The Whole Counsel

Епизоде

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  Hebrews I The Jaw Dropping Beauty of Jesus (originally aired 11.11.2021) 23.07.2026 42мин

  This week we are taking a short break between series and re-airing a favorite episode in which John Snyder is joined by a long-time friend and fellow minister, Jordan Thomas. You may recognize Jordan as a contributor to the studies Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically and Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty. John and Jordan spent a few weeks discussing the descriptions of Jesus found in the book of Hebrews. This week's discussion focuses on Hebrews 1 and the 34 descriptions of Jesus in those 14 verses. Next week we will begin a new, short series with pastor and biblical counselor Louis Sacran. Louis and John will spend several weeks discussing wise counsel for common problems we face. SHOW NOTES: 📖 Looking Unto Jesus by Theodore Monod 📖 Looking Unto Jesus by Isaac Ambrose Check out Jordan's sermon series on Hebrews: https://www.gracechurchmemphis.com/sermons?offset=1436720400215&reversePaginate=true&category=Looking+Unto+Jesus
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  A Life of Joy V: Christ Is All 16.07.2026 18мин

  There is a secret to finding contentment. The secret has been revealed in the Bible, and Christians have proclaimed it for 2000 years. Despite this, humanity seems stubbornly confused about the source of happiness. We are naturally inclined to look for it in all the wrong places. The secret to finding contentment is that you don’t find it by pursuing contentment itself, but by looking for it in Christ.   In this final episode of the Life of Joy series, John Snyder and Justin Miller discuss how Christ is the foundation, the center, and the cornerstone of Christian contentment. They conclude the series not only by reflecting on Justin Miller’s forthcoming book, A Life of Joy, but also by recommending several books that have encouraged them in their pursuit of Christ-centered contentment and joy.   SHOW NOTES 📖 Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount 📖 A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment by Justin Miller 📖 The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs: Free from Chapel Library Banner of Truth edition 📖 The Art of Divine Contentment: An Exposition of Philippians 4:11, by Thomas Watson ebook physical copy 📖 The True Christian’s Love to the Unseen Christ by Thomas Vincent 📖 Mortification of Sin by John Owen 📖 The Diary of Andrew Bonar
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  Life of Joy IV: Contentment Combats Complacency 09.07.2026 21мин

  There is a vast difference between contentment and complacency, though we may be tempted toward the latter. In this episode of The Whole Counsel, John Snyder and Justin Miller explore why biblical contentment is never passive, indifferent, or spiritually stagnant. Rather than settling for “enough” of Christ, the believer who is truly content finds that satisfaction in Him creates an even greater desire to know Him, obey Him, and enjoy deeper fellowship with Him. Looking to passages such as Proverbs 1, Philippians 4, and Colossians 3, they discuss the danger of spiritual complacency and the joy of a life that rests in God’s wise providence while pressing forward in holiness. Along the way, they show that Christian contentment is not stoicism or resignation to circumstances, but joyful submission to a sovereign Father whose gifts always draw His children closer to Himself. If Christ is the object of our contentment, then contentment will never diminish our pursuit of holiness. Instead, it will continually fuel it. Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment by Justin Miller - https://freegracepress.com/collections/coming-soon/products/a-life-of-joy The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs - Free from Chapel Library: https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rjoc/rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment-the-burroughsjeremiah Banner of Truth edition: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/the-rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Life of Joy III: Obstacles to Contentment 02.07.2026 26мин

  Contentment is one of the distinguishing marks of the Christian life—but it is also one of the most difficult graces to cultivate. Why is it so hard to gain and so easy to lose? In the third episode of our A Life of Joy series, Justin Miller and Dr. John Snyder examine five of the greatest obstacles to Christian contentment: worldliness, busyness, bitterness, grief, and opposition. Drawing from Scripture, the Puritans, and personal experience, they show how these common struggles pull our hearts away from Christ and how God uses even painful providences to deepen our joy in Him. Rather than settling for shallow happiness or stoic resignation, believers are called to find lasting satisfaction in Christ alone. Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Rutherford-Andrew-Thomson/dp/1164013874 Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Life of Joy II: The School of Contentment 25.06.2026 21мин

  In the first episode of this series, Justin Miller helped us understand what Christian contentment is and why it differs from both complacency and stoicism. But if contentment is not something we naturally possess, how do we learn it? In this episode, Dr. John Snyder and Justin Miller explore Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content.” Together they consider how God uses trials, hardships, disappointments, and even unanswered prayers to teach His people that Christ is sufficient. Drawing from Scripture, the Puritans, and the lives of believers who have walked this path before us, they discuss why contentment is learned in the school of providence. They also examine the truths that fuel Christian contentment: God’s sovereignty, God’s goodness, His commitment to work all things for the good of His people, and His wise use of affliction to wean us from the world and teach us to treasure Christ above all else. Show Notes A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment by Justin Miller - https://freegracepress.com/collections/coming-soon/products/a-life-of-joy The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs - Free from Chapel Library: https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rjoc/rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment-the-burroughsjeremiah Banner of Truth edition: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/the-rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Life of Joy I: Contentment, Not Complacency 18.06.2026 19мин

  For years, believers have turned to Jeremiah Burroughs’ classic work The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment to learn what it means to rest in God’s wise and fatherly providence. In this new series, Dr. John Snyder is joined by Pastor Justin Miller to discuss his forthcoming book, A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment, which seeks to bring these timeless truths to a new generation of Christians. In this first episode, Justin explains how his own struggles in ministry led him to study the biblical doctrine of contentment more deeply. Together, he and Dr. Snyder explore the difference between true Christian contentment and its counterfeits. Christian contentment is not complacency, spiritual laziness, or stoic resignation to circumstances. Rather, it is learning to receive every providence from the hand of a wise and loving Father, finding our joy not in changing circumstances but in Christ himself. Whether you are facing trials, disappointments, unanswered questions, or simply desire a deeper joy in Christ, this conversation provides a helpful foundation for understanding one of the most neglected and necessary graces in the Christian life. Show Notes A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment by Justin Miller - https://freegracepress.com/collections/coming-soon/products/a-life-of-joy The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs - Free from Chapel Library: https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rjoc/rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment-the-burroughsjeremiah Banner of Truth edition: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/the-rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford X: Entertain Christ Well 11.06.2026 18мин

  Samuel Rutherford’s letters are often remembered for their soaring descriptions of the beauty and loveliness of Christ. But Rutherford was not content merely to comfort sleepy Christians. He also knew how to awaken them. In this final episode on Samuel Rutherford, Dr. John Snyder examines a series of Rutherford’s letters written to stir believers out of spiritual lethargy and call them to earnestness, holiness, and wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Whether addressing young converts, careless professors, or discouraged saints, Rutherford repeatedly presses the same point: Christ is too precious to be followed lazily. These letters confront the danger of spiritual drift, warn against assuming salvation without evidence of perseverance, and urge believers to cultivate prayer, holiness, watchfulness, and delight in Christ. Yet Rutherford’s exhortations are never cold or merely moralistic. Again and again, he reminds us that true obedience flows from hearts captivated by the sweetness of Christ himself. This episode also includes one of Rutherford’s most beloved warnings to dry and wandering believers: “We are rather dry than thirsty.” His counsel is simple and searching — stop dwelling far from the well and return to Christ. As this series on Rutherford concludes, Dr. Snyder reflects on the enduring value of these prison letters and the way they continue to call believers to sincerity, diligence, and deeper communion with Christ. “Keep Christ and entertain him well.” — Samuel Rutherford Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Rutherford-Andrew-Thomson/dp/1164013874 Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford IX: Small Souls and a Boundless Christ 04.06.2026 26мин

  Samuel Rutherford knew suffering, imprisonment, isolation, and loss. Yet from his prison cell came some of the richest descriptions of communion with Christ ever written. In this episode of Dr. John Snyder continues exploring Rutherford’s letters by focusing on one central theme: the nearness of God. Drawing from Rutherford’s prison correspondence, Dr. Snyder examines the different ways Scripture speaks about God’s presence and how Rutherford experienced the sweetness of Christ in ways he once thought impossible on this side of heaven. Rutherford writes of the believer’s regret over loving Christ so little, the overwhelming abundance of Christ’s love toward his people, the dangers of idolizing spiritual experiences, and the diligence required to pursue deeper fellowship with God. Again and again, his letters press us beyond merely knowing truths about Christ into delighting in Christ himself. What happens when a believer discovers that his soul is too small to contain the love of God? Rutherford’s answer is simple: stop standing on the shore and throw yourself into the ocean. “If this whole world were the beam of a balance, it would not be able to bear the weight of Christ’s love.” — Samuel Rutherford Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Rutherford-Andrew-Thomson/dp/1164013874 Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford VIII: Make Your Choice 28.05.2026 24мин

  This week we continue our study through the letters of Samuel Rutherford by looking at the cost Rutherford paid for following Christ faithfully. Dr. John Snyder gives an overview of Rutherford’s turbulent life, including his imprisonment, exile from his congregation, work at St. Andrews, influence at the Westminster Assembly, and his final years under house arrest awaiting trial for treason. From those seasons of suffering came some of Rutherford’s richest letters. In this episode, we read selections where Rutherford calls Christians to make their choice clearly: Christ or the world. Again and again, Rutherford compares the passing pleasures of sin and worldly comfort with the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ. Rutherford’s words are not theoretical. They come from a man who lost family, freedom, reputation, and security, yet still testified that Christ was worth every sorrow. His counsel remains deeply relevant for believers today as we count the cost of following Christ in a world that continually calls us elsewhere. Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Rutherford-Andrew-Thomson/dp/1164013874 Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford VII: When Christ Comes with a Cross 21.05.2026 27мин

  Samuel Rutherford’s letters are filled with counsel for Christians walking through suffering, affliction, persecution, and grief. Having endured imprisonment, bereavement, sickness, and deep ecclesiastical conflict, Rutherford wrote not as a detached theologian, but as a pastor acquainted with sorrow. In this episode of The Whole Counsel Podcast, we examine Rutherford’s teaching on Christian suffering and the believer’s union with Christ in trials. Looking at passages such as Matthew 5, Romans 5, and James 1, we consider how Scripture speaks of joy in tribulation, sanctification through affliction, and the temporary nature of earthly crosses. Rutherford reminds believers that Christ often comes with a cross, but never without purpose. Trials loosen our grip on the world, expose remaining sin, and conform us to the image of Christ. Yet suffering is not permanent. As Rutherford wrote, “Christ and his cross part ways at heaven’s door.” Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Rutherford-Andrew-Thomson/dp/1164013874 You can read the letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/blog/samuel-rutherfords-9-marks-of-a-true-christian Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thompson Sign up for the giveaway: https://www.mediagratiae.org/the-whole-counsel-giveaway Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford VI: The Love and Loveliness of Christ 14.05.2026 20мин

  In this episode of The Whole Counsel Podcast, Dr. John Snyder returns to the letters of Samuel Rutherford to consider a central theme of his writings, the love and loveliness of Christ. Drawing from The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thompson, this episode highlights Rutherford’s emphasis on experiential Christianity, where truth is not only understood but lived. Rutherford presents Christ as beyond comparison, infinitely full and endlessly satisfying. His letters illustrate both the greatness of Christ’s love and our incapability of expressing it. Yet Christ remains an inexhaustible well, never diminished by the needs of his people. He also reminds us that Christ himself is the glory of heaven, the one who makes eternity desirable. As reflected in the hymn by Anne Cousin (The Sands of Time Are Sinking), the focus is not the crown, but the King. Next week, we will consider Rutherford’s teaching on suffering and the cross in light of Christ’s surpassing worth. Show Notes Kingdom Life: Studies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life The Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Rutherford-Andrew-Thomson/dp/1164013874 You can read the letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/blog/samuel-rutherfords-9-marks-of-a-true-christian Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thompson Sign up for the giveaway: https://www.mediagratiae.org/the-whole-counsel-giveaway Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford V: Am I What I Say I Am? 07.05.2026 29мин

  We appreciate you giving us time to prepare new studies and to let you know about the study with Dr. Stephen Yuille that we just released. You can find more information about that study in the show notes. But this week Dr. John Snyder returns to the letters of Samuel Rutherford. As Dr. Snyder says, those we read can become lifelong friends and counselors who speak truth to us in times of need. This is particularly true of Samuel Rutherford. While he did write polemical works, he is especially remembered for his warm and compelling descriptions of Christ and for his helpful words regarding the sanctification of the Christian. In this week’s letter, Rutherford presents nine evidences of saving faith. He is helping us answer the question, “Am I truly the Christian I say I am?” Every Christian experiences uncertainty in particular seasons, and many experience it without realizing how common it is. This letter is written for them. Rutherford calls us to consider whether these evidences are present in our lives: A willingness to prize Christ above all things Obedience that is driven by love and not fear Humility and self-denial A profession of faith that is accompanied by good works A desire to live for God’s honor in all things A genuine hatred of sin A careful commitment to biblical truth and worship Conscientiousness in everyday calling and relationships A life marked by habitual prayer As we listen to or read this letter (linked in the show notes), we pray God uses these evidences to both encourage and convict us, strengthening true assurance and directing us again to Christ. Show Notes Kingdom Life: Sutdies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life You can read the letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/blog/samuel-rutherfords-9-marks-of-a-true-christian Life of Samuel Rutherford by Andrew Thompson Sign up for the giveaway: https://www.mediagratiae.org/the-whole-counsel-giveaway Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Kingdom Life: A New Study from Media Gratiae 30.04.2026 25мин

  For the past two weeks, we’ve mentioned an upcoming study with Jeremy Walker. This week, we’re pleased to announce that our new study with Dr. Stephen Yuille is now available. Dr. Yuille’s study focuses on the longest recorded sermon of Jesus Christ—the Sermon on the Mount. In this episode, Dr. John Snyder asks Dr. Yuille about the personal impact this portion of Scripture has had on his life and why he chose to teach it. The conversation then turn to how God has used it in Dr. Snyder’s ministry in shaping the life of Christ Church New Albany over the years. You can find more information about the study at the link in the show notes. Show Notes: Kingdom Life: Sutdies in the Sermon on the Mount: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/kingdom-life Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Praying Together III: Priming the Pump (Originally Published 4.10.25) 23.04.2026 37мин

  As we mentioned last week, Media Gratiae is currently producing a new study with Jeremy Walker. We’re excited about this project and will share more details with you in the coming months. This week we bring you the final conversation between Jeremy Walker and Teddy James on the corporate prayer service. While last week’s episode focused on preparing the heart for gathered prayer, this week turns to the practical side: How can a church begin a regular prayer service if it doesn’t have one? And once it exists, how can we participate more faithfully—whether leading out or following along? We pray this episode equips and encourages you, your family, and your church as you approach the throne of grace together. Show Notes: The Corporate Prayer Service Sermons: Leading in Prayer: https://youtu.be/WjI_2I8O5Do Engage in Prayer: https://youtu.be/pLCHOFliU7Q Piercing Heaven - https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/piercing-heaven-prayers-of-the-puritans-9781683593348?variant=31497830793278 Valley of Vision - https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotional-books/the-valley-of-vision/ Prayer by John Bunyan - https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/prayer-by-john-bunyan/ A Way to Pray (A Method of Prayer) by Matthew Henry - https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/way-to-pray/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Praying Together I: Digging the Well (Originally Published 03.27.25) 16.04.2026 29мин

  This week, we began work on a new Media Gratiae study by Jeremy Walker on the topic of killing sin. We always find Jeremy’s teaching careful, warm-hearted, and helpful. We are excited to start this new project with him. Last year, Jeremy joined Teddy James on our podcast to discuss a sermon series Jeremy preached to his congregation at Maidenbower Baptist Church in England. The theme was the corporate prayer service. We are rebroadcasting the final few episodes we recorded with Jeremy on the topic. If you would like to hear more from this podcast series or the full sermons, we invite you to check the link in the Show Notes.   The Corporate Prayer Service Sermons: Leading in Prayer: https://youtu.be/WjI_2I8O5Do Engage in Prayer: https://youtu.be/pLCHOFliU7Q How to ruin your spiritual life sermon series - https://www.sermonaudio.com/series/185833 A Word in Season - https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/a-word-in-season From the Heart of Spurgeon Podcast - https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon Some of our favorite books by Jeremy: Life in Christ - https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/life-in-christ-becoming-and-being-a-disciple-of-the-lord-jesus-christ-walker.html The Brokenhearted Evangelist - https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/the-brokenhearted-evangelist-walker.html Books by Jeremy Walker at Reformation Heritage Books: https://www.heritagebooks.org/Search.html#/Search.html?search=Jeremy+Walker Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford IV: Assurance of Faith 09.04.2026 33мин

  This week we continue reading from the prison letters of Samuel Rutherford. Though he was suffering under house arrest, Rutherford never lost his pastoral concern for his people. Many in his day had been baptized into the national church and assumed themselves to be Christians. Yet Rutherford recognized that outward identification did not necessarily mean true conversion. As a result, many were left either with false assurance or deep uncertainty, and they turned to him for help. In this letter, Rutherford offers careful and tender counsel on the nature of assurance. Drawing from 1 John, he points to evidences of grace within the believer, including a growing awareness of sin and a genuine grief over it. Importantly, he shows that such grief is not a sign of spiritual death, but may in fact be evidence of spiritual life. At the same time, Rutherford is careful to direct the believer away from resting in these inward evidences. Our assurance is not grounded in the strength of our faith, the depth of our repentance, or the intensity of our feelings. It rests ultimately in Christ himself—his life, his death, and his resurrection on behalf of sinners. This episode is both searching and comforting, reminding us to take sin seriously while fixing our eyes firmly on Christ. Don’t forget to use the link below to sign up for our giveaway featuring books on Samuel Rutherford. Show Notes Sign up for the giveaway: https://www.mediagratiae.org/the-whole-counsel-giveaway Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford III: Dark World, Fair Jesus 02.04.2026 17мин

  In this week’s episode, John Snyder continues exploring the letters of Samuel Rutherford. Rutherford is known for his poetic descriptions of Christ. Even when his life was difficult, he continued to speak of Christ’s worth and beauty. In this letter to a young Christian, Rutherford gives counsel in two main areas. He urges him to seek Christ early. He also shows why Christ is worthy to be followed at any cost. First, he tells the young man to give Christ his “virgin love.” This means giving Christ the first and best of his affections. His heart should not be claimed by lesser loves. Then Rutherford explains why Christ deserves this kind of devotion. He points to the beauty of creation. He speaks of the sun, the moon, and the stars. Then he stops and corrects himself. Compared to Christ, even these are not truly beautiful. What once seemed bright is dark next to Him. Rutherford’s goal is simple. He wants us to see Christ as He truly is. When we do, everything else changes. We pray this episode lifts your view of Christ and helps you seek Him, no matter what you face today. Show Notes Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford II: No Poison in Christ’s Cup 26.03.2026 24мин

  This week on The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues our series on the great letterwriters in Christendom: Letters of Samuel Rutherford. After introducing the Scottish Puritan pastor last episode, we now focus on his deep friendship with Marion McNaught, a godly woman who encouraged her family, supported Rutherford during trials, and even mentored others amid persecution. Marion traveled far to hear Rutherford preach because, as she beautifully put it: “Though other ministers show me the majesty of God and the plague of my own heart, Mr. Samuel does both these things, but he also shows me as no other minister ever does the loveliness of Christ.” In one poignant letter from a time of intense trial (as Rutherford faces exile and separation from his flock), he urges her: “Swim through your temptations and troubles to be at that lovely, amiable person, Jesus.” These aren’t mere words, Rutherford lived upon this truth, finding Christ sufficient even in suffering and heaviness of heart. If this stirs your soul for more of Rutherford’s Christ-centered comfort and the lives of those around him, pick up Faith Cook’s Samuel Rutherford and His Friends (Banner of Truth). It brings fresh insight into the people who received these treasures. Show Notes Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/ Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of Samuel Rutherford I: Six People Who will Benefit 19.03.2026 22мин

  This week, Dr. John Snyder continues exploring classic Christian letters by focusing on one of the greatest Puritan letter writers, Samuel Rutherford. If you’re new to Media Gratiae, don’t worry—we welcome you! Samuel Rutherford was a Scottish Puritan pastor who endured intense persecution, the loss of several children, and the deaths of two wives. His letters on faith, holiness, and the beauty of Christ have been praised by contemporaries and modern readers alike, often called second only to Scripture. In this episode, we begin with a brief biographical sketch by Andrew Bonar, who highlights six types of readers who will find Rutherford’s letters especially helpful. If you see yourself in any of these categories, consider getting a copy of Rutherford’s letters from The Banner of Truth Trust (link below). Show Notes Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
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  Letters of John Calvin VI: The Final Farewell of the Reformer 12.03.2026 29мин

  This week, we conclude our journey through the letters of John Calvin, exploring the final days of the Magisterial Reformer. Dr. John Snyder shares the accounts of Calvin’s last words, showing his heart for the church, his love for Christ, and his enduring impact on the Reformation. Throughout his life, Calvin addressed disloyalty, royalty, the joys of marriage, and the sorrows of losing loved ones. In his final days, he reminds us that Scripture is the highest authority, even above his own teachings, and he meets with pastors in Geneva to guide the continuation of both local church work and the broader global Reformation. In these closing scenes, we witness Calvin’s devotion to his people, his unwavering faith, and his desire to see evangelism and discipleship thrive after his death. His words remain profoundly relevant for Christians today, inspiring us to make Christ known in our families, churches, towns, and nations. Join us for this moving conclusion to the series on John Calvin’s letters, and discover timeless lessons from one of the most influential figures in church history. Show Notes Michael Nelson article: https://credomag.com/2017/11/the-best-companion-of-my-life-john-calvins-search-for-a-wife-michael-nelson/ The Tracts and Letters of John Calvin - https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/collected-workssets/tracts-and-letters-of-john-calvin-8/ The Church Bible Study - https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/the-church Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app #JohnCalvin #QueenOfNavarre #ReformationHistory #ChristianLetters #FaithAndLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #WholeCounselPodcast