The Magazine Podcast

A discussion of two March events that highlight troubling shifts in how society treats newborn life. A recounting of Kermit Gosnell’s crimes and the legal inconsistencies they exposed. A report on a UK parliamentary vote to decriminalize abortion and its wider cultural significance. A call to lament, pray, and consider how communities should respond.

Grant Gordon, pastor and editor who has compiled John Newton’s letters, discusses Newton’s private pastoral correspondence and its surprising public life. He recounts how letters to John Ryland Jr. shaped lifelong mentorship, reveals archival recoveries, and explains what’s new in the revised Wise Counsel edition.

A close reading of R. B. Kuiper's critique of Christian socialism and its earthly priorities. Discussion of whether Jesus acted as a social reformer and the claim that Christianity's chief concern is spiritual. Exploration of modern self-deification and cultural examples portraying humanity as savior. A warning about many antichrists and alluring deceptions using Christ's name.

A sermon-driven survey of movements claiming Christ's name. Short definitions of Antichrist as opponent and counterfeit. A historical sketch of types leading to a future Antichrist. Close critiques of Romanism and Christian Science and why they are seen as false Christs. A promise of a follow-up installment and further biographical context.

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