Life and Books and Everything (Clearly Reformed)

Most Christians in conservative churches are familiar with Paul Tripp’s books. He’s one of the most popular authors in the church today, with a knack for applying the gospel to all of life. His devotional New Morning Mercies has been a consistent bestseller. Now Tripp has a new devotional, Everyday Gospel, that serves as a gospel commentary on the text of Scripture itself. Listen in as Kevin asks Paul about his writing process, his favorite books, and why he does what he does. Along the way, you’ll hear a few dramatic stories from Paul’s life and get his gospel encouragement for pastors and their congregations.

Chapters:

0:00 Sponsors

1:53 Welcome, Paul

4:34 On Mustaches and Painting

11:55 Everyday Gospel

41:30 Sponsor Break

43:10 Life & Ministry

1:07:02 Until Next Time…

Books & Everything:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology

Desiring God | The Great Eight

Puritan Treasures for Today

Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate

Coming out of a consulting background, Aaron Renn is now a regular contributor to many important conversations among Christians and conservatives. In this interview, Kevin asks Aaron about the three worlds of evangelicalism and how we should think about elites. They also discuss where evangelicalism has faltered and where it has been too hard on itself.

Intro & Sponsor [0:00-1:37]

Guest: Aaron Renn [1:38-7:47]

Rose-Colored Rural Areas [7:48-10:29]

What Does Western Society Think of the Church? [10:30-23:50]

Evangelical Self-Flaggellation [23:51-26:50]

Do Evangelicals Lack Cultural Influence? [26:51-34:48]

The Evangelical "Middle-Class Mindset" [34:49-40:24]

A Call to Lay Intellectual Engagement [40:25-50:44]

Sponsor 2 [50:45-51:30]

Evangelicals and Elites [51:31-59:22]

Constantine and "Christian Nationalism" [59:23-1:08:31]

Final Plugs [1:08:32-1:10:39]

The Masculinist

Aaron Renn Substack

The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism - Matthew Continetti

The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 - George Nash

"The Tinkerings of Robert Noyce" - Tom Wolfe

To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World - James Davison Hunter

The Mortification of Sin - edited by Aaron M. Renn

Have you ever wanted to sit down with an older godly pastor and just ask him about life for an hour? Well, that’s what Kevin tries to do with Sinclair in this wide-ranging conversation that talks about Scotland, America, books, preaching, Shetland ponies, Groundskeeper Willie, and the Queen.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor [0:00-1:43]

Talking about Yourself [1:44-2:47]

A Scottish Perspective on the US [2:48-11:22]

Where Did Scotland Lose its Christian Heritage? [11:23-21:39]

Ministry in Scotland [21:40-36:42]

Ferguson and Murray [36:43-43:04]

Dead Mentors [43:05-44:09]

Aspiring to the Academy [44:10-49:54]

Sinclair's Greatest Impacts [49:55-52:39]

Writing: A Love-Hate Relationship [52:40-55:00]

Are Scots Dour and Cantankerous? [55:01-59:16]

Preaching for the Queen [59:17-1:06:42]

A Dog's Breakfast [1:06:43-1:08:05]

Links:

Theology for Ministry

https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/theology-for-ministry-how-doctrine-affects-pastoral-life-and-practice-9781629956558?variant=41604258365640

The Epistle to the Romans

https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/epistle-to-the-romans-9781955859035?variant=41473237811400

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters https://a.co/d/a3RaCxc

The Holy Spirit (Contours of Christian Theology) https://a.co/d/76VeDQV

In many ways, Harry was a man’s man: strong, athletic, and confident. But he was also a family man. We should pray for his wife, Cindy, along with their three children—Jennifer, Ike, and Abby—and their many grandchildren. Harry will be greatly missed by thousands, but especially by his family. I’ll miss him as a Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) founding father, as a ministerial example, and as a friend.

Dr. Joel Beeke is the president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, and editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books. In this conversation, Dr. Beeke, Kevin, and Justin dive into the theological and historical world of the Puritans, providing reading suggestions for both beginners and experts. They also talk about improving your preaching through expository and experiential content.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway. For 30% off books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps:

Gift Ideas [0:00 – 2:00]

Accomplishing Much [2:00 – 8:57]

Family Foundation [8:57 – 11:30]

Denominations & Hyper-Calvinism [11:30 – 16:58]

Experiential Preaching [16:58 – 34:21]

The Weary, Wayward, Lazy, & Lost [34:21 – 37:21]

Puritans [37:21 – 57:24]

Book Recommendations [57:24 – 1:04:30]

Books and Everything:

Gift Ideas:

Good News of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent, by John Piper

Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship, by Jonathan Gibson

ESV Concise Study Bible

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp

George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century, by Arnold Dallimore

Spurgeon, by Arnold Dallimore

Lectures to My Students, by Charles Spurgeon

Preaching & Preachers, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Pastoral Theology, by Thomas Murphy

The European Reformations, by Carter Lindberg

Worldly Saints: The Puritans As They Really Were, by Leland Ryken

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from his recent article in WORLD opinions about the curse in the garden, the hope and promise of Christ's coming, and our restoration to communion with God.

With two smart British historians—one from Oxford (Andrew) and one from Aberystwyth (David)--and one curious American pastor (Kevin), you might say that this episode puts the "fun" back in fundamentalism. How did fundamentalism become a pejorative putdown? Are evangelicals and fundamentalists really all that different? What is a fundamentalist anyway? And, to paraphrase Harry Emerson Fosdick, did the fundamentalists win or lose the last century? Join in as Kevin interviews two evangelical scholars about their new edited volume, The Oxford Handbook of Christian Fundamentalism.

Chapters:

0:00 Introductions

6:45 Why So Little Written by Fundamentalists?

11:44 Defining Fundamentalism 

25:20 Fundamentalism & Evangelicalism

36:40 Sponsor Break | Crossway & DesiringGod

38:11 The Scopes Trial & Billy Graham

48:02 Evangelicalism & Politics in America

1:05:25 Did the Fundamentalists Win?

1:08:26 Until Next Time

Books & Everything:

Oxford Handbook of Christian Fundamentalism

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

Look at the Book

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

Originally released on May 12th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss the following: an airing of grievances in honor of Frank Costanza, how to accept criticism, the unique challenges of social media, best books on preaching and ministry, books we re-read, and what makes for bad preaching.

Dr. Miguel Núñez, Pastor for Preaching & Vision at IBI and President of Ministerios Integridad & Sabiduría, left his medical practice to follow his passion of preaching the Gospel. When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, he used his medical expertise to assess the situation for The Gospel Coalition. Now, one year later, he again offers his insights to you, along with a conversation about how the preaching of the Gospel is spreading in the Dominican Republic.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World by Brett McCracken.  

Helping believers navigate today’s media-saturated culture, Brett McCracken presents a biblical case for wisdom. Inspired by the food pyramid model, The Wisdom Pyramid challenges us to increase our intake of enduring, trustworthy sources while moderating our consumption of less reliable sources. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

The Wisdom Pyramid [0:00 – 1:26] 

March Madness & COVID-19 [1:26 – 4:05] 

Introducing Dr. Miguel Núñez [4:05 – 6:01] 

Revisiting COVID-19 a Year Later [6:01 – 10:59] 

Why Developing Countries Handled COVID-19 Better [10:59 – 15:11] 

Fear & Surprises [15:11 – 19:27] 

What’s coming next? [19:27 – 22:20] 

What COVID-19 Reveals About Our Spiritual Condition [22:20 – 27:24] 

The Backstory of Dr. Miguel Núñez [27:24 – 33:17] 

The Backstory of the Dominican Republic [33:17 – 43:47] 

Influences in the Gospel Movement of the Dominican Republic [43:47 – 51:10] 

The View of the U.S. Church from Latin America [51:10 – 59:48] 

Americanos Hablando Español [59:48 – 1:04:20]  

We must never use apologetics—or for that matter, contextualization—as a way to make hard truths less noticeable or the offense of the gospel more palatable.

In this article from WORLD Opinions, Kevin encourages Christians to be bold and courageous in the face of cultural accusations.

We've heard the terms before: cultural Marxism, socialism, intersectionality, microaggressions, standpoint epistemology, the Frankfurt School, Critical Race Theory, Queer Theory, and many more. But what do they mean? Where did they come from? And how should Christians respond? Kevin talks to Neil and Pat about their new book, Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology, to try answer these questions and to think carefully about we can understand and engage the dominant ideologies of our day.

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome

1:17 The Critical Dilemma

23:25 Sponsor | Crossway Books

24:00 What is Contemporary Critical Theory

57:30 Sponsor | Desiring God

58:05 CRT: A Worldview or Religion?

1:11:40 A Final Word

1:14:45 Until Next Time

Books & Everything:

Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society

Why Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity

Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

Foundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy

Are male and female distinctions rooted in given biological realities or are “man” and “woman” simply designations we choose for ourselves based on our own feelings and sense of identity?

In this episode, Kevin reviews an article written by USA Today’s Nancy Armour about transgender people competing in professional sports.

The injunction not to judge is a necessary warning for us all, not least the religious person who can easily be tempted to look down on those who seem less religious.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for Tabletalk magazine about how Matthew 7:1 is one of the most needed and most abused statements in the Bible.

It’s not everyday you get to hear from the world’s expert on the Westminster Assembly (and who among us does not wish to know more about the Westminster Assembly?!). So sit back and enjoy this freewheeling conversation as Kevin and Chad talk about a guy named John Arrowsmith, the importance of pastoral hospitality, issues of church and state, and how Chad’s profession of faith split his childhood church. Lots of nerdy Presbyterian talk with the occasional mention of hot dogs as well.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Sponsors

5:38 A Southerner From the North

8:23 Tell Us About Your Faith

16:58 The Westminster Assembly

32:05 Sponsor Break

33:42 Tell Us About John Arrowsmith

1:02:42 The Neglected Practice of Hospitality

1:13:55 Until Next Time…

Books & Everything:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

Crossway Plus

Here We Stand

Puritan Treasures for Today

Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate

Confessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith

Plans for Holy War: How the Spiritual Soldier Fights, Conquers, and Triumphs

Originally released on June 2nd, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss George Floyd, the need for leaders with character, and books they recommend related to policing, justice, and civil rights.

In this episode, Kevin is joined once again by Justin and Collin as they discuss all that is going right in the church. While there are many problems we can—and at times should—point out, there are also many signs of blessing, reform, and faithfulness in the church today. Kevin, Justin, and Collin make a special point to encourage pastors. Turning to books, they discuss two recent books Kevin has read—one book about global politics shifting from left/right to insider/outsider divisions, and the other book about family and civilization. Join the three amigos as they talk on this episode of LBE about many topics from the ridiculous to the sublime.

Timestamps:

Introduction and Sponsor [0:00-1:19]

Life Updates and Sports Banter [1:20-10:27]

What's Right with the Church? [10:28-28:16]

Encouragement for Pastors [28:17-41:40]

Political Shifts: Left-Right to Inside-Outside [41:41-59:48]

Family Matters [59:49-1:17:24]

Although Neil has a PhD in theoretical chemistry, he’s made a name for himself as an expert on Critical Race Theory (and Critical Theory more generally). Is CRT just a legal theory? Can anyone know what it really is? Is CRT just a plot by conservatives to gin up votes? Should Christians take CRT and chew the meat and spit out of the bones? Kevin and Neil answer these questions and many more. They also dive into Neil’s new book on apologetics and explore the wild world of evangelical Twitter.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor: Crossway [0:00-2:35]

Guest Introduction: Neil Shenvi [2:36-14:46]

Neil's Map of Evangelical Twitter [14:47-22:27]

Why Believe? [22:28-28:43]

What is Apologetics For? [28:44-36:50]

Sponsor 2: Westminster Seminary Press [36:51-38:02]

How to Understand Critical Race Theory [38:03-1:10:06]

Pastoral Responses [1:10:07-1:20:26]

Books:

Why Believe: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity - Neil Shenvi

The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis

Cold Case Christianity - J. Warner Wallace

Critical Race Theory: An Introduction - Richard Delgado

Is Everyone Really Equal? - Ozlem Sensoy & Robin D'Angelo

God is a Black Woman - Christena Cleveland

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. James Eglinton joins Kevin to discuss his latest work, Bavinck: A Critical Biography. Listen in for a fascinating look at the history of the modern Reformed tradition as told through the story of one of its greatest theologians, Herman Bavinck. Topics include Bavinck's Dutch Calvinistic context, his desire to apply Reformed orthodoxy to modern dilemmas, his association with the women's rights movement, if Bavinck was an evangelical, and his children and grandchildren's involvement in the Nazi resistance. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Concise Theology by J. I Packer. Theology is important for the Christian life. And though it is marked by many complex terms and doctrines, there is yet what J. I. Packer calls “the permanent essentials of Christianity.” This concise introduction to these essential doctrines distills theological truths so both scholar and layperson alike can grow to treasure the unchanging pillars of the Christian faith.

Resources mentioned:

Bavinck: A Critical Biography by James Eglinton - 40% off HERE 

Reformed Dogmatics (4 Volume Set) by Herman Bavinck

The History of Scottish Theology, Volume I: Celtic Origins to Reformed Orthodoxy by David Fergusson and Mark Elliot

After a summer break, the triumvirate is back together to talk about books and biography. Kevin and Justin highlight some of their favorite books from the past few months, and Collin talks about the Tim Keller biography (of sorts) he has coming in the months ahead. Before getting to the books, the three friends discuss the latest news regarding Matt Chandler’s leave of absence from The Village Church and what lessons there may be for all of us.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor #1: Crossway [0:00-3:04]

When Pastors Fail [3:05-27:44]

Sponsor #2: Desiring God [27:45-29:39]

Tim Keller's Influences [29:40-40:44]

Update on Keller's Health [40:45-42:21]

Justin's Summer Books [42:22-46:30

Kevin's Summer Books [46:31-53:47]

Current Projects [53:48-58:20]

Books:

Watergate: A New History - Garrett Graff

https://www.amazon.com/Watergate-History-Garrett-M-Graff/dp/1982139161/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=DP6EMZZH3P0B&keywords=garrett+graff&qid=1661821814&sprefix=garrett+graff%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-2

My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir - Clarence Thomas

https://www.amazon.com/My-Grandfathers-Son-Clarence-Thomas/dp/006056556X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=OTWTNASNJCMC&keywords=my+grandfather%27s+son+clarence+thomas&qid=1661821764&sprefix=my+grandfa%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1

The Crooked Path to Abolition: Abraham Lincoln and the Antislavery Constitution - James Oakes

https://www.amazon.com/Crooked-Path-Abolition-Antislavery-Constitution/dp/1324020199/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=5WC8DOZQJ0X5&keywords=The+Crooked+Path+to+Abolition&qid=1661821876&sprefix=the+crooked+path+to+abolition%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1

Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington - Ted Widmer

https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Verge-Thirteen-Days-Washington/dp/1476739447/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2VOGULCPX61AB&keywords=13+days+to+washington&qid=1661821951&sprefix=13+days+to+washington%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1

The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789 - Robert Middlekauff

https://www.amazon.com/Glorious-Cause-American-Revolution-1763-1789/dp/019531588X/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=WX3FN60ZMV0K&keywords=oxford+history+of+the+united+states&qid=1661821997&sprefix=oxford+his%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-5

Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815 - Gordon S. Wood

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0199832463?ref_=dbs_m_mng_wam_calw_tpbk_9&storeType=ebooks&qid=1661821997&sr=8-5

What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 - Daniel Wal

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

For most of us, getting married and forging a strong family is the best way to build a prosperous, meaningful, and happy life. That's the message of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization, the new book by University of Virginia professor Brad Wilcox. Listen in as Kevin and Brad talk explore why young people aren't prioritizing marriage, why elites don't preach what they practice when it comes to marriage, and why getting married is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for others.

Books & Everything:

Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization

ESV Bible App

Light + Truth Podcast

Evangelicals who set down the path toward LGBTQ acceptance rarely turn around and head back in the other direction.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions about why evangelicals surrender to the LGBTQ agenda.

In this episode, Kevin is joined by his friend and RTS colleague, Derek Thomas as the two of them talk about pastoring, preaching, and why Derek loves Columbia, South Carolina. Derek shares about his conversion (through reading John Stott), some terrible advice from his vicar, and the differences between pastoring at a small church and at a big church. You’ll also hear the story of how Derek and Ligon Duncan were finalists for the same ministerial position (which went to Ligon!). As Derek nears retirement, this episode is a great opportunity to listen to some of the lessons he’s learned in almost five decades of ministry.

With more than 50 books and hundreds of articles, not to mention scores of edited works, Don Carson has written a lot. In this retrospective on life and books and everything, Kevin asks Dr. Carson about his father, how he sees the state of the church, and what books he especially enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy) writing. From Bible commentaries to books on current events to a grammar on Greek accents, Kevin explores the why, what, and how of Don’s remarkable writing career.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor [0:00-1:40]

Guest: D.A. Carson [1:41- 5:48]

Book Discussions:

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor [5:49-18:33]

For the Love of God devotionals [18:34-24:48]

The Gospel According to John commentary [24:49-33:58]

The Gagging of God [33:59-45:55]

The Intolerance of Tolerance [45:56-48:42]

Sponsor 2 [48:43-49:32]

Most and Least Favorite Books [49:33-56:25]

How to Write Like D.A. Carson [56:26-1:02:19]

Exegetical Fallacies [1:02:20-1:04:50]

The Theme of Carson's Writing [1:04:51-1:09:30]

What Book(s) Does the Church Need? [1:09:31-1:13:46]

Books:

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson  

For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word, Volume 1 

For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word, Volume 2 

The Gospel according to John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)) 

The Gagging of God 

Praying with Paul

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament  

The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures  

Exegetical Fallacies 

Christ and Culture Revisited 

An Introduction to the New Testament  

Hermeneutics, Authority, and Canon 

Collected Writings on Scripture 

The charge of “just your interpretation” short-circuits the interpretative process altogether.In this article for WORLD Opinions, Kevin argues for scriptural inerrancy and the importance of “right” interpretation.

A short piece about what to expect when you listen to Life and Books and Everything.

Originally released on May 20th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor cover the following in the 5th episode of 'Life and Books and Everything': an airing of gratitude, conspiracy theories, parallels between COVID-19 and 2004, expertise and authority, our favorite biographies, and which biographies we’d like to write.

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. James Newheiser, theDirector of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor ofChristian Counseling and Pastoral Theology at RTS Charlotte. Attitudes towardabuse, both inside and outside the church, have changed dramatically withinrecent generations. How can pastors deal with this issue Biblically in theircongregations? 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of WhatGod Has to Say About Our Bodies, by Sam Allberry. 

In What God Has to Say about Our Bodies, Sam Allberry explains that all of us are fearfully and wonderfully made and should regard our physicality as a gift. He offers biblical guidance for living, including understanding gender, sexuality, and identity; dealing with aging, illness, and death; and considering the physical future hope that we have in Christ. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps: 

What God Has to Say About Our Bodies [0:00 – 1:27] 

Dr. James R. Newheiser, Jr. [1:27 – 7:01] 

Talking About Abuse [7:01 – 12:31] 

Defining Abuse [12:31 – 16:00] 

Matthew 18 or Romans 13? [16:00 – 24:52] 

Maxims That Try to Help but Cause More Hurt [24:52 – 27:03] 

“Always believe the victim.” [27:03 – 32:14] 

“If you feel abused, then you were abused.” [32:14 – 36:36] 

“It’s never the victim’s fault.” [36:36 – 44:12] 

Marital Separation [44:12 – 48:13] 

Authority: Good and Bad [48:13 – 54:56] 

Books and Everything: 

What God Has to Say About Our Bodies, by Sam Allberry  

When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love, by Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser  

How do you use the term ‘elite?’ Is it positive or is it a term of derision? Elites, and especially Evangelical elites, have been criticized a lot lately. Collin, Kevin, and Justin have given this matter some consideration, and on this episode they offer their thoughts, turning the focus both internally and externally, with both positive and negative critiques. But first… books! They’ve been reading a lot. You’ll hear about productivity, theology, classic fiction, and of course a lot of history.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ESV Concise Study Bible. The ESV Concise Study Bible is rich in content yet approachable and easy to carry—perfect for studying God’s Word in any context.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps:

Books First! [0:00 – 2:25]

Collin is surprised. [2:25 – 7:36]

Kevin is restrained. [7:36 – 19:18]

Justin is almost finished. [19:18 – 28:54]

Elites in the Spotlight [28:54 – 37:54]

Hating on Elites [37:54 – 43:03]

Evangelical Elites [43:03 – 46:40]

Public Religious Research Institute Survey [46:40 – 49:08]

Elitists Out of Step [49:08 – 53:35]

Kevin Responds [53:35 – 58:34]

Elites Not Reading the Room [58:34 – 1:02:11]

The Inner Ring [1:02:11 – 1:03:15]

Encouragement [1:03:15 – 1:07:18] 

Books and Everything:

Collin:

Brand Luther: How an Unheralded Monk Turned His Small Town into a Center of Publishing, Made Himself the Most Famous Man in Europe--and Started the Protestant Reformation, by Andrew Pettegree

Pilgrims and Priests: Christian Mission in a Post-Christian Society, by Stefan Paas

Kevin:

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, by Oliver Burkeman

Them Before Us: Why We Need a Global Children's Rights Movement, by Katy Faust and Stacy Manning

Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body, by John W. Kleinig

The Viking Heart: How Scandinavians Conquered the World, by Arthur Herman

1984, by George Orwell

Justin:

Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary, by Bruce K. Waltke and Ivan D. V. De Silva

The Zealot and the Emancipator: John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and the Struggle for American Freedom, by H.W. Brands

Lincoln in Private: What His Most Personal Reflections Tell Us About Our Greatest President, by Ronald C. White

Lonesome Dove: A Novel, by Larry McMurtry

Articles on Elites:

It’s a special day at LBE as Kevin interviews his first returning guest, the esteemed historian Dr. Allen Guelzo of Princeton University. Find out how Dr. Guelzo moved from being an Edwards scholar to being a Lincoln scholar (and how Edward’s treatise on the will still permeates much of what Guelzo has written about Lincoln). Listen in as Kevin and Allen talk about whether Lincoln was a Christian, what made Lincoln great, and what Lincoln has to teach us today.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro and Sponsor

1:19 Guest: Allen Guelzo

7:40 Why Study Lincoln?

17:28 Why Does Lincoln Fascinate Us?

29:57 Lincoln's Religious Life

43:31 Sponsor 2

44:01 What if Lincoln Hadn't Been Assassinated?

49:20 Why Did Anti-Slavery Southerners Perpetuate Slavery?

56:05 Was Lincoln a Christian?

59:05 Will We Ever See Another Lincoln?

1:01:18 Wait and Hope

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung interviews Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. This interview was recorded live on stage from the Faithful Conference at Christ Covenant on November 7th. Listen and you’ll learn the books and people and places that made Dr. Duncan who he is. You’ll even find out his DJ name. 

Timestamps: 

Early Life and Conversion [00:00 – 7:16] 

A True South Carolinian [7:16 – 10:17] 

Encounters with God in Study [10:17 – 15:20] 

Taking the Racial Blinders Off [15:20 – 23:08] 

Critical Race Theory [23:08 – 27:47] 

Reformed Books [27:47 – 31:57] 

Covenant Theology [31:57 – 33:08] 

Ligon Unplugged [33:08 – 38:50] 

Lightning Round [38:50 – 48:27]  

Books and Everything: 

Knowing God, by Jim Packer 

Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan M. Stibbs 

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, by Geerhardus J. Vos 

Dr. Duncan’s Class on Covenant Theology in the RTS App (iOS | Android) 

Favorite Hymn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” by John Newton 

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof 

“Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras,” mvt. 2 from Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. Scott Swain—Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Listen in to hear about recent controversies surrounding the doctrine of the trinity, if the Holy Spirit is indeed forgotten in our discussions about the trinity, why analogies for the trinity are unhelpful, and why Orlando is the most magical place on earth.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives by the faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary. Join a host of twenty-six scholars, including O. Palmer Robertson, Michael J. Kruger, and Scott R. Swain, as they explore how the concept of covenant is clearly taught in Scripture and how it lays the foundation for other doctrines of salvation.

LBE is also excited to announce that listeners of the show can receive 30% off Crossway books, bibles, tracts, audiobooks, and ebooks by signing up for a free Crossway+ membership. Crossway+ is a new membership program designed to provide you with gospel-centered resources aimed at strengthening your faith and serving the church. Registering for a free Crossway+ membership makes it more convenient and affordable than ever to purchase directly from Crossway.

Timestamps:

Who is Scott Swain and why is Orlando the greatest and most magical place on earth? [0:00 - 8:40]

Analogies and the trinity [8:40 - 12:10]

20th Century evangelicalism and the doctrine of the trinity [12:10 - 20:45]

What is biblicism? [20:45 - 23:53]

Relations of origin and the persons of the trinity [23:53 - 29:30]

Why we should reject social trinitarianism [29:30 - 31:31]Is it true that we often forget the Holy Spirit in our discussions of the trinity? [31:31 - 34:55]

The work of the Holy Spirit and revivalistic-charismatic movements [34:55 - 38:21]

A tool-kit of systematic theology categories and terms [38:21 - 49:12]

The drama behind the filioque [49:12 - 50:50]

How should pastors communicate these orthodox categories to their congregations? [50:50 - 57:35]

Resources on the Doctrine of the Trinity:

St. Patrick's Bad Analogies 

The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders

The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck

The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance by Carl Trueman and Brandon Crowe 

On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus

In an age where digital immediacy can be confused for personal intimacy, we often forget that public communication will not have all the features of private communication.

On May 21, 1922, Harry Emerson Fosdick took to the pulpit of Old First—the historic First Presbyterian Church (est. 1716) located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan—to deliver what would be his most famous sermon.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for the journal of Reformed Theological Seminary as part of “Shall the Fundamentalists Win?” A Centennial Symposium. 

Dear brother pastor,

In a spirit of prayerful expectation, I want to invite you to the Coram Deo Pastors Conference. This new event is hosted by Clearly Reformed (a new ministry I help to lead) and Christ Covenant Church (where I have the privilege of serving as senior pastor). We look forward to filling our sanctuary with nearly 2,000 pastors and church leaders at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina on March 12-14, 2024.

In this Episode, Kevin reads from his recent article for First Things, a response Collin Hansen's article about the life and ministry of Tim Keller.

Happy Thanksgiving from Life and Books and Everything! In this episode, Kevin reads from his recent article in WORLD Opinions about the history of an American holiday and the opportunity it presents to Christians to display their thankfulness. 

Kevin DeYoung podcasts solo this time to help us understand from a Biblical perspective the wickedness of the Atlanta shootings. He picks apart four threads that feed into how we measure culpability for heinous public crimes. And he helps us distinguish what should be condemned from what shouldn’t. And of course, there are books. Learn what books about race and other ideas Kevin has been reading. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of PracticingThankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances by Sam Crabtree.  

Pastor Sam Crabtree surveys the Bible’s teaching on gratitude, demonstrating that every moment is an opportunity to observe, embrace, and appreciate with thankfulness the wondrous workings of God in ordinary life. Practicing Thankfulness includes 100 practical suggestions for practicing thankfulnessin daily life. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

How to Be More Thankful [0:00 – 0:55] 

4 Preliminary Comments on the Atlanta Shootings [0:55 – 8:49] 

On Culpability [8:49 – 25:28] 

Distinguishing the Bad Ideas from the Good [25:28 – 30:57] 

Is the church to blame for this man’s bad ideas? [30:57 – 36:25] 

Bad Culpability Extrapolations [36:25 – 45:12] 

Don’t let the bad outweigh the good. [45:12 – 47:11] 

Books [47:11 - 57:33]  

Books and Everything: 

Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair, by Duke L. Kwon &Gregory Thompson 

More than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City, by WilliamJulius Wilson 

Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation,by Gerald R McDermott 

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time, byJoshua Mitchell 

Slaying Leviathan: Limited Government and Resistance in the Christian Tradition,by Glenn S. Sunshine 

A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload,by Cal Newport  

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

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, &Justin wrestle with the current state of the 2020 election. Why doesn’t it seemto be a clear victory for the Left or the Right? What does it mean for thechurch? Does your vote have an inherent meaning, or is it entirely dependentupon your intentions? And they do indulge in just the right amount of rankpunditry.   

Timestamps: 

College Football [1:32 – 5:05] 

Talking about the Election [5:05 – 33:11] 

Does a vote have an inherent meaning? [33:11 – 48:48] 

Alex Trebek [48:48 – 59:06] 

What book, movie, or music do you go to when you need to reorient yourself?[59:06 – 1:08:49]  

Book & Music Recommendations:

Collin: 

The old, red United Methodist Hymnal 

Kevin:

The Heidelberg Catechism 

The Valley of Vision 

Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

any systematic theology 

The Planets, mvt. 4, “Jupiter” (Thaxted) by Gustav Holst 

The Mission: Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture by Ennio Morricone   

Justin:

Psalm 131 

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper 

Season 2 of Life and Books and Everything is here! Kevin DeYoung, Justin Taylor, and Collin Hansen sit down together to discuss their summer reading lists, how to balance the need for safety and the need to trust God's sovereignty in the pandemic, Grace Community Church and their choice to gather indoors for services in California, and should the Big 10 have canceled?This episode is brought to you by Crossway. As Kevin says on this episode, "There are lots of Christian publishers, but with Crossway, you know that you have men and women working there who care very much about the content about the truth of God's word, not just selling books—every book publisher has to sell some books but—more importantly, they want to edify and build up the church."

 In particular, we want to highlight the book by Dane Ortlund, 'Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers.' Some say that, "this book is like J. I. Packer's Knowing God," others say, "this is the best book I've read in a decade." There is lots of high praise for Gentle and Lowly, by Dane Ortlund, so please check it out.

Timestamps:

Introduction + Book Giveaway Announcement with Crossway [0:00 - 4:50]

Summer Reading [4:50 - 29:47]

Collin's summer reading: The Future of Christian Marriage by Mark Regnerus

Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide by Tony Horwitz

The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross 

Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paull David Tripp 

Justin's summer reading:

Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horwitz

Redeeming the Great Emancipator by Allen C. Guelzo 

Reconstruction: A Very Short Introduction by Allen C. Guelzo Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War by Tony Horwitz 

The Panic Virus: The True Story Behind the Vaccine-Autism Controversy by Seth Mnookin 

Kevin's summer reading:

Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World by Laura Spinney

With what little we know about St. Nicholas, it is safe to say he would not be pleased to know he had eclipsed Christ in the hearts of many as the central figure of Christmas. In this episode, Kevin reads from his article in The Gospel Coalition about the life and legacy of St. Nicholas.

Originally released on July 17th, 2020, in this special episode of 'Life and Books and Everything,' Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor remember their friend J. I. Packer as they share about his influence broadly and personally.

With everything the pastor must do—preach, pray, visit, raise money, organize meetings, write emails, study, write, marry, bury, and baptize—does he also need to be a leader? John Currie, in his new book The Pastor as Leader (Crossway), says yes. But don't fear, this is not about one more impossible task or another time burden for the pastor. Leadership is about living and preaching as a man of God for the people of God. In this practical episode Kevin talks with John Currie, professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, about what effective leadership in the church looks like (and doesn't look like). There is plenty of rich food for thought—both for the seasoned (and weary) pastor and for the young man just starting out in ministry.

Books & Everything:

The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and Leadership

The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation

Don’t Waste Your Life

Originally released on June 16th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss the tearing down of statues, kneeling during the National Anthem, what it means that we're made in the image of God, their favorite writers, and how to avoid bad writing.

In his new book, Lament for a Father: The Journey to Understanding and Forgiveness, Marvin Olasky, editor of WORLD Magazine , puts all his journalistic expertise and experience into uncovering the story of his father.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Recovering the Lost Art of Reading: A Quest for the True, the Good, and the Beautiful by Leland Ryken, Glenda Faye Mathes. 

Reading has become a lost art. With smartphones offering us endless information with the tap of a finger, it’s hard to view reading as anything less than a tedious and outdated endeavor. This is particularly problematic for Christians, as many find it difficult to read even the Bible consistently and attentively. Reading is in desperate need of recovery.  

Recovering the Lost Art of Reading addresses these issues by exploring the importance of reading in general as well as studying the Bible as literature, offering practical suggestions along the way. Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes inspire a new generation to overcome the notion that reading is a duty and instead discover it as a delight.

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Do you want to hear about Abraham Lincoln? [0:00 – 1:13]

The Perfect Sponsor Book for LBE [1:13 – 1:53]

Marvin Olasky [1:53 – 5:05]

WORLD Magazine [5:05 – 8:10]

Lament for a Father [8:10 – 13:34]

From Success to Failure [13:34 – 18:52]

The Turning Point [18:52 – 24:08]

The Mercy of Reticence [24:08 – 30:20]

Mother’s Story [30:20 – 35:49]

Iron-Clad Chain, Daisy Chain [35:49 – 41:52]

Don’t Wait Until You’re Seventy [41:52 – 47:55]

The Single Biggest Social Problem in America [47:55 – 50:41]

Book Recommendations [50:41 – 53:25]

Advice for Those with Bad or Good Fathers [53:25 - 56:30]

Books and Everything: 

Messages from My Father: A Memoir, by Calvin Trillin

Christians don’t just disagree on political principles or on a number of political conclusions. Christians disagree on how Christianity and politics relate to each other in the first place.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads his recent article in WORLD opinions, "Does Christianity Transcend All Our Political Disagreements?"

No doubt, we need a lot of smart people reflecting on the intellectual principles and the practical priorities of our moral philosophy. That’s a crucial conversation. But that’s not the conversation most ordinary people are having online, in church, and around the dinner table. They (and I should say we) are having a messy—but if done right, a really important—conversation about how to approach the conversation itself. As Christians in an age dominated by politics, we are trying to think about how we should think about Christianity and politics.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the first of a series of articles he wrote for WORLD Opinions on how to think about Christianity and politics.

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

After the unprecedented leak of the possible Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Kevin talks to Justin and Collin about the pro-life movement in America, how the church ministers well, and why political polarization is not always a bad thing. The triumvirate also talk about the books they're reading, and they try to keep the sports banter to a minimum.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor 1: Crossway [0:00-1:41]

Life and Family Banter [1:42-10:43]

Roe v Wade Decision and Effects [10:44-47:02]

Sponsor 2: WTS Books [47:03-48:39]

What Books Are You Reading? [48:40-1:05:02]

Sports Banter [1:05:03-1:08:02]

In this freewheeling conversation, Kevin talks to Jonny Gibson about his life, his books, and some of everything. Gibson, an Old Testament professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, opens up about the loss of his daughter in 2016, why he believes in 24-hour creation days, and the need for old forms and old prayers to help us in our daily devotions.

Timestamps:

Intro, sponsor, and guest [0:00-4:46]

The State of the UK Church(es) [4:47-15:34]

Edited Series on the Five Points [15:34-20:28]

More Biography [20:29-22:32]

An Apologetic for Discourse Analysis [22:33-29:22]

Creation: Literal Days or Literary Framework? [29:23-40:57]

God's Goodness in the Loss of a Child [40:58-54:10]

Be Thou My Vision and Private Worship [54:11-1:01:03]

Thomas Witherow and Essential Non-essentials [1:01:04-1:12:17]

In his new book To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse, Carl Trueman argues that “Critical theory [sees] any notion of human nature as merely an ideological or social construct, a function of discourses of power.” Even though critical theory makes for dense reading, and is probably very little read by people in the pew, the ideas and assumptions of critical theory have shaped our world in undeniable ways. Listen in as Kevin and Carl talk about what critical theory is, where it came from, and how the church can provide a better, truer, and more beautiful alternative.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Sponsors

4:48 What Kind of Historian Are You?

9:03 Why Talk About These Things?

24:23 The Critical Question

46:04 Sponsor Break

47:46 How Do These Ideas Shape Christians?

1:02:43 Closing Questions

1:13:18 Until Next Time….

Books & Everything:

ESV Men's Study Bible

Here We Stand

Puritan Treasures for Today

Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate

To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse

From Frankfurt to Fox: The Strange Career of Critical Theory

As much as abortion has been indefensible on constitutional grounds, the real monstrosity of Roe was not legal but moral. For 50 years the two sides of the debate have been called “pro-choice” and “pro-life,” and those are accurate labels. The ability to freely terminate a pregnancy—at any point in the pregnancy and for any reason—is certainly about the right to make a choice. But that invented constitutional right has been, even more fundamentally, about the ending of life. Everyone with eyes to see the literal pictures of beating hearts and 4D ultrasounds, not to mention the gruesome photos of preborn children torn limb from limb, has known that we are talking about life.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from an article he wrote for WORLD Opinions following the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade.

With so many sad things in our world, it can be difficult to see any bright spots. This article reminds Christians of the hope of Christmas.

We live in a day where authority is often rebuffed and where many people are quick to assume all authority is abusive authority. And yet, some authority is abusive. But the antidote to bad authority is not “no authority” but “good authority.” Kevin welcomes Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks, into the virtual studio to talk about Jonathan’s new book Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing. You’ll hear real life examples of good authority in action, and you’ll hear how authority can sadly be used for evil. Whether you exercise authority or sit under authority (and we all do some of both), you’ll be interested to listen in as two friends chat away on this important topic.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Sponsors

2:45 The Blessing and Danger of Authority

14:08 Perspectives on Authority

35:37 Alternative Interpretations of Authority

50:34 Authority, Wisdom, and Leadership

1:00:33 Until Next Time…

Books & Everything:

ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible, Five-Volume Set

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing

Andrew Walker, a professor of ethics at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the managing editor for World Opinions, comes on to talk with Kevin about the importance of natural law and natural theology. Although some Protestants reject natural law, and others are nervous about it because of caricatures they may have, the broad sweep of Protestant theology has affirmed the legitimacy and importance of making natural law arguments. Kevin and Andrew talk about where the idea of natural law comes from in the Bible and in church tradition. They also apply natural law thinking to several current controversies in our day. They close with a number of book recommendations for those who want to go deeper.

Timestamps:

Announcements [0:00-2:45]

Sponsor and Endorsement [2:46-3:41]

Intro of Andrew Walker [3:42-8:39]

Foundations of Religious Liberty [8:40-17:55]

What is Natural Law/Theology? [17:56-25:38]

Why Reformed often Reject Natural Law [25:39-39:09]

Uses of Natural Law [39:10-44:43]

Natural Law and Current Issues [44:44-56:23]

Resources on Natural Law [56:24-1:01:19]

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 is much at stake in God making humanity male and female. Created for one another yet distinct from each other, a man and a woman are not interchangeable—they are designed to function according to a divine fittedness. But when this design is misunderstood, ignored, or abused, there are dire consequences. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Men andWomen in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung.  

Men and women—in marriage especially, but in the rest of life as well—complement one another. And this biblical truth has enduring, cosmic significance. From start to finish, the biblical storyline—and the design of creation itself—depends upon the distinction between male and female. Men and Women in the Church is about the divinely designed complementarity of men and women as it applies to life in general and especially ministry in the church. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Background of the Book in Question [0:00 – 6:01] 

We’re more confused than ever. [6:01 – 18:11] 

Critiquing the Thin Complementarians [18:11 – 36:21] 

Critiquing the Thick Complementarians [36:21 – 48:44] 

Stop Cherry-picking Examples [48:44 – 58:20] 

The Publishing Conundrum [58:20 – 1:04:24]  

Several months ago, Daniel McCarthy—editor of Modern Age and Editor-at-Large of The American Conservative—published an essay in First Things entitled “The Right Right.” McCarthy’s essay was a review of Yoram Hazony’s Conservatism: A Rediscovery and Matthew Continetti’s The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism. In this episode of LBE, McCarthy talks about what was commendable in both books, and where both works can be fairly critiqued. Kevin asks Daniel about his review, about Willmoore Kendall’s populist conservatism, and how to reaffirm the importance of Christianity as “public truth” in America.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro and Sponsor

1:53 Guest: Daniel McCarthy

4:29 What is a Conservative?

9:17 Populism: Plebiscites and Demagogues

38:39 A Conservatism for Today

53:33 Yoram Hazony Critique

1:01:52 Parallel Developments in Evangelicalism

1:09:12 Avant-Garde Conservatism

Books:

The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism

Conservatism: A Rediscovery

The Conservative Affirmation

The Basic Symbols of the American Political Tradition

Russell Kirk: American Conservative

The Virtue of Nationalism

What are you doing with your life? Todd Rester is using a big chunk of his life to translate a seventeenth-century Dutch theologian's magnum opus (all 1.7 million words of it) from Latin into English. Join Kevin and Todd as they take a deep dive into the world of Latin translation, systematic theology, and church history. Who was Petrus Van Mastricht? What was his method? What did he teach? Why does he matter? Come swim in the cool, refreshing waters of Reformed scholastic theology and be encouraged to "live to God, through Christ."

Books & Everything:

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible: Theology Rooted in the Word of God

Theoretical-Practical Theology

What is feminism? What is intersectionality? Who is Judith Butler? How does childbearing change a woman? Why do Catholic feminist scholars have such interesting Italian last names? These are just some of the questions Kevin explores with Abigail Favale as they talk about her book, The Genesis of Gender (Ignatius Press, 2022). With learning, wit, and great aplomb, Abigail shares her how story of deconversion and reconversion and how she came to see, from the inside, the emptiness of mainstream feminist ideology.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro and Sponsor

2:10 Guest: Abigail Favale

26:01 Who is Judith Butler?

33:22 Is Gender Studies Godless and Truthless?

40:17 What is Intersectionality?

47:54 How do We Contend for the Goodness of Gender?

55:47 What Does the Bible Say to Gender Studies?

1:04:46 Developing a Theology of Sexual Difference

Catching up with friends after a long summer is one of the great joys of life. In this first episode of Season 4, Kevin, Collin, and Justin chat about some of their summer activities as well as some of the events that are currently happening in our world. They range from the serious (How should we pray for the Church in Afghanistan?) to the silly (Cornhole must become an Olympic sport!) You will discover some intriguing book recommendations too.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential, by Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman.  

In Rediscover Church, Collin and Jonathan discuss why church is essential for believers and God’s mission. Through biblical references and personal stories, they show readers God’s true intention for corporate gathering: to spiritually strengthen members as individuals and the body of Christ. In an age of church-shopping and livestreamed services, rediscover why the future of the church relies on believers gathering regularly as the family of God. 

In partnership with 9Marks and The Gospel Coalition, Crossway is planning to distribute 400,000 copies of Rediscover Church to Christians throughout the US and invites pastors and leaders to request 20 free print copies of the book (with free shipping) for use in their churches. Offer available while supplies last. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps: 

Welcome Back [0:00 – 1:04] 

20 Free Copies of Rediscover Church for Your Church [1:04 – 4:12] 

Praying for the Church in Afghanistan [4:12 – 12:55] 

Field of Dreams Game [12:55 – 21:55] 

Olympics [21:55 – 32:01] 

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill [32:01 – 52:05] 

Summer Book Report [52:05 – 1:07:09]   

Books and Everything: 

Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential, by Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman

Collin:

Churchill: Walking with Destiny, by Andrew Roberts 

Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News, by JeffreyBilbro 

Faithful Presence: The Promise and the Peril of Faith in the Public Square, byBill Haslam 

Justin:  

The Gospel according to Daniel: A Christ-Centered Approach, by Bryan Chappel 

Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), by Paul House 

Hearing the Message of Daniel: Sustaining Faith in Today’s World, by Christopher J.H. Wright 

After the gospel, there is no bigger gift you can give to the world than your children and no better gift you can give your children than to be raised by a mom and dad who love them and love each other.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for the Spring 2022 issue of Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology.

If you ever wanted to be in the room as two minister friends talk about preaching and pastoral ministry, this is the episode for you. Kevin asks Alistair about his “ordinary” preaching style, about whether he ever thought about leaving Parkside, and about whether he’s an American or a Scotsman. Plus lots of other questions about books, the state of the church today, and the shaping influence of Cleveland.

Books & Everything:

The Christian Manifesto: Jesus' Life-Changing Words from the Sermon on the Plain

Truth for Life: 365 Daily Devotions

Truth for Life: 365 Daily Devotions (Volume 2)

The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

Ask Pastor John Podcast

All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel

A Change of Affection: A Gay Man's Incredible Story of Redemption

Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol 1: The Claims of Truth

Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol 2: Systematic Theology

Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol 3: Life, Sermons, Reviews

For as much as the CFH talks about inclusion and the free exchange of ideas, it is clear that the present leadership of the historical guild assumes conclusions on the left.

In this response to a recent article published by Jay Green, Kevin discusses the pitfalls of using history for activist purposes.

The fundamental story of the world is not the story of good guys and bad guys, or of oppressors and the oppressed, but of sinners and a Savior.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions for Holy Week, examining how we are all sinners in need of a Savior.

Have you ever wondered if King Arthur was justified in cutting off all four limbs of Monty Python’s Black Knight when he refused the king passage? If so, then you’ll want to listen to this episode of LBE with Eric Patterson. Eric is an author, an important leader in Washington, D.C. and an expert in the theology and history of the Just War Tradition. What are the right reasons for going to war? How should a just war be fought? Was the American Revolution a just war (or even a revolution)? What about the firebombing of Dresden in World War II? Join Kevin and Eric and they try to apply the insights of the Just War Tradition to military conflicts past and present.

Chapters:

0:00 Introductions

7:45 A Basic Guide to the Just War Tradition

15:45 What Makes a War Just?

29:45 Sponsor Break | Crossway

30:28 “It’s Only a Flesh Wound.”

35:25 A Just American Revolution?

46:39 MLK’s Just Cause

51:15 Sponsor Break | Desiring God

52:00 Current Events

Books & Everything:

Basic Guide to the Just War Tradition: Christian Foundations and Practices

Just War and Christian Traditions

Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulnes

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

In this article, Kevin discusses how Christians are to honor each other and Christ when critiquing and correcting each other.

Church attendance is declining. In this episode, Kevin reads from his recent article for WORLD Opinions where he argues for including additional data for analysis and offers a word of hope.

Kevin reads from his article in The Gospel Coalition to encourage pastors to forego the cliche and cute and stick to preaching "the old, old story" this Christmas.

In the wake of tragedy, we need the whole Bible with all the depth of Christ’s sympathy and all of God’s providential and loving care.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Justin, and Collin are back together to discuss some of the more pressing issues facing the church today: sexual misconduct and allegations, this time concerning the late Ravi Zacharias, friendless pastors, the curse of fame, dangers facing the church from “the Right” and “the Left,” and helpful books for forming one’s political philosophy.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway titles we want to highlight in this episode are the ESV Scripture Journals (Illuminated Scripture Journals and the Greek Scripture Journal ). Bible readers can take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture

These thin, portable, long-lasting notebooks are great for personal Bible reading and reflection, small-group study, or taking notes through a sermon series.

Timestamps:

Our attempts at journaling [0:00 - 10:34]

The sexual misconduct and allegations of Ravi Zacharius [10:34 - 37:10]

Agreeing and disagreeing on the dangers facing Reformed(ish) Evangelicalism [37:10 - 1:01:14]Books to help inform a political philosophy [1:01:14 - 1:18:33]

Booklists:

Justin:

The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics by Greg Forster 

Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies by David T. Koyzis 

A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles by Thomas Sowell  

Kevin:

The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left by Yuval Levin 

Christ and the Kingdoms of Men: Foundations of Political Life by David C. Innes 

The Federalist Papers 

Collin:

Them: Why We Hate Each Other--and How to Heal by Ben Sasse  

Kirk Cousins has been an NFL quarterback for 12 years. Before that he played at Michigan State (where he and Kevin met). Before that he was a barely-recruited teenager playing at Holland Christian. And before that, he was a kid in Chicago whose dad helped start Willow Creek (yes, that Willow Creek). If you want to know more of this story, and hear a lot of football talk, you won't want to miss this special LBE episode with the new Atlanta Falcons QB.

Books & Everything:

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

New Morning Mercies for Teens: A Daily Gospel Devotional

Kevin sits down with John for a return visit to LBE to talk about John’s new book, “Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ” (Crossway). Hear what John Piper thinks about the rapture, the millennium, and why it is essential that we love Christ’s appearing. Kevin and John also talk about the long list of books John has written, what he does for fun, and what very long audiobook he is listening to.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, and Justin discuss the recent scandal involving Jerry Falwell Jr. and the difference between a therapeutic confession and one that admits guilt and sin, what habits of rest and recreation they practice, what their favorite biblical commentaries are, and lastly, they discuss Samuel James's article, "Which Enemy? Which Doorstep?" This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. A specific book from Crossway we would like to highlight for our listeners is Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home through Time, Moments, and Milestones by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin. In this book, Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin help families develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship through a guided framework focusing on moments of discipleship in 3 key areas: time, moments, and milestones. Each section provides parents with Scriptures to consider, questions to answer, structures to implement, and ideas to try out.Timestamps:Book giveaway winner announcement! [0:00 - 3:10]

The Jerry Falwell Jr. Scandal [3:10 - 15:55]

Habits of rest, recreation, and sabbath [15:55 - 36:50]

Favorite Commentaries [36:50 - 59:48]

Multi-Directional Leadership [59:48 - 1:10:08] Book recommendations Collin's favorite commentaries + other resources mentioned:

New Testament Commentary Survey by D. A. Carson

The Letter to the Romans (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT)) by Douglas Moo

ESV Study Bible by Crossway

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale

Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church by Collin HansenKevin's favorite commentaries:

Introducing the Old Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message by Tremper Longman

The Gospel according to John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)) by D. A. Carson

The Pillar New Testament Commentary (14 Volumes) from

After a summer hiatus, the fellas are back together to kick off a new season of LBE. If you always look forward to the sports banter with these three, then you will LOVE this episode. You get a deep dive on the Olympics, including what makes them so joyful, what other countries besides America to root for, and whether other countries use Americans to announce their sports. After four years-worth of Olympics-related chatter, the three amigos turn their attention to more familiar fare: an enjoyable book they read over the summer and how to become better writers.

Books & Everything:

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

Crossway Plus

The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels about You

1861: The Civil War Awakening

Theo of Golden

Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction

The Writing Tools

The Writer’s Diet

Stephen J. Nichols is President of Reformation Bible College, Chief AcademicOfficer for Ligonier, and host of the 5 minutes in Church History podcast. He’s the co-editor of Crossway’s Theologians of the Christian Life series, and the reason he joins us for this episode is his new biography of R.C. Sproul.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp.  

Best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings in Journey to the Cross encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten season. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Recommended Devotional for Lent [0:00 – 1:17] 

Not THAT Stephen Nichols [1:17 – 4:05] 

Meeting R.C. Sproul [4:05 – 11:12] 

Shaping Influences on R.C.: Pittsburg, Gerstner, Berkouwer, Vesta [11:12 – 16:57] 

Gravity and Gladness [16:57 – 23:21] 

Ligonier Valley Study Center [23:21 – 30:31] 

The Big Break [30:31 – 36:56] 

Controversies [36:56 – 39:31] 

Jim Boice [39:31 – 42:44] 

Evangelicals and Catholics Together [42:44 – 49:04] 

Classical Apologetics [49:04 – 53:59] 

Favorite Book of R.C. Sproul [53:59 – 56:13] 

Quick Questions [56:13 – 1:06:49] 

Books and Everything: 

Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional, by Paul David Tripp 

R.C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols 

The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul  

Important lessons to learn as we deal with negativity and hostility

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions on seven principles for cultivating a Christian posture toward the world.

The triumvirate managed to get together one last time before setting sail for summer plans. With little time to spare before Collin needed to run Tom Cruise-style after a plane bound for the UK, the three amigos chat about the legacies of Tim Keller and Harry Reeder, the books they’ve been reading and hope to read this summer, and whether they think we’ve reached Peak Pride in America. Plus, you’ll hear whether Kevin ever plans to drink Bud Light again (and whether he’s ever had that or any beer ever).

Mentioned Blog Post:

Preaching Resources: A Summer Reading List

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Sponsor

2:35 Summer Plans, Civil Wars, and Sioux Falls

12:53 Tim Keller’s Ministry & Legacy

32:45 Remembering Harry Reeder

39:35 Books

57:30 Are We at Peak Pride?

1:06:10 Closing Comments & Sponsor

Listen as the two friends talk about the Land of Lincoln, about influential books and authors in their lives, and how the importance of friendship. You’ll get to learn more about Jason’s background, more about why he loves the PCA, and you’ll get to hear his great laugh.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & Sponsors

7:41 Hip-hop-Helopoulos

10:32 Administration and Leadership in Pastoral Ministry

26:16 More About Jason

40:10 On the PCA

45:38 Band of Brothers

54:18 Sponsor Break

56:08 Lessons From Ministry

1:05:22 Books

1:11:47 Personal Updates

1:15:41 Who is Laughing at Who?

1:19:41 How Many Wins for Da Bears?

1:20:32 Until Next Time…

Books & Everything:

Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

Crossway Plus

Puritan Treasures for Today

Westminster Theological Seminary Biblical Language Certificate

Persistent Prayer (Blessings of the Faith)

Covenantal Baptism (Blessings of the Faith)

Expository Preaching (Blessings of the Faith)

Reformed Worship (Blessings of the Faith)

Reformed Theology (Blessings of the Faith)

Church Membership (Blessings of the Faith)

The New Pastor's Handbook: Help and Encouragement for the First Years of Ministry

The Preacher's Portrait: Five new Testament Word Studies

The Shepherd Leader at Home: Knowing, Leading, Protecting, and Providing for Your Family

An Able and Faithful Ministry: Samuel Miller and the Pastoral Office

The three amigos are back to kick off a new season of LBE. From college football to dropping kids off at college to the rise of mental health issues on college campuses (and everywhere else!), this episode has a back-to-school vibe you won't want to miss. Stick around for one summer book recommendation from each of the fellas at the very end.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:45 College Football

8:40 Kids to College & Other Life Changes

15:33 Collin’s Summer in the UK

19:30 Digital Liturgies

20:55 Trauma, Anxiety, and Mental Health

43:30 Desiring God - Light & Truth Podcast

44:25 Books

1:00:34 Until Next Time

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.   

Timestamps: 

Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25] 

If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37] 

Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39] 

Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26] 

Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29] 

Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32] 

Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18] 

Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48] 

Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55] 

What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –56:16] 

Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50] 

Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00] 

Books and Everything: 

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, ExpressiveIndividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman 

Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud 

The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff 

Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,by David VanDrunen 

Hands Across the Aisle 

“The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor are joined by Dr. Julius Kim—President of The Gospel Coalition—to discuss each other’s seminary experiences, issues in evangelicalism, how to discern one’s vocational calling, how to be a better preacher, and, last but not least, which books have been most influential in the life and ministry of Dr. Kim.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is, Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop, with contributions by Thabiti Anyabwile, Trillia Newbell, Jarvis Williams, John Onwuchekwa, Collin Hansen, Mika Edmondson, and more. In an effort to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt, Mark Vroegop writes about the practice of lament. Vroegop invites readers to mourn with him over the brokenness that has caused division and to use lament to begin the journey toward a diverse and united church. Pick up your copy of Weep With Me by Mark Vroegop today.Timestamps:

Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop [0:00 - 1:43]

Where we went to seminary and the different branches in evangelicalism [1:43 - 27:58]

Wrestling with my vocational calling [27:58 - 39:38]

How to become a better preacher [39:38 - 52:10]

What books most influenced Julius Kim over the years and what he is reading now [52:10 - 58:07]

Julius Kim’s prior wedding band career [58:07 - 1:06:38]Books and authors that have influenced Julius Kim:

Knowing God by J. I. PackerHow Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture by Francis ShaefferInstitutes of the Christian Religion by John CalvinInstitutes of Elenctic Theology (3 Volume Set) by Francis TurretinThe Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters from Jack Miller by John C. MillerInfluenced by Ed Clowney, Henri Nouwen, and Eugene Peterson.Books that Julius Kim is reading right now:

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Kevin welcomes Phil Ryken, President at Wheaton College, to the podcast to talk about “The Heart of the Cross,” a newly reissued book comprised of sermons from Dr. Ryken and James Montgomery Boice. But before they get to the book, Kevin and Phil talk about preaching, the challenges of higher education, Tenth Presbyterian Church, the ministry of James Boice, and a little bit about pickup basketball.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor [0:00-1:39]

Guest: Phil Ryken [1:40-10:43]

The Merits of Guest Preaching [10:44-13:50]

What Makes for Good Preaching? [13:51-20:50]

Reading When Busy [20:51-22:55]

Issues with Higher Education [22:56-28:38]

Who was James M. Boice? [28:39-38:40]

The Heart of the Cross [38:41-43:32]

The Simplicity and Profundity of the Cross [43:33-52:43]

The Merits of Provocative Advertisements [52:44-56:15]

The Merits of Expository Preaching [56:16-58:41]

The Lack of True Discipleship [58:42-1:01:12]

Why Continually Focus on the Cross? [1:01:13-1:06:52]

Books and Everything:

Freakonomics Podcast Episode on Higher Ed 

The Heart of the Cross  

The Cross of Christ  

In this article written for Crossway, Kevin discusses the meaning of the term "marriage" and how Christians should view same-sex unions.

With a heart of gold, H.B. got up early in the morning from a hotel room in L.A. to talk to Kevin about preaching. If you want to know what H.B. stands for, or what he preached for his first sermon as an 11-year-old boy, or what the hardest in his life was, you won’t want to miss this episode. Get to know H.B. and learn from one of the great preachers of our day.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and Sponsor

1:40 H.B. Charles' Early Life and Ministry

26:11 Sponsor 2: Scriptura

26:52 Sermon Preparation

33:30 Preaching influences

37:30 Comparing Preaching Styles

42:19 Books on Preaching

44:27 What Type of Preacher Are You?

54:02 Encouragement and Exhortation for Preachers

Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, is the special guest for this conversation. Along with Collin, Justin, and Kevin, Tim Keller discusses the Reformed movement itself, The Gospel Coalition, and what comes next in Evangelicalism. Along the way you’ll hear advice for evangelizing, warnings about Christian celebrity, and of course book recommendations for pastors and leaders. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Systematic Theology Series, edited by Graham A. Cole and Oren R. Martin. 

The Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series is designed to equip the church to faithfully understand, love, teach, and apply what God has revealed in Scripture about a variety of theological topics. The series gives valuable advice on applying spiritual gifts in the preaching and evangelism ministry. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Promoting, Celebrating, & Articulating Systematic Theology [0:00 – 1:30] 

Tim Keller Fighting Sin Not Cancer [1:30 – 17:03] 

Top Book Recommendations for Forming Pastors and Leaders [17:03 – 21:37] 

Tim Keller’s Other Spiritual Gifts [21:37 – 27:13] 

British Evangelicalism [27:13 – 34:20] 

Reading at a Rural Church; Eating in a Big City [34:20 – 39:41] 

Reformed Resurgence: The Young, Restless, & Reformed Movement [39:41 – 51:06] 

Evangelical Celebrities [51:06 – 54:33] 

How to Define Evangelicalism: Models vs. Institutions [54:33 – 1:00:34] 

More About the Pastor Celebrity Experience [1:00:34 – 1:10:20] 

Post-Movement Evangelistic Strategies [1:10:20 – 1:12:25] 

Encouragement [1:12:25 – 1:15:20] 

Books and Everything: 

Dynamics of Spiritual Life, by Richard F. Lovelace 

Evangelism Through the Local Church, by Michael Green 

Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green 

Between Faith and Criticism, by Mark Noll 

Reformed Resurgence: The New Calvinist Movement and the Battle Over American Evangelicalism, by Brad Vermurlen  

Often lampooned as boring, bland, and less important than other regions in the country, might it be that the Midwest actually has its own regional identity and a story worth telling? Jon Lauck, a professor at the University of South Dakota thinks so. In this episode Kevin talks to Jon about his excellent new book The Good Country: A History of the American Midwest 1800-1900. They explore what made the region from Ohio to the Dakotas different from New England and from the South and why the old virtues of the Midwest might just be worth pursuing today.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro and Sponsor

1:45 Guest: Jon Lauck

7:11 Midwest Definitions and Stereotypes

26:06 What is the Midwest's Future?

38:12 Sponsor 2: Scriptura

39:12 Midwest Cultural Characteristics

48:26 Reforms and Race Relations in the Midwest

53:02 The Land Grant Act and Universities

57:00 Teaching Men to Behave

1:00:45 Is It Bad to be Sticky?

In this episode, Kevin talks with Melissa Kearney, professor of economics at the University of Maryland, about her new book, The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind (University of Chicago Press, 2023). What is so great about being raised by two parents? When did marriage become a significant cause (and effect) of class distinctions? What can be done to restore the importance of marriage? How can we normalize the two-parent home without stigmatizing single mothers? Listen in as Kevin and Melissa tackle these questions, and many others, in this fascinating discussion about the economics of marriage.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

1:25 A Little About Melissa

7:55 The Two-Parent Privilege

26:45 Sponsor Break | Crossway

27:10 Charts, Numbers, and Trends

43:30 Sponsor Break | Desiring God

43:55 Social Norms

56:50 What’s Coming Up?

58:00 Until Next Time

Books & Everything:

The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind

Ministry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 Corinthians

Foundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy

Originally released on July 1st, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss cancel culture, the inner-ring, new statues that they think should be built, and their summer reading lists.

In this episode of LBE, Kevin visits with Erika Bachiochi—a pro-life legal scholar, an author, a wife, and a mother of seven children. After discussing the Dobbs case which, we hope will overturn Roe, Kevin and Erika turn their attention to the Enlightenment writer Mary Wollstonecraft. In this wide-ranging discussion through Erika’s book The Rights of Women: Reclaiming a Lost Vision (University of Notre Dame Press, 2021). Kevin and Erika talk about the staunch anti-abortion views of early women’s rights advocates, how the feminist movement lost its way, and why our culture needs a new (old) vision of motherhood and fatherhood.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor [0:00-1:22]

Guest: Erika Bachiochi [1:23-8:48]

Abortion & Women's Rights History [8:49-19:12]

Mary Wollstonecraft - Misunderstood? [19:13-32:47]

Sexual and Reproductive Asymmetry [32:48-41:29]

Pregnancy, A Gift not a Liability [41:30-52:48]

Contemporary Sympathies to the Lost Vision [52:49-56:30]

Summing Up Erika's Book [56:31-59:57]

Books:

The Rights of Women: Reclaiming a Lost Vision (Catholic Ideas for a Secular World) 

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and A Vindication of the Rights of Men 

To ignore, minimize, or repudiate the differences between men and women is to reject our creational design.

In this episode, Kevin reads from an article written for Desiring God, reasoning why we should be careful not to banish patriarchy to the ash heap of history too quickly.

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

Is homosexuality normal? Is transgenderism a sin? Is Christian kindness the same thing as spiritual niceness? What's the difference between acceptance and approval? In this episode, Kevin and Rosaria probe these questions and many others like them. Whether you are struggling with sexual sin, know someone who is, or even if you think Kevin and Rosaria are dead wrong, you won't want to miss this important and provocative episode.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

1:40 A Little About Rosaria

15:43 Sponsor: Crossway | The Lord of Psalm 23

16:19 Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

27:26 Lie #1: Homosexuality is Normal

41:48 Lie #2: Being a Spiritual Person is Kinder Than Being a Biblical Christian

48:30 Lies #3, 4, & 5

55:20 Sponsor: DesiringGod | 20th Anniversary of ‘Don’t Waste Your Life’

55:55 Arguments Against Coming Out

1:10:55 “Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?”

1:18:46 The Difference Between Acceptance and Approval

Books & Everything:

Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host

The New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality

Don't Waste Your Life

Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Orto admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the ShortStudies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.  

The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life. 

For 30% off this series and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46] 

Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17] 

A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34] 

Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53] 

VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15] 

Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45] 

Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54] 

Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23] 

Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57] 

Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16] 

Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25] 

Books and More Books: 

The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by ScottKlusendorf 

Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith 

Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey 

Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds 

The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray 

Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel 

The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema 

Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America,by Ismael Hernandez 

America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch 

Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, by Clarke D. Forsythe 

Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk 

When you consider the prospects for Christians right now, you might think they would be in despair. And you might be right. There is a lot of evidence that things are not going well. Kevin, Collin, and Justin look at several specific phenomena that would cause despair. And then they give us things that we can do now to move from that despair and into hope. Plus, there are some great book recommendations!

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord by Michael Reeves. 

Rejoice and Tremble examines the difference between sinful and godly fear and corrects the negative perception of the fear of God. It is part of a series created in partnership with Union School of Theology to teach Christians to delight in God, grow in Christ, serve the church, and bless the world.  

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Have you heard of Michael Reeves? [0:00 – 3:56] 

Life & Football & Everything [3:56 – 7:22] 

How’s COVID-19 going? [7:22 – 25:41] 

Reasons for Current Earthly Despair [25:41 – 44:54] 

• Declining Fertility Rate 
• Declining Church Membership Rate  
• Cultural Institutions Aligned Against Christianity 
• The Speed of the Collapse 
• Race Relations Getting Worse  

Now what do we do? [44:54 – 1:01:56] 

Books & Everything [1:01:56 – 1:15:29] 

Books and Everything: 

Uprooted: Recovering the Legacy of the Places We've Left Behind, by GraceOlmstead  

A Holy Baptism of Fire and Blood: The Bible and the American Civil War,by James Byrd  

Churchill: Walking with Destiny, by Andrew Roberts  

Surviving Religion 101, by Michael Kruger 

The Life of John Murray, by Iain H. Murray  

Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest, by Crawford Gribben  

The Soul of Abraham Lincoln, by William Eleazar Barton 

Gilead, by Marilyn Robinson 

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of September 11, 2001, byGarrett M. Graff 

I know, it’s complicated. But don’t worry, the less you think about it the more it will make sense.

There are many worthwhile battles to fight in life. The most important, most necessary, and most dangerous is the war we must wage against sin, flesh, and the devil.

A new year means new opportunities to grow as Christians. This article written for WORLD Opinions, encourages believers to focus on spiritual development this new year instead of fighting battles outside of themselves.

The three amigos enter into a meandering conversation about Christian Nationalism and try to discern the level of the world’s hostility to the church in this cultural moment. They also make some political predictions and (most importantly) encourage Christian leaders that, whatever the winds blowing against us, the fundamental realities of ministry have not changed.

Timestamps:

Intro and Sponsor [0:00-1:30]

Sports Banter [1:31-2:51]

Election Predictions [2:52-10:35]

Christian Nationalism [10:36-33:12]

How Bad Are Things? [33:13-1:05:23]

Book Recommendations [1:05:24-1:13:44]

Books and Everything:

ESV Expositor's Commentary https://www.crossway.org/articles/introducing-the-esv-expository-commentary-series/

Ask Pastor John https://www.desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john

Psalms Two Volume Set: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) https://a.co/d/d8zYc8m

ESV Expository Commentary: Psalms–Song of Solomon Volume 5 https://www.crossway.org/books/esv-expository-commentary-premiumhc-5/

Liberty and Freedom: A Visual History of America's Founding Ideas (America: a cultural history, Volume III) https://a.co/d/eWuCXan

Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture https://a.co/d/aX6nKPZ

The Case Against the Sexual Revolution https://a.co/d/8f8LjBF

The War on the West https://a.co/d/8DA8NKv

Albion's Seed (text only) illustrated edition edition by D. H. Fischer https://a.co/d/3ZAT9Qv

The Origins of American Religious Nationalism (Religion in America) https://a.co/d/cUmSZVq

The Myth of American Inequality: How Government Biases Policy Debate https://a.co/d/5U3SoF9