Life and Books and Everything

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 PlainTruth for Life: 365 Daily DevotionsTruth for Life: 365 Daily Devotions (Volume 2)The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the CultureAsk Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important QuestionsAsk Pastor John PodcastAll the Light We Cannot See: A NovelA Change of Affection: A Gay Man's Incredible Story of RedemptionCollected Writings of John Murray, Vol 1: The Claims of TruthCollected Writings of John Murray, Vol 2: Systematic TheologyCollected Writings of John Murray, Vol 3: Life, Sermons, Reviews

Any Christian trying to formulate a political theology cannot afford to ignore the impressive work done by David VanDrunen over the past decade. In this long-ish interview, Kevin asks Dave about two kingdoms theology, natural law, the purpose of government, and the importance of the Noahic Covenant. Stick around and you'll also learn what VanDrunen means by "conservative liberalism" and "legal polycentrism." You'll also hear what Kevin and Dave would do (or not do) if they were starting a Presbyterian colony on Mars.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:30 Politics after Christendom16:45 Covenants and Reformed Theology31:10 Sponsor Break | Crossway32:00 Does Christ Redeem Political Institutions?36:00 Responding to Criticism43:10 A Presbyterian Colony on Mars?55:00 Does Government Protect, Perfect, or Provide?1:03:40 Sponsor | DesiringGod1:04:10 A Conservative Liberalism1:11:10 Legal Polycentrism1:20:55 Until Next TimeBooks & Everything:Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured WorldO Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to EpiphanyAsk Pastor John PodcastAsk Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions

In this fun and frank discussion, Kevin and Carl talk about everything from Billy Graham to Pride Month to Christian Nationalism. Along the way Carl reveals what he hates about America and why he is not a Catholic.

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 Intro1:25 A Little About Melissa7:55 The Two-Parent Privilege26:45 Sponsor Break | Crossway27:10 Charts, Numbers, and Trends43:30 Sponsor Break | Desiring God43:55 Social Norms56:50 What’s Coming Up?58:00 Until Next TimeBooks & Everything:The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling BehindMinistry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 CorinthiansFoundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy

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 Welcome1:17 The Critical Dilemma23:25 Sponsor | Crossway Books24:00 What is Contemporary Critical Theory57:30 Sponsor | Desiring God58:05 CRT: A Worldview or Religion?1:11:40 A Final Word1:14:45 Until Next TimeBooks & Everything:Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and SocietyWhy Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to ChristianityFive Lies of Our Anti-Christian AgeFoundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy

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 Intro1:40 A Little About Rosaria15:43 Sponsor: Crossway | The Lord of Psalm 2316:19 Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age27:26 Lie #1: Homosexuality is Normal41:48 Lie #2: Being a Spiritual Person is Kinder Than Being a Biblical Christian48:30 Lies #3, 4, & 5 55:20 Sponsor: DesiringGod | 20th Anniversary of ‘Don’t Waste Your Life’55:55 Arguments Against Coming Out1:10:55 “Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?”1:18:46 The Difference Between Acceptance and ApprovalBooks & Everything:Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian AgeThe Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and HostThe New Reformation Catechism on Human SexualityDon't Waste Your Life

Was the Protestant Reformation a repudiation of the church's history? Was it a rejection of Medieval theology? Did the Reformation lead to schism in the church? Kevin talks to Matthew Barrett, professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, about these questions and many more in this episode of LBE. Listen in for some big picture analysis on church history as well as some deep nerdery on Reformation theology.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:47 The Reformation as Renewal17:17 Jonathan Leeman’s New Book18:00 Let’s Go Back to Aquinas40:30 True or False?: The Reformation Divided the Church48:20 Desiring God’s Light & Truth Podcast48:50 Unsung Reformers53:48 Books1:05:37 Until Next TimeBooks:The Reformation as RenewalAuthority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human FlourishingIntroduction to Reformed ScholasticismProtestant Scholasticism: Essays in ReassesmentAquinas Among the Protestants

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 Intro00:45 College Football8:40 Kids to College & Other Life Changes15:33 Collin’s Summer in the UK19:30 Digital Liturgies20:55 Trauma, Anxiety, and Mental Health43:30 Desiring God - Light & Truth Podcast44:25 Books1:00:34 Until Next Time

Don't skip over the preposition. This special episode is an interview with Kevin, instead of an interview by Kevin. Not long ago, Tom Groelsema, one of the pastors at Christ Covenant, took the evening service to interview Kevin. This was not Kevin's idea, but he was grateful for the opportunity to share about life, and books, and everything for his congregation—and now for this podcast as well.

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 ListChapters:0:00 Intro & Sponsor2:35 Summer Plans, Civil Wars, and Sioux Falls12:53 Tim Keller’s Ministry & Legacy32:45 Remembering Harry Reeder39:35 Books57:30 Are We at Peak Pride?1:06:10 Closing Comments & Sponsor

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

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.

Though the language sounds similar at times, the beliefs are quite distinct. Mormons do not understand history, God, man, salvation, heaven, hell, the cross, Jesus, or the Trinity as the canonical Scriptures teach, nor do they agree with the conciliar doctrine taught by the one, holy, catholic, apostolic church over the last two thousand years.In this article, Kevin outlines the historical and theological distinctions between Mormonism and Christianity.

With a 30-year career in Washington, D.C. and going on ten years as president of Grove City College, Paul McNulty has had a remarkable career. Recently, Dr. McNulty, a PCA ruling elder, gave the commencement address at Covenant Day School (where Kevin’s kids attend) and then spoke during the Sunday school hour at Christ Covenant Church. This is a “live” recording of Kevin’s conversation with Paul last Sunday. The wide ranging interview covers everything from politics to Christian education to suffering and loss.

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

He kept the main thing the main thing. He wasn’t a jerk. He wasn’t a prima donna. He was enjoyable to be around. He was full of the fruit of the Spirit.That’s a good life; that’s a Christian life.

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.

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

Kevin reflects on the current cultural climate of gender expression and offers the explicit opinion of scripture as a rebuttal.

How should the Christian think about technology? How should we use technology? Are we better off as Luddites who avoid new technologies? In this episode—ironically, interrupted by many technological glitches!—Kevin talks with two of our leading writers when it comes to God, technology, and culture. Although Tony is a techno-optimist and Samuel is more of a techno-pessimist (or “realist” might be better), they both agree that technology can be a gift from God and also has the potential to reshape us in harmful ways. Listen in for a discussion that is part biblical musing, part intellectual analysis, and part practical application.Timestamps: 0:00 Intro and Sponsor 1:58 Guest 1: Samuel James 4:03 Guest 2: Tony Reinke 6:16 Technology Optimism and Pessimism 17:41 The Tech-Blessed 21st Century 25:49 Dangers of Tech and Digital Discourse 48:40 Sponsor 2 49:18 Should We Throw Out Our Smartphones? 56:03 How Should We Parent concerning Tech?

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.

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.

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.

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

St. Patrick was more than the Americanized way of celebrating him. His life’s work is marked by faithfulness to evangelism and the gospel.

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?

Many of the most virulent critics seemed to object to any asymmetry between men and women in sexual intimacy.In this episode, Kevin offers six reflections amid the firestorm surrounding an article by Joshua Butler for The Gospel Coalition.

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.

True revival is marked by a rediscovery of the word of God, a restored sense of the fear of God, a return to God through confession and repentance, a renewed spiritual commitment as God’s people, and, finally, a reformation if true piety.What are Christians to make of the Asbury Revival? This episode outlines biblical examples of spiritual renewal through the ages.

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.

As long as there is sin and suffering in the world, the gospel will be relevant.In the wake of the tragic MSU shooting, Christians must remember that the hope of healing lies in the truth of the gospel.

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.

For many of us, the danger is not that we would explicitly deny the Word of God. The danger is that we nullify the truth in other, more subtle ways.In this article, Kevin reads from a devotional he wrote for "By Faith" for the 50th anniversary of the PCA.

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.

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.

A Princeton University president, teacher, preacher, politician, Declaration of Independence signatory, and a slave owner. As an early American patriot, John Witherspoon has been the center of some recent controversy as a statue of him may be removed from historic Princeton University library grounds.In this episode, Kevin reads from his article written for “Princetonians for Free Speech” and adds new information to his December 2022 article regarding Witherspoon's estate at the end of his life.

Before we denounce most leaders as Pharisees and large swaths of the church as complicit in the evil deeds of darkness, let’s make sure we are not trafficking in well-meaning, but unhelpful, myths.This article, written for WORLD Opinions, urges Christians to be aware of and address sin, but to abstain from assigning widespread guilt to the church as a whole.

If you want a longer-than-usual discussion about football, you’ve come to the right episode. After ruminating on why Americans like football so much, the three amigos turn their attention to more familiar themes, prognosticating on which Christians around today will still be known 50 years from now. This leads to a subsequent discussion about strategy versus faithfulness, and then a final conversation about the missing piety in our age.Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Sponsor 2:11 Banter and Listener Mailbox 5:39 Why Do Americans like Football? 20:36 Who Will We Remember in Fifty Years? 42:31 How Can We Make a Difference 52:47 Have We Become Allergic to Piety? 1:05:40 Sponsor 2 1:06:21 Recent Lessons

In this Episode from an written for Christ Over All, Kevin discusses the moral and economic affects that abortion has on mothers, families, and women.

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.

A Princeton University president, teacher, preacher, politician, Declaration of Independence signatory, and a slave owner. As an early American patriot, John Witherspoon has been the center some recent controversy as a statue of him may be removed from historic Princeton University library grounds. In this episode, Kevin reads from his article written for “Princetonians for Free Speech” and reflects on his life as a whole, including his status as land owner and what his motives were for also owning one slave.

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.

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.

The gang is back for one last episode in 2022. There is the usual sports banter (very brief), and some good natured ribbing toward Justin, who seems to know nothing about pop culture but still has dreams about Elvis. The three friends share some of their favorite reads from the past year, and they wrap things up discussing an article by Paul House about J.I. Packer and how to renew evangelicalism.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads his article from The Gospel Coalition and pleads with pastors not to cancel Christmas services this year.