Mortification Of Spin

Due to some technical difficulties (yes, even recording equipment has not escaped the Fall), we've reached into the vault to resurrect a conversation that's as relevant as it was when we first aired it last May. It never hurts to hear some good truths twice, especially when it concerns the prevalence of emotional exhibitionism in today's church. From blogs to the pulpit, how much is too much? The Spinners discuss TMI and the wisdom in less being more!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free MP3 download! Head to ReformedResources.org to download a free copy of James Boice's sermon entitled, "Mind Renewal in a Mindless Age: Part 1"   

The Insider Movement … what is it? Well, we've pulled out the big guns to ensure we got a good answer, and his name is Dr. David Garner. He's Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and he's even willing to say he's friends with Carl Trueman. Aside from his charitable friendship to Carl, Dr. Garner is extremely knowledgable on the Insider Movement. He articulates a historically rich, educated response to the hosts' questions while voicing concerns the church should have about this movement. Dr. Garner also shares on the importance of attending seminary from three perspectives: seminary grad, professor, and pastor.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free MP3 download! Head to ReformedResources.org to download a free copy of James Boice's sermon entitled, "A Plea for Missions"David Garner's reformation21.org articles on the insider Movement:1. Jennings and Garner On the PCA's Response to Insider Movements2. Jennings and Garner First Rejoinders3.

Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Apart from teaching your child the living Word, there are other means to teach them the doctrines we hold fast to and few things capture their mind quite like a good children's book. Do you feel confident about what books to read to your children or use during family devotions? In a sea of options, it can be difficult finding books that possess both sound words and captivating illustrations. Thankfully, the Spin Crew have done their homework and offer a helpful handful of suggestions for our covenant children.The givaway for "Dangerous Journey: A Vision for the Christian Life," an MP3 set by Derek Thomas has ended. The winners are:Browyn-Kate K, Lancaster, TXAmanda D, Denver, COKevin T, Rockford, ILGregory T, Oregon City, ORSuzanne M, Elk Grove, CAYou can own a copy of "Dangerous Journey: A Vision for the Christian Life," by ordering it at Reformed Resources.

Next stop: Mortification Elementary! Carl, Aimee & Todd are on the big yellow bus shootin' the breeze about school. It's a hard conversation in the church and can become a heated one, too! Do you take your kids to public school or do you homeschool? Is it the role of the church to answer that or is it a matter of freedom and conscious? What does scripture even say about education?! Our hosts are parents who've had to ask these very things, and like many questions in life, the answers aren't as black and white as you might think.The giveaway has ended for "Christian Liberty," an MP3 set of messages from Dr. James Boice. The winners are:Sharon B, Havertown, PARon P, Murfreesboro, TNShawn M, Morrison, COJames S, Springfield, VAKevin F, Joliet, ILYou can purchase a copy directly from the Alliance at ReformedResources.org. 

There's a searing spotlight on adultery in today's headlines, highlighting the recent blow up of the Ashley Madison hack that exposed many - and church leaders were among the fallen. Carl, Aimee, & Todd discuss the havoc such sin wreaks on the sinner, the cost to the spouse, and their children. The Spinning Trifecta also addresses some misconceptions about sin such as, "All sin is the same in God's eyes," and they look into what Jesus means in Matthew 5:28. Reality is, none of us are immune to sin, even the most grievous, so how do we go about protecting ourselves from falling in this very particular way? For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free MP3 download, "The Westminster Assembly on Marriage and Divorce," by Richard Gamble. You can download your free audio message at Reformed Resources.

Carl & Todd have really done it now. The Puppetmaster is about to pull the plug and poor Aimee appears to have gotten roped in, too. They'll undergo some serious trial and may face a mortifying …excommunication?! It could get ugly. So what do we think or even know about excommunication? It's a hard decision for a church to make and hard for any layperson to watch, let alone undergo. Yet the Bible spins it as vital, healthy, and positive. So what do you tell the congregation about discipline cases? How much is too much information? This episode is all about the how, why, and what of excommunication. As for our hosts, no need to worry. Aimee, despite being thrown under the bus, takes the brunt of the boys' malarky and coerces the Puppetmaster to mercy. The show will go on!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a free MP3 download! Head to ReformedResources.org to download a free copy of Mark Dever's message from the 2003 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology entitled, "Church Dis

Carl, Aimee, & Todd continue their discussion on Rosaria Butterfield's latest book: Openness Unhindered, in which they respond specifically to her thoughts on and approach to Christian fellowship and hospitality. So how do you and your church fair in these areas? Is hospitality a characteristic of God? Rosaria's missional way of life is both humbling and challenging, offering serious food for thought on how you open your home and share your table and life with those in your community.The Giveaway is closed. Winners will be announced soon.For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Rosaria Butterfield's new book, Openness Unhindered. You can enter here for a chance to win, or purchase this product on Reformed Resources.

Rosaria Butterfield, former advocate and participant of the LGBT agenda, now converted Christian living a heterosexual lifestyle, has authored two books and speaks publicly about her homosexual past, unlikely conversion, and present life of faith and repentance. Carl, Aimee & Todd discuss her new book Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ. They appreciate but also challenge some of Rosaria's thoughts. If you have not read it, there's good reason to remedy that, and very soon. In light of all the misguided and unbiblical writings on issues surrounding sexual identity, Rosaria's book is both refreshing and helpful. Be sure to tune in August 26th to hear the hosts' final thoughts on Rosaria's latest read.The Giveaway is closed. Winners will be announced soon.For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Rosaria Butterfield's new book, Openness Unhindered. You can enter here 

Shhh, you mustn't speak a peep. Our hosts are pacing the grounds at a monastery pondering the painful sound of silence. They wonder: "Why is the church so quiet, turning a blind eye to outrageously unbiblical issues? Why is there growing ambiguity on doctrine and confession within the Christian world?" The hosts discuss how the evangelical world has grown poor in voicing its beliefs, standing firm on Biblical principles, and seems conforming to the tolerant ideals of the world. Do we shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God? This isn't a question for just those standing behind the pulpit but also those sitting in the pews. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a drawing for a free MP3 set! We have a few copies of "How Firm a Foundation," an MP3 set of messages from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology that we would like to give away. You can enter the drawing here, or you can purchase a copy directly from the Alliance at ReformedResources.org. 

There are some Christians who are neither hot nor cold - it's what we'd call nominalism and it's nothing new in today's Church. So how do we approach "Christians," having the appearance of godliness, or non-Christians clothed as sheep among the flock? Christ has not only broken the curse of sin but also its power over us. This should be clear in the mind of the Christian but in today's church, it's vogue to be vague.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give you a free MP3 download by James Boice titled "Christ's Prayer for the Church." You can download this product for free at Reformed Resources.

Outside Gold's Gym in sunny Cali, our beach-buff Spinners await Max Benfer, a friend and pastor of Meadowcroft Church (PCA). As they pump iron, they discuss Max's call to the pastorate, roles, and the challenges of the ordinary pastor. For instance, when you're the pastor, who shepherds the pastor? Like many, Max is still figuring out the balance of his pastoral responsibilities, personal needs, and family time. Max also reveals he's a pastor with a past. If you're a minister, this episode should encourage you in your call. If you're a congregant, it should help you gain perspective on the trying task of shepherding. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a drawing for a free book! We have a few copies of "Holiness in the Office of the Pastor,"  an MP3 set of messages from the 2014 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology by Phil Johnson that we would like to give away. You can enter the drawing here, or you can purchase a copy directly from the Alliance at ReformedResources.org.

One of our hosts is missing today which means there's less troubling a'brewin' on the air. The two "left behind" discuss the call to holiness on Church leaders, with specific emphasis on the pastor. It seems there is a deficiency in godliness these days, and even a more common (or perhaps just more publicized) exposure of moral nose-dives in which pastors crash & burn. What's happening?! Have piety & obedience fallen on hard times? Does a man's godliness hold any weight in the effectiveness of his ministry? Listen to what our hosts think as they draw from their own experience and Paul's teachings. It's no spoiler to say: The call to holiness is real and damage is done when sins are swept under the sanctuary rug.For this week's episode, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a free MP3 download by James Boice titled "Godliness: A Great Gain." You can download this product for free at Reformed Resources.

Job: it’s one of the darkest, most troubling, and misunderstood books in the Bible. Christopher Ash, Director of the Cornhill Training Course of Proclamation Trust in London and council member of Tyndale House in Cambridge, has authored a worthwhile book on Job. Carl, Aimee, & Todd sit down to discuss Job: The Wisdom of the Cross, a commentary in the Preaching the Word series. In the book Ash breaks down everything from the difficult conversations with Job’s friends to God’s purpose in redemptive suffering. The main focus of today’s casual conversation:...the leviathan. So is it a dinosaur or what?The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer a drawing for a free book! We have a few copies of Job: The Widsom of the Cross by Christopher Ash that we would like to give away. You can enter the drawing here.

Sex change operations have been around for some time but with recent headlines about "Caitlyn" Jenner, transgender issues are a hot topic and something every Christian must be discerning about. So how should we think of our bodies? Is a sex change gender denial, body mutilation, or result of a mental disorder? If someone is converted after they've had a sex change … what then? Should they reverse the operation? Pastors, this is a show you can't miss. The probability of facing this scenario in your congregation is real and the malleable minds of covenant children are in need of godly wisdom to offset enticing, secular lies. As the Kinks said: "It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world," and they've never been more right.For this week's Bully Pulpit, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Biblical Personhood and Gender Confusion. You can enter here for a chance to win, or purchase this product on Reformed Resources.

How does one approach God in reverence? Is it a tone?... a feeling?... an outward posture? Seems a lot of confusion surrounds our understanding of God’s holiness. Of course, it doesn’t help that we live in an irreverent age that’s traded structured sobriety for what’s casual and comfortable. And what about humor? When is it appropriate and should it be present in the pulpit? To answer these tough questions, we called on the most irreverent people we know... Carl, Aimee, & Todd.If this week's Mortification of Spin has benefited you, then you will be interested in Taught by the Word to Worship by Peter Lillback, a free audio download from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can download this product from Reformed Resources.

OK kids, it’s summer and your reading list is out! Grab your flip flops, sunscreen, a good read and join the Spin Gang by the shore. My my, Todd's looking rather bronzed in his white-beater and Bermuda shorts - those trips to the tanning salon really paid off. Aimee’s shownin' off her beach-smarts in an SPF 100 denim jumper - class! As for Carl, he was last seen turning 50 shades of red seeking refuge at the cabana… Zinfandel in hand. Scandal! So clearly our team doesn't do the beach well but at least they're well-read! Hear them share what they'll be reading this summer - it's an interesting mix of theological and fictional books to enhance any beach-bumming experience you may have planned this season.For this week's Bully Pulpit, The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away a couple free copies of Developing a Christian Mind: Learning to Think and Act Biblically w/ Study Guide by James Boice. You can enter here for a chance to win, or purchase this product on Reformed Resources.MoS's Summ

Is depression a sin? Can a Christian be depressed and still godly? Thankfully we have pastor David Murray chiming in with his wisdom on the matter. David has authored many books, and a few of them deal with the topic of depression: The Happy Christian and Christians Get Depressed Too. In the Reformed tradition we believe our whole bodies are fallen, falling apart, and in the case of Carl’s hair, falling out. So how should we view depression in light of that? David & Co. confront the theology shaping our thoughts on depression and the difference knowing God can make for the depressed believer.This week the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a chance to win David Murray's The Happy Christian. You can enter here to win, or visit Reformed Resources to purchase this product.

Just back from Yale, Carl & Todd try not to make Aimee feel too bad for missing out on their trip. While at Yale, they shared tables with great thinkers, enjoyed dinners and other pleasantries, but it sometimes seems that no matter where these boys go trouble, dispute, and controversy are sure to follow. Their discussions with others raised an important question: how do we disagree with fellow man, even fellow Christians, in an honorable, civilized, and godly way? The boys share anecdotes from their travels and needless to say, it's a helpful conversation on how we deal with controversy without abandoning our Christian manners.If you have enjoyed this Bully Pulpit then you will benefit from Kosher Cooking and all That by James Boice as a free audio download from The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can also find this product on Reformed Resources.

“Let no one despise you for your youth.” Those were Paul’s words to Timothy. But is that even an issue in today’s culture obsessed with catering to and seeking youthfulness? Youth is highly prized, while seasoned, wise leaders are tossed to the curb. So many churches have turned to attractive, cool, yet inept leaders who have more swagger than biblical knowledge. So how is this damaging the Church and what does it mean to have biblical church leadership that’s more useful than it is hip? Thankfully some churches still hire unpopular nerds like Todd & Carl who possess more Biblical know-how than chic, and we've got Aimee to validate that.If this week's Mortification of Spin has benefit you then you will be interested in Ministry in the Church by Eric Alexander as a free audio download from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. You can also find this product on Reformed Resources.

Two shady sheep wandered into Todd's megachurch today. Skirting by security, Carl and Aimee are incognito to rate Todd's preaching and their notes are ... lacking in content. Aimee's doing her usual multitasking - doodling nun chucks and jotting her grocery list while Carl's a man of one talent today: sleep.  Probably not the shining examples you'd expect but raises an important question: How are we on listening to the preached word? Take it from these two, it's not always easy, especially with Pruitt in the pulpit. Is sitting under God's preached word something we take seriously, strategically, thoughtfully? Are we diligent or complacent, prepared or passive? And is there a difference between listening and hearing? Carl, Aimee & Todd take these questions to task while offering some basic tips and aids for congregants and their covenant children. Listen up, this is something we all need to hear.This week on Mortification of Spin, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to give away How to Liste