What is the chief end of man? Many of us can recite the answer from memory. For centuries, the Westminster Shorter Catechism has helped Christians, young and old, know their “chief end.” Today, James and Jonathan are joined by William Boekestein, co-author of a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. In a year’s worth of Lord’s days, this valuable new resource is excellent for individual and family use for all who desire to “glorify and enjoy God forever.”

Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books for generously providing two copies of this devotional by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew Miller. Our winners are Rich F. from Augusta, GA and Chris P. from Mill Spring, NC. Congratulations!

James and Jonathan are joined by Chris Castaldo today to discuss his new book, The Upside Down Kingdom: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes. In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. How can we cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes, Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today. 

Congratulations to Joshua C. from Anoka, MN, the winner of a copy of The Upside Down Kingdom, thanks to our friends at Crossway Books!

Most pastors understand that prayer is an essential element of pastoral calling. Yet, many struggle to devote consistent time and affection to this sacred means of grace. David Irving sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his new book, Devote Yourself to Prayer: A Call to Pastors, in which he seeks to motivate his fellow pastors to pray more for their people and their labors and delight in this vital discipline. 

Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we gave away two copies of David's book to our listeners. The winners are Libby S. from St. Charles, MO, and Andrew C. from Corona, CA. Congratulations!  

One of the central tenets of the Reformed faith, the perseverance of the saints, is not a belief held by all Christians, but it should be, argues Jonathan Master. James and Jonathan sit down to discuss this vital doctrine and what it does – and does not mean. What exactly is the perseverance of the saints? Does it give us license to sit back and rest on our laurels? If not, how do we participate in our growth as believers? 

Congratulations to the winners of the classic work, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, by John Murray: John F. from York, PA, Christopher D. from Gulf Breeze, FL, and Josh R. from Mesa, AZ. And thanks to Eerdmans Publishing for generously providing these copies for our listeners. 

Nathan Eshelman, author of I Have a Confession: The What and Why of the Westminster Confession of Faith, joins James and Jonathan on the podcast to discuss the importance of creeds and confessions. Focusing on The Westminster Confession of Faith, Nathan argues that, understood rightly, historic creeds can help us find a church that promotes right thinking about the Bible, encourage unity with truth, protect us from error, and help us proclaim the good news.

Congratulations to the winners of a drawing for Nathan’s new book, I Have a Confession, courtesy of Crown and Covenant Publishing: John M. from Ridgetown, Ontario, Jim B. from Overland, MO, and Beck O. from Danville, PA.

Show Notes:

Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

James and Jonathan sit down with long-time friend and highly esteemed theologian G.K. Beale to discuss his latest book, Union with the Resurrected Christ. Union with Christ is an important theological and practical concept that has received considerable attention in recent years. But not much consideration has been given to this union and its benefits in light of Jesus' resurrection and ascension…until now. Tune in as Dr. Beale shares highlights from the book and explains some important practical applications for everyday Christian living.

Thank you Baker Academic for providing two copies of G.K. Beale’s book, Union with the Resurrected Christ for our listeners. The winners of the drawing were Maureen B. from Austin, TX and Joe G. from Orland Park, IL!

Show Notes:

Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

James and Jonathan are joined by Ryan Anderson, author of When Harry Became Sally—a book on responding to transgenderism that was banned by Amazon. On this episode, Ryan discusses his new book, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, co-written with pro-life journalist Alexandra DeSanctis. So far, the book is still available for purchase. Tune in for this fascinating conversation about the catastrophic failure—social, political, legal, and personal—of legalized abortion.

Coleman E. from Tucker, GA and Mark S. from Ocean City, NJ were the winners of the giveaway of Tearing Us Apart, copies provided courtesy of Regnery Publishing. Congratulations!

Show Notes

https://www.amazon.com/Tearing-Us-Apart-Abortion-Everything/dp/1684513502

Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

What are angels? How are they different from God, and how are they different from humans? How should we think about angels and demons, and how do they impact our lives? James and Jonathan discuss this fascinating and oft-misunderstood topic today in anticipation of the Gap Bible Series seminar at which James will be speaking in October, where he will cover this subject in greater depth. 

We are pleased to announce the winners of a copy of C.S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters. Congratulations to Talib M. from Cleveland, GA and Ed S. from Hudson, MA!

Show Notes

To register for the Gap Bible Series seminar in Lancaster, PA, click here: https://www.alliancenet.org/gapcenter

Gary Schnittjer is back on the podcast to discuss his most recent book, Old Testament Narrative Books: The Israel Story, a survey of the histories of the Hebrew kingdoms. Gary's book expertly ties these Old Testament narratives to the overarching theme of redemption throughout the Bible. Tune in to hear James and Jonathan chat with their old friend and newly-crowned honorary co-host of Theology on the Go. 

Congratulations to Barb P. from Langhorne, PA and Bobby F. from North Richland Hills, TX, each of whom won a copy of Gary Schnittjer’s book, courtesy of B&H Academic.

James and Jonathan sit down with William Varner to discuss his new book about the Apostolic Fathers— Christian writers of the 1st and 2nd centuries who knew or were associated with the New Testament apostles. William argues that there is great value in studying and understanding the writings of Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, and others. Tune in and find out why. 

Register here for the opportunity to win a copy of William Varner’s book, courtesy of our friends at T&T Clark Publishing.