The only way we can move forward in the church is by going back to the Gospel. Journalism and education have become intrinsically destabilizing forces for Christianity, and anxiety is at an all-time high. Sarah Zylstra and Collin Hansen have written Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age to respond to this very problem. [Collin also hosts another podcast called Gospelbound). You will find encouragement and direction in this episode.  

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Ten Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands by Jen Wilkin, the Best-Selling Author of Women of the Word. 

Ten Words to Live By teaches readers how the Ten Commandments come to
bear on their lives today, helping them to love God and others, to live in
joyful freedom, and to long for that future day when God will be rightly
worshiped for eternity. Ancient and timeless, these words cannot be overlooked.
They serve as the rightful delight and daily meditation of those who call on
the name of the Lord. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

The Prescriptivists Lost [0:00 – 1:00] 

The First Ever Female Guest on LBE [1:00 – 1:57] 

The Sarah Zylstra Orbit [1:57 – 6:20] 

Where Good Writers Come From [6:20 – 11:27] 

In what sense is the Gospel “binding?” [11:27 – 14:18] 

Where is all this anxiety coming from? [14:18 – 20:01] 

The Media, Education, & Anxiety [20:01 – 27:35] 

Why do we prefer to be anxious? [27:35 – 35:15] 

Stories that Encourage [35:15 – 45:40] 

The Danger of Nostalgia [45:40 – 53:56] 

A Better Way [53:56 – 59:50] 

Books and Everything: 

Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age, by Sarah Zylstra  

There is much at stake in God making humanity male and female. Created for one another yet distinct from each other, a man and a woman are not interchangeable—they are designed to function according to a divine fittedness. But when this design is misunderstood, ignored, or abused, there are dire consequences. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Men and
Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung.  

Men and women—in marriage especially, but in the rest of life as well—complement one another. And this biblical truth has enduring, cosmic significance. From start to finish, the biblical storyline—and the design of creation itself—depends upon the distinction between male and female. Men and Women in the Church is about the divinely designed complementarity of men and women as it applies to life in general and especially ministry in the church. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Background of the Book in Question [0:00 – 6:01] 

We’re more confused than ever. [6:01 – 18:11] 

Critiquing the Thin Complementarians [18:11 – 36:21] 

Critiquing the Thick Complementarians [36:21 – 48:44] 

Stop Cherry-picking Examples [48:44 – 58:20] 

The Publishing Conundrum [58:20 – 1:04:24]  

Kevin DeYoung podcasts solo this time to help us understand from a Biblical
perspective the wickedness of the Atlanta shootings. He picks apart four threads that feed into how we measure culpability for heinous public crimes. And he helps us distinguish what should be condemned from what shouldn’t. And of course, there are books. Learn what books about race and other ideas Kevin has been reading. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Practicing
Thankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances by Sam Crabtree.  

Pastor Sam Crabtree surveys the Bible’s teaching on gratitude, demonstrating that every moment is an opportunity to observe, embrace, and appreciate with thankfulness the wondrous workings of God in ordinary life. Practicing Thankfulness includes 100 practical suggestions for practicing thankfulness
in daily life. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

How to Be More Thankful [0:00 – 0:55] 

4 Preliminary Comments on the Atlanta Shootings [0:55 – 8:49] 

On Culpability [8:49 – 25:28] 

Distinguishing the Bad Ideas from the Good [25:28 – 30:57] 

Is the church to blame for this man’s bad ideas? [30:57 – 36:25] 

Bad Culpability Extrapolations [36:25 – 45:12] 

Don’t let the bad outweigh the good. [45:12 – 47:11] 

Books [47:11 - 57:33]  

Books and Everything: 

Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair, by Duke L. Kwon &
Gregory Thompson 

More than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City, by William
Julius Wilson 

Race and Covenant: Recovering the Religious Roots for American Reconciliation,
by Gerald R McDermott 

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time, by
Joshua Mitchell 

Slaying Leviathan: Limited Government and Resistance in the Christian Tradition,
by Glenn S. Sunshine 

A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload,
by Cal Newport  

Dr. Miguel Núñez, Pastor for Preaching & Vision at IBI and President of Ministerios Integridad & Sabiduría, left his medical practice to follow his passion of preaching the Gospel. When COVID-19 broke out in 2020, he used his medical expertise to assess the situation for The Gospel Coalition. Now, one year later, he again offers his insights to you, along with a conversation about how the preaching of the Gospel is spreading in the Dominican Republic.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World by Brett McCracken.  

Helping believers navigate today’s media-saturated culture, Brett McCracken presents a biblical case for wisdom. Inspired by the food pyramid model, The Wisdom Pyramid challenges us to increase our intake of enduring, trustworthy sources while moderating our consumption of less reliable sources. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

The Wisdom Pyramid [0:00 – 1:26] 

March Madness & COVID-19 [1:26 – 4:05] 

Introducing Dr. Miguel Núñez [4:05 – 6:01] 

Revisiting COVID-19 a Year Later [6:01 – 10:59] 

Why Developing Countries Handled COVID-19 Better [10:59 – 15:11] 

Fear & Surprises [15:11 – 19:27] 

What’s coming next? [19:27 – 22:20] 

What COVID-19 Reveals About Our Spiritual Condition [22:20 – 27:24] 

The Backstory of Dr. Miguel Núñez [27:24 – 33:17] 

The Backstory of the Dominican Republic [33:17 – 43:47] 

Influences in the Gospel Movement of the Dominican Republic [43:47 – 51:10] 

The View of the U.S. Church from Latin America [51:10 – 59:48] 

Americanos Hablando Español [59:48 – 1:04:20]  

Stephen J. Nichols is President of Reformation Bible College, Chief Academic
Officer for Ligonier, and host of the 5 minutes in Church History podcast. He’s the co-editor of Crossway’s Theologians of the Christian Life series, and the reason he joins us for this episode is his new biography of R.C. Sproul.

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp.  

Best-selling author Paul David Tripp invites us to set aside time from the busyness of our lives to focus on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Each of the short readings in Journey to the Cross encourages us to abide in the abundant joy found in Christ as we encounter the Savior more fully and follow him more faithfully during this Lenten season. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Recommended Devotional for Lent [0:00 – 1:17] 

Not THAT Stephen Nichols [1:17 – 4:05] 

Meeting R.C. Sproul [4:05 – 11:12] 

Shaping Influences on R.C.: Pittsburg, Gerstner, Berkouwer, Vesta [11:12 – 16:57] 

Gravity and Gladness [16:57 – 23:21] 

Ligonier Valley Study Center [23:21 – 30:31] 

The Big Break [30:31 – 36:56] 

Controversies [36:56 – 39:31] 

Jim Boice [39:31 – 42:44] 

Evangelicals and Catholics Together [42:44 – 49:04] 

Classical Apologetics [49:04 – 53:59] 

Favorite Book of R.C. Sproul [53:59 – 56:13] 

Quick Questions [56:13 – 1:06:49] 

Books and Everything: 

Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional, by Paul David Tripp 

R.C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols 

The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul  

Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, is the special guest for this conversation. Along with Collin, Justin, and Kevin, Tim Keller discusses the Reformed movement itself, The Gospel Coalition, and what comes next in Evangelicalism. Along the way you’ll hear advice for evangelizing, warnings about Christian celebrity, and of course book recommendations for pastors and leaders. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the Short
Studies in Systematic Theology Series, edited by Graham A. Cole and Oren R. Martin. 

The Short Studies in Systematic Theology Series is designed to equip the church to faithfully understand, love, teach, and apply what God has revealed in Scripture about a variety of theological topics. The series gives valuable advice on applying spiritual gifts in the preaching and evangelism ministry. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

Promoting, Celebrating, & Articulating Systematic Theology [0:00 – 1:30] 

Tim Keller Fighting Sin Not Cancer [1:30 – 17:03] 

Top Book Recommendations for Forming Pastors and Leaders [17:03 – 21:37] 

Tim Keller’s Other Spiritual Gifts [21:37 – 27:13] 

British Evangelicalism [27:13 – 34:20] 

Reading at a Rural Church; Eating in a Big City [34:20 – 39:41] 

Reformed Resurgence: The Young, Restless, & Reformed Movement [39:41 – 51:06] 

Evangelical Celebrities [51:06 – 54:33] 

How to Define Evangelicalism: Models vs. Institutions [54:33 – 1:00:34] 

More About the Pastor Celebrity Experience [1:00:34 – 1:10:20] 

Post-Movement Evangelistic Strategies [1:10:20 – 1:12:25] 

Encouragement [1:12:25 – 1:15:20] 

Books and Everything: 

Dynamics of Spiritual Life, by Richard F. Lovelace 

Evangelism Through the Local Church, by Michael Green 

Evangelism in the Early Church, by Michael Green 

Between Faith and Criticism, by Mark Noll 

Reformed Resurgence: The New Calvinist Movement and the Battle Over American Evangelicalism, by Brad Vermurlen  

Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Or
to admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links. 

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the Short
Studies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.  

The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life. 

For 30% off this series and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE. 

Timestamps: 

The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46] 

Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17] 

A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34] 

Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53] 

VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15] 

Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45] 

Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54] 

Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23] 

Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57] 

Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16] 

Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25] 

Books and More Books: 

The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by Scott
Klusendorf 

Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith 

Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey 

Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds 

The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray 

Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel 

The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema 

Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America,
by Ismael Hernandez 

America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch 

Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, by Clarke D. Forsythe 

Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk 

The Myth of the Lost Cause: Why the South Fought the Civil War and Why the North Won, by Edward H. Bonekemper, III 

Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian, by Danny E. Olinger 

Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day, by Jake Knapp and John
Zeratsky 

Heralds of the King: Christ-Centered Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney, edited by Dennis E. Johnson 

For Christ and the University: The Story of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of
the USA - 1940-1990, by Keith Hunt, Gladys Hunt 

C. Stacey Woods and the Evangelical Rediscovery of the University, by A.
Donald MacLeod 

Moral, Believing Animals: Human Personhood and Culture, by Christian Smith 

Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice, by Thaddeus J. Williams 

Minds Wide Shut: How the New Fundamentalisms Divide Us, by Gary Saul Morson and Morton Schapiro 

R. C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols 

John Piper sits down with Kevin DeYoung to discuss human purpose, pastoral leadership, the advantages of reading slowly. And of course they discuss books, too. So many books. Reading them; writing them; loving them; but most of all desiring God through them. (See the full list below.) And in this conversation you will get a picture of what will perhaps be John Piper’s magnum opus.  

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.

New Morning Mercies is great for people looking for a devotional in the new year—featuring 365 gospel-centered devotions. Each reading leads with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. It equips you with the good news that you need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.

Timestamps: 

An Excellent Book for 2021 [1:11 – 2:37] 

What did John Piper do for Christmas during coronavirus? [2:37 – 4:58] 

Why Piper doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’ [4:58 – 12:45] 

Especially Formative Books for John Piper [12:45 – 19:57] 

On the Pros and Cons of Reading Slowly [19:57 – 34:48] 

Books to Kickstart Pastoral Ministry [34:48 – 43:54] 

Favorite Biographies [43:54 – 46:32] 

Books to Return To [46:32 – 51:59] 

The Hardest Book John Piper Had to Write and His Favorite [51:59 – 57:38] 

Providence: John Piper’s Latest Book [57:38 – 1:03:15] 

Enjoying the Process of Writing; Praise for Pastors Who Don’t Write Books
[1:03:15 – 1:09:33] 

More Questions on Providence and Providence [1:09:33 – 1:20:40] 

The Most Important Verse in the Bible [1:20:40 – 1:25:08] 

Books and More Books: 

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp (get 30% off) 

Thinking God’s Thoughts: The Hermeneutics of Humility, by Daniel P. Fuller 

The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity, by Daniel P.
Fuller 

Freedom of the Will, by Jonathan Edwards 

The End for Which God Created the World, by Jonathan Edwards 

The Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards 

Validity in Interpretation, by E.D. Hirsch 

Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer, by C.S. Lewis 

A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C.S. Lewis

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen, introduction by J.I.
Packer

Communion with the Triune God, by John Owen  

The Glory of Christ, by John Owen 

How to Read a Book, by Mortimer Adler 

Brothers, We Are Not Professionals, by John Piper 

The Religious Life of Theological Students, by Benjamin B. Warfield 

The Christian Ministry, by Charles Bridges 

The True Excellency of a Minister of the Gospel, by Jonathan Edwards 

Lectures to My Students, by Charles Spurgeon, especially “The Minister’s
Fainting Fits” and “The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear” 

Preaching and Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

Walking with the Giants, by Warren Wiersbe 

Listening to the Giants, by Warren Wiersbe 

Giant Steps, by Warren Wiersbe 

Tony Reinke on modern technology 

Reformed Dogmatics by Hermann Bavinck  

Systematic Theology, by Wayne Grudem 

21 Servants of Sovereign Joy: Faithful, Flawed, and Fruitful, by John
Piper 

Augustine of Hippo: A Biography, by Peter Brown 

William Tyndale: A Biography, by David Danielle 

Jonathan Edwards: A Life, George Marsden 

Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography, by Iain Murray 

To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson, by Courtney Anderson 

Portrait of Calvin, by T.H.L. Parker 

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, Roland Bainton 

A Sacrifice of Praise: An Anthology of Christian Poetry in English from Caedmon
to the Mid-Twentieth Century

The poetry of George Herbert 

What Jesus Demands from the World, by John Piper 

Desiring God, by John Piper 

Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ, by John Piper 

Providence, by John Piper (Pre-Order at Westminster Books)  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Carl Trueman joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his latest book, published by Crossway, which analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. You’ll also learn the benefit for Christians of reading Nietzsche and Freud, and what you can say to someone when there isn’t time to debate the philosophy of gender.   

Timestamps: 

Thirty-second long book title [00:55 – 1:25] 

If identity is sexual, then sex is political. [1:25 – 7:37] 

Behaviors demand toleration; identity demands recognition. [7:37 – 13:39] 

Grappling with the history of ideas [13:39 – 22:26] 

Intended audience [22:26 – 24:29] 

Why Carl wants to be called a bigot [24:29 – 28:32] 

Should pastors read these non-Christian authors? [28:32 – 34:18] 

Is Protestantism to blame for sexual identity politics? [34:18 – 44:48] 

Natural law will help us communicate to younger generations. [44:48 – 50:55] 

What can you say to the other side when there isn’t time to debate? [50:55 –
56:16] 

Against lament? [56:16 – 57:50] 

Family shapes theology. [57:50 – 1:03:00] 

Books and Everything: 

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive
Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, by Carl R. Trueman 

Civilization & Its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud 

The Triumph of the Therapeutic, by Philip Rieff 

Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture,
by David VanDrunen 

Hands Across the Aisle 

“The Fury of the Fatherless,” by Mary Eberstadt, First Things  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung interviews Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. This interview was recorded live on stage from the Faithful Conference at Christ Covenant on November 7^th. Listen and you’ll learn the books and people and places that made Dr. Duncan who he is. You’ll even find out his DJ name. 

Timestamps: 

Early Life and Conversion [00:00 – 7:16] 

A True South Carolinian [7:16 – 10:17] 

Encounters with God in Study [10:17 – 15:20] 

Taking the Racial Blinders Off [15:20 – 23:08] 

Critical Race Theory [23:08 – 27:47] 

Reformed Books [27:47 – 31:57] 

Covenant Theology [31:57 – 33:08] 

Ligon Unplugged [33:08 – 38:50] 

Lightning Round [38:50 – 48:27]  

Books and Everything: 

Knowing God, by Jim Packer 

Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan M. Stibbs 

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, by Geerhardus J. Vos 

Dr. Duncan’s Class on Covenant Theology in the RTS App (iOS | Android) 

Favorite Hymn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” by John Newton 

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof 

“Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras,” mvt. 2 from Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, &
Justin wrestle with the current state of the 2020 election. Why doesn’t it seem
to be a clear victory for the Left or the Right? What does it mean for the
church? Does your vote have an inherent meaning, or is it entirely dependent
upon your intentions? And they do indulge in just the right amount of rank
punditry.   

Timestamps: 

College Football [1:32 – 5:05] 

Talking about the Election [5:05 – 33:11] 

Does a vote have an inherent meaning? [33:11 – 48:48] 

Alex Trebek [48:48 – 59:06] 

What book, movie, or music do you go to when you need to reorient yourself?
[59:06 – 1:08:49]  

Book & Music Recommendations:

Collin: 

The old, red United Methodist Hymnal 

Kevin:

The Heidelberg Catechism 

The Valley of Vision 

Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

any systematic theology 

The Planets, mvt. 4, “Jupiter” (Thaxted) by Gustav Holst 

The Mission: Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture by Ennio Morricone   

Justin:

Psalm 131 

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. Scott Swain—Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Listen in to hear about recent controversies surrounding the doctrine of the trinity, if the Holy Spirit is indeed forgotten in our discussions about the trinity, why analogies for the trinity are unhelpful, and why Orlando is the most magical place on earth.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives by the faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary. Join a host of twenty-six scholars, including O. Palmer Robertson, Michael J. Kruger, and Scott R. Swain, as they explore how the concept of covenant is clearly taught in Scripture and how it lays the foundation for other doctrines of salvation.

LBE is also excited to announce that listeners of the show can receive 30% off Crossway books, bibles, tracts, audiobooks, and ebooks by signing up for a free Crossway+ membership. Crossway+ is a new membership program designed to provide you with gospel-centered resources aimed at strengthening your faith and serving the church. Registering for a free Crossway+ membership makes it more convenient and affordable than ever to purchase directly from Crossway.

Timestamps:

Who is Scott Swain and why is Orlando the greatest and most magical place on earth? [0:00 - 8:40]

Analogies and the trinity [8:40 - 12:10]

20th Century evangelicalism and the doctrine of the trinity [12:10 - 20:45]

What is biblicism? [20:45 - 23:53]

Relations of origin and the persons of the trinity [23:53 - 29:30]

Why we should reject social trinitarianism [29:30 - 31:31]

Is it true that we often forget the Holy Spirit in our discussions of the trinity? [31:31 - 34:55]

The work of the Holy Spirit and revivalistic-charismatic movements [34:55 - 38:21]

A tool-kit of systematic theology categories and terms [38:21 - 49:12]

The drama behind the filioque [49:12 - 50:50]

How should pastors communicate these orthodox categories to their congregations? [50:50 - 57:35]

Resources on the Doctrine of the Trinity:

St. Patrick's Bad Analogies 

The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders

The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck

The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance by Carl Trueman and Brandon Crowe 

On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus

Retrieving Eternal Generation by Scott Swain and Fred Sanders

Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves

Dogmatic Theology by William Shedd 

Our Triune God: Living in the Love of the Three-in-One by Philip Ryken

The Holy Spirit (Contours of Christian Theology) by Sinclair Ferguson

Is Jesus Truly God?: How the Bible Teaches the Divinity of Christ by Greg Lanier
   

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Jeff McAlvey joins Kevin and Justin to discuss the Christian’s role in politics. Jeff worked closely with Michigan Governor John Engler in the 90s, oversaw the state appropriations process when Governor Engler was the Senate Majority Leader, and started a lobbying group after his time in Washington DC. Listen in as Kevin, Justin, and Jeff unravel some of the misconceptions around politics in America and offer advice on how church members can love their neighbors and be more politically involved in their local communities.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is, When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture (Suffering and the Christian Life, Volume 1) by Mark Talbot. When the Starts Disappear engages the topic of suffering, not only through Reformed theological and philosophical insights but with profound biblical reflection and personal experience through the author himself. 

Book recommendations

Kevin:

God's Design for the Church: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders by Conrad Mbewe 

Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz

Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism by Matthew Thiessen

Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting by Ronald Baily and Marian Tupy 

Justin:

What It Means to Be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics by O. Carter Snead

Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race by Thomas Chatterton Williams

Jeff:

Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Justin, and Collin are back together to discuss some of the more pressing issues facing the church today: sexual misconduct and allegations, this time concerning the late Ravi Zacharius, friendless pastors, the curse of fame, dangers facing the church from “the Right” and “the Left,” and helpful books for forming one’s political philosophy.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway titles we want to highlight in this episode are the ESV Scripture Journals (Illuminated Scripture Journals and the Greek Scripture Journal ). Bible readers can take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture

These thin, portable, long-lasting notebooks are great for personal Bible reading and reflection, small-group study, or taking notes through a sermon series.

Timestamps:

Our attempts at journaling [0:00 - 10:34]

The sexual misconduct and allegations of Ravi Zacharius [10:34 - 37:10]

Agreeing and disagreeing on the dangers facing Reformed(ish) Evangelicalism [37:10 - 1:01:14]

Books to help inform a political philosophy [1:01:14 - 1:18:33]

Booklists:

Justin:

The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics by Greg Forster 

Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies by David T. Koyzis 

A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles by Thomas Sowell 

Kevin:

The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left by Yuval Levin 

Christ and the Kingdoms of Men: Foundations of Political Life by David C. Innes 

The Federalist Papers 

Collin:

Them: Why We Hate Each Other--and How to Heal by Ben Sasse  

To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World by James Davidson Hunter 

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt 

Resources mentioned:

Article: Why The Young Hate The Torries by Ed West 

Article: Unequally Woked by Samuel James

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address 

Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.

America in the King Years (3 book series) by Taylor Branch 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. James Eglinton joins Kevin to discuss his latest work, Bavinck: A Critical Biography.

Listen in for a fascinating look at the history of the modern Reformed tradition as told through the story of one of its greatest theologians, Herman Bavinck. Topics include Bavinck's Dutch Calvinistic context, his desire to apply Reformed orthodoxy to modern dilemmas, his association with the women's rights movement, if Bavinck was an evangelical, and his children and grandchildren's involvement in the Nazi resistance.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Concise Theology by J. I Packer. Theology is important for the Christian life. And though it is marked by many complex terms and doctrines, there is yet what J. I. Packer calls “the permanent essentials of Christianity.” This concise introduction to these essential doctrines distills theological truths so both scholar and layperson alike can grow to treasure the unchanging pillars of the Christian faith.

Resources mentioned:

Bavinck: A Critical Biography by James Eglinton - 40% off HERE 

Reformed Dogmatics (4 Volume Set) by Herman Bavinck

The History of Scottish Theology, Volume I: Celtic Origins to Reformed Orthodoxy by David Fergusson and Mark Elliot

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, and Justin discuss the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her vacant seat on the Supreme Court, Classic liberalism and its critics, which books were most formative in their youth, and what career they each would have chosen if not for the ones they are in now.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is the ESV Every Day Bible: 365 Readings through the Whole Bible. This bible was designed from the ground up to be an inviting daily-reading Bible, to help readers achieve their goal of reading through the Bible in a year.

Formative books in our youth:

Kevin:

Know What You Believe by Paul Little

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin  

The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors by Martin Lloyd-Jones

God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams by David Wells   

No Place for Truth: or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? by David Wells 

Losing Our Virtue: Why the Church Must Recover Its Moral Vision by David Wells

Collin:

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden  

The Cost of Discipleship by Bonhoeffer 

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky 

The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism by Carl Henry

Justin:

The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson

Comeback by Dave Dravecky

Confessions (Oxford World's Classics) by St. Augustine 

Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig

Desiring God, Revised Edition: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God (A Theology of Lordship) by John Frame      

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, and Justin discuss the writing process, how things have exponentially changed in the online Christian writing space, what books have most recently moved them, which pastor biographies are their favorite, and what message the church needs to hear most in 2020. And if nuanced discussions on culture, books, and theology don't quite do it for you, be sure to tune in to hear the guys give their best Chris Farley impressions.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp. For every celebrity pastor exiting the ministry in the spotlight, there are many more lesser-known pastors leaving in the shadows. Tripp draws on his decades of ministry experience to give churches twelve gospel principles necessary to combat this leadership crisis. Each of these principles, built upon characteristics such as humility, dependency, and accountability, will enable new and experienced leaders alike to focus their attention on the ultimate leadership model: the gospel.

Timestamps:

What did you do on Labor Day? | Crossway sponsorship: Lead by Paul David Tripp [0:00 - 11:48] - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/gospelbound/leaders-who-wont-flame-out/

Changes in Online Christian Writing [11:48 - 38:46]

What is the last book that moved you? [38:46 - 54:05]

Collin's books:

Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp

How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan 

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Kevin's books:

The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race In America by Shelby Steele

Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts

Justin's books:

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund

The chapter on Adoption in Knowing God by J. I. Packer

Favorite Pastor Biographies:

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson by D. A. Carson

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray

Disciplines of a Godly Man (Updated Edition) by R. Kent Hughes

The message that the church needs to hear in 2020 [54:05 - 1:08:00]

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin shares four questions to ask regarding the most divisive topics in the church today: voting, police shootings, and Coronavirus.

Kevin also shares 4 book recommendations of some of the most recent and enjoyable titles he has read through.

This episode is sponsored by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Unfolding Grace: 40 Guided Readings through the Bible; discover the overarching storyline of God's Word as it is revealed through forty Scripture readings drawn from key points in the biblical narrative. Each passage, coupled with brief and accessible commentary, will help you follow God's grace as it unfolds from Genesis through Revelation. Unfolding Grace includes 40 illustrations by Peter Voth, excerpts discussing the flow of God’s plan of redemption, a single-column format, a smyth-sewn binding, and a Study guide.

Timestamps:

Introduction + 4 book recommendations [0:00 - 22:31]

Books mentioned:

The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It) by Michael Strain 

The Morality of Laughter by F. H. Buckley 

The Myth of Disenchantment: Magic, Modernity, and the Birth of the Human Sciences by Jason A. Josephson Storm 

J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir by Ned B. Stonehouse - cover done by Marina Amaral 

4 questions to ask when discussing voting [22:31 - 34:52]

4 questions to ask when discussing police shootings [34:52 - 42:05]

4 questions to ask when discussing the Coronavirus [42:05 - 54:25]

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor are joined by Dr. Julius Kim—President of The Gospel Coalition—to discuss each other’s seminary experiences, issues in evangelicalism, how to discern one’s vocational calling, how to be a better preacher, and, last but not least, which books have been most influential in the life and ministry of Dr. Kim.

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is, Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop, with contributions by Thabiti Anyabwile, Trillia Newbell, Jarvis Williams, John Onwuchekwa, Collin Hansen, Mika Edmondson, and more. In an effort to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt, Mark Vroegop writes about the practice of lament. Vroegop invites readers to mourn with him over the brokenness that has caused division and to use lament to begin the journey toward a diverse and united church. Pick up your copy of Weep With Me by Mark Vroegop today.

Timestamps:

Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop [0:00 - 1:43]

Where we went to seminary and the different branches in evangelicalism [1:43 - 27:58]

Wrestling with my vocational calling [27:58 - 39:38]

How to become a better preacher [39:38 - 52:10]

What books most influenced Julius Kim over the years and what he is reading now [52:10 - 58:07]

Julius Kim’s prior wedding band career [58:07 - 1:06:38]

Books and authors that have influenced Julius Kim:

Knowing God by J. I. Packer

How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture by Francis Shaeffer

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Institutes of Elenctic Theology (3 Volume Set) by Francis Turretin

The Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters from Jack Miller by John C. Miller

Influenced by Ed Clowney, Henri Nouwen, and Eugene Peterson.

Books that Julius Kim is reading right now:

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

Institutional Intelligence: How to Build an Effective Organization by Gordan T. Smith

Resources mentioned:

Preaching the Whole Counsel of God: Design and Deliver Gospel-Centered Sermons by Julius Kim

Reformed Theology in America: A History of Its Modern Development by David F. Wells

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, and Justin discuss the recent scandal involving Jerry Falwell Jr. and the difference between a therapeutic confession and one that admits guilt and sin, what habits of rest and recreation they practice, what their favorite biblical commentaries are, and lastly, they discuss Samuel James's article, "Which Enemy? Which Doorstep?"

This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. A specific book from Crossway we would like to highlight for our listeners is Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home through Time, Moments, and Milestones by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin. In this book, Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin help families develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship through a guided framework focusing on moments of discipleship in 3 key areas: time, moments, and milestones. Each section provides parents with Scriptures to consider, questions to answer, structures to implement, and ideas to try out.

Timestamps:

Book giveaway winner announcement! [0:00 - 3:10]

The Jerry Falwell Jr. Scandal [3:10 - 15:55]

Habits of rest, recreation, and sabbath [15:55 - 36:50]

Favorite Commentaries [36:50 - 59:48]

Multi-Directional Leadership [59:48 - 1:10:08]

Book recommendations

Collin's favorite commentaries + other resources mentioned:

New Testament Commentary Survey by D. A. Carson

The Letter to the Romans (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT)) by Douglas Moo

ESV Study Bible by Crossway

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale

Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church by Collin Hansen

Kevin's favorite commentaries:

Introducing the Old Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message by Tremper Longman

The Gospel according to John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)) by D. A. Carson

The Pillar New Testament Commentary (14 Volumes) from Eerdmans

The Book of Revelation (The New International Greek Testament Commentary) by G. K. Beale

Preaching the Word: New Testament Set by R. Kent Hughs

Reformed Expository Commentary Series from P&R Publishing

Tyndale Commentary Series from IVP Academic

Justin's favorite commentaries:

ESV Expository Commentary Book Series from Crossway

The IVP Bible Dictionary Series from IVP Academic

Season 2 of Life and Books and Everything is here! Kevin DeYoung, Justin Taylor, and Collin Hansen sit down together to discuss their summer reading lists, how to balance the need for safety and the need to trust God's sovereignty in the pandemic, Grace Community Church and their choice to gather indoors for services in California, and should the Big 10 have canceled?

This episode is brought to you by Crossway. As Kevin says on this episode, "There are lots of Christian publishers, but with Crossway, you know that you have men and women working there who care very much about the content about the truth of God's word, not just selling books—every book publisher has to sell some books but—more importantly, they want to edify and build up the church."

 
In particular, we want to highlight the book by Dane Ortlund, 'Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers.' Some say that, "this book is like J. I. Packer's Knowing God," others say, "this is the best book I've read in a decade." There is lots of high praise for Gentle and Lowly, by Dane Ortlund, so please check it out.

Timestamps:

Introduction + Book Giveaway Announcement with Crossway [0:00 - 4:50]

Summer Reading [4:50 - 29:47]

Collin's summer reading:
The Future of Christian Marriage by Mark Regnerus

Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide by Tony Horwitz

The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross 

Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paull David Tripp

Justin's summer reading:

Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horwitz

Redeeming the Great Emancipator by Allen C. Guelzo 

Reconstruction: A Very Short Introduction by Allen C. Guelzo

Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War by Tony Horwitz 

The Panic Virus: The True Story Behind the Vaccine-Autism Controversy by Seth Mnookin 

Kevin's summer reading:

Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World by Laura Spinney

The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race In America by Shelby Steele

Manliness Paperback by Harvey C. Mansfield

Great Society: A New History by Amity Shlaes

How can we understand the balance between the pursuit of safety and absolute confidence in God’s sovereignty? [29:47 - 45:38]

Grace Community Church and their choice to gather indoors for services in California and the challenges facing churches in the pandemic [45:38 - 59:50]

Should the Big 10 have canceled? [59:50 - 1:11:40]

Originally released on July 17th, 2020, in this special episode of 'Life and Books and Everything,' Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor remember their friend J. I. Packer as they share about his influence broadly and personally.

Originally released on May 12th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss the following: an airing of grievances in honor of Frank Costanza, how to accept criticism, the unique challenges of social media, best books on preaching and ministry, books we re-read, and what makes for bad preaching.

Originally released on May 20th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor cover the following in the 5th episode of 'Life and Books and Everything': an airing of gratitude, conspiracy theories, parallels between COVID-19 and 2004, expertise and authority, our favorite biographies, and which biographies we’d like to write.

Originally released on June 2nd, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss George Floyd, the need for leaders with character, and books they recommend related to policing, justice, and civil rights.

Originally released on June 10th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss the morality of laughter, the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, their disagreements about systematic racism, how to approach history, and their recommended books on slavery.

Originally released on June 16th, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss the tearing down of statues, kneeling during the National Anthem, what it means that we're made in the image of God, their favorite writers, and how to avoid bad writing.

Originally released on June 23rd, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss the five books they would take on a desert island, why the news makes you dumb, and why politics is the true national pastime.

Originally released on July 1st, 2020, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor discuss cancel culture, the inner-ring, new statues that they think should be built, and their summer reading lists.

Originally released on May 5th, 2020, this episode of 'Life and Books and Everything' admittedly covers too much of "everything," ranging from Star Wars to Mother's Day to infertility to regional U.S. differences to the COVID-19 re-open to social media as the message to how we read and retain and more.

Originally released on April 27th, 2020, this is episode 2 of the first season of 'Life and Books and Everything,' with Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor.

Originally released on April 21st, 2020, this episode is the soft launch for 'Life and Books and Everything ' with Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor. 

A short piece about what to expect when you listen to Life and Books and Everything.