Life and Books and Everything

If you are looking for a podcast where three friends talk about whatever they want to talk about and ramble on about sports, books, and grievances, then this is the episode for you! It’s also an opportunity to hear the three amigos laugh, tell funny stories, and end with a reflection on the many simple gifts and graces in their lives.

In a rare cultural anomaly that may never be repeated in our lifetimes, the current SBC President and current PCA Moderator live in the same neighborhood just a few streets apart. What a time to be alive, people! In this hometown episode, Kevin talks with Clint Pressley—native Charlottean, senior pastor at Hickory Grove Baptist, and current president of the Southern Baptist Convention—about life and ministry in the Queen City and how things work in the SBC. Stick around to the end and find out which one of these Charlotte pastors lifts weights with other people and which one prefers to run around away from people.

How should Protestants think about the Catholic Mass? About the Eucharist? About the history and development of the papacy? In this panel discussion, at the conclusion of Christ Covenant’s Faithful Conference, Kevin talks to three of his colleagues from Reformed Theological Seminary about what it means to be Protestant. They also explore potential weaknesses in their own tradition and how Eastern Orthodoxy differs from both Catholicism and Protestantism. https://www.faithfulconference.org/

If you haven’t seen the viral clip, go see it right now. In this episode, Kevin talks to Alistair about the preaching clip he didn’t intend to give, he never put online himself, and he never expected to be one of the most well known moments of his ministry. The content from that clip has been combined with two other Jesus encounters in the Gospels and turned into a short book. Listen to Kevin and Alistair talk about that book as well as the Ryder Cup, “retirement,” and reflections on growing older (though Alistair doesn’t look it).

You may not think you need 1,000 pages on the Heidelberg Catechism, but you do! R. Scott Clark, professor at Westminster Seminary California, has written a rich, theological, and historical commentary on one of the Reformation’s most beloved catechisms. Listen in as Scott and Kevin talk about the history of the catechism and walk through several key sections—including important differences with Lutheran theology and Catholic theology. You’ll also want to hear the paean to all things Nebraska at the start of the episode.

What is conservatism? And why does it go hand in hand with religious freedom? How should we think about the American experiment of ordered liberty? Has it failed? It is worth preserving? And what about Christian Nationalism? And while we’re at it, how should Christians assess the Charlie Kirk memorial service? Listen in as Kevin talks to John Wilsey, a history professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, about these questions and about John’s new book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer (Eerdmans).

Dr. Guelzo is back once again for another record setting appearance on LBE. Although he just moved across the country, Allen still made time to talk to Kevin about his latest two-volume mega-project with James Hankins, their new book The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition. Listen in as Kevin and Allen talk about remembering, history as gratitude, and the fragility (and resiliency) of Western Civilization. You won’t want to miss Dr. Guelzo recount the many blessings of the Western Tradition (and mention some faults too), while also singing Bach and reciting Shakespeare.

If you are looking for a deep dive into the history of early American Presbyterianism, you have come to the right place! Listen in as Kevin talks with pastor, scholar, and writer S.A. Fix—who goes by the name Fix (really he does)—as they talk about the Old Side/New Side controversy, the Adopting Act of 1729, and John Thomson’s Explication of the Westminster Shorter Catechism . Come for the Presbyterianism, and stay for a look at what it means to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Be sure to look for Thomson’s Explication in the next week or two, introduced and edited by Dr. Fix and published by our friends at Westminster Seminary Press.

It’s been a long time since the last LBE episode—too long some (i.e., our mothers) might say. But after a summer hiatus, the three amigos are back in the podcast studio to talk about familiar topics like football, books, and “what time it is” in our world. They also touch on a few unfamiliar topics like weight loss and how funerals bring people together.

The triumvirate comes back together to wrap up another season of LBE. Along with the obligatory sports chatter, the three guys talk at length about the first Midwest Pope (and why they are not Catholics) and about life in middle age (and why they are not too depressed). There are, of course, many book recommendations as well. CHAPTERS 0:00 Sponsors 1:47 Greeting & Salutations 4:10 The Midwestern Scale Of How Are You Doing? 5:10 The First Midwestern Pope 14:05 Deep Dive Into New Pope Expectations 18:20 Why Don’t We Believe In A Pope? 28:35 From The Midwest To Midlife 32:44 Get A Tattoo And Buy A Motorcycle? 35:07 Sponsor Break 36:55 More On Midlife & Life As A Parent 40:56 Have We Changed In Significant Ways? 52:31 Collin’s Reading List 57:50 Kevin’s Reading List 01:03:01 Justin’s Reading List 01:06:59 Summer Sports Report 01:08:38 Thank You & Goodbye

What does the Bible say about life in the womb? When does life begin? What about personhood? What has the church taught about abortion over the centuries? How should we respond to familiar slogans like “My body, my choice”? In this important episode, Kevin talks with Tom Pennington, Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas, about his new book The Biblical View of Abortion: God’s Heart for Life in the Womb . Listen in as Tom and Kevin try to equip Christians to defend life and love the unborn, just like God does. CHAPTERS 0:00 Sponsors 1:39 Greeting & Salutations 2:48 Who Is Tom Pennington? 4:16 Grace To You Origins 5:04 Tom’s Time In Texas 7:24 Let’s Talk About The Book 9:08 What’s Happened Since Roe v. Wade Overturned? 11:40 The Effort To Persuade & Promote Biblical View 15:17 Counterargument To “Historical Acceptance” 18:33 Counterargument To “Might As Well Make It Safe” 20:13 Counterargument To “Keep State Out Of Bedroom” 21:35 Counterargument To “My Body, My Choice” 22:19 Counterargument To “Can’t Legislate Morality” 24:30 Positive Rights & Negative Rights 29:28 Lack of Scientific Debate About Origin Of Life 30:25 How Do We Diagnose This Issue Spiritually? 33:55 Sponsor Break 35:54 Speak To The Person Who Hates What We’re Saying 39:42 Counterargument To “When Personhood Begins” 42:24 Connections To Jesus Christ & Christology 45:25 The SLED Acronym 47:08 Church History Related To Abortion 49:10 Rape, Incest & Life Of The Mother 57:04 Ending Treatment vs Ending Life 58:38 Pray For Us Pastor Tom 1:00:55 Thank You & Goodbye BOOKS & EVERYTHING The Biblical View of Abortion: God’s Heart for Life in the Womb by Tom Pennington CROSSWAY | A Light On The Hill DESIRING GOD | Be Happy Event GREENVILLE SEMINARY | Pastoral Theology WESTMINSTER SEMINARY | Theological Studies

Kevin welcomes his good friend—neighbor, church colleague, and seminary colleague (soon to be boss!)—Blair Smith to the podcast. As a systematic theology professor, Blair’s expertise is on Trinitarian theology, in particular in the crucial fourth and fifth centuries. Listen in as Kevn and Blair look at the theology and the history behind the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). Yes, there are a lot of names and concepts flying around in the podcast studio with this one, but for good reason. What could be more important than the doctrine of the Trinity, than knowing who God is? CHAPTERS 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 2:11 Who Is Blair Smith? 9:34 Four Degrees & Education Background 12:20 Conversation Outline & Begin Nicene Discussion 19:38 What Should We Know About The Fatherhood Of God? 25:25 Nicene Origins & The Need For Clarity 28:40 Sponsor Break 30:54 How Does This Help Us Understand The Eternal Son? 37:15 Trinity Debates & Subordination Controversy 46:59 What Led To The Revision Of The Nicene Creed? 54:53 Common Ground & Finding The Right Language 57:07 How Does Augustine Fit Into Nicene Orthodoxy? 1:01:38 Books From Blair To Consider 1:03:42 Why Should We Care About The Doctrine Of The Trinity? BOOKS & EVERYTHING The Nicene Creed Reformed Confessionalism One God Almighty: The Biblical Doctrine of the Triune God Our Father in Heaven: Rediscovering and Embracing the Fatherhood of God CROSSWAY | The Nicene Creed DESIRING GOD | What’s The Difference? GREENVILLE SEMINARY | Pastoral Theology WESTMINSTER SEMINARY | Biblical Languages

First published in 1877, Thomas Murphy’s Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office is one of the absolute best books of its kind. Murphy’s treatise is inspiring, challenging, comprehensive, opinionated, practical, and spiritual in the deepest sense of the word. Listen as Kevin and Jonathan Master, president at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, talk about Thomas Murphy (pastor for 46 years of Frankford Presbyterian Church outside of Philadelphia) and this neglected resource, just recently republished by Log College Press. CHAPTERS 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 2:37 Who Is Jonathan Master? 5:48 Let’s Dive Into Pastoral Theology 9:23 Kevin Outlines Thomas Murphy Book 10:58 Why Does Jonathan Love The Book? 13:30 Kevin & Jonathan Explore Exemplary Piety 17:18 Sponsor Break / Link For Book 19:22 Vital Role For Women In The Church 23:00 The Work Of God In The Church & Community 24:18 How To Profit My Congregation As A Preacher 27:41 Pastoral Care & Troublemakers In The Church 31:10 Preach, Pray, People AND Patience 32:31 What Else Is Jonathan Working On? 33:53 Kevin’s Book Republishing Thoughts 35:44 Until Next Time… BOOKS & EVERYTHING Pastoral Theology by Thomas Murphy Crossway | The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host Desiring God | What's the Difference GPTS | Pastoral Theology WTS | MATS

It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assume that there is no right or wrong way to do spiritual formation. This often leads evangelical to adopt an eclectic approach to personal growth in Christ. Many Christians in conservative Protestant churches end up adopting Catholic and Orthodox approaches as being more fulsome and effective. But what if there is a Reformed approach to spiritual formation that is rich, deep, historic, and more biblical than the alternatives? That’s what Kevin explores with Matthew Bingham (associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary) as they dig into Matthew’s fantastic new book A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation (Crossway). Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 3:27 Tell Us About Yourself 8:16 Spiritual Formation 14:18 A Heart Aflame for God 21:15 A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation 26:53 Sponsor Break 29:44 Biblical Centrality 40:40 The Reformed Triangle of Spiritual Formation 47:24 Quick Takes 1:06:41 Final Thoughts 1:12:14 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: ESV New Testament, Share the Good News® Edition Desiring God | Holy Week GPTS | A Sacred Calling WTS | MA in Theological Studies Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation

Recently, Peter Williams, Principal at Tyndale House in Cambridge, preached at Christ Covenant Church for its missions week. At the end of the evening service, Kevin sat down with Peter and fellow Cambridge-alum Will Ross, who teaches Old Testament at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion about the importance of Tyndale House and its mission to foster faithful, biblical scholarship for the church. The group also talked about apologetics, the Septuagint, being confident in the word of God, and not being so smart that you believe stupid things. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors 2:32 The Surprising Genius of Jesus 6:27 On Tyndale House 14:42 Christianity in the Cultures 17:42 Sponsor Break 19:45 On the Old Testament 29:15 On Confidence in God’s Word 31:55 On Biblical Scholarship 37:24 Until Next Time… Books & Everything Understanding God's Word: An Introduction to Interpreting the Bible The Supremacy of God in Preaching GPTS | A Sacred Calling WTS | Biblical Language Certificates The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher

In this wide-ranging interview, recorded live at Christ Covenant Church in conjunction with the Coram Deo Pastors Workshop, Kevin asks John about everything from preaching style, to the influence of his parents, to growing up in the South, to his strengths and weaknesses as a pastor. You’ll hear lots of stories, pastoral wisdom, and personal transparency. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors 1:42 Introduction 2:35 The Privilege of Preaching 29:53 Humility in Pastoral Ministry 41:38 On Marriage 46:31 Sponsor Break 48:13 Pastoral Communication 53:30 Did You Ever Think of Leaving Ministry? 54:58 Parental Influence 1:01:23 Additional Thoughts 1:13:53 John Piper’s Legacy Books & Everything: Ask Pastor John The Supremacy of God in Preaching GPTS | Midweeker Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Before the Bushes or Clintons, before the Kennedy or Kardashians, there were the Beechers—a sprawling family of preachers, suffragists, abolitionists, and moral crusaders that defined (and exemplified) America as much as any single family in the nineteenth century. Join Kevin as he interviews Obbie Tyler Todd, a pastor and professor, about his new biography of the Beechers (LSU Press). From patriarch, Lyman Beecher, to the famous novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, to the most famous pastor of his age, Henry Ward Beecher, this episode explores the crazy and controversial life of Lyman Beecher, his three wives (not at the same time), and their thirteen children. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors 2:00 Introductions 5:37 The Beecher Family and Moral Influence 10:45 Three Themes of the Beecher Family 21:36 Beecherism and Controversy 28:07 The Fate of the Nation and Presbyterianism 36:49 Other Beeches 50:38 Harriet Beecher Stowe 54:43 Henry Ward Beecher 1:09:11 The Beecher Legacy Books & Everything: Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship The Supremacy of God in Preaching GPTS Midweeker Master of Arts in Theological Studies The Beechers: America's Most Influential Family

Listen to a special episode of Life and Books and Everything promoting Crossway's new Podcast, Doctrine Matters .

Kevin welcomes to the podcast Brandon Crowe, a native Alabamian, an SEC fan, a Teaching Elder in the PCA, and a professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Believe it or not, there is only question about football, and it comes at the very end. The rest of the time is spent trying to explain things like the hypostatic union, the communication of properties, Christ’s descent into hell, and how the Son of God could be ignorant of the time of his return. Lots of good theological exploration as Kevin talks to Brandon about his book The Lord Jesus Christ (Lexham Academic). Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 5:49 The Person and Work of Christ 12:53 The Descent Question 26:12 The Transformation Question 38:40 Sponsor Break 40:36 Some Definitions 44:19 4 Major Heresies 49:18 “An” vs. “In” 53:45 Christ’s Offices 1:00:16 Concluding Theses 1:04:31 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible: Theology Rooted in the Word of God Serious Joy Conference The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work WTS | Master of Arts in Theological Studies The Lord Jesus Christ: The Biblical Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ

There has been some concern that Justin and Collin have been kept out of the “very special guest” designation. In order to make up for past offenses, this episode, with two very special guests, is being hailed as a very special episode. The three amigos start out by talking about football (of course) and a new cultural openness to Christianity. Then they turn their attention to New Year’s resolutions (which they all have) and books on time management and productivity (which Justin and Collin do not read). The episode finishes with a sweet conversation about their wives and lessons learned over the decades of marriage. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 4:15 Football, Culture, and Spirituality 15:26 Goals, Habits, and Productivity 40:07 Sponsor Break 42:02 Marriage, That Blessed Arrangement 1:04:46 Books on Marriage 1:08:29 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church Serious Joy Conference The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work WTS | Master of Arts in Theological Studies The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports Rules of Life (Justin Taylor) Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make Mystery of Marriage The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage Love That Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace Gospel-Shaped Marriage: Grace for Sinners to Love Like Saints This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence

How can you shine as a Christian in the world of professional sports—when sometimes your dreams come true and often they don’t? What does it take to be an elite athlete (and why is it a great profession for sleep enthusiasts)? You’ll want to listen to this special episode of LBE as Kevin asks Andre, a former NFL player, and Sydney—an Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder—about the pressure of being the best and the freedom of being in Christ. And don’t miss the bonus questions from a couple DeYoung children. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 3:38 What did it feel like? 7:11 A Question From a Fan 8:49 Olympic Relationships 11:05 Life as a Professional Athlete 16:31 How Did You Two Meet? 20:40 Another Fan Question 22:06 Life and Testimony 32:29 Fifty Seconds 35:57 The Lifestyle of an Elite Athlete 40:08 Sponsor Break 41:55 Fame and Faith 47:45 Nature vs. Nurture 58:46 What’s Coming Up? 1:01:10 Book Recommendations 1:03:26 A Message to Christian Women 1:05:51 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: ESV Daily Reading Bible: A Guided Journey Through God's Word Serious Joy Conference The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work WTS | Master of Arts in Theological Studies What Is the Gospel? What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission

We’ve all been waiting, and it’s finally here: the annual Christmas LBE. Listen in as the three amigos talk about Christmas movies, favorite books, which LBE member is the most like Jerry Seinfeld, and, of course, the airing of many grievances. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 5:50 The Vibe Shift 20:10 Let’s Talk About Christmas 30:02 Sponsor Break 31:20 The Airing of Grievances 49:27 Books & Everything 55:22 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: How to Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books Desiring God | Great Joy Puritan Treasures for Today Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology Christopher Ash on the Psalms The Beechers: America's Most Influential Family Swing Low, volume 1: A History of Black Christianity in the United States Letters of John Calvin Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold Pastoral Theology

Mission is one of those words that Christians use all the time. So are words like “missions” and missionaries.” But what do they mean? Is “mission” even the best word to use to describe what Christians should be doing in the world? In today’s episode, Kevin talks with fellow Michigander, Brian DeVries, about his new book You Will Be My Witnesses . Brian has led church planting teams in South Africa and currently serves as a pastor and a seminary president in South Africa. He’s written an insightful and helpful book calling church and Christians to be witnesses for Christ in speaking, in living, in defending the faith, in working for church growth, and in suffering well. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors 1:51 Introductions 11:29 The Book and the Mission of the Church 25:19 The Concept of Witness 32:15 Five Witness Themes 39:17 Sponsor Break 41:00 On Evangelizing 52:35 The Church As Hospital, Temple, Embassy, School, and Fortress 58:07 Stop DoingThis, Start Doing That Books & Everything: In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions Through the Psalms Desiring God | Great Joy Puritan Treasures for Today Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate You Will Be My Witnesses: Theology for God's Church Serving in God's Mission

It is hard to exaggerate the influence of Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) in conservative Reformed circles over the past hundred years. And yet, there continues to be much discussion about what Van Til believed and how he meant for his apologetic ideas to be put into practice. Kevin welcomes Keith Mathison, from Reformation Bible College, to discuss his new book Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til (Mentor). Also joining Kevin is James Anderson, a leading Van Tilian philosopher and a fellow RTS Charlotte colleague. In this stimulating conversation, Kevin talks to Keith and James about what Van Til got right, where he made some mistakes, and whether Van Tilians and non-Van Tilians are all that different when it comes to defending the faith in practice. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 4:50 Who was Van Til? 15:26 Van Til’s Theology 25:38 The Absolute Antithesis 40:00 Van Til’s Chief Epistemological Insight 53:03 Sponsor Break 54:41 The Question of Either/Or 59:33 Van Til’s view of the Trinity 1:18:06 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: ESV Teen Study Bible Desiring God | Great Joy Coram Deo Pastors Workshop Puritan Treasures for Today Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til

Recently, Steve Nichols spoke at the Faithful Conference, an annual conference for Christ Covenant Church. After giving a lecture on R.C. Sproul, Steve sat down with Kevin to talk about his own life and what he learned writing the biography of Sproul. Listen in as Kevin asks Steve about Sproul’s influences, his strengths and weaknesses, his friendships, and what made him such a uniquely gifted and inspiring teacher. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 3:30 On Being From Pittsburgh 5:56 Tell Us About Your Family 7:27 From Pennsylvania to Florida 15:00 The Life and Ministry of R.C. 26:20 Sponsor Break 27:37 The Human Side of R.C. 33:53 What Would He Have Said? 44:14 Preaching Influences Books & Everything: The Biggest Story Family Devotional Desiring God | The Great Eight Coram Deo Pastors Workshop Puritan Treasures for Today Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate