Law and Gospel Explained: A Three-Part Series | Tom Hicks
In this three-part lecture series, Tom Hicks explains the biblical distinction between law and gospel and its importance for justification, sanctification, preaching and the Christian life. Drawing upon Scripture, Reformed covenant theology and the Marrow Controversy, he defines law and gospel, examines the errors of legalism and antinomianism, and applies the distinction to Christian obedience, assurance, pastoral ministry and everyday discipleship.
EP16 Steve Meister: The Rule of Faith, Scripture, Tradition, History, and Christology
In the Coffee House, John-Mark is joined by Steve Meister, Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Sacramento, to discuss the value and necessity of creeds and confessions for Protestants, alongside Scripture, Tradition and the Rule of Faith. Meister argues that Christianity is uniquely rooted in truth and “sound words,” so careful language—including non-biblical terms like Trinity and consubstantial—is needed to preserve biblical meaning against error and equivocation. He explains how creeds arise from ordinary church needs (preaching the gospel, baptism, church membership, pastoral qualification, and evangelism) and why “negative theology” and denials are essential for rejecting false gospels and false teachers.
EP15 Brandon Adams: The Subservient Covenant, Moses and Abraham, Interpreting Gal 3 & Engaging Meredith Kline
In the Coffee House, John-Mark is joined by Brandon Adams and Benedict Allmand-Smith to discuss Covenant Theology, the Sinai/Mosaic covenant, Paul’s argument in Galatians 3, the Abrahamic Covenant and its relationship to the New Covenant, and the different views on Abraham and Moses, particularly expressed in the majority Reformed view and the arguments of Meredith Kline. Swim deep in the questions of Reformed Covenant Theology at the Coffee House.
EP14 James Dolezal: Angelic Incorporeity, Relative Simplicity, Shark Metaphysics, and Genesis 6
James Dolezal enters the Coffee House to discuss angelic incorporeity, declining angelology, critiques of empiricism, Nephilim theories, and recovering metaphysics to understand angels and God.
EP 13 Daniel Scheiderer: Progressive Covenantalism, Threefold Use of the Law and Confessional Baptist Theology
John Mark and Jonny sit down with theologian Daniel Scheiderer for a deep dive into covenant theology. From his studies with Dr. Steven Wellum at Southern Seminary to real-world ministry conversations, Daniel helps us compare progressive covenantalism, new covenant theology, Presbyterian Federalism and 1689 federalism—and why these distinctions matter for Baptists today.
New Year Devotion: How Do You Respond to Christ’s Birth?
As a new year begins, we instinctively take stock of time past and time ahead. Threshold moments like this invite reflection on what has been given, where it has come from, and how we have responded. Scripture itself invites us into that same consideration by drawing our attention to the timing, the place, and the response surrounding God’s greatest gift. In doing so, it presses us not toward sentimentality, but toward honest reassessment before God as we enter another year under His rule.
The Christmas Equation: Glory in Humility
This short devotional meditation reflects on a pattern Scripture reveals in the birth of Christ. The early chapters of the Gospels invite us to slow down and look again, not merely at familiar scenes, but at eternal realities revealed through them. A manger, angels, shepherds, wise men — these are not sentimental details, but signposts pointing us to the glory and joy revealed in the fulfilment of God’s promises.
The Washing We Need: The Old Testament and Baptism
EP 43: Dr Jim Renihan In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, Dr. James Renihan of IRBS leads us through a rich exploration of baptism in Scripture. Beginning in Hebrews and working back into the Old Testament, he shows how the washings and rituals of the old covenant point forward to their fulfillment in […]
Enjoy The Work: Christ is Beautifying His Bride
Here is my final piece of advice in this series, though I could easily go on: enjoy the work God has given you to do. Far too many ministers limp through their calling weighed down by burdens, frustrations, and complaints. But step back for a moment and remember what you’ve been entrusted with — there is no higher, richer, or more rewarding task in all the world.
Preach Grace: The Gift Only God Can Give
Here is my next piece of advice, particularly to those (often younger) leaders with much zeal—preach grace. You cannot give your people what they most desperately need. Only Christ can. What is the resolution? Preach grace!
Seek Association: The Necessity of Inter-Church Communion
As I continue this series, my next piece of advice is simple, but often overlooked: be associational. In a time when ministry is increasingly privatized, isolated, and self-contained, this counsel may seem almost counterintuitive. But it’s not optional. It’s necessary. If you want to endure in gospel ministry—and help your church do the same—then seek association.
Sharing the Load: Build a Biblical Eldership
The ministry is a shared calling, and a faithful pastor commits to building a plural, biblical eldership to carry the load together.
Be Prepared For Anything: The Ministry is Unpredictable
The ministry is a wild, unpredictable calling, and you need to brace yourself for the unexpected—both the routine joys and the freight train challenges.
Stay Humble: Flee From a Prideful Ministry
The article emphasizes the crucial importance of humility for gospel ministers, warning against the dangers of pride from both success and struggle. It advocates anchoring ministry in historic confessions of faith and giving glory to God for any spiritual fruit. A humble approach leads to effective preaching and genuine reliance on Christ.
Be Confessional: Preach the Whole Counsel of God
Young ministers should avoid seeking a singular doctrine or method to achieve church transformation, as no “golden key” exists. Instead, they are encouraged to anchor their ministry in comprehensive biblical truth, particularly historic confessions like the Second London Confession, ensuring balanced preaching that shapes their congregations faithfully.