Covenant Podcast

"Coxe's death and the coming of toleration didn't immediately end the Particular Baptist differences over the scope of religious liberty. A letter by William Kiffen from September 1688 and a document from the General Assembly of 1689 shows that there was divided opinion over the Repeal campaign for several years. And yet there was at bottom, a fundamental agreement about liberty of conscience as evidenced by the 1689 Confession." - Ron Miller For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode, we speak with Kyle about translating Scripture into the common languages of believers from the nations. Bible Translation Fellowship equips church leaders to translate Scripture, so that churches are established and strengthened in the truth of God's Word. Learn more about their work here: https://www.bibletranslationfellowship.org/

Michael R. Carlino (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Operations Director for CBMW, and an Adjunct Professor of Christian Theology at Boyce College. He and his wife Kylie live with their two children in Clarksville, IN. He is a member of Kenwood Baptist Church where he serves as a Youth Leader. In this conversation, we discuss his PhD dissertation: The Twofold Reign of Christ: A Baptist Approach to Two Kingdoms Theology For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

"A study of the individual signer's writings and personal histories shows that there were differences concerning how far freedom of conscience should extend. John Spilsbury confessed a simple, broad belief in soul liberty. Samuel Richardson argued for full religious liberty for everyone. The four events we examined last time from William Kiffen's life shows that he believed that there were limits to freedom of religious expression. Now let's look at more cases of conscience from the life of William Kiffen." -Ron Miller For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode, Pastors Joe Wilson and Lee McKinnon answer questions submitted to the inbox about church membership. To answer the questions, they provide advice on encouraging regularly attending visitors to pursue church membership. If you have a question pertaining to practical theology, pastoral theology, or practical Christian living, you can submit it to: pastorsinbox@cbtseminary.org For more information, visit cbtseminary.org

"That there was not a uniform position on the subject of religious liberty, can be demonstrated by an examination of the writings and lives of three of the signers: John Spilsbury, Samuel Richardson, and William Kiffen. These men illustrate the fact that although there was basic agreement about liberty of conscience, there were significant differences among them, especially as to liberty's limits." - Ron Miller For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, we speak with Kyle Kearbey about Martyn Llody-Jones. We address the Doctor's theology by covering his understanding of justification, assurance, and revival. Then we discuss his philosophy of preaching.   For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

"Roger Williams worked strenuously and at great personal expense to put his belief in freedom of conscience into practice. In his mind, liberty was not an Englishman's right only, but belonged to everyone, including the Indians." For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode, we speak with Dewey Dovel about his Doctoral Thesis: Covenantal Culmination: Why the New Covenant Documents Signify the Cessation of Normative Post-Apostolic Revelation. To read the thesis, click here: https://repository.sbts.edu/bitstream/handle/10392/7489/Dovel_sbts.pdp_0207A_10880.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org  

Roger Williams' most important work on liberty of conscience caused a sensation when first published in London in 1644 and has had an enduring impact in the debate on that subject ever since. It was entitled “The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution, for Cause of Conscience, Discussed."   For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, Pastors Joe Wilson and Lee McKinnon offer tips to help pastors lead their churches amid conflicts and disputes. They discuss the sources of conflict, external circumstances that lead to disputes, and ways pastors can guard their hearts amid division. For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org  

CBTS Vice President and Professor of Practical Theology, John Miller, discusses his experiences as a church-planting pastor and the lessons he learned from planting Reformed Baptist churches. He further discusses Reformed ecclesiology and missiology and their importance in church planting. For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org  

"Williams deeply hated the idea of forced conversions or government-imposed religious rituals, like infant baptism, which placed the name Christian on people. He likened pressuring unconvinced men to worship God to a man forcing a woman into bed. He said in the true religion, Jesus Christ compels by the mighty persuasion of his preachers, but that he never used earthly weapons to compel a conscience."

This 52-week field guide for ministry in the trenches provides a thorough and practical training program for pastors, aspiring pastors, and church ministry leaders. The field guide draws on experience from decades of pastoral ministry and is designed specifically to bridge the gap between academic study and the hands-on practical training necessary for the work of any pastor. Pick up your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Practically-Trained-Pastors-Ministry-Trenches/dp/1783973080/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29QO9RKHB8RMK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lfipqGPDdb84volG8MvVU25hD24OAxpjo4gmsNFfEMo3p-Ok5f-mH6YgvEaOu6yogqvU0wnFGWNjT_tQedQwI8KtyFE3WAYjwpLTkdLHwjUup4gGK0g6oNEHQR4g2CKesT2NA1qBEcSGVSLZgUK0HkPSr6yKf4PnKWtHjUXMFuEFNwF4vlI5Au6_aioakRNr309TAf35Q6QoyIGbmhP3C0QC4x7ZCHByqzz4KB8Y1lM.nhvsWL204VsvWuiQL8WSDd1Z4gE9sNBxBGAITJ6zu20&dib_tag=se&keywords=practically+trained+pastors&qid=1765298076&sprefix=Practically+Trai%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1 For the additional resources that accompany this resource, click here: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/PRACSHEPCK/practical-shepherding-pack-pack  

"Williams had been convinced for some time from Scripture that the church was to consist of regenerate members only. He shared this view with many of the Puritan and Separatist ministers in England and New England. But he pushed this to its logical and Biblical conclusion and applied the principle without compromise. And this is where the Baptist teaching began to convince him. If the church was to be made up of believing saints, then they alone had a right to baptism. And if the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches were corrupt and not true churches, then their baptism was invalid. If their worship was false, so must their baptism be. And so he embraced believer's baptism." For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org  

Our Lord Jesus calls Christians to become trained in good doctrine. “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” (1 Timothy 4:6) Doctrine means teaching. Each chapter of this book focuses on one doctrine connected to justification. These doctrines are paraphrased from Chapter 11: Of Justification, in the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) Order your copy of this book: https://www.amazon.com/Christs-Sake-Alone-confessional-justification/dp/B0CXXTDW8D For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

Jeffery Smith argues that faithful preaching is more than interpretive fidelity to the text of Scripture and an engaging delivery. It encapsulates a preacher's heart and soul and involves nothing less than a rigorous regimen of proclamation, pleading, and prayer. Pick up your copy of his book, Preaching for conversions: https://freegracepress.com/products/preaching-for-conversions For more information about CBTSeminary, visit CBTSeminary.org  

"Roger Williams was one of the most important formative figures for the doctrine of religious liberty in the 1600s. Williams believed in the absolute authority of the Word of God and it was his source book for faith and life. He did not ground his views of soul liberty in Enlightenment ideals or a general liberalism, like Thomas Jefferson would do in the next century. He was not a rationalist or utilitarian but a man possessed by the Scriptural doctrine of a regenerate church, headed by Jesus Christ." For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, Pastors Joe Wilson and Lee McKinnon share their experiences in Bi-Vocational ministry. They further offer encouragement to Bi-vocational ministers and discuss how to effectively preach when entangled in secular affairs. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Along with William Carey's Enquiry, The Serampore Form of Agreement (SFA) laid the foundation of the modern missionary movement. The Enquiry recovered the Great Commission as a duty of the church and outlined a practical agenda for its fulfillment. The SFA provided a philosophy and a guide for missionary practice on the field. Both works move boldly from theological first principles to urgent implementation. This commentary on the SFA provides another volume in the William Ward Project begun in 2023 to commemorate the bicentenary of the author's death. Each Statement of the SFA is analyzed by international scholars whose global dispersion and varied denominational commitments give testimony to the continued relevance of this seminal document. Pick up your copy of this new commentary of the Serampore Form of Agreement here: https://hesedandemet.com/product/the-serampore-form-of-agreement/ For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

"We don't follow Murton in his Arminianized theology. But all who believe in a regenerate church, including Particular Baptists, have been rightly influenced by his arguments for freedom of conscience and liberty of religious belief and practice." -Ron Miller ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org Consider giving to CBTS to help us train the next generation of gospel ministers. Apply to CBTS today to be sharpened for a lifetime of faithful ministry. Follow CBTS on our socials: X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Sign up to receive our Newsletter, which contains monthly updates related to the Seminary.  

In this conversation, Rexford Semrad recounts some of the trials that John Calvin endured throughout his life. Then Rex draws out lessons we can learn from these trials. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

In this conversation, we speak with Dr. James Anderson on Presuppositional Apologetics. We cover topics like circular reasoning, neutral ground, and more. Tune in and enjoy! For more information, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

"The two swords represent two spheres. The physical sword is wielded by kings; the spiritual sword by ministers of the gospel. Busher says, 'Kings and magistrates are to rule temporal affairs by the swords of their temporal kingdoms and bishops and ministers are to rule spiritual affairs by the word and Spirit of God, the sword of Christ's spiritual kingdom, and not to intermeddle one with another's authority, office, and function.' The temporal sword was not given to kings to persecute people into a religious profession or act. He repeatedly argues that this never changes anyone's judgment and fills the churches with hypocrites." For more information about CBTSeminary, visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In this conversation, Dr. Decker recounts his recent experiences in the hospital. Then he shares several lessons the Lord taught him while awaiting a heart transplant. For more information about CBTS, visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

In this breakout session from the 2025 Covenant Conference, Pastor Tom Hicks critiques Christian Nationalism. For more information about CBTSeminary visit: https://cbtseminary.org

"Baptist churches arose in a 17th century England where church was joined to state. The governmental and religious institutions were not separate but existed as one establishment. The king acted as the supreme governor of both spheres. He headed the government and the Church of England, the officially established religion of the nation, and so he held both political and religious authority. The result was a fusion which declared religious dissent to be treasonous, enforced uniformity in religion, and penalized non-conformists." For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jon English Lee about a class he teaches for CBTS: Historical Theology II. We further cover the benefit of studying Historical Theology, as well as the impact of Augustine on the Medieval perod of church history. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

"The Particular Baptists were orthodox, Protestant, Reformed, and Puritan Christians. But they were also more than that. They were distinguished from other churches by a set of distinctives, a number of interconnected doctrines and practices that set them apart." For more information about CBTS visit CBTSeminary.org

The Lord has spoken to us in the written Word. This revelation is worthy of diligent reading by His people with every effort they can muster. This book, in a fundamental way, attempts to teach the student of Scripture how to observe, interpret, and apply the meaning of the Biblical texts. The author contends that the end of all Bible reading is joy in the Lord and enjoyment of His Son. If you wish to be like the Blessed Man of Psalm 1, learn to read and love the Bible. Jared Ebert is married to his gracious wife, Mykala, and they have two children. God, by His grace, saved Him at the age of 7. He graduated with a Master of Divinity, with an emphasis in Biblical Languages, in 2023. He is a Master of Theology (Th.M.) graduate, having completed his studies at Covenant Baptist Seminary. Jared is the lead pastor at Mt Carmel Baptist Church.

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

When a church member leaves, it can be a challenging time for everyone involved. This video offers guidance on how to navigate these moments with compassion and wisdom. We'll explore practical steps to ensure that the departure is handled in a way that honors both the individual and the local church. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

"Hann's pastorate in Loughwood ran from 1730 to 1758, during which time he had several helpers. Fifteen people are recorded as being baptized by him. His helpers sometimes did the baptisms, perhaps because of his absence or old age. At the end of his time there, the membership was 34, a few more than when he came." For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

CBTS professor Michael Emadi and his wife, Ashley, provide several tips for "Surviving Seminary as a Family." For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org To watch video episodes of the Covenant Podcast, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDgKm8SndkksaqigTec-WA  

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

John MacArthur once said that "no eschatology is complete or true which does not embrace the prophecy of Zechariah." In this conversation, Ben Habegger explains how an Amillennialist understands Zechariah 14 and irenically expresses concerns with a Dispensationalist understanding of this book. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

"This study of the Loughwood Baptist church has brought to our attention a number of interesting early members. But the Hugenots, Fifth Monarchy men, and woman author weren't the entire congregation. There were in fact several hundred believers making up the church even in its earliest years."   For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

Can women be pastors? Dr. Scott Aniol answers this important question with the authority of Scripture. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

William Allen and John Vernon appear in history as two believing men “of one heart and soul”. They were the closest of friends in religion, family, the Army, and politics.   For more information about CBTSeminary, visit CBTSeminary.org

About the Author: John Sweat Jr. is one of the pastors at Heritage Reformed Baptist Church. He is a husband to Heather and a father to four girls. John graduated from Trinity Baptist College in 2015 and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he completed a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts in Christian Thought in 2019. Pastor John is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is a Lord of the Rings enthusiast. About Simple Truths for Communion with God: The goal of this commentary on the Baptist Catechism is to encourage the use of catechisms again, corporately and privately. This is a devotional commentary. The aim is to explain the doctrinal truths contained in the questions and show the practical implications of how these doctrines shape our communion with God and the Christian life. Get your copy of this resource here: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Truths-Communion-God-Experiential/dp/B0FDWW4QKS For more information about CBTS, visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, we talk with Dr. Sam Waldron about a class he teaches for CBTS: the Doctrine of Man. Dr. Waldron covers important aspects of Biblical anthropology, including the image of God, the dichotomous composition of man, the noetic effects of sin, and more. If you are interested in applying as a student of CBTS to take this course for credit, click here: CBTSeminary.org/apply For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode of the Covenant Podcast, Ken Glisch, Dewey Dovel, and Doug Barger continue examining the doctrine of election from John Gill's work "The Cause of God & Truth." In this section, Gill states that he is defending absolute election against Dr. Whitby by arguing from the most principal passages from Scripture. We hope the consideration of these passages will be a blessing to all our hearers who have faith in Lord Jesus Christ, through the electing love of the Father. For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

The following message was delivered at the 2025 Covenant Conference, hosted by CBTS. The theme of the 2025 conference was The Law of God. To learn more about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

John Vernon and his wife Anne had five known children. There names are uncertain but probably were John, Deborah, Caleb, Anne (or as she was called, Nancy), and Mary. Caleb has special interest to us because his father wrote a spiritual biography of him that is the only book I am aware from the 1600s that gives an account of the conversion, baptism, and partaking in the Lord's Supper by someone under the age of 16. This account was entitled, “The Compleat Scholler or a relation of the life, and the latter-end especially, of Caleb Vernon who died in the Lord on the 29 th of the 9 th month, 1665, aged 12 years and 6 months”. For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

Over three centuries after its initial publication, Nehemiah Coxe's seminal work "A Discourse of the Covenants" remains as vital as ever in understanding Baptist Covenant Theology. Paired with John Owen's Exposition of Hebrews 8:6-13, this twentieth anniversary edition of Covenant Theology from Adam to Christ features updated content and indices. In this conversation, Richard Barcellos, Ron Miller & Fransico Orozco discuss the history of this book's initial publication, Coxe's view of the Abrahamic covenant, and more. For more information about CBTS, visit: https://cbtseminary.org