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The Sword & The Trowel

Founders Ministries
Founders Ministries
Christianity
Southern Baptist Convention
Abortion
Second London Baptist Confession
Founders Seminary
Feminism
1689 London Baptist Confession
Grace Baptist Church
Trinity
Christology
Donald Trump
Family Worship
Divine Providence
Immigration
Pro-Life Movement
The Second London Baptist Confession
Christian Faith
Christian Theology
Theology

The Sword & The Trowel is the weekly Founders Ministries podcast with Tom Ascol. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes482Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityEducationReligion & Spirituality

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Latest Episodes

Today on The Sword & The Trowel podcast, Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden discuss the distinction between grace and nature and why it matters for the Christian life. Grace does not destroy nature but rather perfects it. They discuss what this means and th... more

Today on The Sword & The Trowel podcast, Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden continue in their series of walking through the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith. They address Chapter 14 on Saving Faith and discuss the personal and pastoral encoura... more

Today on The Sword & The Trowel podcast, Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden talk with Pastor Tom Hicks about his new book - God's Two Words: 31 Meditations on the Law and the Gospel. They unpack the distinction between Law and Gospel, the importance of the ... more

Today on The Sword & The Trowel podcast, Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden continue in their series of walking through the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith. They address Chapter 13 on Sanctification and discuss the practical and pastoral appl... more

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Recent Guests

Tom Hicks
Senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Louisiana, and author
First Baptist Church of Clinton
Episode: TS&TT: Gods Two Words: The Importance of Law & Gospel
David Mitzenmacher
Pastor
Pastor at a church (as introduced in the episode)
Episode: TS&TT: The War on Women
Jacob Trotter
Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Founders Seminary
Founders Seminary
Episode: TS&TT: The Dangers of Eastern Orthodoxy
Tou Thao
Former Minneapolis police officer involved in George Floyd case
Former Minneapolis Police Department
Episode: TS&TT: George Floyd, Tou Thao, and How God Works All for Good
Joey Tomlinson
Pastor of Deer Park Fellowship; author
Deer Park Fellowship; Founders Press author
Episode: TS&TT: What Should We Believe?
Joshua Holler
Pastor and author, First Baptist Church in St. John, Missouri
First Baptist Church, St. John, Missouri
Episode: TS&TT: Should Christians Use IVF?
Christopher Cleveland
Professor of Systematic and Historical and Biblical Theology at Founders Seminary
Founders Seminary
Episode: TS&TT: The Dangers of Roman Catholicism
Seth Tweeddale
Pastor, Grace Community Church, Ormond Beach, Florida; Florida State Faith Director for Citizens Defending Freedom
Citizens Defending Freedom; Grace Community Church
Episode: Can the Church Influence Local Politics?
Chase Davis
Pastor at The Well Church in Boulder, Colorado; host of Full Proof Theology
The Well Church; Founders Press author
Episode: TS&TT: Offensive Christianity

Hosts

Tom Ascol
Host of The Sword & The Trowel, Founders Ministries
Graham Gunden
Co-host on The Sword & The Trowel, Founders Ministries

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Unapologetically Reformed Baptist

    Founders Ministries is one of the few resources unafraid to discuss the unbridled truth of Jesus Christ from a Reformed perspective, taking on the thorny issues few will touch from a Biblical worldview. Keep up the great work, it is necessary and appreciated!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mike_Ronin
    United States10 months ago
  • Solid Overall, But...

    Overall, I've found this podcast to be helpful and edifying. However, it increasingly seems as if these brothers might be getting swept up in this whole Post-Mill Reconstruction movement that seems to be gaining traction in the reformed world as of late. It as least has that stench to it from my perspective. With the close ties to former host Jared Longshore (now Doug Wilson's right hand man), I guess I'm not surprised. I'm all for the value of political theology, but aside from the danger of Re... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Hoosier-Josh
    United Statesa year ago
  • Poor theology

    Disappointing to see the they use the Bible and interpret it to serve their agenda.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ilovemaple:)
    United States2 years ago
  • Biblical? No.

    The hosts take hard stances without actual and relevant biblical references. They confuse theology with political affiliation, and, not to mention, they are highly misogynistic.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    this is my nicknameeeeeeeeee
    United States2 years ago
  • Questionable advertising

    You hurt your credibility when you make questionable claims (seed oils) or misuse scripture (cleanse your hands…) or make silly statements(drip … not your babies) in your advertising

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nomorenicknames:(-
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critics note concerns about political theology and perceived recruitment of conservative agendas.
Many appreciate the clear confessional stance and historical references.
Listeners praise the rigorous, biblically grounded discussions and pastoral usefulness.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

TS&TT: Gods Two Words: The Importance of Law & Gospel
Q: How would you define the law? What is the law?
Hicks defines God's law as any imperative God gives, then distinguishes moral law, reflecting God's character and expressed in the Ten Commandments and throughout Scripture, from positive laws commanded for particular times and covenants. He also explains the moral law's civil, pedagogical, and normative uses.
TS&TT: Gods Two Words: The Importance of Law & Gospel
Q: What are the errors that people fall into concerning law and gospel, and how have we gotten to this point?
Hicks identifies legalism and antinomianism. Legalism blends law and gospel, making obedience a basis for acceptance or using fear and guilt to motivate it. Antinomianism distorts grace to excuse sin and resist transformation. Both errors reflect self-trust rather than trust in Christ.
TS&TT: The Dangers of Eastern Orthodoxy
Q: So Jacob, tell us, how did all this begin?
The Orthodox tradition traces its development through centuries of theological and political evolution, with notable events like the Great Schism and differing practices such as clerical marriage. The discussion emphasizes the complex blend of doctrine, language, and culture that shaped what is now Eastern Orthodoxy, and contrasts it with Protestant reformations and their emphasis on Scripture alone.
TS&TT: The Sabbath: Is It Only an Old Testament Command?
Q: Why do you argue for observing the first day (the Lord's Day) instead of the seventh day?
Because creation points to a one-day-in-seven pattern, the resurrection occurred on the first day, and the New Testament church gathered on the Lord's Day; thus the Lord's Day is the appropriate weekly rhythm for worship and rest.
TS&TT: Offensive Christianity
Q: How should churches handle strength and ambition without becoming oppressive?
The guest argues for exercising ambition and strength within biblical bounds, using power under control and fostering healthy brotherhood and accountability rather than suppressing leadership entirely.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Sword & The Trowel

What is The Sword & The Trowel about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show offers in-depth, doctrinal, and confessional discussions rooted in Reformed Baptist theology, with frequent dives into Protestant orthodoxy, confessions (notably the 1689 London Baptist Confession), and church governance. Episodes routinely connect theology to current cultural and political topics, including Sabbath observance, civil religion, and Christian involvement in public life, while weaving pastoral applications and practical resources for churches and pastors. Notable traits include a persistent emphasis on confessional fidelity, historical theology, and a ready cadence of sponsor plugs for ministry-related products and events. Listeners can expect rigorous exposition, clear stance on transformation through a biblical worl... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Sword & The Trowel?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Sword & The Trowel:

1. Conversations That Matter
2. Blog & Mablog
3. The Briefing with Albert Mohler
4. Apologia Radio
5. Renewing Your Mind

How many episodes of The Sword & The Trowel are there?

The Sword & The Trowel launched 9 years ago and published 482 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Sword & The Trowel?

Recent guests on The Sword & The Trowel include:

1. Tom Hicks
2. David Mitzenmacher
3. Jacob Trotter
4. Tou Thao
5. Joey Tomlinson
6. Joshua Holler
7. Christopher Cleveland
8. Seth Tweeddale

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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