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 resources:

The Preacher and Books (Part 1)

The Pastor and His Study

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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 Issue 389 (February 1996).

Similar resources:

The Pastor and His Study

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

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.

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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 him from it, set him in good stead to warn others of its dangers.

This week, with the help of Nick Needham, we delve deeper into the story of J. Gresham Machen, a man whose courage and love of the truth we desperately need today.

Featured Resource:

– Nick Needham, 'Shapers of Christianity: J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937),' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 713 (February 2023).

Read more like this:

Nick Needham, Shapers of Christianity (paperback, 112 pages)

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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.org/uk/resources/announcements/2025/retirement-recruitment-and-a-unique-opportunity-to-serve/

To apply:

Please email your CV and a covering letter describing your suitability for the post and your interest in the ministry of the Banner of Truth Trust to: jobs@banneroftruth.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is Friday 16 January 2026. It is expected that interviews will be held in Edinburgh in the week of 26 January 2026.

Please note: only those with the right to live and work in the UK should apply for this role.

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 governments are showing fresh determination to become arbiters and guarantors of the education of each and every child. This week we look in detail at what is happening in the UK, and consider what a faithful Christian response to these pressures might look like.

Featured resources:

– Excerpt from J. Gresham Machen, 'Shall We Have a Federal Department of Education?'

– Excerpt from Ned B. Stonehouse, J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir (1954, repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1987, 2020), p. 468.

– Joshua Kellard, 'When the State Presumes to Educate', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 743–4 (August–September 2025).

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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).

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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 trying times. May this editorial be a spur to all to pray for ministers and elders, and an encouragement to them to keep going, even in the darkness.

Featured resource:

– Mark G. Johnston, 'When Preachers Sing the Blues,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 748 (January 2026).

Most-downloaded episodes of 2025:

5. The Life of John Newton

4. A Holy Minister: Robert Murray M'Cheyne

3. The Seafarer's Friend: John Flavel

2. The Prince of Puritans: John Owen

1. Let's Study Romans, with Sinclair B. Ferguson

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Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast