Life and Books and Everything

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.

If you love long words like antidisestablishmentarianism and are looking for a deep dive into history, then this episode is for you. Jonathan is a professor at Samford University who specializes in the founding era of American history. He joins Kevin to talk about the 50 years process by which the American states ended their church establishments. Find out how it happened, why it happened, and why it did not happen (hint: it wasn’t because secularism was winning out over Christianity). Timestamps: 0:00 Intro and Sponsor 1:09 Guest: Jonathan Den Hartog 4:56 Religion and Disestablishment in the American States 13:49 Secularism or Religious Liberty? 39:39 Presbyterian Perspectives 44:58 Freed from Worldly Cares 49:04 Liberal Religion in Massachusetts 54:11 "Doing History" Books: Disestablishment and Religious Dissent: Church-State Relations in the New American States Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ

In this fun, punchy, and (hopefully) edifying conversation, Kevin interviews his good friend, Mark Dever, about his conversion, his ministry on Capitol Hill, whether you have to be an extrovert to evangelize, and why Kevin likes G.K. Chesterton and Mark doesn’t. Timestamps: Intro, Guest, and Sponsor [0:00-4:21] Does Membership Make Churches Unfriendly? [4:22-8:58] Dever's Youth and Conversion [8:59-15:13] Practicals for Evangelism [15:14-19:14] Dever's Later Education [19:15-25:42] Ministry in DC [25:43-36:16] Dever's Influences [36:17-40:22] Strengths and Weaknesses [40:23-44:10] Presbyterians and Baptists [44:11-48:14] Evangelicalism [48:15-55:12]

Was America founded on purely Christian principles and ideals? Or, were the founding fathers simply trying to prevent corruption and preserve the sanctity of consciousness? In this article for WORLD opinions, Kevin discusses three observable pillars that make up the famous and crucial founding principles of America’s heritage.

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

Reformation Day may be behind us, but a huge responsibility lies before us. The faith of the Reformation must be kept alive because the ideas Luther combatted are just as much present in our own day. In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions on the modern world and its new forms of works righteousness.

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?"

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 Ministryhttps://www.wtsbooks.com/products/theology-for-ministry-how-doctrine-affects-pastoral-life-and-practice-9781629956558?variant=41604258365640The Epistle to the Romanshttps://www.wtsbooks.com/products/epistle-to-the-romans-9781955859035?variant=41473237811400The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters https://a.co/d/a3RaCxcThe Holy Spirit (Contours of Christian Theology) https://a.co/d/76VeDQV

Too often Christian leaders lay impossible burdens on their people, insisting that they solve a host of social ills and become experts in a thousand different areas, forgetting to assure them that to get married, raise children in the church, and stay married is a life well lived. In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for First Things where he makes the case that the most significant thing happening in the world may very well be a thing that is not happening: Men and women are not having children, and how Christians ought to respond.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

People know when their leaders no longer like them In this episode, Kevin reads from an article he wrote for WORLD reflecting on one lesson from Liz Cheney’s 37-point defeat in Wyoming’s Republican primary.

We’re in a battle whether we like it or not, but how we fight matters. In this episode, Kevin reads from the third of a series of articles for WORLD Opinions on how to think about Christianity and politics.

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.

There is no category called “politics” that can be safely quarantined from the category we call “religion.” In this episode, Kevin reads from the second of a series of articles for WORLD Opinions on how to think about Christianity and politics.

Maybe the movie ends with the good guys smiling with grateful satisfaction, knowing that whatever failures lay in the past, and whatever dangers lie ahead, this was a day for celebration. In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions on why Christians should rejoice in the destruction of an instrument of death.

Kevin welcomes Tommy Kidd to LBE to talk about Tommy’s new biography on Thomas Jefferson. How should we understand Jefferson’s many inconsistencies and contradictions? How do we make sense of his significant moral failings? Was he a Christian? Is his legacy worth commemorating and celebrating? Kevin and Tommy talk about these questions and many others in an hour-long discussion that goes deep into history and helps us think about the Declaration of Independence that Americans will celebrate in just a few days. Timestamps: Intro and Guest: Thomas Kidd [0:00-6:32] The Discipline of Writing [6:33-10:14] Jefferson: Historical Hypocrite? [10:15-32:41] Sally Hemmings [32:42-38:20 Jefferson's Religion [38:21-52:47] The Mammoth Cheese Episode [52:48-56:33] Jefferson vs. Patrick Henry [56:34-59:06] Father of the University of Virginia [59:07-1:04:02] Why Celebrate Jefferson? [1:04:03-1:10:46] Books and Everything: Thomas Kidd's Twitter account: https://twitter.com/thomasskidd Thomas Kidd's newsletter: https://twitter.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=393885e6de8bef994ad9a4c3b&id=f10e42555a Thomas Jefferson: A Biography of Spirit and Flesh: https://a.co/d/elVxdLe

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.

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.

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

Pride Month turns a moral argument—about which the Bible has clear and unequivocal answers—into a quest for personal self-acceptance, which is why many soft-hearted and muddle-headed Christians line up for the parade just like everyone else. In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions on the LGBTQ quest to turn a moral argument into an emotive appeal for affirmation and acceptance.

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.

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.

The doctrine of particular redemption is worth defining and defending because it gets to the heart of the gospel. In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for byFaith on the good news of limited atonement.

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

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.

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]

Relevant Christianity doesn’t stay relevant for long. In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin reads from the article he wrote for WORLD Opinions on the decline of the mainline church.

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 this bonus episode, Kevin talks with historian and WTS president, Peter Lillback, about the life and ministry of John Witherspoon. In particular, they discuss Witherspoon’s treatises on justification and regeneration, a new (old) book being published by Westminster Seminary Press. Listen in as Kevin and Pete talk about their shared love of history and old books.

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.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Kevin sits down (actually, they were both standing up) with his RTS colleague, John Fesko, to talk about covenant theology. In addition to doing a deep dive on the covenant of redemption and the covenant of works, Kevin and John talk about life and ministry and writing more broadly. They finish their time by talking about a never-before-translated-into-English volume of Vos’s lectures on natural theology. Want to know more about biblical theology, systematic theology, historical theology, exegetical theology? This episode has a little bit of something for everyone. Timestamps: Intro and Sponsor [0:00-1:34]Guest Intro: John Fesko [1:35-7:12]Pursuing Ministry or Academia? [7:13-15:44]Why Write 1,500+ Pages on Covenant Theology? [15:45-21:37]The Research and Writing Process [21:38-29:54]Is the Covenant of Redemption Biblical? [29:55-38:56]Is There More than One Divine Will? [38:57-44:15]Is the Covenant of Works Biblical? [44:16-55:29]Is Republication Biblical? [55:30-1:03:12]Geerhardus Vos' Natural Theology [1:03:13-1:13:37]

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

In this bonus episode, Kevin talks with the brilliant artist, Don Clark, Kevin’s co-collaborator on The Biggest Story and on (their new book) The Biggest Story Bible Storybook. In this fascinating conversation, Don talks about the joys and challenges of working on such a massive project and how he goes about the artistic process.

The historic liturgy of the Christian church did not originate in evangelicalism, or in the Reformation, or in Europe. It grew out of Old Testament (and then New Testament) assumptions about what it meant for God’s people to gather and renew the covenant.

The band gets back together to talk about lessons learned from the two biggest events of the past two years: Covid and the war in Ukraine. Without pretending to be experts in infectious diseases or in international affairs, the three amigos explore what we can learn about humility, evil, tradeoffs, and prayer. The episode concludes with an update on what everyone has been reading over the past couple months. Timestamps: Intro and Sponsor [0:00-3:13] Lessons After (?) the Pandemic [3:14-22:58] Lessons (So Far?) From Ukraine [22:59-36:28) Lessons (Right Now) From Books We're Reading [36:27-47:51]

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.

As much as it shows admirable humility or apologetic concern, we must not act or teach as if every sin is the same in God’s eyes.

We think of shame as destructive, manipulative, and toxic. And it can be all those things. But shame can also be a powerful and healthy part of our moral formation. In this fascinating conversation, Kevin talks to Te-Li Lau, a professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, about his recent book Defending Shame: It’s Formative Power in Paul’s Letters. Together, Kevin and Te-Li explore the pervasiveness of our therapeutic assumptions, the central theme of shame throughout the Bible, and good and bad ways to think about shame in our own lives. Timestamps: Introduction and Sponsor [0:00-1:28]Guest Intro: Te Li Lau [1:29-8:44]Positive Shame? [8:45-11:43]Defining Shame [11:44-17:28]East vs. West [17:29-25:36]Shame vs. Guilt [25:37-35:26]Is God a Bully to Use Shame? [35:27-40:48]The Solution for Shame [40:49-47:50]Paul's Use of Shame [47:51-55:43]Reintegrative Shame Theory [55:44-1:00:22]Modern Objections to Shame [1:00:23-1:05:39]

Please note: Unfortunately the audio on this episode cuts in and out from time to time. Kevin is joined by the distinguished historian, Dr. Wilfred McClay as the two of them talk about the task of the historian in being a “recording angel” of the past. After discussing McClay’s perceptive article “The Surprising Persistence of Guilt” (2017), they turn to McClay’s recent book on American History, A Land of Hope (Encounter, 2019). McClay talks about his conversion to Christianity early in his academic career and how that has shaped his work as a historian in mingling celebration and criticism. Finally, McClay asks for prayer as he serves on America’s official 250th anniversary committee making preparations for 2026. Timestamps: Introduction and Sponsor [0:00-2:33] Personal Histories [2:34-9:09] The Strange Persistence of Guilt [9:10-15:14] Land of Hope [15:15-21:27] Generosity toward the Past [21:28-31:33] Celebration and Criticism [31:34-43:00] 250th Birthday of the USA [43:01-51:28]

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]

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]

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 &amp; Hyper-Calvinism [11:30 – 16:58] Experiential Preaching [16:58 – 34:21] The Weary, Wayward, Lazy, &amp; 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 &amp; 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 <a href="https://w

Kevin and Collin enjoy a fun conversation about the best parts of the Advent/Christmas season, as well as some of those things that are just more annoying. Plus, by popular demand, time management and productivity tips! Learn how Kevin manages to read so many books and also be present for his family. Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship, by Jonathan Gibson. In Be Thou My Vision, Jonathan Gibson has created a 31-day liturgical guide designed to provide structure to the daily worship of individuals and families. Designed to be read in 15–20 minutes a day, this beautifully produced liturgy will give readers focus and purpose to their daily quiet time while teaching them historical prayers, creeds, and catechisms that point them to 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: You Just Keep Turning the Pages [0:00 – 4:22] Airing of Christmas Grievances [4:22 – 11:51] Favorite Christmas Activities [11:51 – 24:33] Keep Christmas Messy [24:33 – 31:25] Time Management &amp; Productivity Tips [31:25 – 43:22] How to Read 82 Books in a Year [43:22 – 57:31] Kevin is working on new books. [57:31 – 1:02:36] Books and Everything: Psalms in 30 Days, by Trevin Wax “Joyous Surrender: A Rhapsody in Red (and Green),” by Joseph Bottum (Sleigh bell sounds from zapsplat.com.)

From the 2021 Faithful Conference, Kevin interviews keynote speaker William Taylor. Taylor is the rector of St. Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate, London. There is a lot of fun banter, book recommendations, and a wealth of advice about evangelism, but what shines through most clearly is William Taylor’s firm faith in the Word of God to accomplish the mission of the church. Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Death of Porn, by Ray Ortlund. In The Death of Porn, Ray Ortlund writes six personal letters, as from a father to his son. Ideal for individuals and small groups, it will give hope to men who have been misled by porn into devaluing themselves and others. 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: William Taylor [0:00 – 3:23] End the Confusion! [3:23 – 4:56] Conversion Story [4:56 – 10:27] Hospitality [10:27 – 14:26] Personal Miscellany [14:26 – 17:59] St. Helen’s and Dick Lucas [17:59 – 26:02] Teaching and Planting in England [26:02 – 32:35] Christian America [32:35 – 35:19] The Word: One to One [35:19 – 39:32] Evangelism Advice [39:32 – 46:03] Lightning Round: Books! [46:03 – 56:13] Books and Everything: By William Taylor: The Word: One to One Revolutionary Work: What's the point of the 9 to 5? Read, Mark, Learn series On Evangelism: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, by J.I. Packer Knowing God, by J.I. Packer Questioning Evangelism, Second Edition: Engaging People's Hearts the Way Jesus Did, by Randy Newman Know and Tell the Gospel, by John Chapman Evangelism As a Lifestyle: Reaching Into Your World With the Gospel, by Jim Petersen True Devotion: In Search of Authentic Spirituality, by Allan Chapple Funny: The Jeeves &amp; Wooster books by P.G. Wodehouse

Dr. Douglas Moo, theologian and professor at Wheaton, joins Kevin, Collin, and Justin to talk about his new and substantial contribution, A Theology of Paul and His Letters. Weighing in at 784 pages, there is a lot to unpack. Among the topics they cover are: how to balance text and tradition, the biggest change in Pauline theology, Paul’s instructions on the family and sex, the work of N.T. Wright, and how substitution makes everything work. Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Good News of Great Joy, by John Piper, containing twenty-five short devotional readings from John Piper aim to help you keep Christ at the center of the Advent 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: What Thanksgiving Means in Michigan [0:00 – 2:12] Dr. Douglas J. Moo [2:12 – 7:32] Text and Tradition in Theology [7:32 – 15:17] What is the biggest recent change in Pauline theology? [15:17 – 19:29] Same Text; Different Takes [19:29 – 29:26] Traditional Conclusions [29:26 – 34:05] Women and the Home [34:05 – 37:45] Sexual Mores Conflict [37:45 – 41:08] A Glaring Omission [41:08 – 44:25] On N.T. Wright [44:25 – 49:07] New Realm [49:07 – 51:57] Substitutionary Atonement [51:57 – 55:24] The Gagging of God, by D.A. Carson [55:24 – 1:01:45] Books and Everything: A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ, by Dr. Douglas Moo Other books by Dr. Moo