On today's episode of Theology Applied, I was privileged to have as a special guest, Dr. Joel Beakey, to discuss the topic of the Puritans.

At the end of this episode, I specifically asked Dr. Joel Beakey in regards to what he sees as one of the greatest weaknesses of the church in America today and what the Puritans would have to say in response. His answer was insightful

and profound. I hope you enjoy the episode. Applying God's word to every aspect of life. This is

Theology Applied. All right. Well, it's a privilege to have you, Dr. Beakey, on the show this evening.

And the first question, just to help our audience get familiar with you, is who are you?

And tell us a little bit about your ministry.

All right. Well, my name is Joel Beakey.

And I grew up in Michigan and felt called to minister when I was 15 years old.

I was converted when I was 14, really.

It came to liberty when I was 15, spiritual liberty.

And I trained for four years in Ontario, St. Catherine's, Ontario, and then I accepted a call to 700

farmers in northwest Iowa with no farming experience. That was my first church, and I was there for

three and a half years, and then accepted a call to the Netherlands Reformed Church in Franklin

Lakes, New Jersey. And while I was there for five and a half years, I went to Westminster,

Philadelphia to get my PhD. And when that was just about complete, I accepted a call here to

Grand Rapids where I'd

been for the last 34 years.

So it's been a long ministry here.

And then 26 years ago or so, I began Puritan Reform Theological Seminary due to circumstances that were rather trying at the time with a church split.

And at the same time, I began Reformation Heritage Books, which is a big part of my life.

So the denomination stood behind me, the Heritage Reform denomination, starting the Seminary, I should say.

And Reformation and Heritage Books, I established as an independent ministry with the board of interdenominational men.

...