The Pactum

There are plenty of "hot takes" on Christian discipleship. Listen in as Pat and Mike address ten questions about discipleship.

Covenant Theology—It is hated, called heresy, critiqued, and despised. But on the Pactum we, along with countless thousands of Christians, find it to be quite grand. Listen to this week's episode as Pat and Mike bust ten myths about covenant theology.

Listen in as Pat and Mike talk about Charles Hodge and a great book about him, "Charles Hodge: Guardian of American Orthodoxy" by Paul Gutjahr.

What did the early church do before it had the New Testament? In addition to reading the Old Testament in a Christian way, the early church made and memorized theological summaries regarding Christ and the gospel! In this episode, Pat and Mike delve into the important matter of Christian confessionalism.

Have you ever heard someone say that God hates the sin, but not the sinner? Or that Jesus died to make everyone savable or God would never damn someone to an eternal hell because, after all, He is a god of love? These kinds of statements are fairly common in Christian circles and they are provocative. But are they true? On today's episode of the Pactum, we are engaging such statements and offering biblical insights.

In this Pactum Responsum episode, Pat and Mike answer listener and viewer questions about repentance, John Piper, prayer, children's church, warning passages, Law/gospel, and Israel.

Pat and Mike finish up the law and gospel series by talking about how we can recover the law gospel distinction.

Pat and Mike continue the law and gospel series by considering ten objections to the law gospel distinction.

In this episode, Pat and Mike continue the law and gospel series by talking about the perils of rejecting the law gospel distinction. Resources mentioned in this episode: - A Historical-Theological Response to John Piper's What Is Saving Faith? by J.V. Fesko

In this episode of the law and gospel series, Pat and Mike discuss the benefits of the law gospel distinction.

Pat and Mike continue the law and gospel series by talking about individuals, creeds, and confessions that highlight the law gospel distinction throughout history.

Pat and Mike continue their Law & Gospel series by talking about scriptural support for the law and gospel distinction.

Pat and Mike continue the Law & Gospel series by giving some definitions and talking about its meaning.

In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about the upcoming 2026 Pactum Conference on Covenant Theology.

In this episode, Pat and Mike begin a series on the important topic of Law and Gospel. Throughout the series they will be highlighting the meaning of law and gospel, biblical support for these categories, historical support, benefits, and so much more.

In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about seven compelling reasons to study the book of Jonah.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about Israel. And while that's all fine and good, it seems that as of late, some pretty amazing things are being said about Israel and the Jews, and by pretty amazing, we mean outlandish and crazy. On this episode, listen in as Pat and Mike talk about seven things to keep in mind regarding Israel, social media, and the news. If you are interested in joining The Pactum on a trip to Israel visit the trip website for more information.

In this episode, Pat is joined by Aaron S. to talk about gospel ministry in South Asia

Life is filled with heartbreak because of bad theology, infidelity, family fights, church conflicts, loss of loved ones, cancer, and on and on and on the list could go. The heartbreak is diverse and plentiful! On this episode, Pat and Mike talk about how to handle heartbreak with some guidelines that may prove helpful.

This episode comes from the Sunday sermon at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Michael Beck preaches on Noah and the Gospel.

This episode comes from the third pre-conference session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Mike Abendroth speaks on sharpening your preaching skills.

This episode comes from the second pre-conference session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Pat Abendroth interviews Chris Peterson about pastoral counseling.

This episode comes from the first pre-conference session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Michael Beck speaks on biblical theology and preaching.

Listen in to this Q&A session from the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel.

This episode comes from the sixth session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Harrison Perkins speaks on repentance and the gospel.

This episode comes from the fifth session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Mike Abendroth speaks on sanctification and the gospel.

This episode comes from the fourth session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Michael Beck speaks on glorification and the gospel.

This episode comes from the third session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Harrison Perkins speaks on justification and the gospel.

This episode comes from the second session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Chris Larson speaks on R.C. Sproul and the gospel.

This episode comes from the first session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Patrick Abendroth speaks on the pactum and the gospel.

In this episode, Pat and Mike highlight insights about the Holy Spirit that can help you in evangelism.

This week on The Pactum we are giving you the inside look at all things Pat. Get to know Pat, what makes him tick, his heart for ministry, and more.

In this episode, Pat is joined by Mike Abendroth to talk about his latest book, "King: How the Sovereignty of God Changes Everything." Mike is the Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, MA. He is the author of many books including Law & Gospel: A Primer and is the host of No Compromise Radio.

In this episode Pat is joined by fellow elder and friend, Todd Swift, to talk about friendship and life in ministry.

In this responsum episode, we answer listener questions on topics from covenant theology, good works, suffering and hope, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: - The Giver of Life by J.V. Fesko - The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes - Be Thou My Vision by Jonathan Gibson - The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash - More Than Heaven by T. Jeff Taylor - Review: More Than Heaven by Harrison Perkins

In this episode, Pat and Mike talk through some highlights of the book of Philippians

It's the 1700 year anniversary of the council of Nicaea, so Pat and Mike are talking about Christological heresies. Listen in as they talk through observations that can help christians. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Know the Heretics by Justin Holcomb - The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

Pat and Mike are back from a summer break and are re-entering the Pactumverse. Listen in as they talk about what has been happening over the summer, what's coming up for the Pactum, and details on the 2025 Pactum Conference.

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 Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, where he was a founding member of the faculty in 1982. He is the author of numerous books including Him We Proclaim, Walking with Jesus through His Word, and Journeys with Jesus.

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 newly released Learning God's Two Words: A Brief Catechism on the Law and the Gospel. Jay is also the co-host of the RenewalCast. You can find more from Jay and connect with him at https://lawgospelcatechism.com

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 Argument for a Federal View of Glorification, and one who has done an excellent job of distilling the theological instruction of Meredith Kline. You can find more from Jeff on his website.

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 people really oppose sola fide? Resources mentioned in this episode: - What is Faith by J. Gresham Machen - The Giver of Life by J.V. Fesko - Subjective and Objective Justification from LCMS

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.

From start to finish, salvation belongs to the Lord! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about the book The Plan of Salvation by B.B. Warfield. You can download a free PDF of The Plan of Salvation here.

In this episode, Pat and Mike tackle the temple. It's not just some ancient building; it's a massive biblical theme that runs from Genesis to Revelation, revealing God's unique dwelling with His people. Resources mentioned in this episode: - The Temple by G.K. Beale and Mitch Kim - Last Things First by J.V. Fesko - The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God by G.K. Beale