and Dane Ortlund . 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps:

Dr. Allen Guelzo, First-time Listener [1:02 – 2:47]

Guelzo’s Other Historical Works [2:47 – 12:53]

The Making of a Great Course [12:53 – 14:13]

Writing a Biography of Robert E. Lee [14:13 – 19:21]

What Movies Get Right and Wrong about Lee [19:21 – 24:47]

“…the biography of someone who commits treason?” [24:47 – 29:24]

A Christian Way of Doing History [29:24 – 36:18]

Neither Saint Nor Devil [36:18 – 44:41]

Robert, Son of the Great Light Horse Harry Lee [44:41 – 48:37]

Before and After the War [48:37 – 51:53]

What if the South had won? [51:33 – 58:30]

Lee and Slavery [58:30 – 1:04:20]

Should statues be removed? [1:04:20 – 1:09:22] 

Books and Everything:

Robert E. Lee: A Life, by Allen Guelzo

The Great Courses 

Tenth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia: 175 Years of Thinking and Acting Biblically, by Philip Graham Ryken 

Edwards on the Will: A Century of American Theological Debate, by Allen Guelzo 

Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President , by Allen Guelzo

Gettysburg: The Last Invasion , by Allen Guelzo

Redeeming the Great Emancipator , by Allen Guelzo, et al

Fateful Lightning: A New History of the Civil War and Reconstruction, by Allen Guelzo 

Faith of the Fatherless, by Paul Vitz 

“Of Monuments & Men,” by Allen C. Gue lzo and John M. Rudy

In this episode Kevin and Justin take a long, hard look at abortion in America. With the new law in Texas making news, and a potential challenge to Roe v. Wade, they help us get back to basics with practical resources for changing hearts and minds regarding abortion. They also ask where the primary threat to the American church is coming from. Is it secularism from outside, or corruption and sin inside? And in a moment of light disagreement, they discuss the pro and cons of depicting Jesus in media like The Chosen. Plus, the book recommendations that are not at the top of everyone’s mind. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Death of Porn, by Ray Ortlund. 

In The Death of Porn, Ray Ortlund writes six personal letters, as from a father to his son. Ideal for individuals and small groups, it will give hope to men who have been misled by porn into devaluing themselves and others.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE . 

Timestamps:

Eradicate Porn [0:00 – 2:30]

Nebraska vs. Michigan State [2:30 – 6:06]

Abortion [6:06 – 32:12]

Is the greatest threat to the Church internal or external? [32:12 – 50:26]

Problems with Depicting Jesus in The Chosen [50:26 – 1:03:01]

Non-Top-Ten Book Recommendations [1:03:01 – 1:11:55] 

Books and Everything:

Resources on Abortion:

The Case for Life, by Scott Klusen dorf

SLED argument against abortion 

Pro-Lifers Shine on Twitter 

Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice , by Francis Beckwith

Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade , by Clarke Forsythe 

Eternal Perspectives Ministries , with Randy Alcorn

Robert P. George and Patrick Lee 

Marvin Olasky, book on abortion forthcoming from Crossway

Non-Top-Ten Book Recommendations:

- From Justin:

Commentary on the New Testament, by Robert Gundry 

Wrestling with an Angel: A Story of Love, Disability and the Lessons of Grace , by Greg Lucas

Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief, by Bruce Milne 

- From Kevin:

True Devotion: In Search of Authentic Spirituality, by Allan Chapple 

Wisdom in Leadership, by Craig Hamilton 

The Book of the Dun Cow, by Walter Wangerin, J r. 

The Everlasting Man

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. James Newheiser, theDirector of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor ofChristian Counseling and Pastoral Theology at RTS Charlotte. Attitudes towardabuse, both inside and outside the church, have changed dramatically withinrecent generations. How can pastors deal with this issue Biblically in theircongregations? 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of WhatGod Has to Say About Our Bodies, by Sam Allberry. 

In What God Has to Say about Our Bodies, Sam Allberry explains that all of us are fearfully and wonderfully made and should regard our physicality as a gift. He offers biblical guidance for living, including understanding gender, sexuality, and identity; dealing with aging, illness, and death; and considering the physical future hope that we have in Christ. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps: 

What God Has to Say About Our Bodies [0:00 – 1:27] 

Dr. James R. Newheiser, Jr. [1:27 – 7:01] 

Talking About Abuse [7:01 – 12:31] 

Defining Abuse [12:31 – 16:00] 

Matthew 18 or Romans 13? [16:00 – 24:52] 

Maxims That Try to Help but Cause More Hurt [24:52 – 27:03] 

“Always believe the victim.” [27:03 – 32:14] 

“If you feel abused, then you were abused.” [32:14 – 36:36] 

“It’s never the victim’s fault.” [36:36 – 44:12] 

Marital Separation [44:12 – 48:13] 

Authority: Good and Bad [48:13 – 54:56] 

Books and Everything: 

What God Has to Say About Our Bodies, by Sam Allberry  

When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love, by Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser  

Catching up with friends after a long summer is one of the great joys of life. In this first episode of Season 4, Kevin, Collin, and Justin chat about some of their summer activities as well as some of the events that are currently happening in our world. They range from the serious (How should we pray for the Church in Afghanistan?) to the silly (Cornhole must become an Olympic sport!) You will discover some intriguing book recommendations too.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential, by Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman.  

In Rediscover Church, Collin and Jonathan discuss why church is essential for believers and God’s mission. Through biblical references and personal stories, they show readers God’s true intention for corporate gathering: to spiritually strengthen members as individuals and the body of Christ. In an age of church-shopping and livestreamed services, rediscover why the future of the church relies on believers gathering regularly as the family of God. 

In partnership with 9Marks and The Gospel Coalition, Crossway is planning to distribute 400,000 copies of Rediscover Church to Christians throughout the US and invites pastors and leaders to request 20 free print copies of the book (with free shipping) for use in their churches. Offer available while supplies last. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps: 

Welcome Back [0:00 – 1:04] 

20 Free Copies of Rediscover Church for Your Church [1:04 – 4:12] 

Praying for the Church in Afghanistan [4:12 – 12:55] 

Field of Dreams Game [12:55 – 21:55] 

Olympics [21:55 – 32:01] 

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill [32:01 – 52:05] 

Summer Book Report [52:05 – 1:07:09]   

Books and Everything: 

Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential, by Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman

Collin:

Churchill: Walking with Destiny, by Andrew Roberts 

Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News, by JeffreyBilbro 

Faithful Presence: The Promise and the Peril of Faith in the Public Square, byBill Haslam 

Justin:  

The Gospel according to Daniel: A Christ-Centered Approach, by Bryan Chappel 

Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), by Paul House 

Hearing the Message of Daniel: Sustaining Faith in Today’s World, by Christopher J.H. Wright 

For this special Independence Day bonus episode, Kevin goes solo to talk about what America means and how Christians should relate to our nation. The most contentious debates that we currently have are about history, and we can’t agree on which story to tell about America. Kevin examines two books that approach this problem of America’s story differently. Are they incompatible? Which way do you take? 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Supremacy of God in Preaching Revised and Expanded Edition by John Piper.

John Piper pleads for preachers to make the supremacy of God the bracing air of their sermons. He longs to see a new generation of preachers, and a revived band of seasoned brothers, set aflame with the grandeur of God—his glory as the goal of preaching, his cross as the ground of preaching, his Spirit as the power of preaching. It is fitting that The Supremacy of God in Preaching now appears in hardcover for the first time. It has proven to be an enduring work through the decades.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Revised and Expanded Piper [0:00 – 1:22]

What we disagree about is history. [1:22 – 6:52]

Is there such a thing as an American? [6:52 – 10:58]

Book 1: Covenant, Crucible, Creed [10:58 – 23:49]

Book 2: Celebration and Criticism [23:49 – 30:57]

6 Quick Thoughts [30:57 – 46:47]

Books and Everything: 

After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division, by Samuel Goldman 

Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story, by Wilfred McClay  

In his new book, Lament for a Father: The Journey to Understanding and Forgiveness, Marvin Olasky, editor of WORLD Magazine , puts all his journalistic expertise and experience into uncovering the story of his father.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Recovering the Lost Art of Reading: A Quest for the True, the Good, and the Beautiful by Leland Ryken, Glenda Faye Mathes. 

Reading has become a lost art. With smartphones offering us endless information with the tap of a finger, it’s hard to view reading as anything less than a tedious and outdated endeavor. This is particularly problematic for Christians, as many find it difficult to read even the Bible consistently and attentively. Reading is in desperate need of recovery.  

Recovering the Lost Art of Reading addresses these issues by exploring the importance of reading in general as well as studying the Bible as literature, offering practical suggestions along the way. Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes inspire a new generation to overcome the notion that reading is a duty and instead discover it as a delight.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Do you want to hear about Abraham Lincoln? [0:00 – 1:13]

The Perfect Sponsor Book for LBE [1:13 – 1:53]

Marvin Olasky [1:53 – 5:05]

WORLD Magazine [5:05 – 8:10]

Lament for a Father [8:10 – 13:34]

From Success to Failure [13:34 – 18:52]

The Turning Point [18:52 – 24:08]

The Mercy of Reticence [24:08 – 30:20]

Mother’s Story [30:20 – 35:49]

Iron-Clad Chain, Daisy Chain [35:49 – 41:52]

Don’t Wait Until You’re Seventy [41:52 – 47:55]

The Single Biggest Social Problem in America [47:55 – 50:41]

Book Recommendations [50:41 – 53:25]

Advice for Those with Bad or Good Fathers [53:25 - 56:30]

Books and Everything: 

Messages from My Father: A Memoir, by Calvin Trillin

When you consider the prospects for Christians right now, you might think they would be in despair. And you might be right. There is a lot of evidence that things are not going well. Kevin, Collin, and Justin look at several specific phenomena that would cause despair. And then they give us things that we can do now to move from that despair and into hope. Plus, there are some great book recommendations!

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord by Michael Reeves. 

Rejoice and Tremble examines the difference between sinful and godly fear and corrects the negative perception of the fear of God. It is part of a series created in partnership with Union School of Theology to teach Christians to delight in God, grow in Christ, serve the church, and bless the world.  

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Have you heard of Michael Reeves? [0:00 – 3:56] 

Life & Football & Everything [3:56 – 7:22] 

How’s COVID-19 going? [7:22 – 25:41] 

Reasons for Current Earthly Despair [25:41 – 44:54] 

• Declining Fertility Rate 

Now what do we do? [44:54 – 1:01:56] 

Books & Everything [1:01:56 – 1:15:29] 

Books and Everything: 

Uprooted: Recovering the Legacy of the Places We've Left Behind, by GraceOlmstead  

A Holy Baptism of Fire and Blood: The Bible and the American Civil War,by James Byrd  

Churchill: Walking with Destiny, by Andrew Roberts  

Surviving Religion 101, by Michael Kruger 

The Life of John Murray, by Iain H. Murray  

Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest, by Crawford Gribben  

The Soul of Abraham Lincoln, by William Eleazar Barton 

Gilead, by Marilyn Robinson 

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of September 11, 2001, byGarrett M. Graff