There has been some concern that Justin and Collin have been kept out of the “very special guest” designation. In order to make up for past offenses, this episode, with two very special guests, is being hailed as a very special episode. The three amigos start out by talking about football (of course) and a new cultural openness to Christianity. Then they turn their attention to New Year’s resolutions (which they all have) and books on time management and productivity (which Justin and Collin do ...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep 164•Transcript available on Metacast How can you shine as a Christian in the world of professional sports—when sometimes your dreams come true and often they don’t? What does it take to be an elite athlete (and why is it a great profession for sleep enthusiasts)? You’ll want to listen to this special episode of LBE as Kevin asks Andre, a former NFL player, and Sydney—an Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder—about the pressure of being the best and the freedom of being in Christ. And don’t miss the bonus question...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep 163•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve all been waiting, and it’s finally here: the annual Christmas LBE. Listen in as the three amigos talk about Christmas movies, favorite books, which LBE member is the most like Jerry Seinfeld, and, of course, the airing of many grievances. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 5:50 The Vibe Shift 20:10 Let’s Talk About Christmas 30:02 Sponsor Break 31:20 The Airing of Grievances 49:27 Books & Everything 55:22 Until Next Time… Books & Everything: How to Memorize Scripture for Life: Fro...
Dec 18, 2024•56 min•Ep 162•Transcript available on Metacast Mission is one of those words that Christians use all the time. So are words like “missions” and missionaries.” But what do they mean? Is “mission” even the best word to use to describe what Christians should be doing in the world? In today’s episode, Kevin talks with fellow Michigander, Brian DeVries, about his new book You Will Be My Witnesses . Brian has led church planting teams in South Africa and currently serves as a pastor and a seminary president in South Africa. He’s written an insight...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 161•Transcript available on Metacast It is hard to exaggerate the influence of Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) in conservative Reformed circles over the past hundred years. And yet, there continues to be much discussion about what Van Til believed and how he meant for his apologetic ideas to be put into practice. Kevin welcomes Keith Mathison, from Reformation Bible College, to discuss his new book Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til (Mentor). Also joining Kevin is James Anderson, a leading V...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep 160•Transcript available on Metacast Recently, Steve Nichols spoke at the Faithful Conference, an annual conference for Christ Covenant Church. After giving a lecture on R.C. Sproul, Steve sat down with Kevin to talk about his own life and what he learned writing the biography of Sproul. Listen in as Kevin asks Steve about Sproul’s influences, his strengths and weaknesses, his friendships, and what made him such a uniquely gifted and inspiring teacher. Chapters: 0:00 Sponsors & Intro 3:30 On Being From Pittsburgh 5:56 Tell Us A...
Nov 21, 2024•50 min•Ep 159•Transcript available on Metacast Most Christians in conservative churches are familiar with Paul Tripp’s books. He’s one of the most popular authors in the church today, with a knack for applying the gospel to all of life. His devotional New Morning Mercies has been a consistent bestseller. Now Tripp has a new devotional, Everyday Gospel , that serves as a gospel commentary on the text of Scripture itself. Listen in as Kevin asks Paul about his writing process, his favorite books, and why he does what he does. Along the way, yo...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 158•Transcript available on Metacast A few months ago, a prominent American scholar, Matthew Avery Sutton, published an article arguing there is no “through line” from Christians of the past to today’s post-WWII evangelicals. In order to assess this argument, Kevin invited two scholars of the evangelical movement to join him: Andrew Atherstone from Oxford in England and David Ceri Jones from the University of Aberystwyth in Wales. Together, they explore where the term evangelical comes from, whether the thing we call “evangelicalis...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast In his new book To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse, Carl Trueman argues that “Critical theory [sees] any notion of human nature as merely an ideological or social construct, a function of discourses of power.” Even though critical theory makes for dense reading, and is probably very little read by people in the pew, the ideas and assumptions of critical theory have shaped our world in undeniable ways. Listen in as Kevin and Carl talk about what critical theory is, where i...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast It’s not everyday you get to hear from the world’s expert on the Westminster Assembly (and who among us does not wish to know more about the Westminster Assembly?!). So sit back and enjoy this freewheeling conversation as Kevin and Chad talk about a guy named John Arrowsmith, the importance of pastoral hospitality, issues of church and state, and how Chad’s profession of faith split his childhood church. Lots of nerdy Presbyterian talk with the occasional mention of hot dogs as well. Chapters: 0...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast Listen as the two friends talk about the Land of Lincoln, about influential books and authors in their lives, and how the importance of friendship. You’ll get to learn more about Jason’s background, more about why he loves the PCA, and you’ll get to hear his great laugh. Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Sponsors 7:41 Hip-hop-Helopoulos 10:32 Administration and Leadership in Pastoral Ministry 26:16 More About Jason 40:10 On the PCA 45:38 Band of Brothers 54:18 Sponsor Break 56:08 Lessons From Ministry ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast After a summer hiatus, the fellas are back together to kick off a new season of LBE. If you always look forward to the sports banter with these three, then you will LOVE this episode. You get a deep dive on the Olympics, including what makes them so joyful, what other countries besides America to root for, and whether other countries use Americans to announce their sports. After four years-worth of Olympics-related chatter, the three amigos turn their attention to more familiar fare: an enjoyabl...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 153•Transcript available on Metacast Kevin is joined once again by his friends—and by now, only somewhat special guests—Justin and Collin. Listen in as the three amigos talk about books, summer plans, and what they are grateful for. Once again, you’ll find that the guys hit that sweet spot that combines ephemeral chatter and over-long monologues. Books & Everything: Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions ESV Teen Study Bible Shaman and Sage: The Roots of “Spiritual but Not Religious” in Antiquity ...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr•Ep 152•Transcript available on Metacast We live in a day where authority is often rebuffed and where many people are quick to assume all authority is abusive authority. And yet, some authority is abusive. But the antidote to bad authority is not “no authority” but “good authority.” Kevin welcomes Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks, into the virtual studio to talk about Jonathan’s new book Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing . You’ll hear real life examp...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast Kirk Cousins has been an NFL quarterback for 12 years. Before that he played at Michigan State (where he and Kevin met). Before that he was a barely-recruited teenager playing at Holland Christian. And before that, he was a kid in Chicago whose dad helped start Willow Creek (yes, that Willow Creek). If you want to know more of this story, and hear a lot of football talk, you won't want to miss this special LBE episode with the new Atlanta Falcons QB. Books & Everything: Ask Pastor John: 750 ...
May 13, 2024•53 min•Ep 150•Transcript available on Metacast What are you doing with your life? Todd Rester is using a big chunk of his life to translate a seventeenth-century Dutch theologian's magnum opus (all 1.7 million words of it) from Latin into English. Join Kevin and Todd as they take a deep dive into the world of Latin translation, systematic theology, and church history. Who was Petrus Van Mastricht? What was his method? What did he teach? Why does he matter? Come swim in the cool, refreshing waters of Reformed scholastic theology and be encour...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep 149•Transcript available on Metacast With everything the pastor must do—preach, pray, visit, raise money, organize meetings, write emails, study, write, marry, bury, and baptize—does he also need to be a leader? John Currie, in his new book The Pastor as Leader (Crossway), says yes. But don't fear, this is not about one more impossible task or another time burden for the pastor. Leadership is about living and preaching as a man of God for the people of God. In this practical episode Kevin talks with John Currie, professor of practi...
Apr 17, 2024•57 min•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast For most of us, getting married and forging a strong family is the best way to build a prosperous, meaningful, and happy life. That's the message of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization , the new book by University of Virginia professor Brad Wilcox. Listen in as Kevin and Brad talk explore why young people aren't prioritizing marriage, why elites don't preach what they practice when it comes to marriage, and why getting married is one of t...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 147•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered if King Arthur was justified in cutting off all four limbs of Monty Python’s Black Knight when he refused the king passage? If so, then you’ll want to listen to this episode of LBE with Eric Patterson. Eric is an author, an important leader in Washington, D.C. and an expert in the theology and history of the Just War Tradition. What are the right reasons for going to war? How should a just war be fought? Was the American Revolution a just war (or even a revolution)? What a...
Mar 20, 2024•53 min•Ep 146•Transcript available on Metacast With two smart British historians—one from Oxford (Andrew) and one from Aberystwyth (David)--and one curious American pastor (Kevin), you might say that this episode puts the "fun" back in fundamentalism. How did fundamentalism become a pejorative putdown? Are evangelicals and fundamentalists really all that different? What is a fundamentalist anyway? And, to paraphrase Harry Emerson Fosdick, did the fundamentalists win or lose the last century? Join in as Kevin interviews two evangelical schola...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 145•Transcript available on Metacast He must be one of Kevin's favorite historians and favorite guests, because Dr. Guelzo is back for an unprecedented third visit to the LBE book-cave. Although Dr. Guelzo's new book is about Abraham Lincoln, Kevin and Allen talk about much more than just Lincoln—everything from John Locke to Christian Nationalism to progressivism to a healthy does of Reformed anthropology. And no, Dr. Guelzo did not watch the Super Bowl. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 6:40 The Lincoln Book 14:25 Democracy Consensus 29:28 Ch...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 144•Transcript available on Metacast In this extra-long episode, Kevin teams up with Justin and Collin to talk about something they were all deeply involved in: the movement known as the Reformed Resurgence, the New Calvinism, or YRR. What was this movement about? What went right? What went wrong? Why did the movement fracture? Is "Big God theology" in retreat or just flourishing in different ways? Stick around for reflections on these questions, plus some book recommendations and how to fix college football. Chapters: 0:00 Introdu...
Jan 24, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep 143•Transcript available on Metacast Even though only Justin still lives in the Midwest, this episode has a distinctly Midwestern flare as the three amigos reminisce about favorite Christmas presents, Christmas places, and Christmas foods. You'll also hear about favorite books from the past year, some football banter, and a special section on the airing of grievances (note: Kevin had twice as many as the other two put together). Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Don’t Skip the Sports Banter 15:20 An Airing of Grievances 31:18 Sponsor Bre...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep 142•Transcript available on Metacast If you ever wanted to be in the room as two minister friends talk about preaching and pastoral ministry, this is the episode for you. Kevin asks Alistair about his “ordinary” preaching style, about whether he ever thought about leaving Parkside, and about whether he’s an American or a Scotsman. Plus lots of other questions about books, the state of the church today, and the shaping influence of Cleveland. Books & Everything: The Christian Manifesto: Jesus' Life-Changing Words from the Sermon...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast Any Christian trying to formulate a political theology cannot afford to ignore the impressive work done by David VanDrunen over the past decade. In this long-ish interview, Kevin asks Dave about two kingdoms theology, natural law, the purpose of government, and the importance of the Noahic Covenant. Stick around and you'll also learn what VanDrunen means by "conservative liberalism" and "legal polycentrism." You'll also hear what Kevin and Dave would do (or not do) if they were starting a Presby...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast In this fun and frank discussion, Kevin and Carl talk about everything from Billy Graham to Pride Month to Christian Nationalism. Along the way Carl reveals what he hates about America and why he is not a Catholic.
Nov 21, 2023•53 min•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Kevin talks with Melissa Kearney, professor of economics at the University of Maryland, about her new book, The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind (University of Chicago Press, 2023). What is so great about being raised by two parents? When did marriage become a significant cause (and effect) of class distinctions? What can be done to restore the importance of marriage? How can we normalize the two-parent home without stigmatiz...
Oct 26, 2023•59 min•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast We've heard the terms before: cultural Marxism, socialism, intersectionality, microaggressions, standpoint epistemology, the Frankfurt School, Critical Race Theory, Queer Theory, and many more. But what do they mean? Where did they come from? And how should Christians respond? Kevin talks to Neil and Pat about their new book, Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology , to try answer these questions and to think carefully about we can understand and engage the do...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast Is homosexuality normal? Is transgenderism a sin? Is Christian kindness the same thing as spiritual niceness? What's the difference between acceptance and approval? In this episode, Kevin and Rosaria probe these questions and many others like them. Whether you are struggling with sexual sin, know someone who is, or even if you think Kevin and Rosaria are dead wrong, you won't want to miss this important and provocative episode. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:40 A Little About Rosaria 15:43 Sponsor: Cros...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast Was the Protestant Reformation a repudiation of the church's history? Was it a rejection of Medieval theology? Did the Reformation lead to schism in the church? Kevin talks to Matthew Barrett, professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, about these questions and many more in this episode of LBE. Listen in for some big picture analysis on church history as well as some deep nerdery on Reformation theology. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:47 The Reformation as Renew...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast 
