Is it I, Lord?

In light of the Larry Nassar child sexual abuse case, the crew talks about Rachael Denhollander and the treatment she’s received from her church leadership. What’s the appropriate response to cases of sexual abuse in the local church? How do you support and love those who have suffered so deeply in this way?Carl and Todd reflect on their primary responsibility as pastors who have taken vows to protect and care for God’s people, while Aimee talks about ways to minister to the wounded. Together, they look at the circumstances surrounding Rachael’s case and do their own soul-searching by asking the question: Is it I, Lord?Join the conversation, and let’s examine what the pastor’s first calling is when a member brings an accusation of abuse to the church.This week we’re giving away On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church. The book is a generous gift from our friends at New Growth Press. Please sign up to win a copy!Show Notes/Additional ResourceRachael’s Story 

When Harry Became Sally

Carl and Aimee have the privilege of talking to Ryan Anderson today. His most recent book is entitled When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment. And it’s provoked, dare we say, strong reactions in the media in just the a few weeks since its publication. But what's the stir all about? Well, we’re about to find out!Today, Dr. Anderson talks about the relationship between gender dysphoria and the overemphasizing of sex stereotypes. He addresses male and female bodily differences and how those differences affect the way we relate in marriage and friendships. What are the factors that determine one’s gender? Physical reality versus emotional feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body, and if a person can overcome those feelings.The questions are many, but Dr. Anderson walks us through and leaves a picture of how a healthy culture is able to recognize the equal dignity of the sexes. And at the same time, its complementary differences. Lots of ground to cover!Grab a snack and join us in this pleasant and very important conversation.And, of course, we’re giving away copies of Dr. Ryan Anderson’s book When Harry Became Sally which are a gift from our friends at Encounter Books. Sign up for a chance to win one!Show NotesDr. Ryan T. Anderson is the William E. Simon Senior Research Fellow in American Principles and Public Policy of the Heritage Foundation and the Founder and Editor of the Public Discourse Online Journal of the Witherspoon Institute - The Heritage Foundation- The Witherspoon Institute - Public Discourse Online Journal- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - 5- Transgender Ideology is Riddled with Contradictions. Here Are the Big Ones.- Sex Change: Physically Impossible, Psychosocially Unhelpful, and Philosophically Misguided

Christianity Explored

Carl is feeling pretty good today — He’s not the only one with a British accent on the show!The crew enjoys the company of two of his fellow countrymen, Barry Cooper and Nate Morgan Locke. One a former comedy writer and performer, the other, from the far land of Spare Oom just outside of Narnia, is recording from the bright city of War Drobe. They work at Christianity Explored developing courses to equip the Church, focusing on personal enrichment, evangelism, and discipleship by studying books of the Bible.How important is evangelism for the Christian?Todd is overly excited about this approach to evangelism. And far be it from him to not give his personal testimony, hardly giving anyone else a chance to talk! But we finally get the full scope from our guests. Please grab your cup of Earl Grey and a biscuit then join this exciting conversation!We’re excited to give away this week Discipleship Explored Leader’s Kit, which was just launched last week. The kit is a courtesy of Christianity Explored Ministries. Sign up to win!Show Notes- Christianity Explored Ministries- Christianity Explored Ministries USA- Discipleship Explored Launch - March 1Winners!!!The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy, was a book offered as a gift by Reformation Heritage Books in our episode Uniquely Appointed. If you didn’t win a copy, you can purchase one. This is such a helpful resource! Here are the winners of The Deacon:Christopher P. - Fairview, PAEric D. - Washington, DCShawn T. - Abingdon, MDRobert S. - Bridgewater, VACharles B. - Hattiesburg, MSJohn M. - Cincinnati, OHLibby S. - St. Charles, MONick S. - Aubrey, TXAlex S. - Apex, NCTennille B. - Medicine Hat, AB

Trumping the Law of Liberty?

Smoking or nonsmoking, Democrat or Republican, Trump or never Trump, yoga or stretching? The crew is visiting some hot button issues today! Are Christians allowed to have differing opinions on these topics?God’s Word neither commands nor prohibits smoking nor does it tell us what political party to vote for. But it does give us some guiding principles that allow us to use wisdom when making decisions. But what if a Christian brother has a different view than you?The irony of this episode is that our hosts might have some different opinions about these issues too! Todd gives us three helpful questions to ask ourselves before we think that anything goes just because we are in Christ.Listen to this fun, but very intense discussion on biblical principles and how the Apostle Paul, Aristotle, and the young Michael Allen can help us.The Mortification of Spin Crew is no celebrity in any sense, but we’re giving away some fun posters signed by our hosts. You can sign up for a chance to win one!Show NotesWestminster Confession of Faith chapter 20WinnersWe’re also happy to announce the winners of Rediscovering the Holy Spirit, the giveaway for the show “Charismatics, a Challenge for the Reformed in 2018”. If you haven’t got a copy, please visit our Reformed Resources. There is still time to purchase one.Steven M. from Walton, NYRob G. from Roslyn, PALynda O. from Memphis, TN

When Your Opinion Becomes Our Business

When should a church be concerned, or even discipline a member for his personal views on a given issue?Todd, Carl, and Aimee weigh in on problematic personal views of church members. Their discussion is brought on by a PCA elder who holds pro-choice views running for public office. Are issues like abortion, racism, opposition to interracial marriage, a matter of concern to local churches and to denominations? The crew takes into account Christian non-negotiables and secondary issues, and who the persons holding the troubling views are: new believers in need of discipleship or an office bearer in the church? Listen to the connection between the Sixth Commandment, the Westminster Confession and Larger Catechism, the concept of personhood, and man as the image of God.We’re pleased to give away a few copies of the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life by Megan Best, courtesy of Matthias Media. Please sign up for a chance to win! And while you are there, be sure to browse our store where you will find this title, also for purchase, and other books and audio from trustworthy authors and Alliance speakers.We got winners!!!These are the winners of “The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race In America” by Shelby Steele from our recent show Social Justice Black Hole. If you’re not among them, we’ll be offering this title for purchase through our Reformed Resources for the next 4 weeks.Herwyn T. - Airdrie, AlbertaAmdrew M. - Savage - MNBruce P. - Bismarck - NDChristopher A. - Philadelphia - PAJonathan L. - Stanton - CA

The Confession of Our Faith

We’re honored to be talking with not one, but two Van Dixhoorns today. Chad Van Dixhoorn is a church history professor and pastor. He’s written a book entitled Confessing the Faith, a reader’s guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith. His wife Emily is a mother of five and among other things teaches women’s Bible studies. She’s written a study guide for Confessing the Faith. The two books are meant to introduce Christians with the Confession in an easy-to-read format.What’s the purpose of a confession anyway? The Van Dixhoorns get right to it, emphasizing the richness of our historical heritage and the many ways we can profit from it.Can a document written in the 17th century be pastorally helpful with the tricky ethical questions we struggle with? Does it mention in vitro fertilization, the legitimacy of some medical treatments, or gay marriage? Not directly, but it provides us with foundational principles to answer these questions. Pull up a chair and join us around the Van Dixhoorns kitchen table.We’re giving away some copies of Confessing the Faith reader’s guide and Confessing the Faith study guide. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth. Please enter for a chance to win a copy. But if you don’t, please access our Reformed Resources to purchase one. It’s well worth it!Show NotesThe Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) - Chad's work.The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) - Emily's multi-purpose use of Chad's work. God’s Ambassador: The Westminster Assembly and the Reformation of the English Pulpit (1643-1653)

Sticks and Stones

“Double-Crossing Mud-Muncher”“Warthog-Faced Buffoon”“Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins”Mortification of Spin is no stranger to insults. The crew share some of the best (and worst) insults received. Across the board, the quality of insults has sharply declined since Martin Luther. Social media is much to blame.But we want to encourage you to keep trying! Do you know what it takes to write a good insult? Do you possess the necessary tools?Now serious though, the Internet has enabled us to type things that we’d never have the courage to say face-to-face. Should we then avoid online disagreements? What about name-calling? Tune in to find out how Aimee became the head of the FOM, about Todd’s elitism, and the way of dying that Carl fears the most.We have a several copies of "Housewife Theologian - How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary" by Aimee Byrd of P&R that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative by Carl TruemanInsults helper - CarpetbaggerThank God for Bandit Country - Reformation21Threat made to Carl - by Mother Bear and the she-bearsLuther Insulter

Uniquely Appointed

Today the crew talks diaconal ministry. Deacons function differently in various denominations. Yet God, in His wisdom, clearly creates this office in the book of Acts. They have a unique role in caring for the physical needs of the congregation. And with counsel and wisdom complement the teaching ministry of the elders.Carl, Todd, and Aimee help us with some misconceptions and answer some major questions: Is the diaconate a stepping stone to the role of elder? How ought deacons be chosen? Can a man be turned down for the office because of his wife?Join us for this conversation! Stick around to the very end, you’ll learn some British slang and Trueman’s First Law!We have a several copies of "The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy" by Cornelis Van Dam courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Deacon's Training Program with recommended reading material and Westminster Confession of Faith references.London Baptist Confession 1689, Chapter 26 - articles 8 and 9. 

Charismatics, a challenge for the Reformed in 2018

Today the Spin team considers a Tim Challies post. There Tim ponders three themes or challenges for Reformed Christians in 2018. (Is that some sort of prophesy?) The crew discusses his third prediction–the growing Charismatic movement inside Reformed-ish circles.Historic confessionalism, or Reformed theology, throughout the centuries has been cessationist - meaning the apostolic gifts have ceased. But some New Calvinists insist that one can be Reformed, yet be an "open but cautious" continuationist. What’s one to make of that? On the other hand, does Reformed mean a denial of a supernatural God? What about the sacraments?Theology does matter and there are consequences to beliefs. Join us for an episode of pixie dust, dental golden filling, fallible prophecies, and the sufficiency of Scripture!We apologize for not being able to offer the book mentioned on the podcast, but you can enter to win this another great title "Rediscovering the Holy Spirit" by Michael Horton courtesy of Zondervan. Enter for your chance to win.

Social Justice Black Hole

While sipping peach tea in Georgia, the crew chats up Darrell Harrison for a great conversation on justice and race reconciliation. Once in a while Darrell gets into trouble for his writing at Just Thinking… For Myself – and for "applying biblical truth to social, cultural, political, and theological issues in our world".  Odd, as his posts with the Alliance at reformation21 have always seemed subdued, but guess that’s compared to our own crew! The conversation goes back and forth but at the end of the day the issue lies on humanity's deepest need to be reconciled to God through Christ and consequently to one another. Darrell shines the light of divine justice on, so called, social justice, calls the church to recapture the biblical language around issues that have spiritual roots, and encourages understanding of those issues within a biblical framework. Darrel and the crew drill into the true mission of the church, the sovereignty of God in the ethnic composition of congregations, man – the image of God, derogatory name calling, and more. Grab your peach tea and join the conversation!We have a several copies of "The Content of Our Character" by Shelby Stelle courtesy of Harper Collins that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.