Covenant Podcast

The life and ministry of John Collett Ryland will transition our studies away from hyper- Calvinism among Particular Baptists. He is an appropriate figure for this move because he was close friends with a number of orthodox men with varied views on Calvinism. For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

With the torrent of publications on the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, the time is ripe for a dictionary dedicated to this incredibly rich yet diverse field. This companion volume to the well-received Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (CNTUOT) brings together leading evangelical biblical scholars to explore and explain the many facets of how the New Testament writers appropriated the Old Testament. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-New-Testament-Use-Old/dp/1540960048 For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Hot Water: A Baptismal Controversy from the 1690s and its Relevance for Today In the 1690s a contentious debate broke out in Suffolk, England, between an Anglican rector and those we have come to know as Particular Baptists. The purpose of this book is to examine this controversy and consider some crucial issues it raised, principally the nature of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It involved three men, William Burkitt (1650–1703), John Tredwell, and Benjamin Keach (1640–1704). It is the hope of the author that these events in the 1690s and their thoughtful consideration found within these pages will help Christians think through issues of church membership, Baptism, church discipline and other issue pertaining to the theology and practice of ecclesiology. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Water-Baptismal-Controversy-Relevance-ebook/dp/B0DDL9MPHN For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Hyper-Calvinism in English Baptist circles in the 19th century grew and changed in significant ways. But rather than continue on into the 19th century too far, I want to take another approach to complete, for now, our look at hyper-Calvinism in Baptist circles. Let me point you to a 5 volume study entitled “The Strict Baptist Chapels of England.” For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

The KJV beautifully rendered the Scriptures into the language of turn-of-the-seventeenth-century England. Even today the King James is the most widely read Bible in the United States. The rich cadence of its Elizabethan English is recognized even by non-Christians. But English has changed a great deal over the last 400 years, and in subtle ways that very few modern readers will recognize. In Authorized Mark L. Ward, Jr. shows what exclusive readers of the KJV are missing as they read God's word. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel speak with Brice Bigham on the Law of God. Brice Bigham came on staff at CBTS in 2019. He serves as a Deacon at Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Owensboro, KY. He has earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia International University and a Master of Divinity from CBTS (’24). He lives with his wife Alina and their four children. Brice particularly enjoys church history, homesteading, and spending time with his family. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

The active obedience of Christ is a vital biblical doctrine that helps sinners see Jesus better. Many know Jesus to be the one who atoned for sin, securing forgiveness for those who trust in Him. This is both wonderful and crucial. But being forgiven is not enough. God requires perfect obedience for eternal life. Even Jesus says so. Thankfully, God not only requires perfect obedience but also graciously provides through His Son. In addition to atonement, Jesus positively fulfilled the divine requirement by His perfect obedience. In other words, Jesus removes guilt for wrongdoing, and Jesus provides perfect righteousness by His obedience to the divine law. In The Active Obedience of Christ, readers are directed to Jesus—the one who is better than many may have ever realized! Patrick Abendroth is Senior Pastor of Omaha Bible Church, author of Covenant Theology, and host of the Pactum. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska (B.A.), the Master’s Theological Seminary (MDiv), and the Ligonier Academy (DMin). Pat and his wife, Molly, have five children and reside in Omaha, Nebraska. For more information about CBTSeminary visit: https://cbtseminary.org To register for the 2025 Covenant Conference, visit: covcon.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, Pastor Dewey Dovel interviews Pastor Bart Carlson on a "Call to the Ministry." Pastor Bart Carlson graduated from Trinity Ministerial Academy in 1992. After a brief time assisting churches in the Philippines he became an elder at Trinity Baptist Church in 1995 and since then has served the church in full-time preaching, teaching and pastoral duties. For more information about Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Readers of this volume will be both informed and perhaps even transformed, by a better understanding of the Early English Baptist development of a biblically distinctive theology of religious liberty in an era when it was not enjoyed by many and was endorsed by few, well before the radical cultural and intellectual shifts of the eighteenth century. To purchase a copy of this book click here: https://hesedandemet.com/product/every-mans-conscience-early-english-baptists-and-the-fight-for-religious-liberty/ To learn more about CBTS, click here: CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview Dr. Nettles on Elements of Baptist Identity, drawn from his book "The Baptists: Vol.1". Dr. Nettles writes that Baptists are: 1) Orthodox 2) Evangelical 3) Ecclesiological Separate 4) Conscientiously Confessional. Desire theological training? Enrollment to CBTSeminary is open year-round! For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church with Justin Schell Order you copy of this book here: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-mission-of-god-and-the-witness-of-the-chur-tpb/ “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). This declarative phrase introduces fundamental questions circling the minds of skeptics and believers of Christianity alike. What was God’s mission when he chose to create? And why, through the Savior’s death on the cross and the witness of his church, does he continue to redeem the very creation that rebels against him? To answer these imperative questions, author Justin Schell takes readers on a canonical journey exploring the mission of the eternal God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Drawing insights from creation, the exodus of God’s people, the suffering servant, the Great Commission, and consummation, this book examines the purpose and beauty of God’s great story. It is out of an abundance of love that God brings us into union with him, calling his church to bear witness to all that has been done in Christ, until the day that he returns. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview James Renihan on the Psalms. They discuss why Christian ministers should preach this portion of God's Word Christologically, a method for doing so, and examples of this interpretive approach. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode, Austin McCormick interviews Mark Ward on Bible Translations. Mark Ward holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Interpretation from BJU Seminary. His dissertation was entitled, "Paul’s Positive Religious Affections." He currently works for Crossway Publishers on special projects. Before that, he was a writer and editor and presenter for Logos, whose mission is to use technology to equip the church to grow in the light of the Bible. He have written several books, including "Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible," which comes “highly recommended” by D.A. Carson-and has an accompanying Faithlife documentary. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Gordon Taylor received his B.A. from Cedarville University in Speech and Pre-Seminary Bible in 1966. He received the M.Div. from Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary in 1969. He was the pastor of two different churches. He served at Calvary Baptist Church in Greene, Iowa from 1969 to 1975. He served at the Sycamore Baptist Church near East Moline, IL for 33 years from 1975 – 2008. While pastor at Sycamore he led the church to adopt the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith. In 2008, he was called to be the Coordinator of the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of American and served for 7 years retiring in 2015. Since he retired he helped form the Reformed Baptist Network where he now serves as the Network’s voluntary Coordinator. He is married to Rayna and they have 4 married children and 15 grandchildren. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Dr. Scott N. Callaham is Dean of the Institute of Public Theology. He is the lead editor of World Mission: Theology, Strategy, and Current Issues, as well as the author of Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpreters in both English and Chinese. He is the host of the Daily Dose of Aramaic podcast and a composer of Chinese worship music for congregational singing. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Navigating Cultural Chaos with Children & Teens with Andrew Walker For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

Dewey Dovel interviews George McDearmon in this conversation on "Child Rearing to the Glory of God." For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview Brian Borgman on his book "Don't Waste Your Breath: Ecclesiastes and the Joy of a Fleeting Life." Paul Washer said of this book, "I will never look at the book of Ecclesiastes the same way again." Here is a brief description of the book: "Your life is a mere breath. This reality can be difficult for us to live by. The book of Ecclesiastes takes us on a journey to show us that although this life is a vapor, it is still a gift from God meant to be enjoyed. Instead of giving a pessimistic look at life under the sun, Ecclesiastes shows us how to glorify God in this fleeting life by enjoying the ordinary, good gifts God bestows." You can order your copy here: https://freegracepress.com/products/dont-waste-your-breath For more information about Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, Pastor Dewey Dovel interviews former NASA employee Jeff Williams. "Williams was selected for the NASA Astronaut Class of 1996. In addition to his space flights, he has performed various technical duties in both the space shuttle and International Space Station Programs. He has served in the Extravehicular Activity (EVA), Space Station, and Soyuz Branches of the Astronaut Office, led the development of a space shuttle cockpit upgrade, and completed temporary assignments at Marshall Space Flight Center supporting the test and evaluation of the ISS U.S. Laboratory Module and at NASA Headquarters in support of legislative affairs. In July 2002, Williams commanded a nine-day coral reef expedition operating from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aquarius undersea habitat off the coast of Florida. Williams has also served on the ISS backup flight crews for Expeditions 12, 19, 20, as well as the backup for the one-year flight spanning Expeditions 43 through 46. Williams has logged more than 534 days in space, including nearly 32 hours in five spacewalks." For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview Timothy Decker on Textual Criticism. They discuss the importance of textual criticism for pastors, different methodologies, and the necessity of this discipline. If you're interested in registering for or auditing the class referenced in this conversation, you can click here: https://form.jotform.com/241626055201142

Richard B. Dewey, Jr., MD is a neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease, but more importantly, he is a believer in Jesus Christ, the eternally-existing Son of God who gave Himself a ransom for many. Dr. Dewey was saved as a young child being brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord by faithful, believing parents. Throughout his youth he was taught the Word in a series of Bible churches, and in high school, he began leading small group Bible studies in homes and later in college dorms. During his college years he discovered the tape ministry of John MacArthur and began listening to as many tapes of his sermons that he could get his hands on. Shortly after moving to Dallas, he joined Countryside Bible Church which was later (and is now currently) pastored by Tom Pennington, a former associate pastor at Grace Community Church in California. In 2007 Dr. Dewey was asked by Countryside’s leadership to develop a home fellowship Bible study program. In connection with this ministry, he wrote study questions covering 14 books of the Bible which were used by the church as the home fellowship curriculum. In 2016 he was asked to serve as an elder at Countryside, and later that same year he began serving as a member of the board of directors of the Master’s University and Seminary. He retired from the Master’s board in 2021 and moved to Florida in 2022 where he is now attending a like-minded church that seeks to glorify Christ in all that it does. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this mini-episode of the Covenant Podcast, Austin McCormick asks Dr. Sam Waldron to provide some books that have been helpful to his 45-year ministry. Additionally, Austin asked Dr. Waldron about the usefulness of having "Dead Theological Mentors." For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Pastor Austin McCormick interviews Pastor Dewey Dovel to discuss "Five Distinguish Marks of a Reformed Baptist." Dewey explains that Reformed Baptists are Catholic, Calvinistic, Confessional, Covenantal, and Credo-Baptist. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Gill Group #3 - The Cause of God and Truth, Pt.1 | Covenant Podcast In this conversation, Pastors Austin McCormick, Dewey Dovel, and Ken Glisch discuss various sections of Part 1 of John Gill's "The Cause of God and Truth." This work defends the doctrines of grace, i.e., Calvinism. For more information, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel speak with Jim Savastio about the Virtual Public Square. More specifically, we talk about how Reformed Baptists can use the mediums in our day to produce edifying content. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode, Dewey Dovel and Austin McCormick speak with Dr. Justin Miller, Pastor of FBC Puxico (MO), about the Expositor's Institute For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, we play a Sunday School lecture that Dewey Dovel presented to his congregation, Emmanuel Reformed Baptist Church in SeaTac (WA). For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, we discuss a Christian Apologetic against Mormonism with Bradley Campbell. Bradley is a part of the God Loves Mormons team, and leads both the Youth and Young Adult groups at The Mission Church. The GLM YouTube Channel is designed to provide helpful and thought-provoking content for Mormons who are trying to better understand the Christian faith, and for Christians who are wanting to lovingly engage their Latter-day Saint neighbors and friends. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

"It is always gratifying to see increased exegetical clarity with regard to an important passage of Scripture. It is especially gratifying when that clarity provides timely, practical guidance to the believer. Such clarity and practicality are the blessed results of Tim Decker's study on Romans 13. I have been convinced for many years of his exegetical approach to and understanding of Romans 13 and have defended it in my Political Revolution in the Reformed Tradition: An Historical and Biblical Critique. Recent events in the church and society have only emphasized both the doctrinal and practical necessity of this understanding of Romans 13. May God give this book great influence." -Dr. Sam Waldron For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Dewey Dovel interviews Jimmy Johnson and Austin McCormick on "Preaching through Proverbs." Jimmy and Austin discuss some different approaches to preaching through this book, some useful reasons to do so, and some Christologically rich passages. For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode, Dewey Dovel and Jimmy Johnson discuss the history of the Reformed Forum with Dr. Camden Bucey. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Austin McCormick, Jimmy Johnson, and Dewey Dovel interview Dr. Joel Beeke on Puritanism. Dr. Beeke lists some of his favorite Puritans and describes how he became interested in the Puritans. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode, Austin McCormick, Jimmy Johnson and Dewey Dovel discussed Inaugurated Eschatology with Dr. Joel Beeke. Dr. Beeke describes why he prefers the name "Inaugurated Eschatology" over "Amillennialism," then recaps his conference sessions from CovCon24. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

"Since the beginning of the biblical counseling movement in 1970, biblical counselors have argued that counseling is a ministry of the Word, just like preaching or missions. As a ministry, counseling must be defined according to sound biblical theology rather than secular principles of psychology." Pick up a copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Biblical-Counseling-Doctrinal-Foundations/dp/0310518164/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vrNwnVmFtQ8wZe_OtF4lXIfWYUcyMfaFJKUx7Gypp9kyVoYreKx8uFFhMpNAFgoaQhmQnMpKRkfAFgYmntBnMdHpk6BwXhuHoQKt-O-TM-G6YCJ3noke_3C4AoodbXV179Lo9EeMwDw8wJROBTuHWvFP6RNsAwuaTraLQNXiW0Oy2Qyb-zFd5a2Dv8cSNJe8HVU_iteUXfZXfvvACx8Bq7oJdCy_zBwLgXF_7rgGPis.hFGDsUdVhQH8JP5nHp5SzHDQXhKp7Ei-mCXO7WrNjQI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=580696372702&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9014720&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15452750106118937879&hvtargid=kwd-242208565447&hydadcr=22592_13493326&keywords=theology+of+biblical+counseling&qid=1710780857&sr=8-1 For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Check out these previous episodes with Rexford Semread to learn more about John Calvin: 1. Lessons from John Calvin with Rexford Semrad: https://covenantpodcast.podbean.com/e/lessons-from-john-calvin-with-rexford-semrad/ 2. Calvin, Servetus, and the Libertines with Rexford Semrad: https://covenantpodcast.podbean.com/e/calvin-servetus-and-the-libertines-with-rexford-semrad/ For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this second episode of #GillGroup Austin McCormick, Dewey Dovel, Jimmy Johnson, and Ken Glisch discuss John Gill's Commentary on the Song of Solomon, with emphasis on his Christological interpretive approach to this book. In our first ever #GillGroup we discussed the importance of Gill and why were doing these episodes on his life, ministry, and theology. If you missed that conversation, you can catch it here: https://youtu.be/l0DIXsxMhyw?si=DquAap6_NsRitnDR

The Theology of Robert Hall Jr.: The Undermining of Calvinism among the English Particular Baptists by Austin Walker Purchase the book here: https://hesedandemet.com/product/robert-hall/ Robert Hall (1760-1831) became a prominent figure in Nonconformist and wider circles during the first three decades of the nineteenth century. He was preeminently a preacher endowed with unusual powers of oratory which captivated his congregations in Cambridge, Leicester, and Bristol. He was brought up in a Particular Baptist environment (his own father was the “father figure” in the Northamptonshire Baptist Association). However, he did not consistently follow in those footsteps. The Theology of Robert Hall Jr. gives an account of how he espoused universal atonement, how his doctrine of justification appeared more Baxterian than biblical, and how he strenuously promoted open communion, together with his pragmatic approach to ecclesiology. Hall represented a generation of Baptists who were departing from their Calvinistic roots, a departure which sadly continued at an even more rapid rate following his death.

"We believe in sola scriptura! But we also believe that Christ has been giving gifts to His church for these last 20 centuries. Indisputably, one of those gifts—and, indeed, one of the greatest of those gifts—was Charles Haddon Spurgeon. For us as Reformed Baptists, he ought to have the greatest respect that may be given to one of the pastor-teachers (Eph.4:11) given to Christ’s church. We ought to listen and learn when he speaks, and especially when he speaks on an issue so practically important as the Christian Sabbath. Brandon Rhea has done the church a great service by reminding us in this book of Spurgeon’s confessional views of the Christian Sabbath and indeed of the law of God in general. May God give this book great influence for good!" -Sam Waldron President, Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary Pastor, Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Owensboro, Kentucky. To get your copy of Dr. Rhea's book, click here: https://press.founders.org/shop/spurgeons-forgotten-sabbatarianism/

"Living in God’s Two Kingdoms illustrates how a two-kingdoms model of Christianity and culture affirms much of what is compelling in these transformationist movements while remaining faithful to the whole counsel of Scripture. By focusing on God’s response to each kingdom―his preservation of the civil society and his redemption of the spiritual kingdom―VanDrunen teaches readers how to live faithfully in each sphere." Pick up a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Gods-Two-Kingdoms-Christianity/dp/1433514044

Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Pastors-Life-Practical-Wisdom-Puritans/dp/1527103676 "The men whose stories appear in this book made up a network of pastors. Through personal contact, or influence, or by reading each other’s books, they were bound together in a spiritual brotherhood. They shared a common burden to see God glorified, his Son magnified, and his Spirit honoured by wholesome and practical biblical preaching, wise pastoral counselling, church and family strengthening, and faithful Christian living. Haste and Parker introduce us to these men, their theology, and the lessons we can learn from them."

J.R.R. Tolkien: Christian Maker of Middle-Earth by Jeremy W. Johnston https://hesedandemet.com/product/j-r-r-tolkien-christian-maker-of-middle-earth/ “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” So begins J.R.R. Tolkien’s marvellous tale of wizards, elves, dragons, and dwarves in the children’s book, The Hobbit. Since Bilbo Baggins entered the hearts and minds of readers in 1937, millions of people around the world have gone on to read, watch, and study Tolkien’s epic masterpieces The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Yet, in spite of the legacy and the world-wide fame of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, many people know more about hobbits, trolls, and magic rings than they do about the man behind it all. So who was J.R.R. Tolkien, the maker of Middle-earth? In his own words, he says, “I am a Christian” and plainly states that he wrote The Lord of the Rings “to be consonant with Christian thought and belief.” This is why Tolkien’s Christian faith is the linchpin for fully understanding and appreciating his voluminous writings. This biography is intended to show readers that Tolkien’s Christian faith was central to his life and work, personally, professionally, and—most importantly—creatively.

An Evangelical Conversation on Church Planting with Tom Hawkes | The Covenant Podcast Confessional, Affordable, Theological Education CBTS is a Confessional Reformed Baptist Seminary Providing Affordable Online Theological Education to Help the Church in its Calling to Train Faithful Men for the Gospel Ministry. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview Phil Johnson about Charles Finney. They discuss emotionalism, revivalism, the anxious bench, the altar call, and more. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Matthew Stanton about his book "Liturgy and Identity: London Baptists and the Hymn-Singing Controversy." To purchase this book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Liturgy-Identity-Baptists-Hymn-Singing-Controversy/dp/B0B9QMQC1J?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview Dr. Matthew Stanton about the Benjamin Keach Project. Dr. Stanton, along with the publishing aid of Particular Baptist Heritage Books, is helping to get the works of Benjamin Keach into the hands of 21st-century believers. To buy volume 1 of the works of Benjamin Keach, click on this link: https://www.particularbaptistbooks.com/benjamin-keach-volume-1 For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this inaugural episode of #GillGroup Austin McCormick, Dewey Dovel, Jimmy Johnson, and Ken Glisch discuss the significance of John Gill. Additionally, Jimmy Johnson provides a biographical sketch of Gill. The Covenant Podcast drew inspiration to create this "show within a show" by profiting from the Reformed Forum's "Vos Group." Listen to previous episodes of the Covenant Podcast here: https://covenantpodcast.podbean.com/ For more information about Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this episode, Austin McCormick and Dewey Dovel interview Patrick Abendroth on his book, "Covenant Theology." We discuss i) the importance of Covenant Theology, ii) the covenants of works, grace, and redemption, iii) the problems of biblicism, and more. Pick up a copy of Dr. Abendroth's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Patrick-Abendroth/dp/0976080427 For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Austin McCormick interviews John Divito to discuss "Evangelizing Mormons." Before John was saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, he lived as a Mormon for some time. John has a burden to see the Lord save more Mormons from this false religion to the praise of God's glory. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck sparked a theological tradition in the Netherlands that came to be known as Neo-Calvinism. While studies in Neo-Calvinism have focused primarily on its political and philosophical insights, its theology has received less attention. In Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction, Cory C. Brock and N. Gray Sutanto present the unique dogmatic contributions of the tradition. Each chapter focuses on a distinct theological aspect, such as revelation, creation, salvation, and ecclesiology. Neo-Calvinism produced rich theological work that yields promise for contemporary dogmatics. This book invites readers into this rich theological trajectory. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

At the request of one of our listeners, Pastor Jimmy Johnson addresses the doctrine of "Progressive Sanctification." We hope that this conversation is useful as we seek to equip our listeners with theological content from a 1689 Baptist perspective!