The Magazine Podcast
The Magazine Podcast brings to light the riches of the Banner of Truth Magazine archive for the encouragement of believers today. Each episode explores historical and theological content from the magazine's extensive collection, aiming to edify and inspire Christian listeners. The podcast is produced by Banner of Truth, a publisher of Reformed Christian literature.
Episodes
Spurgeon and Church Unity (1/3)
How ought the godly to respond when the church body, denomination, or union of which they are members becomes overrun by false teaching? Should unity be preserved at all costs, or is there a time to separate? If separation occurs, what are the implications for the unity of the true church?
These questions concerning the unity and purity of the church are not straightforward to answer.
This week,
Christian, a Better Day is Coming
This week's Friday Extra is a reading, by William Boekestein, of the entry for Psalm 13 in the new Banner title he has co-authored with Rob Ventura, God is Our Refuge and Strength: 150 Devotionals Through the Psalms.
The book releases in North America on 13 October, and will be available in the UK and World store from early December.
Buy the book/sign up for the Waitlist: https://banneroftruth
Westminster Wednesdays: The Announcement
We're delighted to announce a new series coming to the Banner Podcast and Youtube channel—Westminster Wednesdays—starting, Lord-willing, on Wednesday, 28 October.
In a Christian world saturated with discipleship resources, the Westminster Shorter Catechism has stood the test of time as an edifying summary of Christian truth, well adapted to use in churches and in the Christian home.
But how can
Jehovah's Witnesses and Christians: What Are the Essential Differences?
Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be Christians, but there are irreconcilable differences between the teachings of the Watchtower and the teachings of the Bible. We focus on three of these key differences for this week's Magazine Monday episode, as we read a letter from a former Jehovah's Witness who came to a real faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
'Footnote':
As mentioned in the audio, here are furt
On Robert Traill and Justification Vindicated
It's often helpful to know something of the backstory of a book. In this Friday Extra, Banner trustee Dr Donald John MacLean helps us get to grips with a church controversy that broke out in and around London in the 1690s.
One of the happy results of that unhappy conflict was a short book on salvation written by the Scottish Divine and survivor of the Bass Rock, Robert Traill (1642–1716). His lit
Charlotte Geddie's Titus 2 Life
We continue the remarkable story of Charlotte Geddie, whose witness to the gospel consisted in her brave, self-denying ministry as a wife, mother, and helpmeet to her missionary husband John.
This week we pick up the story as the Geddies, recently bereft of two of their children, continue making plans to minister in the New Hebrides.
Featured resource:
Joan Kingswood, 'From Island to Island:
David Bissett Shares Three Favourite Books
David Bissett has served Clifton Park Community Church in upstate New York since 1995. We sat down with him at the East Coast Minister's Conference, where he was kind enough to commend three of his favourite Banner books.
Books mentioned:
Iain H. Murray, Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography
Thomas Manton, Sermons on Psalm 119 (In volumes 6–9 of Manton's Works)
Iain H. Murray, Revival and Revivali
Charlotte Geddie: A Woman of Eminent Piety
Charlotte Geddie was called to be a wife, mother, and helpmeet to her husband James Geddie in almost unimaginably difficult circumstances in the South Seas.
Joan Kingswood began to relate her remarkable testimony in the Summer double issue of the magazine. She writes that Charlotte's life of loving service proved to be a 'living introduction to the message of the gospel her husband proclaimed.'
A Taste of The Theology and Theologians of Scotland
The Scottish Church, or Kirk, has been blessed with an abundance of theologically-minded pastors and pastorally-gifted theologians in the centuries since the Reformation. Without a survey of these men and their works, however, it can be difficult to know where to start reading.
James Walker's The Theology and Theologians of Scotland can help in this area. The fruit of his 1870–71 Cunningham Lectu
A Son of Encouragement (Part II)
Many of us struggle with a critical spirit, and a lack of patience with the foibles and weaknesses of others. In such a context, how we need the example and challenge of Barnabas the encourager!
This Monday we continue our consideration of Barnabas and his gift of encouragement with the help of Cecil Siriwardene's 2007 article.
Featured resource:
Cecil Siriwardene, 'Sons and Daughters of Encou
Why Do the Nations Rage?
What is God's response to a world that rails against him?
Rob Ventura, co-author with William Boekestein of our forthcoming devotional book on the Psalms, God is Our Refuge and Strength, reads the entry for Psalm 2.
Listen to the full author interview with Rob Ventura and William Boekestein:
https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/interviewing-the-authors-god-is-our-refuge-and-strength/
Join t
A Son of Encouragement (Part I)
Barnabas, the 'son of encouragement,' was a man willing to give generously, advocate for the misunderstood, and bear patiently with the weaknesses of others.
Today's reading invites us to appreciate afresh those we know who have the gift of encouragement, and to seek to be encouragers ourselves.
Featured resource:
Cecil Siriwardene, 'Sons and Daughters of Encouragement,' Banner of Truth Magaz
Author Interview: God is Our Refuge and Strength
God is Our Refuge and Strength: 150 Devotionals Through the Psalms releases in October.
Through brief, practical expositions of all 150 psalms, this volume proclaims, explains, and applies each one in light of the New Testament and the finished work of Jesus Christ the Lord. These reflections are designed to enlighten the mind, warm the heart, strengthen the hands, point to the Saviour, and encour
The Indispensability of Prayer
Prayer is indispensable—it is the key ingredient in truly fruitful life and ministry. This week's Magazine Monday looks at a group of nineteenth-century Scottish ministers who knew this to be the case to an extraordinary degree.
Featured resource:
Jonathan Watson, 'John Milne of Perth and the Importance of Prayer,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 617 (February 2015).
Explore the work of the
What Unites Christians When it Comes to Eschatology?
This week's Friday Extra is a short snippet from David McKay, author of Last Things: Preparing for the Future in the Present. This volume is one of our Banner Mini-Guides, concise introductions to essential areas of Christian belief and life.
More on the book:
https://banneroftruth.org/store/christian-living/last-things/
Rutherford the Reformed Pastor
What makes a Reformed pastor? Ian Hamilton draws out some lessons from the strengths and weaknesses of the seventeenth-century Scottish pastor, Samuel Rutherford.
Featured resource:
Ian Hamilton, 'Marks of a Reformed Pastor: Lessons from Samuel Rutherford,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 617 (February 2015).
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the M
To the Christian Afflicted with Melancholy
What do we need to know when melancholy comes knocking? Where do we turn when the darkness does not lift?
This week's Magazine Monday is a reading from the Edinburgh minister John Colquhoun (1748–1827). The October 1971 issue of the magazine included the following excerpt from Colquhoun's Treatise on Spiritual Comfort (1814).
Featured resource:
John Colquhoun, 'Directions to Christians Affli
Rufus Burton Recommends 'Confessing the Faith'
In this Friday Extra, Rufus Burton, Minister at First Presbyterian Church, Martinsburg, West Virginia, recommends Chad Van Dixhoorn's Confessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Buy the book:
https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/confessing-the-faith/
Study guide, authored by Emily Van Dixhoorn:
https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/confessing-the-fa
The Virtue of Self-Control
'Endeavour with all your might to make a conquest of all those enemies that be within you.' So wrote the Puritan Thomas Brooks (Works, vol. 6, p. 385).
This week we take a closer look at the virtue of self-control, without which we are left vulnerable to all of the predations of Satan and sin. Heaven-bound saints cannot afford to neglect self-control.
Featured resource:
Mark J. Larson, 'The V
Jeff Kingswood Recommends 'William Grimshaw of Howarth'
In this Friday Extra, the Chair of the Banner board, Rev. Jeff Kingswood, recommends one of our more obscure biographical titles, Faith Cook's William Grimshaw of Howarth.
Buy the book: https://banneroftruth.org/store/history-biography/william-grimshaw-of-haworth-2/
Dr. Beardsworth on the Pastor and His Health
The subject of health, and what is now called 'mental health,' comes up a great deal today, even in connection with ministry. While the treatment of the subject may sometimes leave much to be desired—biblically, theologically, or medically—it is at least firmly on the agenda.
That was not the case when Dr Brian Beardsworth was asked to speak on the topic of 'The Pastor and His Health' at the 1992
Jeff Kingswood Recommends 'The Mysteries of Christianity'
In this Friday Extra, we explain a little bit about some exciting new podcast developments at the Banner of Truth.
Following that 'service announcement' we hear from the Chair of the Banner board, Rev. Jeff Kingswood, about a little-known but highly significant title published by the Trust.
More info. on T. J. Crawford's The Mysteries of Christianity:
— Short review by David Campbell
— Excerpt
Church History: A Neglected Help to the Preacher
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
'Christ Glowed in the Man'
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 wo
Kenneth A. MacRae on Preaching
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 Resource
Waking the Dawn With Praise
Daniel Funke highlights the unique opportunities of the morning, and the value of sanctifying our waking hour for the glory of God.
Featured Resources:
Daniel Funke, 'Waking the Dawn with Praise,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 752 (May 2026).
Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org
Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine
Leav
The Written Ministry of A. W. Pink
This week we read a reflection on the unique, powerful ministry of A. W. Pink, particularly as it was expressed through his periodical, 'Search the Scriptures.' His writing combined great profundity with clarity and spiritual authority. This combination is shown in the second piece we read, a short meditation on 'The Godhood of God.'
Featured Resources:
(Presumed to be by Iain H. Murray), 'The
The Importance of Seriousness
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
Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom (Geoff Chang Interview)
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
The French Synods of the Desert
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
Advice for a New Minister
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
Burdened for the Honour of God
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
Eagerly Awaiting the Saviour
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.b
From Marine to Minister: Grant Castleberry Interview
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/
A Missing Means of Grace
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.
Loving the Lord's Day
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 bui
What Thomas Boston Saw
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 2
Meet the Trustees: Robert Strivens (BONUS)
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 Minister's Treasure
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
What Earth's Princes Never Knew
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
The Coming Glory
We need regular reminders of the reality and goodness of the glory that awaits those who belong to God. This week, with the help of Eric J. Alexander and R. B. Kuiper, we consider the glorious future of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Featured Resources:
Eric J. Alexander, 'The Coming Glory,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 370 (July 1994).
R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ: A Scriptural
Infanticide, And Our Response
Infanticide has become normal, acceptable, and even celebrated in the West and around the world. This week we take time to note two events which occurred in March and their significance for the Church's work and witness in defense of unborn children.
Featured Content:
Peter Barnes, 'Abortion: Kermit Gosnell and the Slide to Infanticide,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 599–600 (Aug–Sep 2013).
Newton the Letter-Writer: An Interview with Grant Gordon
John Newton was a prolific writer of pastoral letters - letters which have been used of the Lord to encourage, challenge, and counsel many people beyond their original recipients.
In this bonus episode, we talk with Grant Gordon, who has studied and collated many of Newton's letters. His volume Wise Counsel, representing many of Newton's letters to the Baptist pastor John Ryland Jr., has now been
Present-Day Antichrists (Part II)
This week we continue our reading of R. B. Kuiper's sermon, 'Present-Day Antichrists' from his series of sermons on the 'signs of the times' contained in While the Bridegroom Tarries.
We follow this with a reading from Professor John Murray on Kuiper's final (and unfinished work) The Bible Tells Me So.
Featured Resource:
'Present-Day Antichrists' in While the Bridegroom Tarries (1919, repr. E
Present-Day Antichrists (Part I)
R. B. Kuiper’s While the Bridegroom Tarries, which we publish in paperback, is a collection of sermons on the ‘signs of the times’ preached in the wake of the First World War.
This week’s episode is Part I of his sermon from that collection entitled, ‘Present-Day Antichrists.’ In it, he explains the difference between ‘an Antichrist’ and ‘the Antichrist’, and critiques two contemporary movements f
Pursue Faithfulness, Not a Legacy
Many listeners will know that John Rawlinson, Banner of Truth General Manager since 1999, is soon to retire. John was recently asked to give an address summing up lessons he has learned over the years in Reformed publishing and resourcing.
On reflection, we felt that John's address, which has the character of a 'final charge' and exhortation, might be of interest to our podcast listeners and so s
Preparing an Assault on our Unread Books
Few maladies are more common among Christians than 'too many books, not enough time!' What we often lack, however, is not time so much as the will and the strategy to read the books we have. Maurice Roberts helps us remedy this, and makes a number of excellent suggestions for the struggling reader.
Featured resource:
Maurice Roberts, 'Preparing a Methodical Assault on our Unread Books,' Banner
A Visit to Priesthill
The third instalment of The Covenanter Story tells of the martyrdom of John Brown at his home at Priesthill, Ayrshire.
In this bonus episode we talk a little more about the place itself, and read a beautiful poem from George Paulin (1812–1898) which reflects on John Brown's life, death, and heavenly home-going as the poet himself conducts a visit to Priesthill.
Watch John Brown of Priesthill |
Adolphe Monod on Reading the Bible
This week, as our host recovers from a time of illness, we read a short selection from Adolphe Monod's Farewell (currently out of print). In this excerpt, Monod recalls a special time of Bible reading which caused him great humiliation as he pondered the use he had made of the inspired Scriptures.
Featured resource:
'On Reading the Bible,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 221 (February 1982). T
An Extraordinary Principle
In The Principle of Readiness and Acceptance, James Bruce III describes a pattern in God's dealings with us that is gracious and encouraging to all believers, and perhaps especially to those who, in the Lord's providence, are unable to do all that they would like for him.
Featured resource:
James Bruce III, 'Neglecting the Soul,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 491—492 (August–September 2004).
Neglecting the Soul
Are you neglecting your soul?
The Scriptures make it plain that it is possible for us to do the outward works proper to the Christian—and to look impressive in doing them—while our hearts are far from God.
This is a perilous place to be. In this week's piece, with prophetic precision and pastoral encouragement, Maurice Roberts calls us from neglect of soul to an earnest tending of 'God's acre' w
The Covenanter Who Liked to Fish
Puritans and Covenanters alike have garnered a reputation for being austere and glum. Sometimes that reputation is deserved, but often it is a most unjust caricature.
In this week's bonus episode we meet a jovial Covenanter - a man who, although serious and earnest in ministry, was approachable and joyful. He was also not averse to casting a fly.
William Guthrie of Fenwick was cousin to James Gu
Crying Out for our Sons and Daughters
The Lord has given fathers and mothers a solemn responsibility in relation to their children. It is their high calling and great privilege to hold out the word of life to their sons and daughters by their gospel-sharing words—crucially—and in their gospel-displaying deeds, their example and personal piety.
This week's meditations from John Flavel and Ernest Reisinger awaken us to the gravity of t
Who Were the Covenanters?: David Whitla Interview
In the month of February we hope to focus on the story of the Scottish Covenanters.
To help us grapple with the topic we sat down with David Whitla, Professor of Church History at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Whitla is a trustee of the Banner and did his doctoral work on the Covenanting lawyer Archibald Johnston of Wariston (1611–1663), and so he is well-pl
The Preacher and Books (Part II)
How can we judge which books will be most profitable to us? Should a minister pursue breadth in reading or depth of reading early in his ministry?
These and other questions are addressed in this week's reading from Iain H. Murray's 1996 address, 'The Preacher and Books.'
Resource read:
Iain H. Murray, 'The Preacher and Books,' Banner of Truth Magazine Issue 389 (February 1996).
Similar res
The Preacher and Books (Part I)
What is the proper relationship between a preacher and his books? How can a minister prioritise the most helpful kinds of reading and study?
These and other questions were addressed by the Rev Iain H Murray in his address to the Bethlehem Pastors' Conference in early 1996. We read part of his address this week.
Resource read:
Iain H. Murray, 'The Preacher and Books,' Banner of Truth Magazine
Remembering Paul Helm
We were saddened to hear of the recent death of Paul Helm (1940–2025). Paul, who is perhaps best known for his work in philosophical theology, has had a long and fruitful association with the Banner of Truth.
Daniel J. Hill, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, has written a tribute to Paul. We are grateful to Dr Hill for reading it for us on the podcast.
Explore the w
The Warrior-Theologian
J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) is noted for his earnest and powerful contending for the truth of the Bible and of the historic Christian faith in the early part of the Twentieth Century. Early on in his life, however, he almost fell prey to the liberalism that was sweeping through the seminaries and churches of the Western world. This encounter with liberalism, and the grace of God in preserving hi
A Unique Opportunity to Serve
In this standalone short episode, we provide some details of an exciting opportunity at the Banner of Truth Trust. With our General Manager nearing retirement, the trustees are prayerfully seeking a Chief Operations Officer to guide the work into the future. Could that be you, or someone you know? Will you pray for the right person to be appointed?
Read more about the role: https://banneroftruth.
When the State Presumes to Educate
A hundred years ago, the great New Testament scholar J. Gresham Machen sounded the alarm about educational freedom in America. He believed that the state had begun to encroach in a most grievous way upon the sphere of the family, assuming duties it had no warrant to perform.
Machen's words of caution are most timely for us. We live in an epoch in which, informed by UN policy goals, western govern
New Year Special: Memory and Prospect
In this short bonus episode, we read an apt New Year meditation from the pen of Professor John Murray: 'Memory and Prospect.'
Featured Resource:
– John Murray, 'Memory and Prospect', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 172 (January 1978).
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 fe
Year Round-Up; Preachers and the Blues
This week we review some of the ground we have covered on the podcast in 2025, and read an article from our editor, Mark G. Johnston, 'When Preachers Sing the Blues'.
The article reminds us that the charge to preach God's word is often, perhaps always, accompanied by a heavy spiritual burden. While the Lord's grace is sufficient for every preacher, that sufficiency is proved in and through very t
Are You Battle-Weary?
Maurice Roberts, who edited the Banner of Truth Magazine for many years, is noted for his poignant editorials. This one, from the December 1994 issue of the magazine, is typically probing and helpful. Are we battle-weary? Are we disappointed? Are we, dare we admit it, spiritually sleepy?
If so, Rev. Roberts' article can help us see our need and seek the Lord for the grace of repentance and the gi
The Free Offer of the Gospel
The gospel of God is to be offered freely to all. Accordingly, all who hear the gospel have a warrant to believe it. As Samuel Rutherford wrote, 'reprobates have as fair a warrant to believe as the elect have.'
This week we consider the offer of the gospel made freely by God, addressed to every sinner—indeed, addressed to you and to me.
Featured resources:
– Iain H. Murray, 'The Free Offer of t
Why Republish William Cunningham?
This summer the Trust brought out a new, retypeset edition of William Cunningham's Historical Theology (1863). This week we read its new introduction by Banner Trustee Donald John MacLean, to find out why this work is of unique value to the 21st Century reader.
Read Material:
– 'William Cunningham's Historical Theology – An Introduction', Donald John MacLean, in William Cunningham, Historical T
'Remember the Poor'
The poor are a priority to God, and must be a priority for us, too. This week we focus on this aspect of the biblical witness with the help of Peter Barnes (Revesby Presbyterian Church, NSW, Australia) and Thomas E. Peck, the nineteenth-century Southern Presbyterian minister and teacher.
Featured resources:
– Peter Barnes, 'Looking After the Poor: Biblical Principles', Banner of Truth Magazine,
Pitfalls in Preaching: Application
There are many pitfalls in preaching. One area which many preachers struggle with is application. And yet, in a sense, application is the whole of preaching. David Vaughn's letter to a fellow Christian leader in the December 2025 issue of the magazine addresses this very subject.
Featured resources:
– David Vaughn, 'Pitfalls in Preaching: A Letter on Application', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issu
The Benefits and Dangers of Controversy
This week's normal Magazine Podcast episode will be delayed. In the meantime, we are publishing Iain H. Murray's address, The Benefits and Dangers of Controversy from the Ministers' Conference in Leicester in 2012.
Why the Pilgrims Really Went to America
This week, by kind permission of Dr Robert Tracy McKenzie, we read his insightful piece on the motivations of the Mayflower Pilgrims. As we mark 405 years since they made landfall in Provincetown, Massachussetts, what can we learn of spiritual benefit from their reasons for going to the 'New World'?
Original article:
https://faithandamericanhistory.wordpress.com/2017/11/12/why-the-pilgrims-rea
Guard Your Heart (2): Warren Peel
Part II of Warren Peel's preaching on Proverbs 4:23 from the 2025 Australia Conference.
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
Guard Your Heart (1): Warren Peel
Of all of the great imperatives found in Scripture, few are more crucial than that found in Proverbs 4:23:
'Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.'
If we fail to do this, all else will be in vain. This text was taken by Warren Peel, pastor at Covenant Christian Fellowship in Galway at the recent Banner Conference in Australia (February 2025). The conference
The Prophetic Preaching of John Knox
This week we consider the life and legacy of the great Scottish Reformer John Knox (c. 1514–1572). In particular, we focus on his preaching and ask what made it so effective.
Featured resources:
– Iain H. Murray, 'What can we learn from John Knox?', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 514 (March 2006). Excerpted from A Scottish Christian Heritage.
– D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 'Remembering the Reformati
Young People in the Great Awakening
There is much talk of awakening, revival, and 'quiet revival' in the churches in the West at present. While we wish to avoid the extremes of sensationalism and cynicism, it is right for us to hunger to see God move again, and to give ourselves afresh to studying how the Lord has moved in the past.
This week's piece helps us to reflect on one aspect of the Great Awakening of the eighteenth century:
Assurance, Evangelism, and Voracious Reading: An Interview with Jeremy Walker (BONUS)
This week's bonus episode is an interview with Jeremy Walker, a pastor at Maidenbower Baptist Church in Crawley, West Sussex, just south of London. Jeremy has long been a friend of the Banner and serves as book reviews editor for the magazine.
We sat down with Jeremy to talk about his Christian pilgrimage, call to ministry, some favourite books and, well, where he stands on the pronunciation of J
Why Is There No Wrestling?
Some articles have what it takes not only to arrest the attention, but also to change the life. Maurice Roberts published just such an article in the August–September 1995 issue of the magazine.
'Why Is There No Wrestling?' is a passionate plea for urgent prayer. It is a call to arms that is just as timely today — perhaps more so — as it was to its original readers thirty years ago.
We read the
Assurance of Salvation (2/2): Iain H. Murray
The following address, the second of two on the subject, was given by Rev. Iain H. Murray at the 1988 Banner of Truth Youth Conference.
Banner Resources on Assurance
William Guthrie, The Christian's Great Interest
Thomas Brooks, Heaven on Earth: Assurance in the Christian Life
Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices
Thomas Brooks, The Works of Thomas Brooks, Volume III ('A Cabi
Assurance of Salvation (1/2): Iain H. Murray
The following address, one of two on the subject, was given by Rev. Iain H. Murray at the 1988 Banner of Truth Youth Conference.
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No Christian Doctrine? No Christian Ministry.
There have always been calls for the church to de-emphasise doctrine. Sometimes these calls come from those who wish to promote 'unity' at any cost—enter the ecumenical movement. Sometimes they come from those who feel that the truths of the faith are encumbrances or 'stumbling blocks' to those who just want a simple faith.
This week's episode shows why such calls are so misguided. There can be n
The Irenic Jeremiah Burroughs
Jeremiah Burroughs was a peace-loving Puritan. Without sacrificing the truth, he sought unity among those who professed it, and prayed, preached, and pleaded to that end. Indeed, Richard Baxter, who felt keenly the need for peace but struggled himself to promote it, once remarked that if all the Episcopalians had been like Archbishop [James] Ussher, all the Presbyterians like Stephen Marshall, and
The Plots of Men and the Strife of Tongues
In Psalm 31, David prays the following about those who fear the Lord:
'In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues.'
In a world in which deception so often seems to prevail, and good reputations are tarnished by falsehoods, we need to realise afresh the power (and danger) of the tongue. We must lay hold of the G
