Theology on the Go

Back by popular demand, Jonathan and James continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, with expert Jeff Stivason. They delve into the harrowing encounter with Giant Despair, discussing themes of depression, guilt, and the importance of fellowship in overcoming despair. 
Depression is not a monster that can do with us anything that it will. Depression is something that can be broken and that brokenness can come through the Word of God. – Jeff Stivason
With an emphasis on the power of God's promises, this episode offers a profound reflection on the human experience of suffering and the hope that the believer has in the midst of it.

We left our listeners on a cliffhanger at the end of Numbers 19. – Jonathan Master
But never fear, Jonathan and James are pleased to welcome Michael Morales back to the podcast to continue where he left off when he was a guest late last year. A professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Michael returns to discuss the second volume of his commentary on the Book of Numbers. In his new 2-volume commentary, Michael carefully demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians. 
Today, their discussion focuses on Numbers 20-36, including the significance of Balaam's oracles, the role of Jewish sources in understanding the text, and the poignant moments in Moses' leadership. Join us as we uncover the rich narratives and themes that shape this lesser-studied section of the Pentateuch.
Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Press, we are pleased to award two copies of Michael Morales’ Numbers Commentary, Volume 2 to our listeners. Congratulations to David H. from Cody, WY and Wes K. from Great Falls, VA! 

Jonathan and James are joined by noted theologian O. Palmer Robertson, founder of Consummation Ministries. They delve into his monumental work, Christ of the Consummation, a three-volume series in which he explores progressive revelation across the redemptive history of the New Testament. Today's conversation focuses specifically on Volume Two, which examines the testimony of the Book of Acts, combined with the writings of the Apostle Paul and other New Testament authors. Palmer shares insights into the historical significance of Paul's writings, the progression of his understanding of Christ, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in preaching and spreading the Gospel.
We should never lose hope, despite the nitty gritty day to day experience in the Church of Christ. – Palmer Robertson
This conversation is a profound exploration of how Scripture anticipates Christ and the implications for the church today.
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at P&R Publishing, we are pleased to award two copies of Christ of the Consummation: A New Testament Biblical Theology, Volume 2: The Testimony of Acts and Paul to our listeners. Congratulations to Rebecca K. from Douglassville, PA and Daniel B. from Wooster, OH!
 
Show Notes:
Christ of the Consummation, Volume 1: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/christ-of-the-consummation-volume-1-the-testimony-of-the-four-gospels
Christ of the Consummation, Volume 2:
https://www.prpbooks.com/book/christ-of-the-consummation-a-new-testament-biblical-theology-volume-2

Today, James and Jonathan talk with Guy Waters, the James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and author of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church. Guy’s latest book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the nature and purpose of the church. Throughout redemptive history, he says, God has been gathering a people to himself to worship him, to serve one another, and to bring the gospel to the nations.
The church is woven into the fabric of biblical revelation from start to finish. – Guy Waters
Their discussion revolves around the premise that understanding the church's foundation can clarify its practices and mission today. Don’t miss this interesting and practical conversation. 
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Lexham Press, we are pleased to award a copy of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church to our listener, Ben W. from Fresno, CA. Congratulations Ben!
 
Show Notes:
How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Waters

Jonathan, James, and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their discussion of John Bunyan’s classic allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, delving into the themes of true versus false contentment. Today, Christian and Hopeful arrive at a strange monument, before having a period of rest along a pleasant river. 
Sometimes, God gives his people a foretaste of heaven; he gives them periods of rest in this life, and special extraordinary nourishment…and we would wish that the river of life would run hard by the way all the way to heaven, and yet as we know, it doesn’t. Sometimes the years are fat, and sometimes they’re lean, but we’re called to faithfulness and to trust and to continue our sojourn no matter what. – James Dolezal
After this time of rest, they come to a path through By-path Meadow, at which point they decide to follow the easier-looking route, but challenges await them. 
There’s a false contentment in seeking ease at the expense of truth. – Jeff Stivason
Join us as we discuss the cautionary tale of By-ends and his encounter at Hill Lucre, explore the dangers of pursuing worldly success at the expense of spiritual truth, and reflect on the ups and downs of life’s journey. 
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner Publishing, we are pleased to award a copy of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to our listener, Janet K. from Sea Girt, NJ!

James and Jonathan welcome Patrick O'Banion back to Theology on the Go to discuss Girolamo Zanchi, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure who made significant contributions to Reformation theology. In particular, they focus on Zanchi's book, Confession of the Christian Religion, which Patrick translated into English. Written in the 1580s, Zanchi's Confession never attained confessional status at the ecclesiastical level as planned. Nonetheless, it proved influential in both the Reformed theological tradition generally and the development of Reformed dogmatics in particular.
Zanchi is very concerned in this work to be catholic, to be connected to what Craig Carter would call the great tradition. – Patrick O'Banion
Discover the historical context of Zanchi's writings, his theological insights, and the enduring relevance of his work in today's ecclesiastical landscape.
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award to our listeners a couple of copies of Girolamo Zanchi's Confession of the Christian Religion, translated by Patrick O'Banion. Congratulations to John D. from Danville, PA and Mary S. from Bluff Dale, TX!
 
Show Notes:
An earlier episode on Girolamo Zanchi: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/the-spiritual-marriage-between-christ-and-his-church-podcast/

In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' – Jeremiah 23:6
Jonathan and James sit down for a one-on-one discussion today to discuss the life and work of Puritan author Obadiah Grew, particularly his classic book, The Lord Our Righteousness. They explore the essential Christian doctrine of Christ as the righteousness of sinners before God, diving into themes of justification, imputed righteousness, and the distinctions between Protestant and Roman Catholic theology. 
The righteousness that justifies a sinner is not in nor of himself. – Obadiah Grew
The grace that God works into our lives by his Spirit uniting us to Christ is the fruit of our justification, not the root of it. – James Dolezal
With a focus on the significance of Christ's sinless nature and his role in our redemption, this episode offers a rich exploration of theological truths vital for all believers. 
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of copies of Obadiah Grew's The Lord Our Righteousness. Enter here to win. 

Jonathan and James sit down with Steven Spinnenweber today, the senior minister of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, about his new book, Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer. Stephen offers a fresh, engaging exploration of the Ten Commandments and their enduring relevance for Christians today as they convict, restrict, and guide us. 
You could think of the Ten Commandments sort of like a mold into which every individual Christian is poured and that is how God forms us into the image of Christ, into a greater likeness to our Savior. – Stephen Spinnenweber
The conversation examines the significance of the law in a Christian's life, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the goodness of God's law.
The law sends us to the gospel for our justification. The gospel sends us to the law to frame our way of life. – Stephen Spinnenwebber
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Christian Focus Publications, we are pleased to award two of our listeners a copy of Stephen's book, Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer. Congratulations to Robert B. from Linden, CA and Cristian Z. from Miami, FL!