James and Jonathan welcome Todd Rester back to the podcast to discuss the 4th volume of Petrus van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology: Redemption in Christ. An associate professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, Todd has spent many years translating Volumes 1-4 of this comprehensive, influential work and has already started working on the fifth volume! Redemption in Christ examines God's great work of obtaining redemption in the Mediator, Jesus Christ.

"The whole thing is about has Christ done everything necessary that we might have full assurance of God's love and mercy, His grace, and His covenant and faithfulness to us, and the answer is a resounding yes!" – Todd Rester

In addition to learning about various aspects of this book, be sure to tune in to discover how Mastricht's work is still relevant today and was referenced in a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling!We're giving away two copies of Theoretical-Practical Theology, Volume 4: Redemption in Christ. Register here for an opportunity to win, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.

James and Jonathan spend time reflecting on Psalm 46 today. Martin Luther claimed this was “his psalm,” it is the basis for one of our most well-known hymns, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” This beautiful psalm starts with the comforting words, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Written for all of us who will at some point face troubles that seem to shake the ground beneath us, Psalm 46 has been a source of strength and comfort to countless people through the ages by focusing our attention on heaven.

We need to train our minds and train our hearts to be attentive to heaven precisely because that’s the anchor for our souls in many respects when we face these times of great troubles. – Jonathan Master

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Be encouraged by this reflection of Psalm 46, a balm for our souls.

Enter here for the opportunity to win a copy of Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey, generously provided by Ligonier Ministries.

The much-anticipated follow-up to the first episode of James and Jonathan’s book club is here! Today, the guys sit down again with their friend, Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, for Part 2 of this series. Though written in the 17th century, The Pilgrim’s Progress has essential applications that we can glean from reading this classic work. Based on the feedback from listeners, you’re as excited about this as we are!

“When you think about the Wicket Gate being readiness, when you think about the scroll being assurance, and that whole idea that this is what Christ has done for you. You don’t learn those once, and then your Christian life is made easy because of them. Those are things that you say to yourself repeatedly every day of your life, you know. That’s the Gospel preaching that you do to yourself every day, that you need or you’re not going to last with any sort of vigor or strength.” – Jeffrey Stivason

We hope you enjoy this second installment of our book club as James, Jonathan, and Jeff (J3) discuss the Interpreter’s House through Hill Difficulty. If you’re following along, plan to read Palace Beautiful through the Valley of Despair and Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death for next time.

Congratulations to Anthony H. from New Berlin, WI who won the drawing for a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Thank you, Banner of Truth.

Show Notes:

The Strait Gate by John Bunyan: https://a.co/d/4dgBmk8