The Pactum: Recent Episodes
The Pactum
All Christians agree that the Bible is important, but understanding what it means by what it says is more challenging. And more challenging still is how the Bible is to be taught. In this episode, Pat is joined by Dennis Johnson to talk about understanding and communicating the Bible as Christians and like Christians. Dennis...
When we fail to recognize the distinction between the law and the gospel, we fail to read the Bible like Christians. So wouldn’t it be nice if we had a teaching tool, like a catechism, to help us with this crucial distinction? Thankfully, we do! Pat is joined today by Jay Wipf, author of the...
Have we been misguided when it comes to Bible interpretation? Joining Pat to talk about hermeneutics in this episode is Brandon D. Smith. Brandon is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, the host of the Church Grammar podcast, and author of Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church.
Is there a coming judgment day for believers? On this episode of the Pactum, Pat is joined by T. Jeff Taylor who says, “There is no coming Judgment Day for the believer.” T. Jeff Taylor s a retired pastor, a graduate of Westminster Seminary California, the author of the book More Than Heaven: A Biblical Theological...
Meet your heroes! That is a favorite saying on The Pactum because showing honor where honor is due is one thing, but hero worship by Christians is just gross. And it is a real thing. On this episode Pat and Mike talk about Christian Celebrity Crushes. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Ordinary by Michael Horton
If you have been a Christian for even a brief time you know that Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches clearly that salvation is by grace through faith. But ask ten different people to define faith, and you may get ten different answers! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about matters related to faith. What is it? What about faithfulness? Do...
In this episode, Pat is joined by Johnny Gravino to talk about gospel ministry in Rome, Italy. You can find more about Johnny Gravino at Lifegate Worldwide
In this episode Pat is joined by Josh Lofthus to talk about life, ministry, and his podcast, The Reformatory. You can find more from Josh and The Reformatory on X @joshlofthus or @reformatorypod
Listen in to this Pactum Responsum episode where we answer listener questions. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction by Harrison Perkins– More Than Heaven: A Biblical Theological Argument for a Federal View of Glorification by Jeff Taylor– 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory by Mitchell Chase
Is the Bible pro sports? What is the ultimate motivation for an athlete? Listen in as Pat, joined by his son, Owen, talk about christians and sports.
It’s summertime at The Pactum! While we take a little break we want you to enjoy some of our favorite episodes. Today’s episode is Sane Student Ministries. Pat and Mike are joined this week by special guest, Andrew Meyer to talk all things Student Ministry. Andrew is a pastor at Omaha Bible Church with Pat...
It’s summertime at The Pactum! While we take a little break we want you to enjoy some of our favorite episodes. Today’s episode is Exodus for Christians. Pat and Mike talk about the book of Exodus and why it is vital for Christians. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Reformation Study Bible– Gospel Transformation Bible– Echoes of Exodus by Bryan...
It’s summertime at The Pactum! While we take a little break we want you to enjoy some of our favorite episodes. Today’s episode is Getting the Gospel Right. In this special live episode, Pat and Mike are joined by Mike Abendroth from No Compromise Radio, Jon and Justin from Theocast, and R. Scott Clark from...
In this Lone Ranger episode Pat answers listener questions about the unpardonable sin, law and gospel, Bible study resources, and more. If you have questions you would like us to answer on future episodes you can email us at connect@thepactum.org
In this episode, Pat and Mike are joined by Harrison Perkins to discuss his new book, Reformed Covenant Theology. Harrison Perkins is the pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan, contributor to Ligonier, Modern Reformation, and the Heidelblog. He is also the author of A Guide to Living Out Reformed Theology and Presbyterianism: Its History, Doctrine, Government, and...
In this episode, Pat and Mike are joined by Jody Anderson to discuss suggestions that will help you love your pastor. Jody Anderson is the pastor at Christ Church of Guntersville, AL. You can find Jody on X here.
What does the Bible have to say about healing? Does God still heal people today? Join Pat and Mike as they discuss these questions and more on this episode of The Pactum.
In this episode, Pat talks with Mike Abendroth about his newest book, Cancer is Not Your Shepherd: A 31-Day Guide to Suffering. You can find more from Mike Abendroth at www.nocompromiseradio.com
Is the gospel only for unblievers? Why would you evangelize a christian? Pat and Mike finish the Romans Refresh series with a discussion about evangelizing christians.
Pat and Mike continue the Romans Refresh series with a discussion on Romans 8 and assurance. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Assurance of Faith by Louis Berkhof
Pat and Mike continue the Romans Refresh series by rounding out their discussion on the doctrine of Justificaion.
In this episode, Pat and Mike continue in the series from the book of Romans called Romans Refresh. Listen in as they talk about twelve distinctives of the biblical doctrine of justification.
In this Lone Ranger episode, Pat begins a short series from the book of Romans called, Romans Refresh. This episode looks at the topic of righteousness.
In this episode, Pat and Mike finish out their list of ten guidelines to reading all of the Bible as Christian Scripture. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Saint’s Advantage by Christ’s Ascension by Christopher Love
In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about some guidelines for reading all of the Bible as Christian Scripture.
On this week’s episode, Pat and Mike talk about covenant theology to celebrate the one year birthday of Pat’s book, Covenant Theology.
In this episode, Pat and Mike are joined by the guys from Theocast to discuss the topic of antinomianism. Jon Moffitt is the Senior Pastor of Grace Reformed Church in Spring Hill, TN. Jusin Purdue is the Lead Pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in Arden, NC. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Law and the Gospel by John Colquhoun– The...
In this episode, Pat and Mike discuss the matter of leadership. What is leadership? How do you know if you are being a successful leader? Where can we learn to be good leaders?
In this episode, Pat talks with Jon Moffitt and Justin Perdue from Theocast about the law and the gospel. To find the John Colquhoun book, The Law and the Gospel, and other resources, visit www.thelawandthegospel.com.
In this week’s episode, Pat and Mike discuss the vital doctrine of the active obedience of Christ. They discuss who believes the doctrine, why it’s important, where we see it in the Bible, and more. You can find Pat’s new book, The Active Obedience of Christ on Amazon.
In this episode Pat and Mike discuss the encouragement that christians need in these last days.
In this episode Pat and Mike are joined by special guest, Caleb Lenard, to talk about all things biblical literacy. Caleb Lenard is the is the host of the podcast Theology for the Church and the equipping pastor at Grace Life Church in Ankeny, Iowa. You can find his podcast, dissertation, and more from Caleb on his website.
In this episode Pat and Mike talk about how to maneuver, survive, and thrive in the chaos while living in the world around us. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
In this lone ranger episode, Pat answers listener questions about the law/gospel distinction, prophetic idiom, the sufficiency of Scripture, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode:– A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel by John Colquhoun– Covenant Theology Roundtable from London Lyceum– Reforming Credobaptism: A Westminster Alternative for Reformed Baptist Identity by Jordan Steffaniak– Baptism as Eschatological Judgement from Two Age Sojourner
Pat and Mike are joined this week by Pastor Chris Peterson to talk about some objections that some may have about Covenant Theology. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification by Walter Marshall– The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher– The Fountain of Life by John Flavel– The History of Covenant Theology by R. Scott Clark
Pat and Mike are joined on this episode by J.V. Fesko to talk about the book of Galatians and his commentary on the book. You can find his commentary on Galatians in the Lectio Continuo series at Reformation Heritage Books. J.V. Fesko is the Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary,...
Pat and Mike discuss matters of first importance. What does the Bible say is of first importance? Is everything in the Bible important? Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm– A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity by Albert Mohler
In this episode, Pat and Mike are joined by Dave Crawford to talk about singing in the church. Why do Christians sing? What do they sing? Who is the audience when we sing? Dave Crawfore is an Associate Pastor at Tri-City Bible Church in Vista, CA Resources mentioned in this episode:– Corporate Worship by Matt Mercer– Ordinary by Michael – True Worship, sermon...
Listen in as Pat and Mike answer ten questions about law. What is it? When was it given? Are Christians under the law? What about Christ fulfilling the law? We talk Mosaic law, natural law, and so much more.
In this episode, Pat is joined by R. Scott Clark to discuss the four important words, do this and live. R. Scott Clark is a Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California and minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America. You can find more from R. Scott Clark at heidelblog.net
It’s summertime and Pat and Mike are doing a summer session of greatest hits! Join us as we discuss Biblicism. We discuss what biblicism is, where it came from, and its dangers. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Need for Creeds Today by J.V. Fesko– The Creedal Imperative by Carl Trueman– The London Baptist Confession of 1689– The Shape of Sola...
It’s summertime and Pat and Mike are doing a summer session of greatest hits! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about law and gospel categories in wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Proverbs by Charles Bridges– Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary by Bruce Waltke– The Book of Proverbs Vol. 1, Vol. 2 by Bruce Waltke– Proverbs: A...
It’s summertime and Pat and Mike are doing a summer session of greatest hits! In this episode Pat sits down with special guest, Jenny Hare, to talk about suffering and the sovereignty of God. Jenny is a cancer survivor and offers some encouragement to those who are suffering. Jenny is a church member at Omaha...
It’s summertime and Pat and Mike are doing a summer session of greatest hits! In this episode Mike and Pat discuss Natural Law. Resources mentioned in this episode:– A Biblical Case for Natural Law by David VanDrunen– Politics After Christendom by David VanDrunen (see especially chapter 5)– Reforming Apologetics by J.V. Fesko– The Insufficiency of Scripture by T. David Gordon– Resource list on...
It’s summertime and Pat and Mike are doing a summer session of greatest hits! In this episode, Pat and Mike discuss the transgender craze. What does the Bible have to say? How did we get here? What can be done? Resources mentioned in this episode:– Strange New World by Carl Trueman– Carl Trueman Lectures at the Sacramento Gospel...
It’s summertime and Pat and Mike are doing a summer session of greatest hits! Listen in today as Pat talks about the important book, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification by Walter Marshall. Enjoy your summer as you enjoy the Pactum!
Pat and Mike are joined by special guest, Erin Pille, in this episode to talk about the image of God, beauty, design, and even the Pactum logo! Erin is the a Senior Graphic Designer at Supportworks and you can find her online on Instagram and her website. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Called to Create by Jordan Raynor
Pat and Mike are joined today by Mitch Chase to talk about the vital topic of typology. Listen in and be encouraged in how we can read our Bible better and be in awe of the unfolding drama of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Mitch is the Preaching Pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and...
Join Pat and Mike as they talk about vocation and calling. What is your calling? The apostle Paul writes in Colossians that “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Resources mentioned in this episode:– Living in God’s Two Kingdom’s by David VanDrunen– What is Vocation? by Stephen Nichols– Ordinary by Michael Horton
In this episode Pat and Mike give seven helpful guidelines for teaching and encouraging others in the vital distinction of law and gospel. Resources mentioned in this episode:– A Treatise on the Law and Gospel by John Colquhoun– My Pilgrimage From “Lordship” to Law/Gospel by Mike Abendroth– Law & Gospel by Mike Abendroth on AGTV
Join Pat and Mike for a Pactum Responsum episode where they answer listener questions on topics like EFS, rewards in Heaven, Roman Catholicism, Calvinism, Justification and more! Got questions? Email them to us at connect@thepactum.org Resources mentioned in this episode:– Two-Age Sojourner podcast episode “How Then Should We Rest?“– The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm– The Reformation...
Pat and Mike talk about the book of Exodus and why it is vital for Christians. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Reformation Study Bible– Gospel Transformation Bible– Echoes of Exodus by Bryan Estelle– Exodus (Teach the Text Commentary Series) by T. Desmond Alexander– Exodus (EP Study Commentary) by John. D. Currid– Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption by L. Michael Morales– Matthew Poole’s...
Pat and Mike discuss important categories that are helpful to christians as you read your Bible.
Pat and Mike talk about the upcoming Pactum Conference, All Things New, scheduled for October 6-7, 2023 in Omaha, NE. You can find more information and register for the conference at www.thepactum.org Resources Mentioned in this Episode:– Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America by D.G. Hart– Calvinism: A History by D.G....
This week, Pat sits down to talk about legal issues for churches with John Tucker, Pastor at Community Bible Church in Beloit, Ohio.
Join Pat and Mike as they discuss the important topic of Covenant Theology. They specifically talk about the new book by Pat, Covenant Theology. You can find the book, Covenant Theology, on Amazon.
Pat and Mike talk apologetics in this episode with special guest, Stephen Nichols. Stephen Nichols is the president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, and a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow. He has authored or edited more than thirty books including R.C. Sproul: A Life. In addition, he hosts the podcast 5 Minutes in...
Join Pat for another Lone Ranger Pactum Responsum where he answers questions about Law & Gospel, The Reformation Study Bible, Lordship Salvation, and so much more!
Join Pat for this Lone Ranger edition of a Pactum Responsum. Pat answers listener questions on books, soteriology, and covenant theology.
Pat is joined by Mike Abendroth from No Compromise Radio in this episode about touring Israel. Listen in to this fun conversation recorded on location in Israel.
In this episode, Pat is joined by Mike Abendroth of No Compromise Radio. Listen in as they talk about discernment, on location in Israel.
Pat and Mike are joined this week by special guest, Andrew Meyer to talk all things Student Ministry. Andrew is a pastor at Omaha Bible Church with Pat and Mike and leads the student ministries.
In this Lone Ranger episode, Pat provides a brief follow up to the recent Objections to Christianity series. Listen in as Pat talks about reasons for unbelief.
Pat and Mike continue their series on objections to the Christian faith. Listen in as they talk about objections such as “the Bible promotes immorality” and “the trinity is illogical.”
Pat and Mike continue their discussion of objections to Christianity. How do we respond to those who say, “Love is my religion” or “I don’t believe in God, I believe in science?” Resources mentioned in this episode:– Canon Fodder – Michael Kruger website– The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Michael Kruger
Pat and Mike begin a short series on objections to the Christian faith. Listen in as they talk about five objections and how we as Christians should think about them. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Fool’s Talk: Recovering the Art of Christian Persuasion by Os Guinness– Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger– Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian...
Join Pat and Mike as they talk about Catholicism this week. They talk about what they like, significant disagreements, major differences from Protestantism, and much more.
In this special live episode, Pat and Mike are joined by Mike Abendroth from No Compromise Radio, Jon and Justin from Theocast, and R. Scott Clark from the Heidelcast as they discuss what makes them tick. They talk about law and gospel, assurance, justification sola fide, and covenant theology.
Join Pat in this episode as he sits down to talk all things Women’s Ministry with special guests Nicole Schmoll and Heidi Meade.
Pat and Mike sit down to talk about leadership in the local church with special guest, Dave Guthrie.
Join Pat and Mike as they celebrate their 100th episode by discussing one of their favorite topics, Law & Gospel. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Christless Christianity by Mike Horton– The Christian Faith by Theodore Beza– My Pilgrimage From “Lordship” to Law/Gospel by Mike Abendroth
In this Pactum Responsum episode, Pat and Mike talk about topics ranging from Sola Fide to Christian Nationalism.
Did you know Israel is a real place? Did you know that giraffe milk is kosher? Join Pat and Mike as they discuss seven things that Christians should know about Israel.
Pat and Mike work their way through more listener questions on this responsum episode. They cover topics like Nazerene doctrine, dispensationalism, evil and the sovereignty of God, and much more. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The New Hampshire Confession: Warm Evangelical Calvinism– Is the Son of God Eternally Subordinate to the Father?– The Person of Christ: An Introduction by...
Join Pat and Mike for this Responsum episode where they answer pactumverse questions on topics such as confessions, hermeneutics, coffee, and more! Resources mentioned in this episode:– Him We Proclaim by Dennis Johnson– Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics by Graeme Goldsworthy– Canon, Covenant, and Christology by Matthew Barrett– Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition by Craig Carter– Adam and the Covenant of Works by J.V. Fesko– The Whole Christ by...
In this fifth and final installment of the series on the Five Solas, Pat and Mike discuss Soli Deo Gloria. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Church History ABCs: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of the Faith by Stephen J. Nichols– God’s Glory Alone by David VanDrunen– Glory to God Alone by David VanDrunen
Pat and Mike continue their series on the five solas for the month of October with Sola Fide. Join in on the conversation as we consider sola fide, justification, imputation and much more. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine by J.V. Fesko– Justification by Michael Horton– Justified: Essays on the Doctrine of Justification by Ryan Glomsrud...
In this third enstallment of their series on the five solas, Pat and Mike talk about Solus Christus.
Pat and Mike discuss Sola Gratia as they continue to make their way through the five solas.
During the month of October Pat and Mike will be discussing one of the Five Solas each week. This week they discuss Sola Scriptura. Resources Mentioned in this episode:– After Darkness Light: Essays in Honor of R.C. Sproul– The Insufficiency of Scripture by T. David Gordon
There is a lot to be discouraged by these days. Politics, pain, disease, sin, issues in your family, issues in the church, and the list could go on! Join Pat and Mike as they talk about some strategies that will assist you in dealing with discouragment in your life.
This week, Mike and Pat briefly discuss some of the findings in The State of Theology survey from Ligonier Ministries. You can find the full results of the survey here (https://thestateoftheology.com).
In this quick moving episode, Mike and Pat talk about their top ten reasons that the covenant of redemption matters.
Pat is joined by Mike Abendroth this week to talk about some books that can be found in the NoCo library. Mike Abendroth is is the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, MA and host of No Compromise Radio.
Is salvation by works? Is the Covenant of Works gracious? What is mono-covenantalism? Mike asks Pat these questions and more as they continue discussing the Covenant of Works.
Join in as Pat and Mike wrap up thier discussion on the covenant of works, one of their most favorite doctrines to talk about.
This episode begins a two part look at the covenant of works. Join in as Pat and Mike discuss one of their most favorite doctrines to talk about.
Expository preaching. What exactly is it and should it be THE test to determine if a church is teaching sound doctrine? Join Pat and Mike for a discussion and warning about expository preaching.
Who was Thomas Aquinas? Why does he matter and what should we make of him? Pat and Mike talk about these questions and more in this week’s episode. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Thomas Aquinas (part 1) by R.C. Sproul– Thomas Aquinas (part 2) by R.C. Sproul– Should We Read Thomas Aquinas by Keith Mathison– Was Thomas Aquinas the Most Brilliant Theologian...
Pat and Mike spend time answering live questions from members of the Pactumverse at the Ligonier Regional Conference in Escondido, CA. They talk about topics ranging from Law/Gospel, treasuing Christ, Calvin and Luther, The Lord’s Supper, and more.
In this episode Pat and Mike are joined by special guest, Zach Keele. We discuss covenant theology, how to read the Bible, and Zach’s culinary endeavors. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Sacred Bond by Zach Keele and Michael Brown– The Unfolding Word by Zach Keele Zach Keele grew up on a ranch in a small town named Crawford, Colorado....
In this episode Pat sits down with special guest, Jenny Hare, to talk about suffering and the sovereignty of God. Jenny is a cancer survivor and offers some encouragement to those who are suffering. Jenny is a church member at Omaha Bible Church. You can find more about Jenny and get in touch with her...
In this episode Pat and Mike sit down with Chris Larson, President of Ligonier Ministries, to talk about The Reformation Study Bible. Chris Larson is president and chief executive officer of Ligonier Ministries. He directs and leads all strategic outreach initiatives and oversees daily ministry operations, seeking to spread the historic Christian faith to as...
Pat and Mike talk about the benefits of reading biographies and give some recommendations of biographies that you may find interesting. Resources mentioned in this episode:– The Underlying Problem: A Brief Analysis of Meredith G. Kline’s Response to Theonomy by Michael Beck
Join Pat and Mike as they offer tips about preaching and how to be better at communicating in the pulpit. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture by Graeme Goldsworthy– Him We Proclaim by Dennis Johnson
Join Pat and Mike for a discussion on Anitnomianism. They talk about things like what is antinomianism, why is it bad, and what are some ways to deal with it? Resources mentioned in this episdoe:– The True Bounds of Christian Freedom by Samuel Bolton– The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson– The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification by Walter Marshall
In this Lone Ranger Responsum episode, Pat answers questions on Israel, Doctrine of God, Politics, Imputation, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Understanding the Land of the Bible by O. Palmer Robertson– Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett– The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain– Eternal Subordinationism Video by David Strain– On the Eternal Functional Subordination Debate Video by Jordan Cooper– Trinity Crisis and Cures by Pat...
Pat sits down in this episode with Chris Gordon to discuss his new book, The New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality. Chris Gordon is senior minister of Escondido United Reformed Church in Escondido, California, and host of Abounding Grace Radio. Chris can be found online at agradio.org and on Twitter @agradio1 The New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality is availalbe from Reformation Heritage...
In this episode, Pat and Mike discuss a top ten list of common cultic signs and characteristics.
This week Pat and Mike talk about the fads that we see come and go in evangelicalism. They offer an alternative and solution to those looking to the next shiny new fad that comes along. Resources mentioned in this episode:– Ordinary by Michael Horton