Jonathan and James welcome back Todd Rester, associate professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, to discuss the profound themes of assurance, faith, and the application of redemption as presented in Volume Five of Petrus van Maastricht's Theoretical Practical Theology. The discussion navigates the conflicts between Reformed theology and Roman Catholic understanding, emphasizing the significance of justification and the transformative power of faith and repentance. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores the depths of theological thought and its practical implications for believers today.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer two copies of Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 5 to our listeners. Enter here to win.

Show Notes

To access previous episodes with Todd Rester, click the links below:

Volume 1: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/theoretical-practical-theology-podcast/

Volume 2: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/theoretical-practical-theology-vol-ii/

Volume 3: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/the-works-of-god-and-the-fall-of-man-podcast/

Volume 4: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/redemption-in-christ/

The guys are switching things up today, with Jonathan interviewing James about the profound topic of free will in glory. They explore the nuances of free will as defined in the confessions, discussing how glorified saints in heaven experience a unique form of freedom.

In the state of glory, your will will be so immutably perfected for good alone that it would be wrong not to do all that is in your heart. – James Dolezal

The ability to only choose your good and not what's bad for you is actually more free. – Jonathan Master

Join us as we unpack the theological implications of this concept and what it means for our understanding of freedom in the state of grace versus the state of glory.

Show Notes

We recorded another episode on free will back in 2021 that you may want to listen to if you enjoyed this podcast: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/free-will-fact-or-misconception-podcast/

“Music transports us to the heavenly. It moves our souls and puts courage in our bones.”

On this episode of Theology on the Go, Jonathan and James engage in a heartfelt conversation with David and Barbara Lehman, authors of Hosannas Forever: Hymns of Heaven and Our Pilgrimage. In Hosannas Forever, David and Barbara include 52 hymns about heaven that speak to the trials, longings, and sufferings we’re facing. Each hymn is introduced with a brief biography of the author who penned the lyrics and a biography of the melody’s composer, followed by a devotional summary.

Today, they discuss the importance of hymns in Christian worship and how these songs can deepen our understanding of faith and hope, particularly in relation to heaven.

Unless the saints continually focus on the eternal, we will wrongly prioritize the temporal. – David Leeman

Join us as we explore the rich history of hymns, the stories behind them, and their role in guiding our hearts toward the eternal.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Moody Publishing, we are pleased to offer two listeners a copy of Hosannas Forever, with an accompanying CD. Enter here to win.

Show Notes

To check out other hymn books and resources by David & Barbara Leeman, go to https://hosannahymnals.com/

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 offer a couple of copies of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to our listeners. Enter here to win.