The Magazine Podcast

Infanticide has become normal, acceptable, and even celebrated in the West and around the world. This week we take time to note two events which occurred in March and their significance for the Church's work and witness in defense of unborn children. Featured Content: Peter Barnes, 'Abortion: Kermit Gosnell and the Slide to Infanticide,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 599–600 (Aug–Sep 2013). Christian Institute Report on Abortion Decriminalisation: https://www.christian.org.uk/news/peers-vote-through-extreme-abortion-measure/ Peter Barnes' booklet: Abortion: Open Your Mouth for the Dumb Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

John Newton was a prolific writer of pastoral letters - letters which have been used of the Lord to encourage, challenge, and counsel many people beyond their original recipients. In this bonus episode, we talk with Grant Gordon, who has studied and collated many of Newton's letters. His volume Wise Counsel, representing many of Newton's letters to the Baptist pastor John Ryland Jr., has now been updated and we hear a bit more about the features of this new edition. Grant Gordon has pastored a number of baptistic churches in Ontario, Canada, and elsewhere, and served as an adjunct professor of Christian Ethics at Central Baptist Seminary (now Heritage Seminary, Cambridge, Ontario). Buy Wise Counsel: John Newton's Letters to John Ryland Jr., edited by Grant Gordon Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

This week we continue our reading of R. B. Kuiper's sermon, 'Present-Day Antichrists' from his series of sermons on the 'signs of the times' contained in While the Bridegroom Tarries. We follow this with a reading from Professor John Murray on Kuiper's final (and unfinished work) The Bible Tells Me So. Featured Resource: 'Present-Day Antichrists' in While the Bridegroom Tarries (1919, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2010). Other R. B. Kuiper Books Published by Banner: The Glorious Body of Christ God-Centred Evangelism Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

R. B. Kuiper’s While the Bridegroom Tarries, which we publish in paperback, is a collection of sermons on the ‘signs of the times’ preached in the wake of the First World War. This week’s episode is Part I of his sermon from that collection entitled, ‘Present-Day Antichrists.’ In it, he explains the difference between ‘an Antichrist’ and ‘the Antichrist’, and critiques two contemporary movements falsely claiming to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. We anticipate posting Part II, and some biographical material on Kuiper, next week. Featured Resource: 'Present-Day Antichrists' in While the Bridegroom Tarries (1919, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2010). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Many listeners will know that John Rawlinson, Banner of Truth General Manager since 1999, is soon to retire. John was recently asked to give an address summing up lessons he has learned over the years in Reformed publishing and resourcing. On reflection, we felt that John's address, which has the character of a 'final charge' and exhortation, might be of interest to our podcast listeners and so share it as a 'bonus episode' this week. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Few maladies are more common among Christians than 'too many books, not enough time!' What we often lack, however, is not time so much as the will and the strategy to read the books we have. Maurice Roberts helps us remedy this, and makes a number of excellent suggestions for the struggling reader. Featured resource: Maurice Roberts, 'Preparing a Methodical Assault on our Unread Books,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 331 (April 1991). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The third instalment of The Covenanter Story tells of the martyrdom of John Brown at his home at Priesthill, Ayrshire. In this bonus episode we talk a little more about the place itself, and read a beautiful poem from George Paulin (1812–1898) which reflects on John Brown's life, death, and heavenly home-going as the poet himself conducts a visit to Priesthill. Watch John Brown of Priesthill | The Covenanter Story, Part 3 Read J. H. Thomson's The Martyr Graves of Scotland (Internet Archive version) Read Poets and Poetry of the Covenant, Compiled, With An Introduction by the Rev. David McAllister (1894, Internet Archive Version) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

This week, as our host recovers from a time of illness, we read a short selection from Adolphe Monod's Farewell (currently out of print). In this excerpt, Monod recalls a special time of Bible reading which caused him great humiliation as he pondered the use he had made of the inspired Scriptures. Featured resource: 'On Reading the Bible,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 221 (February 1982). This is an extract from Adolphe Monod's Farewell. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In The Principle of Readiness and Acceptance, James Bruce III describes a pattern in God's dealings with us that is gracious and encouraging to all believers, and perhaps especially to those who, in the Lord's providence, are unable to do all that they would like for him. Featured resource: James Bruce III, 'Neglecting the Soul,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 491—492 (August–September 2004). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Are you neglecting your soul? The Scriptures make it plain that it is possible for us to do the outward works proper to the Christian—and to look impressive in doing them—while our hearts are far from God. This is a perilous place to be. In this week's piece, with prophetic precision and pastoral encouragement, Maurice Roberts calls us from neglect of soul to an earnest tending of 'God's acre' within us. Featured resource: Maurice Roberts, 'Neglecting the Soul,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 491—492 (August–September 2004). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Puritans and Covenanters alike have garnered a reputation for being austere and glum. Sometimes that reputation is deserved, but often it is a most unjust caricature. In this week's bonus episode we meet a jovial Covenanter - a man who, although serious and earnest in ministry, was approachable and joyful. He was also not averse to casting a fly. William Guthrie of Fenwick was cousin to James Guthrie, who is the subject of the first episode in our four-part series, The Covenanter Story, which is now available to watch. Featured resource: Blaikie, William G., The Preachers of Scotland: From the Sixth to the Nineteenth Century (1888, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2001), pages 122–129. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The Lord has given fathers and mothers a solemn responsibility in relation to their children. It is their high calling and great privilege to hold out the word of life to their sons and daughters by their gospel-sharing words—crucially—and in their gospel-displaying deeds, their example and personal piety. This week's meditations from John Flavel and Ernest Reisinger awaken us to the gravity of this call, and highlight some practical ways we can work it out in our own families. Featured Resources: John Flavel, The Works of John Flavel (1820, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1968, 2023), Volume 4, pages 373–5. Ernest Reisinger, 'The Family and Evangelism,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 298 (July 1988) and 491 (August–September 2004). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In the month of February we hope to focus on the story of the Scottish Covenanters. To help us grapple with the topic we sat down with David Whitla, Professor of Church History at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Whitla is a trustee of the Banner and did his doctoral work on the Covenanting lawyer Archibald Johnston of Wariston (1611–1663), and so he is well-placed to aid us in getting to grips with this important movement. Find out more about Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

How can we judge which books will be most profitable to us? Should a minister pursue breadth in reading or depth of reading early in his ministry? These and other questions are addressed in this week's reading from Iain H. Murray's 1996 address, 'The Preacher and Books.' Resource read: Iain H. Murray, 'The Preacher and Books,' Banner of Truth Magazine Issue 389 (February 1996). Similar resources: The Preacher and Books (Part 1) The Pastor and His Study Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

What is the proper relationship between a preacher and his books? How can a minister prioritise the most helpful kinds of reading and study? These and other questions were addressed by the Rev Iain H Murray in his address to the Bethlehem Pastors' Conference in early 1996. We read part of his address this week. Resource read: Iain H. Murray, 'The Preacher and Books,' Banner of Truth Magazine Issue 389 (February 1996). Similar resources: The Pastor and His Study Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

We were saddened to hear of the recent death of Paul Helm (1940–2025). Paul, who is perhaps best known for his work in philosophical theology, has had a long and fruitful association with the Banner of Truth. Daniel J. Hill, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, has written a tribute to Paul. We are grateful to Dr Hill for reading it for us on the podcast. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) is noted for his earnest and powerful contending for the truth of the Bible and of the historic Christian faith in the early part of the Twentieth Century. Early on in his life, however, he almost fell prey to the liberalism that was sweeping through the seminaries and churches of the Western world. This encounter with liberalism, and the grace of God in preserving him from it, set him in good stead to warn others of its dangers. This week, with the help of Nick Needham, we delve deeper into the story of J. Gresham Machen, a man whose courage and love of the truth we desperately need today. Featured Resource: – Nick Needham, 'Shapers of Christianity: J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937),' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 713 (February 2023). Read more like this: Nick Needham, Shapers of Christianity (paperback, 112 pages) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In this standalone short episode, we provide some details of an exciting opportunity at the Banner of Truth Trust. With our General Manager nearing retirement, the trustees are prayerfully seeking a Chief Operations Officer to guide the work into the future. Could that be you, or someone you know? Will you pray for the right person to be appointed? Read more about the role: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/resources/announcements/2025/retirement-recruitment-and-a-unique-opportunity-to-serve/ To apply: Please email your CV and a covering letter describing your suitability for the post and your interest in the ministry of the Banner of Truth Trust to: [email protected]. The closing date for applications is Friday 16 January 2026. It is expected that interviews will be held in Edinburgh in the week of 26 January 2026. Please note: only those with the right to live and work in the UK should apply for this role.

A hundred years ago, the great New Testament scholar J. Gresham Machen sounded the alarm about educational freedom in America. He believed that the state had begun to encroach in a most grievous way upon the sphere of the family, assuming duties it had no warrant to perform. Machen's words of caution are most timely for us. We live in an epoch in which, informed by UN policy goals, western governments are showing fresh determination to become arbiters and guarantors of the education of each and every child. This week we look in detail at what is happening in the UK, and consider what a faithful Christian response to these pressures might look like. Featured resources: – Excerpt from J. Gresham Machen, 'Shall We Have a Federal Department of Education?' – Excerpt from Ned B. Stonehouse, J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir (1954, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1987, 2020), p. 468. – Joshua Kellard, 'When the State Presumes to Educate', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 743–4 (August–September 2025). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In this short bonus episode, we read an apt New Year meditation from the pen of Professor John Murray: 'Memory and Prospect.' Featured Resource: – John Murray, 'Memory and Prospect', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 172 (January 1978). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

This week we review some of the ground we have covered on the podcast in 2025, and read an article from our editor, Mark G. Johnston, 'When Preachers Sing the Blues'. The article reminds us that the charge to preach God's word is often, perhaps always, accompanied by a heavy spiritual burden. While the Lord's grace is sufficient for every preacher, that sufficiency is proved in and through very trying times. May this editorial be a spur to all to pray for ministers and elders, and an encouragement to them to keep going, even in the darkness. Featured resource: – Mark G. Johnston, 'When Preachers Sing the Blues,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 748 (January 2026). Most-downloaded episodes of 2025: 5. The Life of John Newton 4. A Holy Minister: Robert Murray M'Cheyne 3. The Seafarer's Friend: John Flavel 2. The Prince of Puritans: John Owen 1. Let's Study Romans, with Sinclair B. Ferguson Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Maurice Roberts, who edited the Banner of Truth Magazine for many years, is noted for his poignant editorials. This one, from the December 1994 issue of the magazine, is typically probing and helpful. Are we battle-weary? Are we disappointed? Are we, dare we admit it, spiritually sleepy? If so, Rev. Roberts' article can help us see our need and seek the Lord for the grace of repentance and the gift of renewal. Featured Resource: – Maurice Roberts, 'Are You Battle-Weary?', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 375 (December 1994). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The gospel of God is to be offered freely to all. Accordingly, all who hear the gospel have a warrant to believe it. As Samuel Rutherford wrote, 'reprobates have as fair a warrant to believe as the elect have.' This week we consider the offer of the gospel made freely by God, addressed to every sinner—indeed, addressed to you and to me. Featured resources: – Iain H. Murray, 'The Free Offer of the Gospel,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 11 (June 1958). – Robert Murray M'Cheyne, excerpt from his sermon 'The Acceptable Year of the Lord' on Isaiah 61:1–3, found in Andrew Bonar, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1844, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1966, 2024), pages 583–4. Banner Resources on the Free Offer of the Gospel: Andrew Fuller, 'The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation' in The Works of Andrew Fuller (clothbound, 1012 pages) Iain H. Murray, Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism: The Battle for Gospel Preaching (paperback, 168 pages) John Bunyan, The Jerusalem Sinner Saved (paperback, 144 pages) John Murray, The Free Offer of the Gospel (booklet, 32 pages) Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

This summer the Trust brought out a new, retypeset edition of William Cunningham's Historical Theology (1863). This week we read its new introduction by Banner Trustee Donald John MacLean, to find out why this work is of unique value to the 21st Century reader. Read Material: – 'William Cunningham's Historical Theology – An Introduction', Donald John MacLean, in William Cunningham, Historical Theology (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1960 and 2024). First edition 1863. Buy the work (2 volumes): https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/historical-theology-3/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast