Mortification of Spin

Mortification of Spin is now a biweekly podcast. As we adjust to the new schedule, we’d like to introduce you to another Alliance podcast: Theology on the Go, with Jonathan Master and James Dolezal. A new episode of MoS is coming November 24th.

Dale Ralph Davis has been a minister at a few traditional Reformed churches in the US. For some time, he was Old Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dale lives a much quieter life now, and is happy to chat with Jonathan and James about one of his remarkable books, entitled The Word Became Fresh - How to Preach from the Old Testament Narrative Texts.

What is it about some OT narrative texts that intimidates many from preaching through them? What would be the possible negative effects on a church that does not receive the full revelation of God’s Word, including what Davis calls these “nasty narratives?”

A new series is available from P&R Publishing, produced in collaboration with some very accomplished and devoted pastors and theologians. Written for the Church, The Blessings of the Faith Series edited by Jason Helopoulos introduces and explores the distinctives of the Presbyterian and Reformed faith. Current topics include expository preaching, covenantal baptism, and persistent prayer, and more are on the way.

Today, Carl chats with David Strain, the senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, and author of Expository Preaching. David explains the layout of the books, including content designed to answer questions commonly posed by Christians who are new to the Reformed faith. Why is expository preaching so vital? Is preaching simply the communication of information? David’s conviction and passion for expository preaching set the stage for this engaging conversation.

Congratulations to our winners of complimentary copies of Expository Preaching:

*Zaci S. from Gable, SC   

*Chrissy W. from Phoenixville, PA

NOTE: Mortification of Spin--now, a biweekly podcast--returns with a new episode November 10th. Today: from the archives of another Alliance podcast, it’s Theology on the Go with Jonathan Master and James Dolezal.

What is Federal Theology? Sam Renihan joins our hosts to address this very question. Sam is a pastor at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, CA and author of From Shadow to Substance: the Federal Theology of the English Particular Baptists. 

Is it fair to say that Federal theology was the theology of the post-reformation English Puritan? If so, how? Sam focuses his attention on the distinctive features of Federal Theology among particular Baptists, their place in the 17th century literature, and the implications of departing from the English social institutions of long-held beliefs.

While Carl is globetrotting, fulfilling speaking engagements about what is (thus far) his magnum opus, Todd makes a promise to the loyal listeners of this podcast. As he’s the only host present, our megachurch minister sits down with a good friend to discuss a pressing issue in their common denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). 

It’s Fred Greco, pastor of Christ Church in Katy, TX, a General Assembly (GA) veteran trained in the art of unambiguous language. The two discuss this year’s passing of Overtures 23 and 37 at the GA and why the PCA should adopt them and amend the Book of Church Order. What are these overtures about? Why are they so significant for the future of the denomination? Todd and Fred review the proposals and discuss the objections raised by those who oppose them. Listen thoughtfully, because even if you’re not in a PCA church, the same issues may soon be knocking at the door of your denomination.

NOTE: Mortification of Spin is now a biweekly podcast. In the “off” weeks through the month of November, we’ll feature an encore episode of another Alliance podcast: Theology on the Go with Jonathan Master and James Dolezal. A new episode of “The Spin” is coming 10/27/21. 

Joel Beeke is a prolific author, professor, and president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He’s also a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids. Beeke recently published Reformed Preaching: Proclaiming God’s Word from the Heart of the Preacher to the Heart of His People, which is the topic of today’s conversation.

Joel tells us why—for a long time—he wanted to write this book. He shares the distinctives of Reformed preaching, and explains what he means by “experiential preaching” by citing a few examples from the past. How can one preach experientially, and speak to the hearts of both believers and unbelievers in one single sermon? Dr. Beeke offers a satisfying answer!

He’s a “Thought Leader”…an “American Theologian”…and an “Anti-Social Media Influencer” (or is that, an “antisocial Media Influencer?”). Yes, the great Carl Trueman and his faithful sidekick Todd “Tonto” Pruitt sit down to chat about some very contemporary issues, as they also share an important family development!

The progress of information technology has our generation asking questions and dealing with concerns no previous generation could have imagined. The benefits of technology are many; there is much to celebrate. Yet our surrender to, and dependence on, technology comes at a high cost–and the Church may soon have to ante up! Our Spinners weigh in and challenge the Church to stay one step ahead of the game.

Resources to be Acquainted With:

· Napa Legal Institute

· Ethics and Public Policy Center

· Alliance Defending Freedom

· Becket - Religious Liberty for All

We are offering our listeners the opportunity to win a copy of “The Tyranny of Big Tech” by US Senator Josh Hawley. Sign up! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Regnery Publishing.

By now you’ve heard that Mortification of Spin has moved to a bi-weekly format. For the next two months, we’ll use the “off” weeks to bring you an encore episode of another Alliance podcast: Theology on the Go, featuring Jonathan Master and James Dolezal. You’ll find more episodes at TheologyOnTheGo.org, or when you subscribe to the podcast.

Hugh Martin was a 19th century Scotsman and distinguished mathematician who became a minister of the gospel. As he battled mental health issues, Martin’s last 20 years of life were marked by writing--sermons, essays, and letters--as well as some occasional preaching.

Sinclair Ferguson joins Jonathan and James to talk about Martin’s book, Christ Victorious, and give us a wider scope of Hugh Martin’s life and ministry. How did Martin’s mathematical and analytical mind serve him in his approach to theology? Join us for this intriguing conversation.

Other works by Hugh Martin

·Christ For Us

·The Shadow of Calvary 

·Simon Peter

Our spin terminators are feuding about Carl’s citizenship status, the environment, and even boiled food, all before introducing their special guests. Both men join us virtually today, but will appear together in person to speak at the Bold North Conference on Reformed Theology November 5-6, 2021, at Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, MN. Camden Bucey is a minister at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, IL and the executive director of Reformed Forum. His friend Jim Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX and the Reformed Forum board president. The pair check in to prepare us for the upcoming conference, themed Covenant Theology and the Promised Messiah.

What is Covenant Theology, why is it important, and what are the distinctions between Covenant Theology and broader evangelicalism? Israel, the Church, how the Bible is structured, and the way we interpret Scripture are not mere doctrinal differences that can be overlooked, but are at the very heart of understanding the way God relates to his creatures. So listen in, and stay tuned for a very important announcement at the end of the show.

Show Notes

· Reformed Forum

· Bold North Conference on Reformed Theology

Congratulations to our winners of a free copy of Foundations of Covenant Theology: A Biblical, Theological Study of Genesis 1-3 by Lane Tipton:

David R. from Williamsburg, VA

Kyle A. from Clarksville, IN

On today’s encore presentation of Mortification of Spin the dynamic duo becomes a trio, as a third pessimist—that is, a third realist—joins in. Rod Dreher is an American writer and editor, culture critic, and the author of several books, including The Benedict Option and the freshly released Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents. Rod’s book is a wakeup call for Christians about ideas that have become prevalent in American society…notions already adopted in other countries that have proven to be a threat to civil liberties. 

Is there still hope to turn from what he calls “soft totalitarianism”? What’s the course of action for Christians to preserve the faith in such an intolerant society, where words and actions are becoming highly surveilled and dealt with “accordingly?” Live Not By Lies is timely and absolutely relevant for Christian dissidents. You can’t afford to miss this conversation!

Show Notes

·The American Conservative

·The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation by Rod Dreher

Our favorite spin slayers believe that Christians and non-Christians alike should care about religious liberty. So, Carl and Todd choose to revisit a prominent First Amendment case and note other offenses that are popping up all around.

How should Christians view religious liberty and what should be our response when faced with religious opposition and hostility? How big of a deal is it, really, to bake a cake or arrange flowers for a gay wedding? Carl explains how the concepts of personhood and identity are determining factors in the way liberty is defined in today’s society—even in the opinion of some Christians. 

Show Notes

·Public Discourse

·Alliance Defending Freedom

·Becket - Religious Liberty for All

·Pacific Justice Institute

·Freedom and Virtue Institute

·The Institute for Faith and Freedom - GCC

·The Heritage Foundation

·Ethics and Public Policy Center 

We are pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Liberty for All: Defending Everyone’s Religious Freedom in a Pluralistic Age by Andrew T. Walker. Register! The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Brazos Press.