Life and Books and Everything

Dr. Miguel Núñez, Pastor for Preaching & Vision at IBI and President of Ministerios Integridad & Sabiduría, left his medical practice to follow his passion of preaching the Gospel. When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, he used his medical expertise to assess the situation for The Gospel Coalition. Now, one year later, he again offers his insights to you, along with a conversation about how the preaching of the Gospel is spreading in the Dominican Republic.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World by Brett McCracken.  

Helping believers navigate today’s media-saturated culture, Brett McCracken presents a biblical case for wisdom. Inspired by the food pyramid model, The Wisdom Pyramid challenges us to increase our intake of enduring, trustworthy sources while moderating our consumption of less reliable sources. 

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: 

The Wisdom Pyramid [0:00 – 1:26] 

March Madness & COVID-19 [1:26 – 4:05] 

Introducing Dr. Miguel Núñez [4:05 – 6:01] 

Revisiting COVID-19 a Year Later [6:01 – 10:59] 

Why Developing Countries Handled COVID-19 Better [10:59 – 15:11] 

Fear & Surprises [15:11 – 19:27] 

What’s coming next? [19:27 – 22:20] 

What COVID-19 Reveals About Our Spiritual Condition [22:20 – 27:24] 

The Backstory of Dr. Miguel Núñez [27:24 – 33:17] 

The Backstory of the Dominican Republic [33:17 – 43:47] 

Influences in the Gospel Movement of the Dominican Republic [43:47 – 51:10] 

The View of the U.S. Church from Latin America [51:10 – 59:48] 

Americanos Hablando Español [59:48 – 1:04:20]  

Stephen J. Nichols is President of Reformation Bible College, Chief AcademicOfficer for Ligonier, and host of the 5 minutes in Church History podcast. He’s the co-editor of Crossway’s Theologians of the Christian Life series, and the reason he joins us for this episode is his new biography of R.C. Sproul.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp.  

Best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings in Journey to the Cross encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten 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: 

Recommended Devotional for Lent [0:00 – 1:17] 

Not THAT Stephen Nichols [1:17 – 4:05] 

Meeting R.C. Sproul [4:05 – 11:12] 

Shaping Influences on R.C.: Pittsburg, Gerstner, Berkouwer, Vesta [11:12 – 16:57] 

Gravity and Gladness [16:57 – 23:21] 

Ligonier Valley Study Center [23:21 – 30:31] 

The Big Break [30:31 – 36:56] 

Controversies [36:56 – 39:31] 

Jim Boice [39:31 – 42:44] 

Evangelicals and Catholics Together [42:44 – 49:04] 

Classical Apologetics [49:04 – 53:59] 

Favorite Book of R.C. Sproul [53:59 – 56:13] 

Quick Questions [56:13 – 1:06:49] 

Books and Everything: 

Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional, by Paul David Tripp 

R.C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols 

The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul  

Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, is the special guest for this conversation. Along with Collin, Justin, and Kevin, Tim Keller discusses the Reformed movement itself, The Gospel Coalition, and what comes next in Evangelicalism. Along the way you’ll hear advice for evangelizing, warnings about Christian celebrity, and of course book recommendations for pastors and leaders. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Systematic Theology Series, edited by Graham A. Cole and Oren R. Martin. 

The Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series is designed to equip the church to faithfully understand, love, teach, and apply what God has revealed in Scripture about a variety of theological topics. The series gives valuable advice on applying spiritual gifts in the preaching and evangelism ministry. 

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: 

Promoting, Celebrating, & Articulating Systematic Theology [0:00 – 1:30] 

Tim Keller Fighting Sin Not Cancer [1:30 – 17:03] 

Top Book Recommendations for Forming Pastors and Leaders [17:03 – 21:37] 

Tim Keller’s Other Spiritual Gifts [21:37 – 27:13] 

British Evangelicalism [27:13 – 34:20] 

Reading at a Rural Church; Eating in a Big City [34:20 – 39:41] 

Reformed Resurgence: The Young, Restless, & Reformed Movement [39:41 – 51:06] 

Evangelical Celebrities [51:06 – 54:33] 

How to Define Evangelicalism: Models vs. Institutions [54:33 – 1:00:34] 

More About the Pastor Celebrity Experience [1:00:34 – 1:10:20] 

Post-Movement Evangelistic Strategies [1:10:20 – 1:12:25] 

Encouragement [1:12:25 – 1:15:20] 

Books and Everything: 

Dynamics of Spiritual Life, by Richard F. Lovelace 

Evangelism Through the Local Church, by Michael Green 

Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green 

Between Faith and Criticism, by Mark Noll 

Reformed Resurgence: The New Calvinist Movement and the Battle Over American Evangelicalism, by Brad Vermurlen  

Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Orto admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.  

The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life. 

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

Timestamps: 

The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46] 

Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17] 

A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34] 

Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53] 

VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15] 

Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45] 

Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54] 

Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23] 

Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57] 

Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16] 

Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25] 

Books and More Books: 

The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by ScottKlusendorf 

Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith 

Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey 

Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds 

The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray 

Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel 

The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema 

Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America,by Ismael Hernandez 

America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch 

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

Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk 

John Piper sits down with Kevin DeYoung to discuss human purpose, pastoral leadership, the advantages of reading slowly. And of course they discuss books, too. So many books. Reading them; writing them; loving them; but most of all desiring God through them. (See the full list below.) And in this conversation you will get a picture of what will perhaps be John Piper’s magnum opus.  

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.

New Morning Mercies is great for people looking for a devotional in the new year—featuring 365 gospel-centered devotions. Each reading leads with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. It equips you with the good news that you need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out. 

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: 

An Excellent Book for 2021 [1:11 – 2:37] 

What did John Piper do for Christmas during coronavirus? [2:37 – 4:58] 

Why Piper doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’ [4:58 – 12:45] 

Especially Formative Books for John Piper [12:45 – 19:57] 

On the Pros and Cons of Reading Slowly [19:57 – 34:48] 

Books to Kickstart Pastoral Ministry [34:48 – 43:54] 

Favorite Biographies [43:54 – 46:32] 

Books to Return To [46:32 – 51:59] 

The Hardest Book John Piper Had to Write and His Favorite [51:59 – 57:38] 

Providence: John Piper’s Latest Book [57:38 – 1:03:15] 

Enjoying the Process of Writing; Praise for Pastors Who Don’t Write Books[1:03:15 – 1:09:33] 

More Questions on Providence and Providence [1:09:33 – 1:20:40] 

The Most Important Verse in the Bible [1:20:40 – 1:25:08] 

Books and More Books: 

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp (get 30% off) 

Thinking God’s Thoughts: The Hermeneutics of Humility, by Daniel P. Fuller 

The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity, by Daniel P.Fuller 

Freedom of the Will, by Jonathan Edwards 

The End for Which God Created the World, by Jonathan Edwards 

The Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.   

Timestamps: 

Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25] 

If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37] 

Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39] 

Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26] 

Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29] 

Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32] 

Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18] 

Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48] 

Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55] 

What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –56:16] 

Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50] 

Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00] 

Books and Everything: 

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, ExpressiveIndividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman 

Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud 

The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff 

Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,by David VanDrunen 

Hands Across the Aisle 

“The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung interviews Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. This interview was recorded live on stage from the Faithful Conference at Christ Covenant on November 7th. Listen and you’ll learn the books and people and places that made Dr. Duncan who he is. You’ll even find out his DJ name. 

Timestamps: 

Early Life and Conversion [00:00 – 7:16] 

A True South Carolinian [7:16 – 10:17] 

Encounters with God in Study [10:17 – 15:20] 

Taking the Racial Blinders Off [15:20 – 23:08] 

Critical Race Theory [23:08 – 27:47] 

Reformed Books [27:47 – 31:57] 

Covenant Theology [31:57 – 33:08] 

Ligon Unplugged [33:08 – 38:50] 

Lightning Round [38:50 – 48:27]  

Books and Everything: 

Knowing God, by Jim Packer 

Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan M. Stibbs 

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, by Geerhardus J. Vos 

Dr. Duncan’s Class on Covenant Theology in the RTS App (iOS | Android) 

Favorite Hymn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” by John Newton 

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof 

“Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras,” mvt. 2 from Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, &Justin wrestle with the current state of the 2020 election. Why doesn’t it seemto be a clear victory for the Left or the Right? What does it mean for thechurch? Does your vote have an inherent meaning, or is it entirely dependentupon your intentions? And they do indulge in just the right amount of rankpunditry.   

Timestamps: 

College Football [1:32 – 5:05] 

Talking about the Election [5:05 – 33:11] 

Does a vote have an inherent meaning? [33:11 – 48:48] 

Alex Trebek [48:48 – 59:06] 

What book, movie, or music do you go to when you need to reorient yourself?[59:06 – 1:08:49]  

Book & Music Recommendations:

Collin: 

The old, red United Methodist Hymnal 

Kevin:

The Heidelberg Catechism 

The Valley of Vision 

Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

any systematic theology 

The Planets, mvt. 4, “Jupiter” (Thaxted) by Gustav Holst 

The Mission: Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture by Ennio Morricone   

Justin:

Psalm 131 

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. Scott Swain—Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Listen in to hear about recent controversies surrounding the doctrine of the trinity, if the Holy Spirit is indeed forgotten in our discussions about the trinity, why analogies for the trinity are unhelpful, and why Orlando is the most magical place on earth.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives by the faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary. Join a host of twenty-six scholars, including O. Palmer Robertson, Michael J. Kruger, and Scott R. Swain, as they explore how the concept of covenant is clearly taught in Scripture and how it lays the foundation for other doctrines of salvation.

LBE is also excited to announce that listeners of the show can receive 30% off Crossway books, bibles, tracts, audiobooks, and ebooks by signing up for a free Crossway+ membership. Crossway+ is a new membership program designed to provide you with gospel-centered resources aimed at strengthening your faith and serving the church. Registering for a free Crossway+ membership makes it more convenient and affordable than ever to purchase directly from Crossway.

Timestamps:

Who is Scott Swain and why is Orlando the greatest and most magical place on earth? [0:00 - 8:40]

Analogies and the trinity [8:40 - 12:10]

20th Century evangelicalism and the doctrine of the trinity [12:10 - 20:45]

What is biblicism? [20:45 - 23:53]

Relations of origin and the persons of the trinity [23:53 - 29:30]

Why we should reject social trinitarianism [29:30 - 31:31]Is it true that we often forget the Holy Spirit in our discussions of the trinity? [31:31 - 34:55]

The work of the Holy Spirit and revivalistic-charismatic movements [34:55 - 38:21]

A tool-kit of systematic theology categories and terms [38:21 - 49:12]

The drama behind the filioque [49:12 - 50:50]

How should pastors communicate these orthodox categories to their congregations? [50:50 - 57:35]

Resources on the Doctrine of the Trinity:

St. Patrick's Bad Analogies 

The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders

The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck

The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance by Carl Trueman and Brandon Crowe 

On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Jeff McAlvey joins Kevin and Justin to discuss the Christian’s role in politics. Jeff worked closely with Michigan Governor John Engler in the 90s, oversaw the state appropriations process when Governor Engler was the Senate Majority Leader, and started a lobbying group after his time in Washington DC. Listen in as Kevin, Justin, and Jeff unravel some of the misconceptions around politics in America and offer advice on how church members can love their neighbors and be more politically involved in their local communities.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is, When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture (Suffering and the Christian Life, Volume 1) by Mark Talbot. When the Starts Disappear engages the topic of suffering, not only through Reformed theological and philosophical insights but with profound biblical reflection and personal experience through the author himself.

Book recommendations

Kevin:

God's Design for the Church: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders by Conrad Mbewe

Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz

Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism by Matthew Thiessen

Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting by Ronald Baily and Marian Tupy

Justin:

What It Means to Be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics by O. Carter Snead

Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race by Thomas Chatterton Williams

Jeff:

Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray