Theology on the Go

Latest Episodes:

Resist Tyrants, Obey God May 26, 2025

Show notes

When considering the Reformation, men like Martin Luther and John Calvin come readily to mind, but few would put John Knox in the same category. And yet Jacob Tanner, author and pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, argues that Knox's contributions are as valuable as anything that Luther or Calvin put forth. Jacob sits down with Jonathan and James today to explore the life and teachings of John Knox, which are highlighted in Jacob's new book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God.

…John Knox, as the reformer of Scotland, as it were, is one of the most important, I would argue, theologians that the West has ever produced, and a lot of people don't think of him that way. – Jacob Tanner

Together, they discuss why Knox remains a pivotal figure in Protestant theology and how his principles of resistance and obedience to God resonate in today's world. Join us for an enlightening conversation about faith, public witness, and the power of prayer.

Thanks to the generosity of Founders Press, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Jacob Tanner’s book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God to our listeners. Enter here to win.

Show Notes:

To view Jacob Tanner’s books: https://press.founders.org/?s=jacob+tanner

Suffering Matters May 12, 2025

Show notes

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Jonathan and James explore the profound topic of suffering and its essential role in spiritual growth in this episode of Theology on the Go. Drawing from Jonathan's insightful article, "Suffering Matters," published in TableTalk Magazine, the discussion delves into how suffering can lead to greater faith and reliance on God.

Suffering is absolutely essential to the Christian life, and it is one of the primary means – biblically speaking – that the Lord uses to cause us to grow. – Jonathan Master

With biblical references and personal anecdotes, the hosts unpack the counterintuitive idea that suffering can be a source of joy and strength in the Christian life.

Once you recognize that God is charge of everything in your life, and that nothing happens apart from his control, apart from his divine wisdom mapping this all out, and you couple that with confidence in his divine goodness and his fatherly care, then you realize that actually, these things…are designed for my ultimate good. – Jonathan Master

Listen as they address the complexities of suffering, how it produces change in us, and how our suffering ultimately points to the suffering of Christ.

Show Notes:

Jonathan’s article from TableTalk Magazine: https://tabletalkmagazine.com/daily-study/2024/05/suffering-matters/

Plans for Holy War Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Jonathan and James sit down with returning guest Chad Van Dixhoorn, a professor of church history and theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to explore Puritan John Arrowsmith's significant work, Plans for Holy War, one of the most expansive treatments of spiritual warfare ever written. A new English version was recently published by Reformation Heritage Books that presents modern readers with an exceptional guide to spiritual warfare. Having written the introduction and served as its editor, Chad explains why Plans for Holy War is worthy of translation and reintroduction to the church.

It's a unique book in the way in which it argues for us to be alert to the fact that all of life is spiritual warfare, and that in that spiritual warfare, which he considers on multiple levels, we are well-equipped… – Chad Van Dixhoorn

Tune in to this insightful conversation that dives into Arrowsmith's insights on theological errors, the importance of prayer, and how his narrative approach sets him apart from his contemporaries.

Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a couple of copies of Plans for Holy War to our listeners.Enter here to win.

You Must Be Born Again Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Is the new birth still relevant? Join Jonathan and James as they answer this vital question, a central theme in Jonathan's latest book, You Must Be Born Again. They discuss the significance of regeneration, its biblical foundations, and the necessity for spiritual transformation in every believer's life.

The new birth or regeneration means a radical transformation promised in the Bible. – Jonathan Master

Explore how this doctrine challenges superficial religious practices and highlights the need for a genuine heart change through the Holy Spirit.

Cleaning yourself up religiously isn't going to cut it. – James Dolezal

Thank you to our friends at P&R Publishing; we are pleased to offer a couple of copies of You Must Be Born Again, written by our very own Jonathan Master. Enter here.

Show Notes:

You Must Be Born Again

https://reformedresources.org/you-must-be-born-again-hardcover/

Christ in the Book of Job Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

James and Jonathan sit down with returning guest C.J. Williams, professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theology Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss his new book, The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job. In this accessible, insightful book, C.J. shows that Job's sufferings foreshadow the suffering and exaltation of our Savior, in whom we have a sure hope.

Job is a picture of the Gospel where a blameless and upright man is humbled to the point of death and then exalted after that. – C.J. Williams

In Job, we find that the hardships of life are a call to humble ourselves, worship, and draw near to the Savior who suffered for us. As we put our trust in him, we discover that the sufferings of this life cannot compare to the glory that God has in store for us.

Thank you to our friends at Crown & Covenant, we are pleased to award two copies of The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job to our listeners, Jennifer A. from San Diego, CA and Rob D. from Madison, WI!

Show Notes:

The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job

https://crownandcovenant.com/products/the-shadow-of-christ-in-the-book-of-job-c-c-update

The Pilgrim's Progress, Part 5 Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Part 5 of our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, is finally here! James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, pick up where they left off with Christian coming out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death and meeting his friend, Faithful. Their subsequent conversation covers the profound themes of temptation, discontentment, and shame, subjects that are relatable and applicable to all believers and illuminate the complexities of the Christian journey for each individual.

Two things really jump out at me as I read this…Bunyan recognizes that there are differences in the ways in which Christians are tempted, the ways in which therefore they are comforted and find hope, and that's a profound insight… This conversation with Faithful serves such an important purpose because it shows two men, walking the same pilgrim journey, yet in one sense experiencing it very differently. – Jonathan Master

Don't miss this enlightening, instructive discussion!

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
Episode 4: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/the-pilgrims-progress-part-4/

Pastoral Theology, Part 3 Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Jonathan and James conclude their insightful 3-part series with Pastor David Chanski, delving into Albert Martin's third volume of Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life.

This is the volume that Christ's church needs today because it addresses these matters of worship of God and conduct of life in the church. – David Chanski

Volume 3 is a treasure trove for pastors, offering guidance on various aspects of ministry, from worship and church government to counseling and the conduct of weddings and funerals. David shares his experiences and highlights the practical applications of Dr. Martin's teachings, emphasizing the importance of the church of Christ bearing fruit. Join us for a discussion that explores the depth and breadth of pastoral duties from the wisdom of a seasoned pastor.

Thanks to the generosity of Trinity Book Service, we are pleased to award a copy of the 3-volume set, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin to Jonathan G. from Eagle, FL. Congratulations!

Show Notes:

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin

https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/

Trinity Book Service is also pleased to offer our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net price of 40% off the list price)!

Pastoral Theology, Part 2 Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Jonathan and James continue their conversation with David Chanski about Albert Martin's profound three-volume work, Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life. They discuss Volume 2, which focuses on the essential duties of preaching and teaching, including sermon preparation and delivery, and the importance of simplicity in preaching.

I don't want to show people how much I know. I just want to help them to understand what the Bible is saying. – David Chanski

The art of delivery is also addressed extensively in Martin's work, and he shares how to overcome common pitfalls in pulpit mannerisms that may be a distraction to members of the congregation.

It's like a good friend coming alongside of you, putting his arm around your shoulder, and saying, "Hey, can I make some suggestions on how you present yourself to people in a way that would help that presentation be more effective because it's perhaps less offensive or distracting?"…I like the fact that Pastor Martin risks giving offense here to address some of those issues that often people are thinking them, they're just not saying them. – James Dolezal

From the most seasoned preacher to the new pastor just starting out, the issues discussed in this episode and addressed in Volume 2 are invaluable.

Show Notes:

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin

https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/

Pastoral Theology, Part 1 Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Jonathan and James are excited about today’s episode, the first in a series discussing Albert Martin’s monumental three-volume work on pastoral theology, aptly titled Pastoral Theology - The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life. Albert Martin was one of the founding pastors of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, NJ, where he served for 46 years. During his time there, he taught pastoral theology at the Trinity Ministerial Academy from 1978 to 1998. Many expressed their desire to see these lectures printed, and after years of work, Trinity Pulpit Press is pleased to present the 3-volume series.

Jonathan and James are honored to be joined by David Chanski, Pastor Martin’s successor at Trinity Baptist Church and his stepson, to discuss this monumental work. Discover the significance of discerning a true call to ministry, the character, and spiritual formation necessary for a pastor, and the invaluable insights these books provide for both current and aspiring ministers. And be sure to tune in for the next two episodes of this series!

A sustained effectiveness in pastoral ministry will generally be realized in direct proportion to the health and vigor of the redeemed humanity of the man of God. – Albert Martin

Show Notes:

Pastoral Theology – The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin

https://www.trinitybookservice.com/pastoral-theology-the-man-of-god-three-volume-set/

Trinity Book Service is also graciously offering our listeners a 10% discount off of Albert Martin’s 3-volume set. Just go to the Trinity Book Service website and enter the code PTAM at checkout for a 10% discount off the regular low price per volume (which results in a net savings of 40% off the list price)!

What's So Important About Church Membership? Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Jonathan and James explore the vital topic of church membership with guest, Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor and author. Together, they discuss why church membership is not only a biblical principle but also a profound blessing for believers despite its imperfections.

The person who is hurt the most by the church is the one who loves her the best, and that's Jesus Christ. And even knowing the failures of his followers and future leaders in the church, he still says to his disciples, says to his believers, says to Christians, that church is the place to be. -- Jonathan Cruse

Based on his new book, Church Membership, Jonathan Cruseaddresses common objections and highlights the importance of commitment, accountability, and spiritual growth within the church community.

I'm not a joiner. But this is the one thing which I've always felt: I must be joined in membership to the local church. This is that one thing where membership is a must and membership matters. I think people are members of all sorts of things right now but that membership has such low-level obligations that it's just easy to transfer that mentality over into the church as well. – James Dolezal

Two of our listeners will receive a copy Church Membership, thanks to the generosity of P&R Publishing. Congratulations to Jeff K. from Douglassville, PA and Kadeem G. from Decatur, GA!

Show Notes:

Church Membership by Jonathan Landry Cruse

https://reformedresources.org/church-membership-hardcover/

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