Don’t Give Them to Moloch

The rising degradation of human life cannot be overlooked, as—recently—we witnessed New York’s governor signing an abortion bill into law as legislators celebrated their newly-expanded “right” to kill the unborn. If that wasn’t bad enough, a few days later Virginia’s legislators introduced an even more radical bill calling for abortion up to, and during, the process of the baby’s delivery.Have you asked yourself, ‘how did we get here?’ How can such a vile act become acceptable—even celebrated—by a “civilized” society? The crew has an insightful discussion about what defines “personhood,” according to Scripture, and the purpose of human life.What is our mandate as Christians, and how does the idea of covenant speak to this issue? How can the Church carry on God’s design for humanity, while witnessing to the secular world?In today’s episode, an unusual character—a prominent NYC pastor—receives kudos for speaking out against the new abortion law. Guess who?Show NotesDefending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice by Francis BeckwithWe are happy to be giving away copies of Abortion by the late R. C. Sproul. Register for the opportunity to win one. These are a complimentary gift from our friends at Reformation Trust.

The Son Who Learned Obedience

About three years ago, the Reformed quarters of the Internet were consumed with a fiery debate over the doctrine of the Trinity. Fast forward, and we find the Spin revisiting the topic today with Glenn Butner. He’s assistant professor of theology and Christian ministry at Sterling College, and author of The Son Who Learned Obedience: A Theological Case Against the Eternal Submission of the Son.In his book, Glenn deals with the main question: Is Jesus in eternal submission to the Father, as the second divine Person of the Trinity? Or, was His submission only in His human life on earth, as a result of the incarnation? The topic is a critical one, for its implications can have a domino effect, knocking over a number of essential Christian doctrines.Is there a problem in appealing to the doctrine of the Trinity to answer questions about the roles of husbands and wives? What roles do confessionalism and tradition play in this matter? You’re about to find out! Show NotesCouncil of Constantinople of 381 ADBiblicism vs. ConfessionalismRegister for the opportunity to win a free copy of Glenn’s book, The Son Who Learned Obedience. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Pickwick Publications.Congratulations to the winners of the John G. Paton: The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebrides by Banner of Truth from our episode, Mission (Im)possible.Doug N. - Clendenin, WVAmy A. - Carrollton, TXJeanne H. - Newburgh, IN

The Greatest Hits

One can only wonder what a Mortification of Spin band would look and sound like. But today it’s not about music; it’s about the most popular Mortification of Spin episodes of 2018.After a few minutes of squabbling between Todd and Aimee about toxic masculinity, razor commercials, and more, we finally get into our topic. The crew does a recap of each of “the five greatest,” and recognize that the issues addressed by those programs continue to be relevant now, and are unlikely to go away any time soon.The trio issues a triple-dog-dare to any leading voice in the “Reformedosphere” to grab a MoS mic and speak against recent events—particularly in the PCA—regarding the blending of race with sexual identity issues. It’s all in this week’s podcast!BTW: We are grateful for all of the guests who risked their reputations in 2018 to appear on the Spin!Listen Again#5 episode#4 episode#3 episode#2 episode#1 episodeThe Spin crew and the Paideia Center are pleased to give away some free signups for the spring 2019 local and online reading groups happening all around the country. Register for a chance to participate in one of them (material included).Congrats to our giveaway winners of God Dwells among Us from our episode Unhitched?John C. - Milford, DEMolly D. - Atlanta, GATrevor W. - Williamstown, NJTim S. - Denver, CO

Goodfellas

Back in the bunker, the three amigos meet with Julie Roys. Julie is the embodied combination of Sherlock Holmes and Lois Lane. She’s a longtime investigative reporter committed to uncovering the truth, and—much like Carl, Todd, and Aimee—interested in “mortifying the spin” concerning issues in the contemporary church.Julie has achieved some notoriety for her investigative work and her latest coverage on the alleged spiritual abuse, intimidation, misappropriation of funds, etc. surrounding Harvest Bible Chapel and Pastor James MacDonald. Unfortunately, this isn’t a unique case. The fabulous four discuss the devastating effects on the Church when disqualified men remain in leadership without being confronted, and the shame it brings to the name of Christ. Join us!Show NotesAbout Julie RoysHard Times at Harvest - World Magazine articleThe Broken TwigThe Elephant’s DebtThanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Book we can offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of An Able and Faithful Ministry: Samuel Miller and the Pastoral Office. Register now!Congratulations to the winners of "Love Came Down at Christmas" from our past episode Christmas: Non-Biblical vs. Unbiblical.Howard Q. - North Potomac, MDLibby S. - St Charles, MOMartin C. - Olathe, KS 

Mea Culpa?

What do you do when you make a mistake that affects, perhaps, over a million people in their youth; an error that would cause many to regret their decisions more than 20 years later?The crew grabs some popcorn to watch and discuss Joshua Harris’ documentary, I Survived “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. The intrepid trio is ready to comment on the “Purity Culture”, those responsible for its proliferation, and its long-term ramifications. Along the way, our heroes offer insight on the cultivation of virtue and morality, and alternative means to correct our errors. Grab a snack and buckle in!We’re offering Sex, Dating, and Relationships: A Fresh Approach by Hiestand and Thomas. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy. The book is a complimentary gift from our friends at Crossway.Congratulations to the winners of Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible from our episode The King’s False Friends. Thanks to Lexham Press and Jones Literary for the copies!Joe C. - North Richland Hills, TXVicki, W. - Harrisonburg, VA  

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Some churches are taking a break from worship on the Lord’s Day, and the crew brings the topic under the spotlight. A sound, biblical doctrine of worship, and of the means of grace, are essential to the understanding of why God’s people gather on the Lord’s Day. It’s how we recognize and appreciate the benefits we receive from the Lord through the preaching of His word, through the Lord’s supper, the fellowship of the believers, and more.Of course, there are some inevitable and unexpected events that might compel a small church to cancel a service. But, can the same events provide the reason for a church of hundreds, or even thousands, to call off the assembly? Don’t miss this important discussion of the Sabbath!Show NotesTHE 2000 BAPTIST FAITH & MESSAGEVIII. The Lord's DayWestminster Confession of FaithChapter 21 - 7 & 8We are pleased to offer a few copies of Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung, which are a generous gift from our friends at Moody Publishers. Register for the opportunity to win one.Congratulations to the winners of Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon from our past episode Susie Spurgeon’s Life and Legacy:Cheryl L. - Great Barrington, MAChip B. - Baltimore, MDKathy K. - Oak Hill, VAErin D. - Sacramento, CAJonathan F. - Milton, FL

Mission (Im)possible

Listener Sam has called upon the crew to address missions, in light of the terribly sad death of missionary John Chau in the North Sentinel Island. The topic has stirred up strong emotions and opinions about missions in the media; it has even compelled Todd to resume Tweeting.The death of Mr. Chau has been compared to Jim Elliot’s, but the crew disagrees, and is willing to explain why. General preparedness, and the ability to handle Scripture, begs the question whether missionaries need to be ordained ministers. Carl offers some thoughts on that, and on the disadvantage of solo missionaries (making a case for missions teams), while conceding to Aimee that women are fundamental for missions work.Who’s responsible to prepare missionaries - the denomination, or missions agencies? You’re about to witness what transpires when Todd works hard not to offend people, but Carl incites him to action nonetheless!Show NotesArticle topic of the conversationThanks to the generosity of our friends from Banner of Truth, we can offer you one of the best autobiographies ever written. Register for the opportunity to win a copy of John G. Patton - The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebrides (Vanuatu).Congratulations to the winner of Grounded in Heaven by Michael Allen from our episode Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good.Elizabeth J. - Martinsburg, WV

Unhitched?

Is “out with the old, in with the new” something you can do with parts of the Bible? The crew takes a look at a statement made by Andy Stanley, suggesting that Christians “unhitch” the Old Testament from their faith. Meanwhile, Carl digs into his historical archives and pulls a file of someone who made the same statement some 1,850 years ago.Imagine what Paul and the apostles would have had left if they had “unhitched” from the Old Testament and the Jewish historical tradition; what would Jesus have been talking about with the men on the road to Emmaus if He had done the same?Can we completely ditch the Ten Commandments, and affirm that Jesus gave only one command: to love one another? Listen in to hear how Stanley’s statements play out when the whole counsel of the Bible is considered.ResourcesGod Dwells Among Us by G.K. Beale and Mitchell KimFrom Eden to the New Jerusalem by Desmond AlexanderWe recommend God Dwells Among Us as one of the best resources on this topic, and we’re pleased to give away a few copies. Register for the opportunity to win one.The copies are a generous gift from our friends at InterVarsity Press.Congratulations to the winners of Journeys with Jesus: Every Path in the Bible Leads us to Christ from our episode The Making of a Minister.Andrew M. - Savage, MNFranklin S. - Cincinnati, OHSuzanne M. - Elk Grove, CAAbigail R. - Beltsville, MDDavid M. - Athens, GA

Christmas: Non-biblical vs. Unbiblical

After a delicious Christmas dinner and dessert, Aimee, Carl, and Todd relax around the fireplace and answer some Christmas ‘letters’ from listeners. For example: Are nativity scenes with baby Jesus in the manger a second commandment violation? Some attribute the origin of Christmas to a pagan tradition, and the Christmas church service as an infringement of the regulative principle of worship. The crew give their views on those, as well as some thoughts on the Reformed position of Advent, and “making room for Jesus in your heart” during this time of the year.Todd’s cultural insensitivity is remarkable, but he redeems himself by offering the sole criteria for a children’s Christmas pageant. Wanna know who’s the most personable of the three, and Carl’s alias on Twitter? Don’t miss this episode!We are pleased to give away few copies of Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson. If you’d like the opportunity to win one, register here. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at The Good Book Company.Congratulations to the winners of How to Think by Alan Jacobs from our past episode Dear Comrade,.Zachary B. - West Lafayette, INPhilip R. - Northport, ALCynthia C. - Jonesborough, TN

The King’s False Friends

This week’s destination is the Evergreen State of Washington. The crew meets with Mark Ward, author of Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. In his book, Mark considers—on one hand—the value of the KJV, and what we lose when we put aside the still most-read bible translation in the US. On the other hand, what happens when we cling to James’ Authorized Version with an unhealthy degree of loyalty?What’s best: dynamic equivalence, or more literal translations? Mark gives his honest opinion, along with some pros and cons pointing back to intelligibility for the sake of edification. Betwixt all this, Dr. Ward shares a crash course on dead words and “false friends.” Don’t miss it!Show Notes· More about Mark Ward· King James Only Movement/Controversy· Elizabethan vocab (for amusement purposes only)Thanks to Jones Literary and Lexham Press, we are able to offer to our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Mark Ward’s Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. Register now!