The Magazine Podcast

Church History: A Neglected Help to the Preacher 27.07.2026 19min

We readily accept that preachers need to be familiar with the Scriptures and with theology. But church history? Surely it is a matter of indifference whether or not a preacher has much knowledge of the often-complicated history of the church? Peter Barnes disagrees, and lays out the case for the studied and accessible use of the church's history in evangelical preaching and teaching. Featured Resources: Peter Barnes, 'The Use of Church History in Preaching,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 287–8 (August–September 1987). Books noted in the article: J. C. Ryle, Five English Reformers J. C. Ryle, Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

'Christ Glowed in the Man' 20.07.2026 22min

This week we read a gripping article on a man whose ministry, despite sorrow and ill-health, was faithful and blessed—in Perth, Scotland, as well as Calcutta, India. Featured Resources: David Campbell, 'John Milne: "A flower of rare beauty and sweetness of odour"' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 754 (July 2026). Buy the book: Horatius Bonar, The Life of John Milne of Perth Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Kenneth A. MacRae on Preaching 13.07.2026 23min

A title which many have appreciated and which is, for the moment, still out of print, is the The Diary of Kenneth A. MacRae, edited by Iain H. Murray. MacRae had a long ministry in the highlands and islands of Scotland. This week we read a collection of his candid and spiritual reflections on the topic of preaching. We trust they will be helpful to preachers and hearers alike. Featured Resources: 'Thoughts on Preaching from 'The Diary of Kenneth MacRae,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 415 (April 1998). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Waking the Dawn With Praise 06.07.2026 13min

Daniel Funke highlights the unique opportunities of the morning, and the value of sanctifying our waking hour for the glory of God.

The Written Ministry of A. W. Pink 29.06.2026 23min

A reflection on the unique, powerful ministry of A. W. Pink.

The Importance of Seriousness 22.06.2026 26min

Does seriousness matter in a pastor? Rev. Daniel Dana, an American Presbyterian writer of the 19th century, argued that it does—profoundly so. This week we read his meditation on the subject which was featured in the eighth issue of the magazine. Featured Resource: 'The Importance of Seriousness to the Christian Minister,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 8 (August 1957). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom (Geoff Chang Interview) 19.06.2026 30min

Our forthcoming volume, Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom, has been compiled and edited by Geoff Chang. Composed of contributions from Spurgeon to the Sword and Trowel magazine on the topic of the church and ministry, it will encourage, inform, and challenge readers to love and serve Christ's church better. We sit down with Geoff to discuss Spurgeon as a pastor, some of his convictions about the church and ministry, and what readers can expect to find in this new volume. Geoff Chang is the Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri, where he is also an Assistant Professor of Historical Theology. Some of Geoff's books (written, compiled, or edited): Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/spurgeon-the-pastor-recovering-a-biblical-and-theological-vision-for-ministry-9781087747842?srsltid=AfmBOoo9J5OUv6iKNYdNQ05SK8nKra4Z_VcVFY6P_qp7hsBWwwfxcstd UK Bookseller: https://www.keithjones.co.uk/spurgeon-the-pastor-9781087747842/?cat=0 The Army of God: Spurgeon's Vision for the Church US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/army-of-god-spurgeons-vision-for-the-church-9781527108738 UK Bookseller: https://tabernaclebookshop.org/products/the-army-of-god?srsltid=AfmBOopOIuxDsNhJ2_gu4gm5jsXF14P3F8LBsd_xNcbJgkjktDsXPxLh Charles Spurgeon, Christ Our All: Poems for the Christian Pilgrim, compiled by Geoff Chang. US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/christ-our-all-poems-for-the-christian-pilgrim-9781087772745?srsltid=AfmBOopoSbXzGU1EY2ntwroC3ZScvaXgG79V1nzZ4-NVZuHjMLXQRMNA UK Bookseller: https://icmbooks.co.uk/product/37235/Christ-Our-All-Poems-for-the-Christian-Pilgrim Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The French Synods of the Desert 15.06.2026 26min

This year we have devoted quite a bit of time to considering the Scottish Covenanters (and yes, our fourth Covenanter video is still on the way!). The Covenanters, however, were not the only body of believers to suffer extreme persecution in the seventeenth century. This week we consider the plight of the French Huguenots, with excerpts from an article by Henry Martyn Baird, first published in the Presbyterian Review in 1888. Featured resource: 'The French Synods of the Desert: 1,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 263–4, August–September 1985. About the author: Henry Martyn Baird (1832–1906) was an American historian best known for his scholarship on the French Huguenots. He is the author of Theodore Beza: The Counsellor of the French Reformation, published by the Trust. Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Advice for a New Minister 08.06.2026 19min

The new minister has arrived. He loves the Lord. He loves the Scriptures. He loves the local church. But all is not well in the congregation he has been called to serve. What is he to do? How is he to build? Long-time friend of the Banner, veteran pastor Peter Barnes, offers counsel to a young man in such a position. Featured resource: Peter Barnes, 'Approaching Pastoral Difficulties,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 392 (May 1996). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Burdened for the Honour of God 01.06.2026 30min

Elijah's ministry to Israel at a time of rampant backsliding is a challenge and an encouragement to us in the days of apostasy in which we live. But what drove Elijah? What was his abiding concern—his activating conviction? Reed S. Rusniak takes us to the heart of the prophet's motivations. This week's article, the first of a projected six-part series in the print magazine, is from the June 2026 issue. Featured resource: Reed S. Rusniak, 'Standing for God (1): Elijah's Concern for the Honour and Glory of God,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 753 (June 2026). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Eagerly Awaiting the Saviour 25.05.2026 13min

The Christian's great hope is the personal return—the Second Coming—of the Lord Jesus Christ. In his article 'Eagerly Awaiting the Saviour,' Mike Riccardi helps us grasp the nature of this hope, and work it out in our own lives. Featured resource: Mike Riccardi, 'Eagerly Awaiting the Saviour,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 629 (February 2016). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

From Marine to Minister: Grant Castleberry Interview 20.05.2026 52min

Grant Castleberry serves as a Pastor-Teacher at The King's Chapel, Raleigh, North Carolina. Grant recently concluded doctoral research into D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and in this bonus episode we discuss 'the Doctor' and his ministry emphases, as well as hearing Grant's own fascinating testimony to God's faithfulness and gracious calling. More on The King's Chapel: https://www.thekingschapel.com/ Grant's book, The Honor of God: https://store.ligonier.org/the-honor-of-god-hardcover Grant's resource website: https://unashamedtruth.org/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

A Missing Means of Grace 18.05.2026 18min

Christian fellowship, contends our editor Mark G. Johnston, is the 'Cinderella' of the means of grace. That is to say, of the various means the Lord uses to build up His people, fellowship is woefully and unjustly neglected. This week on the podcast, we are encouraged to remedy this neglect, and discover afresh that there is no healthy church life–even Christian life–without Christian fellowship. Featured Resources: Mark G. Johnston, 'Fellowship: The Cinderella of the Means of Grace,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 737 (February 2025). Ian Hamilton, 'The Fellowship of Saints,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 633 (June 2016). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Loving the Lord's Day 11.05.2026 23min

How are we to love and to set apart the Lord's Day? Why are we to love it and set it apart? Maurice Roberts explains, in clear and compelling terms, what relevance the Fourth Commandment has for Christians in the New Covenant. Featured Resource: Maurice Roberts, 'Sabbath Observance,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 392 (May 1996). Be Part of the Next Chapter: More information about our building project, and how you can pray and give, can be found here: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/nextchapter/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

What Thomas Boston Saw 07.05.2026 27min

Thomas Boston was one of the outstanding Scottish ministers of the eighteenth century. This week we consider his faithfulness in two small parishes in the Scottish Lowlands, and God's sustaining of him in these difficult charges. Featured Resource: G. N. M. Collins, 'How Thomas Boston Beheld the Lamb of God which Taketh Away the Sin of the World,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 640 (January 2017) Be Part of the Next Chapter: More information about our building project, and how you can pray and give, can be found here: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/nextchapter/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Meet the Trustees: Robert Strivens (BONUS) 01.05.2026 21min

Our bonus episode this week is a conversation with Dr Robert Strivens, Banner of Truth Trustee and Director of the recently set-up Reformed Baptist Study Centre. We hear more about Robert, the work of the Banner trustees, and the hopes for the new study centre in this interview recorded at the recent Banner Ministers' Conference in Staffordshire. Robert's recommendations: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors Iain H. Murray, The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1 volume) Iain H. Murray, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (2 volumes) John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied Find out more about the Reformed Baptist Study Centre and its events: https://rbstudycentre.com/ Be Part of the Next Chapter of the Banner of Truth: More information about our building project, and how you can pray and give, can be found here: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/nextchapter/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The Minister's Treasure 27.04.2026 23min

This week's selection is an excursion into Pastor William Shishko's ministerial library, to see which books have fed him as a Christian and as a minister. The result will be of interest not only to other men called to shepherd the Lord's flock, but to every Christian with an appetite to know more of God. (In Print) Books Mentioned in the Episode: John Owen, The Glory of Christ (Volume 1 of The Works of John Owen, comprising Owen's Christologia, Or a Declaration of the Glorious Mystery of the Person of Christ and Discourses and Meditations on the Glory of Christ) Gardiner Spring, The Attraction of the Cross (Out of print). Octavius Winslow, Personal Declension and the Revival of Religion in the Soul Octavius Winslow, No Condemnation in Christ, as Unfolded in the Eighth Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans Octavius Winslow, The Work of the Holy Spirit: An Experimental and Practical View J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels Matthew: https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-9/ Mark: https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-10/ Luke (I): https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-11/ Luke (II): https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-12/ John (I): https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-13/ John (II): https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-14/ John (III): https://banneroftruth.org/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-15/ William Hendriksen's Commentaries: https://banneroftruth.org/about/banner-authors/william-hendriksen/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

What Earth's Princes Never Knew 20.04.2026 15min

The doctrine of the cross of Christ is not merely a constituent part of the Christian system of belief - it is the beating heart of the Christian message, the saving reality which cannot be known or loved by man in a state of sin and rebellion. The cross mocks human wisdom, exposing its strength as weakness. Maurice Roberts helps us see that only divine wisdom, given by the Holy Spirit, enables us to receive the cross of Christ and its implications. Featured Resource: Maurice Roberts, 'What Earth's Princes Never Knew,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 370 (July 1994). Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast