In this episode, Jonathan, James and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, focusing on the pivotal setting of Vanity Fair which represents the world's temptations and worldly pleasures that can distract pilgrims from their spiritual journey.

If we don’t look at our wives and our children and the things that make up our life, like our jobs, our calling even, the things that we would put most value in…if we don’t hold all those things with an empty hand and see them as things that are here today and gone tomorrow like the flowers of the field, then we have all of a sudden allowed things to creep into our thinking that have an opportunity to contest God’s authority in our lives, contest God Himself in our lives. – Jeff Stivason

Today we discuss the challenges faced by the pilgrims Christian and Faithful, and the deeper meanings behind their experiences. Discover how Bunyan's insights remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys as they navigate the temptations of the world.

Are we living in Vanity Fair as pilgrims, or are we making it our home? – Jonathan Master

Jonathan and James welcome Ronnie Kurtz, assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University, to discuss his recent book, Light Unapproachable: Divine Incomprehensibility and the Task of Theology. Together, they delve into the concept of divine incomprehensibility—what it means to know God in a world where He remains fundamentally other than us.

Divine incomprehensibility is a theological term to describe a feeling that a lot of listeners have probably felt before. – Ronni Kurtz

Ronnie shares insights on how this doctrine has shaped theological thought throughout history, reminding us that theologians in all ages have wrestled with what we can and cannot say about God

My book is just a long lesson in humility. – Ronni Kurtz

Thanks to the generosity of IVP Academic, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Ronni Kurtz’s book, Light Unapproachable, to our listeners. Enter here to win.

Show Notes:

Ronni’s book: https://www.ivpress.com/light-unapproachable

When considering the Reformation, men like Martin Luther and John Calvin come readily to mind, but few would put John Knox in the same category. And yet Jacob Tanner, author and pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, argues that Knox's contributions are as valuable as anything that Luther or Calvin put forth. Jacob sits down with Jonathan and James today to explore the life and teachings of John Knox, which are highlighted in Jacob's new book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God.

…John Knox, as the reformer of Scotland, as it were, is one of the most important, I would argue, theologians that the West has ever produced, and a lot of people don't think of him that way. – Jacob Tanner

Together, they discuss why Knox remains a pivotal figure in Protestant theology and how his principles of resistance and obedience to God resonate in today's world. Join us for an enlightening conversation about faith, public witness, and the power of prayer.

Thanks to the generosity of Founders Press, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Jacob Tanner’s book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God to our listeners. Enter here to win.

Show Notes:

To view Jacob Tanner’s books: https://press.founders.org/?s=jacob+tanner