Mortification of Spin

Fatherhood is a weighty responsibility. Fathering daughters is especially challenging. Who makes the rules for a daughter's life, particularly when it comes to dating? What is the dad's responsibility in setting the rules? Fathers must hold fast and protect their daughters wholeheartedly. The Spin Squad tackles another touchy subject, so listen with caution! With this episode of Mortification of Spin the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer the audio message Children and Parents by James Boice for free, you can recieve your free gift at Reformed Resources.

"Dispy Dan" Phillips drops by the West Virginian tavern the gang seems to find themselves in to talk bad about niceness. Is it wrong to be mean in conservative Evangelicalism? Is niceness the highest calling for a Christian? It's proposed as the end-all of Christian life, but is this really the case? Writing as a "pyro-maniac" for years, Dan has become something of an expert in Evangelical niceness. Listen to Dan and the crew make even more enemies and dig themselves even further in. If you have enjoyed this episode of Mortification of Spin then the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a chance to win a free copy of Mortification of Spin: First Season MP3 by visiting reformed resources here.WinnersNoe A., Humble, TxThirza R., Houston, TXNord Z., Camden, INTerry C., Perkasie, PaJonathan D., Martinsburg, WVTerry F., Walbridge, OH

The ragtag group of vagabonds takes on the issue of pastoral plagiarism, and as usual pulls no punches. After scoffing at the "manly" Father's Day items Aimee is considering buying for her husband, they get down to the issue. How much can a pastor "borrow" from others before his preaching becomes plagiaristic? This is a weighty topic and an extremely important one for the church today.This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away Calvinist Experimental Preaching by Joel Beeke as a free audio message, you can download this free gift from Reformed Resources.

Listen today on Mortification of Spin to decide for yourself if your favorite Reformed pastor is more than just a pretty face. The gang’s penchant for the serious, however, is not eclipsed by the silly. Mark Jones joins Carl, Todd, and Aimee to tackle the huge topic of antinomianism. Rev. Jones brings important thoughts to bear on the current debate of justification and sanctification and where the believer gets his assurance of salvation. WinnersBryce A., Torrington, CTDeb F., Ephrata, PASteven M., New York, NYRick M., Orlando, FLChristine R., hugoton, KSA D R., Rogers, ARMatthew M., Union Grove, WIMichael H., Athens, GALinford B., Dayton, VAJames C., Minneapolis, MN

The question of women’s roles in the church is as old as the church herself, but in the past ten years the numbers of women teaching theology has skyrocketed. Women teach on blogs, posts, and tweets from all over the world. Is it OK? What is the difference between her work and a non-ordained man’s? Carl, Todd, and Aimee address this topic on today’s Bully Pulpit. If you have enjoyed this week's Bully Pulpit concerning gender issues you will enjoy Gender Confusion Among Women by Rosaria Butterfield as a free gift from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can download the audio message from Reformed Resources.

The Mortification of Spin hosts delve into a more serious topic today in a discussion with Dr. Diane Langberg. A licensed psychologist, Dr. Langberg has walked alongside victims of domestic violence for almost four decades. In this sober conversation, she offers sound counsel to a complex and painful issue: how to respond to allegations of childhood sexual abuse in the church. Get equipped to protect and provide hope for the weak and vulnerable. This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is offering a chance to win a MP3 set Hearing God When You Hurt by James Boice. Fill out the form for your chance to win. These are some additional resources that were mentioned this week:

This week’s Bully Pulpit finds the free-range gang sippin’ coffee made by vulnerable baristas who use only respectfully treated coffee beans. As Carl, Todd, and Aimee get real, they raise an issue magnified by social media: the blurring of public and private boundaries in our lives and the phenomena of showcasing our emotions. But as cage-free as they try to be, you’ll have to go elsewhere to see them cry. After all, there is still a remnant of those who chose to blubber in private.In addition to this weeks Bully Pulpit, The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer A Time to Cease From Weeping by James Boice as a free audio download here.

Melanie Brunson and her dog Sparta join Carl, Todd, and Aimee this week to discuss the church's care for people with disabilities. Blind from infancy, Melanie gives a unique and enlightening perspective on being a part of the body of Christ. How can Christians help those with disabilities in their churches? How does a blind woman meditate on the Sovereignty of God in a culture where the prosperity gospel speaks false promises? This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like the audio download Faith Healing and the Sovereignty of God by C. Everett Koop for free here.

Todd and Aimee go at it without Carl today to discuss the practice of “Fight Churches.” Can men beat the living daylights out of each other one day and pray on their knees together the next? If so, why would they even want to do that? What does it have to do with outreach and evangelism? Extra bonus: the team reveals for the first time ever the secret of their very short commute to MoS recording locations.This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free audio download, Christ and His Church by Rick Phillips. You can find your free download here.

Back in their secret underground bunker, the spin team phone up David Wells to discuss his body of work and his huge contributions to modern Christianity. As a turncoat, a self-described "African-American," David has a unique experience and insight into American Christianity. David's voice has carried a lot of weight for much of evangelicalism, and he discusses issues related to this movement. Does evangelicalism have a center, a true coherence, anymore? Is it possible to have one again? David's Wells' input on this timely conversation is beneficial both for those who profess to be evangelical, and for those who don't. The week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a free copy of David Wells new book God in the Whirlwind. For a chance to win this great resource fillout this form (only available for USA mailing addresses).

If you are looking to be inspired the Mortification of Spin team is on task to speak to your mind. In light of the release of “Heaven is For Real” last week, the team asks important questions about how the church should do evangelism. While Americans tend to be drawn toward the sensational and the inspiring, the Bible sufficiently teaches that the gospel is to be communicated by ordinary means. Think cross, not glitter. If you have enjoyed this weeks Bully Pulpit the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer The True Word by R.C. Sproul.

After taking care of the official business of making Aimee "one of the guys," the hosts get into a discussion of Easter and its celebration in churches. Is Easter a pagan holiday? It is necessary for pastors to preach the resurrection, so its focus on Easter shouldn't be abnormal, but it should certainly be emphasized. Listen in to hear the gang's thoughts on Easter, chocolate bunnies, lent, and government-regulated nutritional guidelines. For the Easter season the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals has offered this generous gift The Theology of the Cross. Use coupon code, 9ydunu, to redeem this great MP3 set. Only available to US and Canada addresses.

"Gospel-centered" desserts: transforming the culture, or confusing Gospel categories? This "excessively Kuyperian" approach to the Christian life seems to seek to make a vocation Christian, instead of one being a Christian in a vocation. We do not need to "Christianize" things in order to be faithful Christians. Instead of trying to "transform" or "redeem" our vocations, Christians should seek to be the best bakers, mechanics, and rock-and-roll superstars they can be, to the glory of God. All else is a cheap imitation of the true duty of the church. Listen to Carl, Todd, and Aimee briefly discuss these weighty matters of the Christian life. Downlaod the free MP3 message Growing Your Christian Life, Part 1 by Sinclair Ferguson.Also available are Growing Your Christian Life, Part 2 and Growing Your Christian Life, Part 3.Growing Your Christian Life is also available as a CD set.

How does God speak to us today? How do we understand the sufficiency of God's Word? Carl, Aimee, and Todd take Sarah Young's popular devotional "Jesus Calling" to task. In it, Young claims to need more than Scripture to hear from God and has written words "from Jesus" she heard outside of her Bible study. The "Spin Doctors" mortify the book, a product of modern individualism, and offer a few replacement suggestions. What responsibilities do pastors have in confronting this kind of book, or any cultural artifact with which their congregations are interacting? Free MP3 Audio download from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicsA Busy Man's Devotional Life by James Boice Training Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions by Starr Meade Communion with God by John Owen

With many states moving to legalize marijuana churches may now and certainly will soon have to deal with congregants smoking pot. Does the Bible allow for use of substances like marijuana? What part does a Christian's freedom play in the use of the drug? How should churches respond? Carl, Todd, and Aimee debate the moral and ecclesiastical ramifications of smoking pot. If you found this Bully Pulpit interesting, the Aliiance of Confessing Evangelicals has a free resource for you. How Low Can You Go? by James Boice

Sin. Loss. Deprivation. Law. Grace. Aimee, Todd, and Carl are joined by author and counselor Barbara Duguid on this installment of Mortification of Spin. Barbara is author of the book "Extravagant Grace," and grace is the topic at hand. How are Christians to reconcile on-going, indwelling sin with Christ's unrelenting "extravagant" grace? Listen in to learn more. Winners of Extravagant Grace by Barbara DuguidD. Yarmosh - Charlotte, NCS. Johnson - Ruckersville, VAJ. Hartley - Huron, OHH. Okrafka - Cambridge, OND. Chia - Devon, PAT. Strawhecker - Lincoln University, PAM. Heatwole - Harrisonburg, VAS. Trautman - Abingdon, MDB. Wilson - Charlotte, NC Mentioned on "Extravagant Grace"Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices by Thomas Brooks Letters of John Newton by John Newton Communion with God by John Owen

The Spin team hit up their local Christian bookstore to browse the shelves and peruse the contents of some popular books. Based on the message of these books, the American Church is in danger of forgetting the truth of the Bible: we are wretched sinners in need of an amazingly gracious Savior. Along with that, the state of women's literature is abysmal, and lacks robust theology, distilling the reality that women must be learned Christians. It's always imperative for Christians to read quality, biblical literature. Listen in for some reading suggestions and tips for discerning books that are worth your time. dowload for our free MP3 Thinking and Acting Biblically by Philip Ryken Here are some recommended resources that can be purchased here:Housewife Theologian: How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary by Amiee Byrd A Christian Primer by Timothy Cross Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive & Readable Theology by James Boice

What is the purpose of a robust theology if it cannot serve to practically help the believer? How does that theology play into God's sovereignty through our suffering? Aimee, Todd, and Carl talk with pastor and cancer survivor Paul Wolfe about his battle with cancer and its impact on his relationships with Christ and the congregation he serves. Paul also discusses the importance of the local church body in helping on cope with trial and suffering. Listen now! Winners of Paul Wolfe's title My God is True! J. Scheurer - Leavenworth, KSJ. Olivetti - West Lafayette, INM. Debowski - New Boston, NHA. Kelly - Corona, CA Mentioned on Mortification of Spin. My God is True! by Paul Wolfe Setting Our Sights on Heaven: Why Its Hard and Why its Worth it by Paul Wolfe

This edition of the Mortification of Spin marks the inauguration of a new game: Bully Pulpit Challenge! Carl, Aimee, and Todd respond to a listener's email asking for a critique of an interview that "pastor" Carl Lentz gave recently. In this image-obsessed world, many times churches feel the need to bow to the image idols and create environments that are completely foreign to the mindset of biblical Christianity. There are many who claim to be pastors but deny God's Word through their words and actions. Why do we continue to give these people a platform, and why do we give credence to their voices? To use a forbidden phrase, the whole thing is "utterly ridiculous.."Interview with Carl Lentz The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled A Catholic Church by Mark Dever.

Aimee, Carl, and Todd like to push buttons, and this week’s installment of the Mortification of Spin is no different as they discuss sexual ethics. Our current cultural milieu is one which exalts sexual behavior, and to speak out against it is seen as heresy. But where does it stop? When will we take our stand? The gang helps to vocalize some of these major concerns, and attempts some answers to the cultural pressure. Enjoy this free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsThe traditional chronology was love, marriage, sex, and baby. It was like the old schoolyard rhyme: "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes someone in a baby carriage." The new chronology is a plot for postmodern times: sex, baby, marriage, and love. It is almost exactly backwards, except that the baby comes after the sex. But this is simple biology, and not even Harlequin can change the way God made us. The new romances turn romantic relationships upside down, making sex the basis for love, and separating procreation from marriage.Dowload the free pdf The New Harlequin Romance by Philip Ryken. The Social Costs of Pornography: A Statement of Findings and Recommendations Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William Struthers

On this installment of Bully Pulpit, Aimee, Todd, and Carl discuss the multi-generational nature of the Bride of Christ. How do we reconcile the fact that different generations seem to want different things from a church? Is it true that we need to constantly be looking to the youth? We must fight the cultural trends and look to the wisdom of age within our churches. Listen in to this anniversary episode of Mortification of Spin and learn more about this perennial issue. Enjoy this free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals by Dr. J.I. Packer from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology.Divisions in the Church - by J.I. Packer

Aimee, Carl, and Todd are joined in the studio via the internet by Gloria Furman, author of Glimpses of Grace, published through Crossway, and blogger over at Domestic Kingdom. As a pastor's wife serving in Dubai, a major city in the United Arab Emirates, Gloria has a unique perspective on the topic at hand: modesty. Listen in as the gang seek to enlighten themselves and the listeners as to what it means to be modest, and all that Christian modesty implies.Enjoy this free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.Holding Hands, Holding Hearts Part 1 - by Richard and Sharon PhillipsFind the entire "Holding Hands, Holding Hearts" set in MP3 format here, and CD format here. Glimpses of Grace: Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home - Gloria Furman

Aimee, Carl, and Todd are back at it - this time discussing the church's involvement in the public square, specifically when dealing with the polarizing issue of abortion. How are Christians to conduct themselves, in the church and on the street, when talking about and protesting abortion? Are we to engage in political debate or sit back and let it happen? Or is there a third way? Listen to the team's lively conversation.Click here for a free MP3 download of God's Church & God's Purpose by Eric Alexander

What's the purpose of a sermon? Is it to inspire the congregation or just a means of transmitting knowledge? Or is the sermon something greater? Dead bones came to life when Ezekiel preached. Are the sermons you listen to that powerful? Listen to Aimee, Carl and Todd once again discuss sermons. Free digital download: A Layman's Primer on Bible Interpretation by Richard Phillips from the Alliance.

What do you look for in a good church? Bouncy castles, a good social network, a place to land a good business deal? Those may be fun, but there’s more to it than that. Don't forget about good preaching and a robust confession. Listen to Bully Pulpit with Carl, Todd, and Aimee to learn more. If you want to really understand something, one of the best things you can do is study its origin, or beginning. This is true of nations. If you want to understand why America is as it is today, what its institutions are about, how its self-identity formed, then you have to go back and learn about its birth in the Revolutionary War, its struggle as a colony seeking independence, its ideal of equality under God, its pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Click here to download this free message.

What role does preaching play in today's church? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Master joins Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt to talk about the importance and gravity of preaching. Through the book "Preaching & Preachers" by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, they show the necessity and primacy of the proper preaching of the all-sufficient Word of God. Listen the Mortification of Spin to learn more about this imperative and perennial topic. Free resources from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals on PreachingPractical Considerations for Preaching the Fatherhood of God by Derek Thomas Preaching Christ and Him Crucified by Alistair BeggBenefits of Expository Preaching by Alistair Begg The Foolishness of Preaching by James Boice Books mentioned on Preaching & PreachersPreaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chapell Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today by John Stott The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash Positive preaching and modern mind by Peter Forsyth Proclamation and Theology by William Willimon Speaking God's Words: A Practical Theology of Preaching by Peter Adam

How can Christians appropriately, firmly but sensitively talk about the Bibles teaching on sexuality. Our sexuality is for the glory of God and not a means to its own end. There is so much that can be said about our sexual identity so listen now to Carl and Aimee on the Bully Pulpit as they touch this important subject. Free offer from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsFree download of David Wells' message Unisex: Male and Female from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology.

How do elders function in the church? What's the point of having elders? What is their role in supporting their pastor and caring for their congregation? Dr. Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss the important and perennial topic of biblical elder leadership in this episode of Mortification of Spin. Listen now! Free resource from the AllianceGrowing Healthy Churchs from the National Pastor's conference is a free MP3 downlaod.

Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt, and Aimee Byrd are back at it, and doing what they do best: tear down your preconceived notions and build up Gospel truths in their place. This time they take on Christmas, and discuss the utter amazing truth of Jesus' incarnation. The trio try their best to cover this hugely important topic in a short amount of time. How do we understand the connection between Jesus' humanity and his deity? What are some good resources in helping to understand this doctrine? What's Carl's favorite Christmas song? Listen in to find out! Free resouce from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsChristian Music through the Ages: Stories of Christmas Carols, a free download.This booklet gives the history and background to several beloved and popular Christmas carols. Mentioned on Christmas: Bully Pulpit StyleGod with Us by Scott Oliphant God in Our Midst by Daniel Hyde The Works of John Owen Volume 3: The Holy Spirit by John Owen The Works of John Owen Volume 4: The Work of the Holy Spirit by John Owen

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt are joined by Christopher Bogosh through the wonders of technology, Carl and Todd interview Christopher about his new book "Compassionate Jesus: Rethinking the Christian's Approach to Modern Medicine." How are Christians to interact with what Christopher calls the "modern medical worldview?" Espousing a consistent biblical worldview, we can see that many people idolize life in a way that is antithetical to gospel truth. We must remember to always claim Christ's triumph over death. Listen in to learn more about these end of life issues. The drawing is now closed. If you appreciate the podcast please make a donation.

Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt, and Aimee Byrd are back at it! In this edition of Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit they discuss the importance of accountability specifically in church leadership. Leaders must accept and embrace the right to free speech, even when that speech is critical or unwanted. No one can be above accountability, even high-profile church leaders who bring in lots of money. Listen in as they discuss this important and timely issue! Visit this page and fill out the form to receive the free MP3 set Parables of Wisdom and Folly.If you appreciate the podcast please make a donation.

How sufficient is God's Word? Do the charismatic gifts have a place in the church today? Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt are joined via satellite by the Pyromaniacs themselves - Dan Phillips and Frank Turk. The group discusses the cessationism of the charismatic gifts. God has given us all we need in his own, true, infallible word. Listen to the Mortification of Spin to hear their insights on this hotly debated topic... Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsDo you ever stop to think about why God used such extraordinary miracles when he freed his people out of slavery in Egypt? Not only did he demonstrate his power, but in doing the miracles, he honored his covenant promises.Download the free message Wonders and Signs by Philip Ryken.

In this issue of Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit, Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss the importance of the church fathers to modern Christianity. How can men who lived thousands of years ago speak to today's issues with any relevance? Learn more about some of the important fathers of our faith from Carl and Todd... Winners of Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church.C. Turer - Evansville, IND. Box - Monroe, GAJ. Anderson - Jupiter, FLL. O'Neil - Linville, VAJ. Brick - Bellevue, NE Heard on Bully Pulpit: Church FathersAugustine of Hippo by Simonetta Carr Athanasius by Simonetta Carr A Public Faith: From Constantine to the Medieval World AD 312-600 by Ivor Davidson The First Thousand Years: A Global History of Christianity by Robert Wilken Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church by Michael Haykin Confessions by Augustine City of God by Augustine

What is the meaning of sex? It's all we talk about today. But why did God create sex in the first place? On this episode of the Mortification of Spin we are joined by a special guest who will help us uncover the meaning of sex. Listen now as our hosts discuss sex, not in a salacious way as some may be inclined to do and in a respectful God honoring manner. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsDownload the free message Pagan Sexuality by Peter Jones. What is the Meaning of Sex? by Denny Burk

How do pastors and church leaders keep themselves accountable to their congregations? What happens when a church is treated more like a business than a house of worship? Listen in to the Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit to hear Todd Pruitt and Aimee Byrd as they discuss the dangerous cult of personality that has taken hold of some aspects of the church at large. They give what everyone's come to expect from the Mortification of Spin - stepping on toes and taking the big guys down a few notches!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free download of the audio message, A Fool and His Money. It seems to be ingrained in us to always want more. We want to get ahead, to make our lives pleasant and comfortable. We want to secure our future, so we prepare for retirement. It’s easy for us to be busy storing up our wealth, forgetting that we are told not to gain treasure here on earth, but rather in heaven

Aimee Byrd makes another appearance with Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt, this time her first as co-host. Listen in as the trio discuss Halloween and its impact on the Christian life. Is it problematic for a Christian family to trick-or-treat on Halloween? To what lengths does Christian liberty extend? Listen to the Mortification of Spin to hear the insight of Carl, Todd, and Aimee. Enjoy this free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals - The Use and Abuse of Christian Liberty by D.G. Hart

Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit gives hosts Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt a chance to briefly discuss timely issues. Listen as they discuss some criticism and lashback they have gotten because of the podcast, and some of the reasons behind their perceived "harshness" toward prominent Christian leaders. How does the Bible guide our critiques of public figures with popular books and speaking tours? Do we need to sit down over a "no-foam, non-fat latte" in order to be able to speak out against these very public ministers? Carl and Todd take a stab at some of these questions. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free download of the audio message, Persevering in the Face of Criticism by Joel Beeke, from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology.

Author and blogger Aimee Byrd joins your regular hosts Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt to talk about a perrennial issue throughout the life of the church: abuse. Though Carl and Todd have discussed this issue before, they seek Aimee's wisdom in confronting a more subtle form of abuse that happens more often than it ought within the church. What role should pastors, elders, deacons and their wives play in unveiling marital abuse and reconciling husbands and wives? How can the church better prepare women to deal with these things biblically and theologically? Listen in to the conversation on the Mortification of Spin. Enjoy this free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals!Betrayed by a Close Friend by Jame M. BoiceDo you ever find yourself wanting to run away? It’s not that you expected life to be easy, exactly. But maybe you’re worn out from facing the same problems over and over again, year after year. Job pressures, bills, taxes, marriage or family problems – Housewife Theologian: How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary by Aimee ByrdAlso check out Aimee's blog, Housewife Theologian.

What has become of marriage in our society? When the rules are as bent as they are now, even something as absurd as "marrying" oneself is no longer seen as laughable as it would have once been, but is praised and even endorsed. Listen to Mortification of Spin: Bully Pulpit and hear Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss the state of marriage, and God's clear words about it in Scripture. Enjoy this free resources from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals!Click here to download the free message "The First Wedding" by Dr. James Boice.God establishes marriage as the first and most basic of all human institutions. From this institution, all other human institutions came: government, education, health care. One cannot think of a contemporary social or cultural organization that does not have a derivative relationship to the home and marriage.Download it for free.

Carl and Todd are at it again! Join them as they discuss Todd's "journey" to his new Presbyterian "tribe" from his Southern Baptist roots. Listen in and learn more about the distintives of church governmental structures between denominations. Call them "elitist" if you must, but our hosts unashamedly assert the importance of getting the right men in the pulpit, as those men are to care for peoples' souls according to God's standard laid out in his Word. This topic is becoming more and more explosive as churches continue to seek the coolest and hippest men to be pastors, instead of choosing the educated and qualified men. Listen to the Mortification of Spin and join the discussion! Enjoy this free resources from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals! The Westminster Doctrine of Baptism and Current Reformed Trajectories by Sinclair Ferguson

Listen in as Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt take to the Bully Pulpit. On this week’s Pulpit they discuss the means and goals of preaching. What role does evangelism play in preaching? How do Jesus and the Apostles teach men to preach? Today, many preachers give their congregations gobbledygook instead of solid, biblical meat each week. The Bible confronts us in our sinful state before God, and preachers need to bring that confrontation in through their sermons by turning their own pulpits into Bully Pulpits... Click here for the free offer The Foolishness of Preaching by Dr. James boice.

Dr. Stephen Nichols, Research Professor of Christianity and Culture at Lancaster Bible College, stops by the “studio” once again to talk with Carl and Todd. After a rocky start they get to the point of discussion: the overwhelming cultural fascination with youth. The gang explains how the fixation our culture places on the young and pretty is idolatrous. And this idolatry has seeped into the church. How are we to respond? What is the Bible’s antidote for a youth-driven church? What do 80s rock stars and blues music have to do with anything? Listen to the Mortification of Spin to find out! Enjoy this free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals!The Christian's Responsibility to His Culture by R.C. Sproul Youth-Driven Culture by Stephen Nichols Getting the Blues by Stephen Nichols

Carl from his pulpit and Todd from his heavily armed bunker kick off a new Mortification of Spin series, The Bully Pulpit. In this first episode, in light of a recent hypersexualized musical performance, Todd asks if the church has any credibility on sexual ethics and decency? Or does an unabashed desire for self promotion lie behind such public sexual escapades? Are pastors guilty of the same behavior when they promote themselves or their latest book in the pulpit or on Facebook? We need to be careful not to erode the boundary of what is appropriate for the public sphere and what is a appropriate for the private sphere or we are just as guilty as the pornographers.

If you get heartburn over the mention of the word "liturgy," you may find some proverbial antacid in the thoughtful conversation between our hosts on this episode of The Mortification of Spin. In fact, Carl and Todd remind us that our churches are all liturgical in one way or another - the question is whether we are basing the order and structure of our worship on Scripture or whether we're simply, shall we say, flying by the seat of our pants. Can the seat of our pants sufficiently guide us in corporate worship that is Christ-centered? If you've never opened The Book of Common Prayer, buckle up and listen in...you're bound to learn quite a bit from this helpful podcast. Free Resource from Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsHumble Suggestions for Reformed Worship by Richard PhillipsRev. Richard Phillips, speaking at the 2006 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, teaches on the practice of reformed worship. This discussion is helpful for pastors and church members who desire to see our worship reformed according to the Bible's standards. Mentioned on Calming Liturgical Heartburn A Method for Prayer by Matthew HenryAnd check out the Alliance's Matthew Henry Project. The Book of Common Prayer The Valley of Vision by Arthur G. Bennet Leading in Prayer by Hughes Oliphant Old Christ-Centered Worship by Bryan Chapell Thoughts on Public Prayer by Samuel Miller

Todd and Carl interview Aimee Byrd in an attempt to answer the question: can anything good really come out of West Virginia? Mrs. Byrd is the popular blogger, now published author and self-identified "Housewife Theologian." If you're picturing a woman - pregnant, barefoot and in the kitchen - pouring over commentaries and studying Greek while mixing up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies, you're probably only slightly stereotyping. Aimee herself admits to being quite ordinary. In fact, she believes that everyone is a theologian and that doctrine is a very real part of everyday life. If you're as important as Carl, then you already have a copy of her pre-released book. But in case you aren't, you better listen in to this episode of The Mortification of Spin... Housewife Theologan book winners!J. Lynn - Temple, GAA. Larson - Athens, GAE. Laczny - Appleton, WIB. Bishop - Nine Mile Falls, WAA. Murphy - Toledo, OHD. Narva - Rockford, MIL. Skillman - Vermilion, OHK. Gray - Jacksonville, FLR. Amador - Hamler, OHT. Helfers - Pekin, ILP. Williamson - Bellingham, WAK. Weeks - Savannah, MON. Larsen - Indianapolis, INM. Van Drunen - Hudson, OHC. Daniell - Douglasville, GAL. Huffman - Cresson, TXD. Carlson - Mariposa, CAB. Richardson - Philadelphia, PAD. Esh - Willow Street, PAK. Cozzi - Bow, NHWinners will be contacted by email. Click here to purchase Aimee Byrd's new book Housewife Theologan.

Your favorite comedian/theologians, Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman, team up yet again - this time to answer some important questions about how the church should be run and who should be running it. We'll learn that faithful teaching, a willingness to contend for truth and godly maturity are all important characteristics of a good pastor or elder. But women listeners won't be surprised to learn what Todd and Carl eventually conclude...that the way an elder treats his wife may be the best indicator of his ability to lead well. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals The Westminster Assembly on Marriage and Divorce a free MP3 by Richard Gamble.

This episode of The Mortification of Spin takes on a more serious tone as Todd and Carl offer a pastoral approach to the sensitive topic of spousal abuse. In tragic cases of abuse within the church, where does the dividing line between church discipline and civil law exist? Does abuse stand as justifiable, biblical grounds for divorce? During their thoughtful discussion, the hosts answer these questions and more, offer helpful book recommendations on this challenging topic, and (surprisingly) reveal what's right about feminism. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsGod's Design for Marriage and Sex by Richard Phillips Mentioned on What is the Church To Do?The Stain That Stays by Armstrong John Marriage: Sex in the Service of God by Christopher Ash Married for God: Making Your Marriage the Best it Can be by Christopher Ash

Todd and Carl interview Steve Nichols, author and professor of Christianity and Culture at Lancaster Bible College, and they respectfully dub their guest the "Peter Pan of reformed theology." While Steve may look young, he is certainly insightful when it comes to this episode's topics of discussion: the doctrine of Scripture and the current relevancy of church history. If you can put up with the hosts' frequent wise cracks, listen in to hear Steve raise what he calls the compelling question of the modern age. Mentioned on Can I Trust the Bible? Ancient Word, Changing World by Stephen Nichols Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life: From the Cross, for the World by Stephen Nichols Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen Nichols J. Gresham Machen: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen Nichols The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World by Stephen Nichols Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Is there such a thing as a tan Englishman? Todd and Carl debate the issue momentarily before focusing their attention on the recent news surrounded Pope Francis' universalist comments. If you're not familiar with the term "anonymous Christian" (don't worry...we weren't either), listen in and learn how the Pope's flawed theology has been plaguing the church from Justin Martyr in the 2nd century to misguided modern day teachers like Rob Bell. Is there a difference between universalism and inclusivism? What's the real problem with the Roman Catholic Church? Our hosts will answer these questions and more in this "no guest needed" edition of your favorite reformed podcast! Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals We Are Beggars: Luther's Famous Last Words by Carl TruemanThis is one of the Seminar Messages from the 2012 Quakertown Regional Conference on Reformed Theology, Alone: The Solas of the Reformation. This message is brought by Carl Trueman. Mentioned on Anonymous Christians Anyone? Reformation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Carl Trueman

As Todd and Carl report from "The Batcave" to offer a solemn critique of Andy Stanley's book, Deep and Wide, the hosts discuss the biblical role of the church, Jesus' example and the definition of happiness. While both the topic and their critique are serious, the musical interludes certainly are not. If you've ever wondered how the church should relate to the culture around it and what the song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" could possibly have to do with it, you'll love this episode of The Mortification of Spin! Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsHappy, Though Poor by Dr. BarnhouseJoy is the blessing of being at peace with God, and this is by believing in Jesus Christ as one's Savior and having Him remove the burden of sin and guilt from one's life. One may be poor by the world's standards, but belonging to Jesus now and for eternity is true wealth. Mentioned on Happiness Questing Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel [IX Marks] by Mark Dever