Just the Books

We'll be taking a summer break

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a short but powerful book that offers a challenge to Christian parents: Teach Them to Work by Mary Beeke. What does it mean to build a positive work ethic in our children—and why does it matter? From toddler chores to teenage responsibility, this book offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement to help you train your children to see work not as a burden, but as a blessing. We’ll talk about why work was good before the Fall, how the curse changed it, and how the gospel reshapes our attitude toward labor. Whether you’re parenting littles or leading a classroom, this episode will help you cultivate diligence, joy, and Christlike service in the next generation.#ChristianParenting#TeachThemToWork#BiblicalParenting#GospelCenteredParenting#ParentingWithPurpose#RaisingKids#WorkEthic#FaithAndFamily#ParentingPodcast#ChristianMoms#ChristianDads#JoelBeeke#HeritageBooks#WorkIsWorship#TrainUpAChild#WorkEthicMatters#GodHonoringWork#FamilyDiscipleship#ChoresAndCharacter#WorkWithJoy

In this thought-provoking episode of Just the Books, we explore how Augustine’s City of God speaks powerfully into today’s cultural, political, and spiritual landscape. Written in the 5th century during the fall of Rome, Augustine’s monumental work draws a sharp contrast between the City of Man and the City of God—a distinction that still helps us navigate the tension between earthly kingdoms and our eternal citizenship.What can Augustine teach us about Christian identity, civic responsibility, and hope in a fractured world? How should believers think about power, politics, and culture in light of heavenly priorities? Whether you're new to the book or revisiting it, this conversation is full of insight for faithful living in turbulent times.🔍 Topics include:The relevance of City of God in modern cultureAugustine’s political theology and its implications for todayHow Christians can live as citizens of heaven in secular societiesEnduring truths about history, evil, and God’s sovereignty📚 Join us as we connect ancient wisdom to the urgent questions of our time.#Hashtags for SEO and Promotion:#CityOfGod #Augustine #ChristianPodcast #TheologyPodcast #ChurchAndCulture #ChristianLiving #PoliticsAndFaith #ChristianWorldview #ChristianTheology #JustTheBooksPodcast #FaithInCulture #CityOfManCityOfGod #SpiritualFormation #ChristianPhilosophy

In this episode, we explore Just War Theory through the lens of Augustine's theology and biblical principles. What makes a war just? Can Christians ever support or participate in war without compromising their faith? We walk through the four classic criteria—Just Cause, Legitimate Authority, Right Intention, and Last Resort—while connecting them to Scripture (Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2) and real-world implications. Join us as we consider how followers of Jesus should think about justice, peace, and the role of government in a fallen world.Whether you're new to Just War Theory or looking to deepen your understanding of Christian ethics in times of conflict, this episode will give you a thoughtful, gospel-centered framework.#JustWarTheory #Augustine #ChristianEthics #CityOfGod #BiblicalJustice #ChristianPodcast #TheologyPodcast #PeaceAndWar #Romans13 #ChristianThought #FaithAndPolitics #ChristianWorldview #ReformedTheology #TwoKingdoms #GospelAndWar

In this episode of Just the Books, we dive into Augustine’s vision of the Gospel in The City of God. How did he understand sin, grace, and salvation? Where does he line up with the Bible—and where does he get wrong? Join us as we explore the depth of Augustine’s theology and what it means to live as citizens of the City of God today.#Augustine #CityOfGod #ReformedTheology #TheGospel #ChristianPodcast #ChurchHistory #JustTheBooks #SovereignGrace #TheologyNerds #GospelCentered #DeepDiveFaith #PodcastForChristians

In this second episode of our City of God series, I’m joined once again by my co-host Jim as we dive into the central thesis of Augustine’s masterpiece: the contrast between two loves that shape the two cities. Augustine writes that the City of Man is formed by love of self—even to the contempt of God—while the City of God is formed by love of God—even to the contempt of self. Together, we unpack what this means for how we view history, culture, politics, and our own hearts. Can we live as citizens of the City of God while still navigating life in the City of Man? And what does Scripture say about being in the world but not of it?Join us for a rich conversation on how Augustine's vision is just as relevant now as it was in the 5th century.#CityOfGod #Augustine #TwoLoves #ChristianPhilosophy #ChurchHistory #CityOfMan #CityOfGodPodcast #FaithAndCulture #TheologyMatters #InTheWorldNotOfIt #SpiritualFormation #JustTheBooksPodcast #ChristianWorldview #AugustineOfHippo

In this episode, we kick off our multi-part series on The City of God by Saint Augustine. We explore the background of this monumental work, diving into the fall of Rome, Augustine’s motivation for writing, and the philosophical and theological challenges he addressed. We also unpack Augustine’s life and his journey from a restless seeker to one of the most influential theologians in Christian history. Join us as we set the stage for understanding the profound insights that shaped Western thought and continue to challenge believers today.🔎 Topics Covered:The fall of Rome and its impactAugustine’s personal journey and spiritual transformationWhy The City of God was written and its enduring significance🎧 Tune in and get ready to explore the timeless truths found in this classic work!#CityOfGod #Augustine #ChurchHistory #ChristianPhilosophy #FaithAndCulture #TheologyMatters #JustTheBooksPodcast #SpiritualJourney #HistoricalContext #ClassicChristianBooks #FallOfRome #ChristianWorldview #PodcastSeries

In this episode of Just the Books, I’m joined by Sam Luce, one of the authors of How to Teach Kids Theology: Growing in Knowing and Loving God. Sam shares his heart for equipping parents, pastors, and teachers with the tools to guide children in understanding deep theological truths in a way that is both engaging and age-appropriate. We discuss practical ways to introduce kids to core doctrines, the importance of shaping their worldview through a biblical lens, and how to cultivate a love for God that lasts a lifetime. Whether you're a parent, Sunday school teacher, or involved in children’s ministry, this conversation will inspire and equip you to invest in the next generation. Tune in for insights, encouragement, and actionable steps to help kids grow in their knowledge and love of God!#JustTheBooksPodcast #TeachingKidsTheology #SamLuce #ChristianParenting #ChildrensMinistry #BiblicalTruth #DisciplingKids #GospelCentered #FamilyDiscipleship #GrowingInChrist

In this episode of Just the Books, Melissa and I dive deep into The Lord's Prayer: Learning to Pray from Jesus on what, why, and how to pray. We explore the profound truths behind this foundational prayer, examining how it shapes our understanding of God’s will, our relationship with Him, and our role in His kingdom. As we unpack the chapters, we reflect on the model of prayer that Jesus gives us and how it can transform our own prayer lives. If you’re looking to deepen your prayer life or understand more fully the power of praying as Jesus taught, this episode is for you!Hashtags:#JustTheBooksPodcast #LordsPrayer #PowerOfPrayer #PrayerLife #PrayingLikeJesus #FaithJourney #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #GospelCentered #DailyDevotion

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Abe Stratton as we explore Shusaku Endo’s haunting masterpiece, Silence. Together, we dive into the spiritual tension, moral dilemmas, and enduring questions about faith, suffering, and the perceived silence of God. Whether you’ve read the book or are just curious about its themes, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Join us as we discuss: The historical backdrop of Silence and its relevance today How Endo’s portrayal of faith resonates with modern struggles The weight of suffering and martyrdom Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that unpacks one of the most profound novels of the 20th century. Hashtags:#PodcastEpisode #SilenceByShusakuEndo #FaithAndSuffering #ChristianBooks #LiteraturePodcast #SpiritualThemes #HistoricalFiction #FaithJourney #EndosSilence #BooksAndFaith #JustTheBooksPodcast