Mortification of Spin

Our favorite Catholic is with us again: Dr. Frank “Clinton” Beckwith! Once the laughter subsides, we get to some pressing questions about religion in the public sphere: Can you really leave your religion at the door? What is pure religious liberty? What liberties can we live with, which ones can we live without?The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled The Sovereignty of God and Politics by Dave Chanski. Discount is applied at checkout.

On this week’s Desperate Theology, we crown another lucky lady! In other news, Carl & Todd have a question about preference in preaching: what’s the best rule-of thumb … is it best to preach thematically or systematically? Do you go big-picture, dabble in topics, or lead your congregation through a one-book series? What issues does each approach pose? It’s certainly not rocket science but well worth a conversation … (or are the boys making it more complicated than it needs to be?).The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals has a few copies of "The Power of Gospel Preaching."The winners are:Jonathan S., Warrior, ALPete W., Bellingham, WADerrick B., Fort Oglethorpe, GAJoseph B., Doylestown, PA

So if all dogs go to heaven? … where do cats go? Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Chair of of New Testament professor at Northern Seminary and author of Heaven's Promise (today’s giveaway!), joins a discussion on Heaven with Carl, Aimee, and …Tom? Often we get dreamy ideas of heaven’s glories or carried away with people's wild "accounts", but there’s a danger: we can undermine the sufficiency of scripture.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals has a few copies of Heaven's Promise by Scot McKnight to giveaway. Sign up for a chance to win.

On this week’s edition of Desperate Theology, find out what Presbyterians and Prince have in common. And per popular demand, our three hosts give more clarification on their complementarian views with a specific focus on teaching Sunday School. Things get a bit hostile/it’s basically a bloodbath … (all bet’s on Aimee because she works out!).The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled "How the Word Builds the Church", by Ligon Duncan. Discount is applied at checkout.

Hailing from the sunny sands of California to the red-hand of Ulsterland, we have two listeners chiming in with questions for our hosts: “How high or low should the confessional bar be set in church: for the leadership and for the membership?” and, “Do elders have the right to reign you in as a pastor - Who has that sort of dominance in the session?”The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled "What is Happening to the Evangelicals?", by John Armstrong. Discount is applied at checkout.

This week's Desperate Theology is a bit of a looney tune. You'll have to grin and bear it to hear Carl, Aimee, and Todd answer a listeners' question: "Should a Paedobaptist marry a … (reformed) Baptist?" It's a legitimate question with legitimate concerns. What of a wife's call to submit ... even if she's opposed to her husband's theological stance on baptism? What about the covenant theology in paedobaptism - do you treasure or toss it to appease your fiance or spouse? And is it wise to overlook your differences until children are part of the equation?We would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled "Marriage and Its Many Problems", by James Boice. Discount is applied at checkout.

Beloved Covenant College professor, author, and family man, Dr. Kelly Kapic, joins us to talk number 2 pencils and the spirituality of college students. He shares some of his joys teaching at Covenant College, a small private Christian college atop Lookout Mountain, and also voices misconceptions of Christian college. There are some valid concerns Dr. Kapic has for today’s Christian college student yet many encouraging thoughts, too. So what hurdles does a Christian education pose to a students’ spirituality? What invaluable lessons about community and singleness can be gleaned from such a unique institution? And what’s this … the Mad Woman went to Covenant College - who ever let her out of the attic!?The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled "Theological Options in Worldview Formations", by Robert Shelton. Discount is applied at checkout.

Child abuse … it's not just a Catholic church issue but pervades into the pulpits and pastorate of the Protestant church, too. What measures does your church take in checking the backgrounds and even reputations of its leaders? What cover-ups are there? Is there room for questioning a leader…even leaders with "immaculate" records or "big-names"? The Church must take seriously the damage done when turning a blind eye, misusing grace and mercy at the expense of victims who may remain silent and leaders going unchecked in their power. 1 Timothy and Titus give us ample reason to put our leaders under a magnifying glass so to protect the flock from a potential, even preying shepherd. This is a relevant conversation, one every church should take time to consider and apply.This week on Mortification of Spin, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away Low Deeds in High Places by James Boice as a free audio download. The Discount is applied at checkout.

With us today is Dr. Scott Manetsch from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His charge for us is to consider the importance of reading and “knowing” John Calvin. Dr. Manetsch wears many hats: a professor of Church History and the History of Christian thought, author of Calvin’s Company of Pastors, and old friend to Carl Trueman. (It goes without saying, his most trying role is that of his friendship to Carl. Surely heaven’s reward is to be great for such a long-suffering saint!). Tune in to hear Dr. Manetsch attest to Calvin’s exemplary, intense pastoral care as he shares inspiring stories from Calvin’s ministry.Enter to win a free set of MP3 messages by Carl Trueman entitled The Protestant Reformation and John Calvin.The winners are:Chip B., Baltimore, MDMelissa W., Canandaigua, NYBetty S., Peoria, AZMichael H., Montogomery, ALMichael G., Wilmington, DE

Two shady sheep wandered into Todd's megachurch today. Skirting by security, Carl and Aimee are incognito to rate Todd's preaching and their notes are ... lacking in content. Aimee's doing her usual multitasking - doodling nun chucks and jotting her grocery list while Carl's a man of one talent today: sleep. Probably not the shining examples you'd expect but raises an important question: How are we on listening to the preached word? Take it from these two, it's not always easy, especially with Pruitt in the pulpit. Is sitting under God's preached word something we take seriously, strategically, thoughtfully? Are we diligent or complacent, prepared or passive? And is there a difference between listening and hearing? Carl, Aimee & Todd take these questions to task while offering some basic tips and aids for congregants and their covenant children. Listen up, this is something we all need to hear.This week on Mortification of Spin, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away How to Listen to a Bad Sermon by Ligon Duncan as a free audio download. You can also find this free gift on Reformed Resources.

The Sledge Sisters sing about it, we are born into one, and it’s God’s idea: Family. So how does family relate to the Church and its grander mission (even the Great Commission!)? What constitutes a family, how does it reflect the image of God and … what about singles? We are joined by John McClean, Vice President of Christ College in Australia, teaches Systematic Theology and Ethics, and was a minister four years at Cowra Presbyterian Church. Dr. McClean discusses family in its biblical nature and purpose. He’s Australian so there’s an unspoken competition between the two foreigners, Carl vying he has the more appealing accent, but let’s be honest … anyone or anything sounds better than an Englishman from Gloucestershire.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled The Covenant of Family, by Joel Nederhood. Discount is applied at checkout.

Round II of Desperate Theology, and the award goes to … The Sacramental Entrepreneur! In other news, the Spin Trifecta has been compromised - Todd has people to see and places to go so couldn't bother with recording, but the show must go on! Carl and Aimee discuss the wisdom and consideration we should exhibit towards our non-believing friends. Do you say grace in front of them at restaurants … in your home … in their home?! Do you give honorable witness or condescending impositions? Something to think and pray about …The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Offensive Blood, by Robert Godfrey. Discount is applied at checkout.

Tom Schreiner graces Studio B to discuss the many benefits, blessings, and payoffs in understanding our justification. Dr. Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Professor of Biblical Theology, and Associate Dean of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Enjoy listening in as Dr. Schreiner spills all...Win a free book! We have several copies of Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification, Run to Win the Prize, and Magnifying God in Christ to give away. The drawing is closed and the winners are:Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification:Thomas P., Milwaukee, WIDane H., Dallas, TXBrendan M., Jacksonville, FLRun to Win the Prize:Hannah H., Grove City, PAFrank A., Conyers, GAJohn B., Jackson, MSMagnifying God in Christ:Jacqueline M., Chicago, ILMike A., Santa Rosa, CATimothy R., Quakertown, PA

This week we start a new segment: Desperate Theology. Tune in each Bully Pulpit for a hilarious insight into the latest theologies out there and how they, at best, can be quite desperate. In other news, the primary goal of today's casual conversation is addressing the significance of the Church's presence in the civic sphere - do we retreat from societal wickedness or attack it? What are the guard rails? What about the individual Christian conscience? What is our real purpose as a Church? In light of the immoral trajectory of our world and its leaders, it's something we ought to consider. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled The Two Kingdoms, by Michael Horton. Discount is applied at checkout.

Welcome back to Westminster Theological Seminary, nestled in the quaint city of Glenside, Pennsylvania where the Preaching Conference is still underway. For this portion, students have submitted thought-provoking questions to our LIVE panel which includes Joel Beeke and Kent Hughes - two men with enough wit and wisdom to put our hosts out of a job!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Calvinistic Experimental Preaching by Joel Beeke and The Glory of Christ in the Scriptures by Kent Hughes. Discount is applied at checkout.

"Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet," (1 Tim. 2:11-12). Aimee would say: What does that even mean?! To which Todd would say: Well, here’s the deal… It's a conversation that raises a brow or two (and often the room temperature!). A women is a helper, a "Necessary Ally", but what is her role in the church especially if she’s gifted in teaching? As the token female, Aimee brings both beauty and brains to an otherwise bald and the bitter situation.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Phoebe, a Deaconess by James Boice. Discount is applied at checkout.

Dr. Joel Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Seminary, joins the Mortification of Spin (again!) on a LIVE panel at the annual Preaching Conference at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Kent Hughes stands in as a “guest host” giving his own Spin on ministry. It's a full auditorium and things are about to get personal. They share everything from how they received the Lord’s call to what they'd do if a congregant claims "I'm not being fed".Win a copy of Mortification of Spin Season Three! We have several copies to giveaway. You may purchase a copy at Reformed Resources. The winners are:Patricia M., Chattanooga, TNBenjamin S., Hillsboro, KSJustin E., Chula Vista, CAJan K., Wooster, OH

Is anything biblically wrong with enjoying secular music … for the glory of God? Perhaps you're a (closet) secular music junkie drumming to The Who, but it’s all King’s College and Sandra McCracken on Sunday mornings. Certainly we know there’s a line, but it can be hard discerning when we’ve crossed it and started abusing our Christian liberty. Besides, some emotionally charged Christian music is as damaging as Boy George.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Theology 101: For Christian Musicians by John Hannah. Discount is applied at checkout.

The toxic effects of Porn addiction go far beyond that of just the addict. What about the wives of addicts? How do they suffer? And what are the Church’s worst mistakes in dealing with the spouse of an unfaithful husband? Today we have Ellen Dykas of Harvest USA to speak to such questions. Ellen is the Women's Ministry Coordinator at Harvest USA which was started and thrives in the heart of Philadelphia, caring for and serving those struggling with sexual issues. Ellen also speaks to parenting children - how do you talk to your explicit material. Today's conversation is a pressing one for the Church to have and one to be continued.Win a free book! We have several copies of iSnooping on Your Kid: Parenting in an Internet World to giveaway.Winners:Marcus W., St. Louis, MOSusan G., Drexel Hill, PAJeff C., Chambersburg, PALinda H., Rockford, ILAshley S., Irmo, SCFrancis L., Tucson, AZPhilip W., Owatonna, MNLee V., Fort Mitchell, KYShane S., Boomfield, CORachelle H., Milton, FL

Henry Ford says: "History is bunk." But does the past give identity to the present? How does understanding history liberate us in the present, and even the future? And as a Christian, is it important to know church history? Today's conversation is right down the alley of our in-house Church Historian, Carl R. Trueman, and he's got the gift of the gab on this one!Win a free audio set! We have a few copies of Justification in Church History to giveaway.Winners:Steve H., Millersville, PATimoteo S., Herndon, VAAndrew J., New Port Richey, FLCaleb C., Salem, ORRobert T., Westchester, ILRebecca M., Mcalester, OK

Church government... Could you pass a quiz on what each office does? Do you think your Pastor is the Ecclesistical CEO? Today the roles and tasks are defined with particular focus on the Elder - both teaching and ruling and what happens when there's conflict between the two. This conversation strikes a chord if you serve on a session, and grants all a bit of clarity about those ruling and teaching over us.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Curse on the Clergy by Dr. James Boice. Discount is applied at checkout.

Times are getting tough for Churches and it's not just spiritual strains they are feeling. Should pastors-to-be change their expectations from full-time to part-time pastoral ministry? Bi-vocational ministry may be the latest fashion raising more eyebrows than ever before ... and should be discussed more often in seminary classrooms. Join us in today's casual conversation about the future of the pastorate and the need vocational expectations to change.We have a few copies of The Pastor's Book: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry by Kent Hughes to giveaway.The giveaway has ended. The winners are:David K., Wayne, NJDane C., Mariposa, CA

Eschatology … it’s about the already and not yet, a key concept in making sense of our lives, and even more specifically, our marriages. To help us understand this, we have with us today Dr. Gregory Beale, Westminster professor of New Testamemt studies. We ask him some pretty tough questions: How would eschatology explain divorce? How do you prepare young men for the pastorate? And Todd’s itching to know, do all dogs go to heaven?The drawing is closed for "Hidden But Now Revealed: A Biblical Theology of Mystery" by G. K. Beale.The winners are:-Greg W., Palmyra, PA-Walton G., Clemson, SC-Jason B., John's Creek, GA-Lisa S., Guntersville, AL-Tabitha M., Fernandina, FL-Gary S., Arvada, CO-Brice G., Martinsville, IN-Paul S., San Diego, CA-Billy J., Pall Mall, TN

The Gang are out for a quick bite to eat at K.C.’s Alley. Todd’s struggling, he’s so eager for that first bite of veggie burger. But who will pray, and for how long, and do they even need to pray?! We’ve all found it distracting to bless our food at a restaurant or hesitated to bow our heads before non-Christians, or even with a Non-Christian, yet we are all called to pray, and sometimes it isn’t behind a shut door or in the quietness of our hearts. Today’s a discussion highlights the importance and purpose of public prayers … something we all ought to consider. Enjoy your burger, Todd.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Holy Prayers of a Righteous People by Phil Johnson. Discount is applied at checkout.

Household management: It is a Biblical qualification for ministry and one to be taken seriously. So when is one actually disqualified for the ministry by the way he runs his home? What does good management even look like? The finger is easily pointed at children, but maybe it's how the father reacts to his child’s behavior that’s more telling. There's no easy answer on this one, but it's one requiring much discernment in studying Paul’s litmus test in 1 Timothy 3.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Recovering Pastoral Piety by David Strain. Discount is applied at checkout.

Public pulpit prayer can be real hit or miss these days, even a lost art. So what’s the criteria for a good prayer? Are they best on-the-fly or written, and is it more biblical one way or the other? The 40-somethings answer these and many more questions today and give their usual food for thought. Resources mentioned on Public Pulpit Prayer: The Book of Common Prayer Valley of Vision Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old The Pastor in Prayer by Charles Spurgeon Thoughts on Public Prayer by Samuel Miller The Pastor’s Book by Kent Hughes. A Method for Prayer by Matthew Henry

Q: What is man's chief end? A: Man's chief end is to live an exciting life of stimulation, importance, void of boredom and monotony. Many Christians could easily spot the fault here, however, more functionally believe this than they’d like to admit. A major misconception thrives in today's contemporary culture in that all of life must be entertaining and the Church has not been spared this impoverished worldview. Perhaps the beloved hymn has it all wrong and we’re more prone to boredom than to wander. Life is frustratingly boring at times and that's not something to escape, just a reality. So let's grin and bear it.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Ordinary Holiness by Mike Horton. Free discount applied at checkout.

Seems every category of person needs their own make of Bible these days in order to really read it, “for themselves”. What does this say about our culture, and even more, the Church? Have we grown so individualized that even our Bible translations aid in our navel gazing? Is the Word being manipulated or used as commercial even consumeristic gain instead of the ordinary means of growth in Christian faith. Let’s hope a version for the Bald & Bitter is published soon - Aimee would hate for Todd & Carl to feel left out!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled The Bible, The Gospel, and Jesus: Rightly Handling the Word of God by David Garner. Free discount applied at checkout.

There’s a lot of talk [ah-boat] pornography these days. Christian author and blogger, Tim Challies, even calling it “the primary pastoral issue of the church”. Tim lends insights from his pastoral perspective and the call to fight this particular lust of the flesh by seeking holiness. In the wider world, pornography can be excused as just part of being a man, but that view isn’t one the Church holds. If you’re a pastor, or training to be one, you will inevitably face shepherding sheep who fall to this darkness and its many lies.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Biblical Sexuality for Married and Single Christians by Tim Geiger.

Sermon applications … they're important and can be a real hit or miss. So how should we think of making them from the pulpit and implementing them from the pew? As a pastor, should you aim to include the big picture of the gospel in every sermon, or would that be a stretch? And if you don’t, have you abandoned an unspoken sermon formula? Today’s conversation is extremely practical and relevant to pastors but also helpful to those who sit under them.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled The Origin of the Three-Point Sermon​ by Dennis Prutow.

Today we have Hannah Anderson on the line. Hannah is a pastor's wife, blogger, author of "Made For More", and co-host on the podcast, Persuasian. Usually holding her own among the fellas, Aimee’s glad for more estrogen on the show. Hannah asks pointed questions for the Church today: Where do women belong and do we have a strong or weak ecclesialogy about their roles in the church? From a Complementarian perspective, answering that question on the local church level is pretty straightforward, but what about parachurch organizations? Might a woman speaking at a conference, in fact, be preaching a sermon before the men attending? It's a good question that stirs necessary conversation about definitions and ecclesiology.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Masculinity and Femininity under God​ by Elisabeth Elliott.

Exclusion of the Lord's table - it is both a severe mercy and primary act of church discipline and something our hosts have given witness to in their own churches. Carl, Aimee, & Todd share insights from this discipline, the beauty it can yield, and some other odds and ends: Do you take communion while visiting other churches? Grape juice or wine? Serve it weekly or monthly? And most importantly: is gluten free bread an abomination to the Lord's table? It's that and so much more this week on Mortification of Spin!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled The Faith Once Delivered: Re-establishing our communion with the saints of old by Anthony Carter.

An impostor host has taken over! Only his second time on the show and he wants to call all the shots! Tune in to hear who our first-time honorary host is as Carl, Aimee & Todd discuss the invisible Church. So who decides who's in or who's out of the Church? Does the visible church negate the invisible one? They answer these questions and address the charge for church membership. Membership is becoming somewhat a novelty, even "old-fashioned" in an age of incessant church shoppers and non-commitals. We are embodied souls. Bodies are important, so its pertinent we put those bodies in a pew on a regular basis!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Reformation of the Church: Future of the Bright New Church by Craig Troxel.

This week Carl, Aimee, & Todd chew on the significance and mystery behind the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper. There are many different views on this sacrament, and more ink was spilt over this particular issue in the Reformation than any other! So what are the elements? What is the theology behind them, and what do we receive from communion that we cannot from the preached word?The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled Justification in Union with Christ by Ligon Duncan.

Reverend Joel Beeke joins us today to talk piety and backsliding. Joel has faithfully pastored for 37 years having served 29 of them at Heritage Reformed church in Grand Rapids, is President of Puritan Reformed Seminary, and has authored numerous books on the puritan writings. So why read the Puritans? Joel's answers are convicting! If you don't own any John Owen books, you will want to by the end of this show. The hosts also ask about cultivating holiness: What does it look like? How do we avoid mediocrity in your faith? And what about backsliding… how do you know you're inching back into the world? Backsliding is something none of us are immune to, so give heed to Joel's wise words and encouragements.

Due to some technical difficulties (yes, even recording equipment has not escaped the Fall), we've reached into the vault to resurrect a conversation that's as relevant as it was when we first aired it last May. It never hurts to hear some good truths twice, especially when it concerns the prevalence of emotional exhibitionism in today's church. From blogs to the pulpit, how much is too much? The Spinners discuss TMI and the wisdom in less being more!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free MP3 download! Head to ReformedResources.org to download a free copy of James Boice's sermon entitled, "Mind Renewal in a Mindless Age: Part 1"

The Insider Movement … what is it? Well, we've pulled out the big guns to ensure we got a good answer, and his name is Dr. David Garner. He's Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and he's even willing to say he's friends with Carl Trueman. Aside from his charitable friendship to Carl, Dr. Garner is extremely knowledgable on the Insider Movement. He articulates a historically rich, educated response to the hosts' questions while voicing concerns the church should have about this movement. Dr. Garner also shares on the importance of attending seminary from three perspectives: seminary grad, professor, and pastor.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free MP3 download! Head to ReformedResources.org to download a free copy of James Boice's sermon entitled, "A Plea for Missions"David Garner's reformation21.org articles on the insider Movement:1. Jennings and Garner On the PCA's Response to Insider Movements2. Jennings and Garner First Rejoinders3. Jennings and Garner Final Responses

Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Apart from teaching your child the living Word, there are other means to teach them the doctrines we hold fast to and few things capture their mind quite like a good children's book. Do you feel confident about what books to read to your children or use during family devotions? In a sea of options, it can be difficult finding books that possess both sound words and captivating illustrations. Thankfully, the Spin Crew have done their homework and offer a helpful handful of suggestions for our covenant children.The givaway for "Dangerous Journey: A Vision for the Christian Life," an MP3 set by Derek Thomas has ended. The winners are:Browyn-Kate K, Lancaster, TXAmanda D, Denver, COKevin T, Rockford, ILGregory T, Oregon City, ORSuzanne M, Elk Grove, CAYou can own a copy of "Dangerous Journey: A Vision for the Christian Life," by ordering it at Reformed Resources.

Next stop: Mortification Elementary! Carl, Aimee & Todd are on the big yellow bus shootin' the breeze about school. It's a hard conversation in the church and can become a heated one, too! Do you take your kids to public school or do you homeschool? Is it the role of the church to answer that or is it a matter of freedom and conscious? What does scripture even say about education?! Our hosts are parents who've had to ask these very things, and like many questions in life, the answers aren't as black and white as you might think.The giveaway has ended for "Christian Liberty," an MP3 set of messages from Dr. James Boice. The winners are:Sharon B, Havertown, PARon P, Murfreesboro, TNShawn M, Morrison, COJames S, Springfield, VAKevin F, Joliet, ILYou can purchase a copy directly from the Alliance at ReformedResources.org.

There's a searing spotlight on adultery in today's headlines, highlighting the recent blow up of the Ashley Madison hack that exposed many - and church leaders were among the fallen. Carl, Aimee, & Todd discuss the havoc such sin wreaks on the sinner, the cost to the spouse, and their children. The Spinning Trifecta also addresses some misconceptions about sin such as, "All sin is the same in God's eyes," and they look into what Jesus means in Matthew 5:28. Reality is, none of us are immune to sin, even the most grievous, so how do we go about protecting ourselves from falling in this very particular way? For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free MP3 download, "The Westminster Assembly on Marriage and Divorce," by Richard Gamble. You can download your free audio message at Reformed Resources.

Carl & Todd have really done it now. The Puppetmaster is about to pull the plug and poor Aimee appears to have gotten roped in, too. They'll undergo some serious trial and may face a mortifying …excommunication?! It could get ugly. So what do we think or even know about excommunication? It's a hard decision for a church to make and hard for any layperson to watch, let alone undergo. Yet the Bible spins it as vital, healthy, and positive. So what do you tell the congregation about discipline cases? How much is too much information? This episode is all about the how, why, and what of excommunication. As for our hosts, no need to worry. Aimee, despite being thrown under the bus, takes the brunt of the boys' malarky and coerces the Puppetmaster to mercy. The show will go on!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free MP3 download! Head to ReformedResources.org to download a free copy of Mark Dever's message from the 2003 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology entitled, "Church Discipline vs. Evangelism?"

Carl, Aimee, & Todd continue their discussion on Rosaria Butterfield's latest book: Openness Unhindered, in which they respond specifically to her thoughts on and approach to Christian fellowship and hospitality. So how do you and your church fair in these areas? Is hospitality a characteristic of God? Rosaria's missional way of life is both humbling and challenging, offering serious food for thought on how you open your home and share your table and life with those in your community.The Giveaway is closed. Winners will be announced soon.For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Rosaria Butterfield's new book, Openness Unhindered. You can enter here for a chance to win, or purchase this product on Reformed Resources.

Rosaria Butterfield, former advocate and participant of the LGBT agenda, now converted Christian living a heterosexual lifestyle, has authored two books and speaks publicly about her homosexual past, unlikely conversion, and present life of faith and repentance. Carl, Aimee & Todd discuss her new book Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ. They appreciate but also challenge some of Rosaria's thoughts. If you have not read it, there's good reason to remedy that, and very soon. In light of all the misguided and unbiblical writings on issues surrounding sexual identity, Rosaria's book is both refreshing and helpful. Be sure to tune in August 26th to hear the hosts' final thoughts on Rosaria's latest read.The Giveaway is closed. Winners will be announced soon.For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Rosaria Butterfield's new book, Openness Unhindered. You can enter here for a chance to win, or purchase this product on Reformed Resources.

Shhh, you mustn't speak a peep. Our hosts are pacing the grounds at a monastery pondering the painful sound of silence. They wonder: "Why is the church so quiet, turning a blind eye to outrageously unbiblical issues? Why is there growing ambiguity on doctrine and confession within the Christian world?" The hosts discuss how the evangelical world has grown poor in voicing its beliefs, standing firm on Biblical principles, and seems conforming to the tolerant ideals of the world. Do we shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God? This isn't a question for just those standing behind the pulpit but also those sitting in the pews. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a drawing for a free MP3 set! We have a few copies of "How Firm a Foundation," an MP3 set of messages from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology that we would like to give away. You can enter the drawing here, or you can purchase a copy directly from the Alliance at ReformedResources.org.

There are some Christians who are neither hot nor cold - it's what we'd call nominalism and it's nothing new in today's Church. So how do we approach "Christians," having the appearance of godliness, or non-Christians clothed as sheep among the flock? Christ has not only broken the curse of sin but also its power over us. This should be clear in the mind of the Christian but in today's church, it's vogue to be vague.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free MP3 download by James Boice titled "Christ's Prayer for the Church." You can download this product for free at Reformed Resources.

Outside Gold's Gym in sunny Cali, our beach-buff Spinners await Max Benfer, a friend and pastor of Meadowcroft Church (PCA). As they pump iron, they discuss Max's call to the pastorate, roles, and the challenges of the ordinary pastor. For instance, when you're the pastor, who shepherds the pastor? Like many, Max is still figuring out the balance of his pastoral responsibilities, personal needs, and family time. Max also reveals he's a pastor with a past. If you're a minister, this episode should encourage you in your call. If you're a congregant, it should help you gain perspective on the trying task of shepherding. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a drawing for a free book! We have a few copies of "Holiness in the Office of the Pastor," an MP3 set of messages from the 2014 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology by Phil Johnson that we would like to give away. You can enter the drawing here, or you can purchase a copy directly from the Alliance at ReformedResources.org.

One of our hosts is missing today which means there's less troubling a'brewin' on the air. The two "left behind" discuss the call to holiness on Church leaders, with specific emphasis on the pastor. It seems there is a deficiency in godliness these days, and even a more common (or perhaps just more publicized) exposure of moral nose-dives in which pastors crash & burn. What's happening?! Have piety & obedience fallen on hard times? Does a man's godliness hold any weight in the effectiveness of his ministry? Listen to what our hosts think as they draw from their own experience and Paul's teachings. It's no spoiler to say: The call to holiness is real and damage is done when sins are swept under the sanctuary rug.For this week's episode, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a free MP3 download by James Boice titled "Godliness: A Great Gain." You can download this product for free at Reformed Resources.

Job: it’s one of the darkest, most troubling, and misunderstood books in the Bible. Christopher Ash, Director of the Cornhill Training Course of Proclamation Trust in London and council member of Tyndale House in Cambridge, has authored a worthwhile book on Job. Carl, Aimee, & Todd sit down to discuss Job: The Wisdom of the Cross, a commentary in the Preaching the Word series. In the book Ash breaks down everything from the difficult conversations with Job’s friends to God’s purpose in redemptive suffering. The main focus of today’s casual conversation:...the leviathan. So is it a dinosaur or what?The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a drawing for a free book! We have a few copies of Job: The Widsom of the Cross by Christopher Ash that we would like to give away. You can enter the drawing here.

Sex change operations have been around for some time but with recent headlines about "Caitlyn" Jenner, transgender issues are a hot topic and something every Christian must be discerning about. So how should we think of our bodies? Is a sex change gender denial, body mutilation, or result of a mental disorder? If someone is converted after they've had a sex change … what then? Should they reverse the operation? Pastors, this is a show you can't miss. The probability of facing this scenario in your congregation is real and the malleable minds of covenant children are in need of godly wisdom to offset enticing, secular lies. As the Kinks said: "It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world," and they've never been more right.For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Biblical Personhood and Gender Confusion. You can enter here for a chance to win, or purchase this product on Reformed Resources.

How does one approach God in reverence? Is it a tone?... a feeling?... an outward posture? Seems a lot of confusion surrounds our understanding of God’s holiness. Of course, it doesn’t help that we live in an irreverent age that’s traded structured sobriety for what’s casual and comfortable. And what about humor? When is it appropriate and should it be present in the pulpit? To answer these tough questions, we called on the most irreverent people we know... Carl, Aimee, & Todd.If this week's Mortification of Spin has benefited you, then you will be interested in Taught by the Word to Worship by Peter Lillback, a free audio download from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can download this product from Reformed Resources.