Covenant Podcast

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

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

"Vernon frequently preached against Cromwell's Protectorate. William Kiffen and others wrote him urging to support it, but his understanding of the relationship between Christ and the English government wouldn't allow it."

In this conversation, Pastors Joe Wilson and Lee McKinnon discuss the value of arranging a preaching calendar. They also discuss the Spurgeonic method of preaching, the difference between topical expository sermons and sequential expository sermons, and the usefulness of having a preaching calendar within a plurality of elders. For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

A great irony surrounds this biblical doctrine of God's absolute predestination of all things. Intended by the Apostle Paul to be one of the most comforting and assuring doctrines to the redeemed followers of Christ, predestination is widely scorned by those to whose souls it should soothe. There is no greater assurance of our salvation than to know its eternal security does not rest on the feebleness of our faith. Pick up a copy of Pastor Gunter's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Praise-His-Glory-Doctrine-Predestination/dp/B0CXXNGL14  

As Samuel Richardson wrote, “there is no form of civil government in Christ's testament”. We are reminded that it's often easy to give ourselves to a human kingdom than Christ's without even noticing. For more information about CBTSeminary, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, Chris Holmes discusses "The Preaching of Benjamin Keach." Dr. Holmes researched Keach's use of Metaphors for his PhD Dissertation and teaches courses on Preaching and Benjamin Keach at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

Some of the earliest members of the Loughwood Baptist church were colorful characters, a few of which we'll look at next episode. Others were quite unexpected. Who would guess that several prominent families in the early years of the church were Huguenots, French protestants escaping persecution?   For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, Steve Kim presents historical data that demonstrates Jesus of Nazareth arose from the dead. Steve Kim is the Alberta Director of Apologetics Canada Ministries. In his early 20s, Steve experienced a faith crisis due to intellectual undernourishment. Through this experience, he has come to see apologetics as the “intellectual care of the soul” and now feels a personal burden to walk with others who may be struggling with doubt and/or seeking sincerely. Steve holds a diploma in Worship Arts and a BA in Biblical Studies from Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC. He has completed a master's degree in Christian Apologetics through Biola University in La Mirada, CA. He began his PhD studies through the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, exploring any proper limits of human enhancement. A native of Korea, Steve now lives in the Edmonton area with his wife, Sharina, and two children, Maya and Tavin. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

In this episode, Pastors Joe Wilson and Lee McKinnon discuss the importance of training men for Pastoral Ministry. They discuss the duty of teaching men who will be able to teach others as well; they cover why this duty is especially necessary for older ministers; then, they conclude the conversation by providing tips to accomplish this task. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

"In the last episode I mentioned that a young John Ash was baptized and joined the Loughwood Baptist Church in Dorset. This church erected a chapel in the 1650s that is still standing; a beautiful little building fully restored by Great Britain's National Trust. But before I tell you some of the story of the church, let me tell you about the chapel itself because it one of the oldest and loveliest Baptist meetinghouses still standing in England." For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this conversation, Pastor Brice Bigham presents the importance of rebuke for the Christian life. He covers how this is important for preaching, ministry, and church life for all members. Additionally, he gives helpful advice for both giving and receiving rebuke. Don't miss this important conversation that will help you to grow in an often-neglected Christian duty! For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org

In some ways, John Ash is reminiscent of Thomas Llewelyn, our previous pilgrim. Both men lived during the same years, were educated at Bristol, became moderately well off, and exercised academic gifts and pastoral heart. But the differences brought into their lives by providence, help us understand the variety of life in the Particular Baptist churches of mid-18th century England. For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

Join us for an insightful discussion with Jared Ebert (ThM) as we delve into the retrieval of Reformed Methods in New Testament Textual Criticism. This episode offers an examination of historical approaches and their contemporary relevance to our approach to textual criticism. To read his ThM thesis, click here: https://www.academia.edu/129594686/Retrieving_the_Reformed_Methods_of_New_Testament_Textual_Criticism For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

Today's story of another little-known Particular Pilgrim concerns Thomas Llewelyn and the use of his academic-oriented gifts. Thomas' last name “Llewelyn” begins with two “Ls” and gives away his Welsh origins.   For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

Feeling Like You've Messed Up in Ministry? These Pastors Get It and Here's What They Learned! After receiving helpful feedback from our previous episode titled "Failures and Regrets in Ministry," Pastors Joe Wilson and Lee McKinnon thought it useful to reflect upon ways that the Lord has grown them through pastoral trials and errors. To listen to part 1 of this discussion, click here: https://youtu.be/gDIOwaMrop4 For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

The 50th Anniversary celebration of the Baptist Missionary Service was held on May 31st and June 1st and 2nd, 1842, in Kettering. So large were the expected crowds that two meetinghouses were used – one the Baptist and the other the Congregational. On the first day in the evening, Andrew Leslie was asked to preach. His text was Acts 14:27, “and when they had arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles”. Leslie imitated Paul's actions from the text, and gave a sermon “replete with interesting and important details respecting the East India mission, and the absurd, impure superstitions of the people among whom it is planted”. For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

Equipped to Evangelize is a comprehensive guide that brings clarity and biblical depth to the vital task of sharing the Christian faith. Drawing from three decades of experience, Rob Ventura outlines a practical and systematic approach to evangelism that both encourages and equips believers for this essential work. Pick up the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Equipped-Evangelize-Foundation-Rob-Ventura/dp/1527113221 For more information about Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, click here: https://cbtseminary.org/  

"Andrew Leslie's grief over the death of the one he called “his dear Eliza” hindered him for some years. In the months following his “great affliction” he stopped writing letters and doing most work. But after an initial period of grieving, he began to reengage in his various missionary pursuits. And in a letter written to R. B. Sherring six months after Eliza's death, he includes some news of a spiritual nature. He tells of 7 baptisms in the previous months." For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

In this episode, Jeremy W. Johnston introduces our audience to C.S. Lewis and discusses some of his most important writings. Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963), a British writer and scholar, is best known as C.S. Lewis, the author of the beloved children's series The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as influential works of Christian apologetics like Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. Born in Belfast and holding academic positions at Oxford and Cambridge, Lewis was a prominent member of the "Inklings" literary group with J.R.R. Tolkien. His conversion from atheism to Christianity profoundly shaped his writing, imbuing his diverse works, ranging from literary criticism to science fiction, with theological and allegorical depth, ensuring his enduring popularity and impact on literature and Christian thought. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Pastor Ben Carlson as he dives into one of the Old Testament's most intriguing figures: the Angel of the LORD. In this episode, Ben presents compelling scriptural evidence and theological insights to explain why he believes the Angel of the LORD is none other than a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ Himself. From the burning bush to Gideon's encounter, we explore key passages where this mysterious figure appears, examining the profound implications for our understanding of God's character and the continuity of His redemptive plan throughout history.   Below are the links for Pastor Ben's four part blog series on the Angel of the LORD: https://cbtseminary.org/what-does-the-angel-of-the-lord-mean/ https://cbtseminary.org/where-is-the-angel-of-the-lord-found-ben-carlson/ https://cbtseminary.org/who-is-the-angel-of-the-lord-ben-carlson/ https://cbtseminary.org/why-is-the-angel-of-the-lord-important-ben-carlson/   For more information about CBTS visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

"Any missionary heading to India had to wrestle with the reality that they could die shortly after arrival. Surely, none of them expected to return to England. Moving to a hot, wet climate without immunities or medical remedies against exotic diseases, was part of the cost of reaching the lost. And Eliza Leslie had considered this." For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org  

William D. Dennison (MDiv, ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary; PhD, Michigan State University) was Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Covenant College and Visiting Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Northwest Theological Seminary. He is the author of Paul's Two-Age Construction and Apologetics (Wipf and Stock, 2000), A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies (Wipf and Stock, 2007), The Young Bultmann (Peter Lang, 2008), and Karl Marx (P&R). For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

Dr. Meade joined the Phoenix Seminary Faculty in 2012. He teaches courses in Hebrew Language, Old Testament Literature, Greek Language and Literature, and Biblical Theology. His research interests include Origen's Hexapla, the Septuagint, Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible, the Canon of Scripture, and Biblical Theology. He also presents papers at scholarly meetings such as the Evangelical Theological Society, the International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies, and the Society of Biblical Literature. For more information visit: https://cbtseminary.org  

"The Leslies grew in love for one another and appear to have sincerely rejoiced at the opportunity to serve God in India, despite the sacrifices this involved. Their first year passed relatively quietly with no children, but with much learning and usefulness." For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org