Jonathan Landry Cruse

Paradox People: Learning to Live the Beatitudes

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to be truly blessed in the kingdom of God? In this episode, Camden Bucey welcomes back pastor and author Jonathan Cruse, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to discuss his latest book, Paradox People: Learning to Live the Beatitudes (P&R Publishing). Together they explore how Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:3–12 turns worldly expectations upside down—and how the Beatitudes offer not a checklist for salvation, but a portrait of Christ and those united to him by faith.

Drawing from pastoral experience and theological insight, Cruse explains how the Beatitudes call Christians to a counterintuitive life: one of meekness, mourning, mercy, and spiritual hunger. Yet far from being burdensome, this vision of kingdom living flows from the grace already secured in Christ. The conversation also touches on inaugurated eschatology, Christian distinctiveness in the culture, and how the Beatitudes equip believers to live faithfully as pilgrims between two ages.

Listeners will be encouraged to see the Beatitudes not just as commands, but as Christ-centered comfort—anchoring our present obedience in a certain future hope.

Don’t forget to register for the Reformed Forum Theology Conference on September 27, 2025: reformedforum.org/conference

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Chapters

0:00 Word & Deed
2:19 Introduction
9:35 The Heart of the Beatitudes
15:08 The Present Needs and the Applicability of the Beatitudes
18:24 It Begins with Blessings Not Commands
21:52 Christ Has Lived the Beatitudes
26:58 The Future Orientation of the Beatitudes
31:32 Pursuing Holiness
34:32 Struggling with the Beatitudes
41:02 Driving in the UK
44:15 Being Salt and Light
50:04 Resources on the Sermon on the Mount
54:15 Upcoming Projects
59:11 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse

Church Membership

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In Church Membership, Jonathan Landry Cruse emphasizes the biblical and theological necessity of formal church membership. Cruse argues that church membership is not merely a social or optional commitment but a vital and commanded aspect of Christian discipleship. The book contends that being a member of a local church is essential for spiritual growth, accountability, and fulfilling God’s design for communal worship and service.

Jonathan Landry Cruse is pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In his writing, Cruse aims to make complex theological concepts accessible to a broader audience. His works often address foundational elements of church life, including worship, preaching, and the sacraments, underscoring the importance of church membership and community.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:07:13 Thinking about Church Membership
00:17:38 The Visible and Invisible Church and the Covenant
00:30:26 The Duty to Join the Church
00:37:09 Biblical Church Metaphors
00:42:59 The Benefits of Church Membership
00:57:08 Moving toward Others
01:01:07 Church Discipline
01:07:45 Final Remarks
01:10:29 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Jonathan Landry Cruse

A Devotional Guide to the Westminster Shorter Catechism

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we speak with William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller, the authors behind a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. These three pastors and theologians share their insights and experiences from their journey through the Westminster Shorter Catechism, offering listeners a unique opportunity to understand the profound theological truths encapsulated in this historic summary of faith.

William Boekestein, serving the Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, alongside his wife Amy and their four children, brings a pastoral heart to our discussion. Jonathan Landry Cruse, author of What Happens When We Worship and pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Kalamazoo, where he resides with his wife and three children, offers a perspective enriched by his literary and ministerial endeavors. Andrew J. Miller, the Regional Home Missionary for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in central Pennsylvania, shares his extensive missionary experiences, living out the catechism’s teachings alongside his wife Rebekah and their five children.

Together, they speak about the motivations behind their collaborative work, the importance of the Westminster Shorter Catechism in today’s Christian walk, and how the book aims to deepen the reader’s love and knowledge of God. Join us as we explore how understanding God leads to a richer relationship with Him, and how the intertwined nature of heart and mind can bring us closer to the glory and enjoyment of God.

Chapters

00:07 Introduction
03:12 Ministry in Kalamazoo
04:43 Church Planting in Central Pennsylvania
06:18 Beginning the Book Project
11:21 Reformed Ecumenism and Confessional Standards
18:06 Organizing the Shorter Catechism into 52 Sections
24:56 A Devotional Mindset
26:47 How to Use the Book
27:47 The Chief End of Man
33:23 The Relationship of the Catechism to the Bible
40:51 The Abiding Relevance of the Catechism’s Questions
43:22 Scripture and Catechetical Memorization
50:24 Lessons Learned and Pleasant Surprises
53:58 Make the Catechism Great Again
56:12 Conclusion

Participants: Andrew J. Miller, Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse, William Boekestein

The Character of Christ

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Landry Cruse, author of The Character of Christ, a thought-provoking book that explores the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit. Join us as we consider the profound concepts of love, joy, and peace, and discover how Jesus embodies these virtues and offers them to us. Cruse shares insights into the true source of joy, practical strategies for cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Christ’s love. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that will inspire and encourage you in your walk with Christ.

Rev. Cruse is Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Other Books by Jonathan Landry Cruse

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:02:14 Background on Jonathan Landry Cruse
00:09:35 Books and Hymns by the Author
00:12:28 The Beginnings of This Book
00:15:29 This Is Not a How-To Book but a “He-Did” Book
00:22:48 Godly Characteristics as Facets of a Diamond
00:34:25 The Role of the Affections
00:38:03 The Source of True Joy
00:43:35 Peace as Reconciliation
00:50:37 Cultivating Fruitfulness in the Christian Life
00:53:59 The Fruit of Self-Control
00:59:59 How to Approach This Book
01:03:50 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse

What Happens When We Worship

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Jonathan Landry Cruse speaks about worship. Cruse has written What Happens When We Worship (Reformation Heritage Books). Many churchgoers assume that worship is inherently boring, something we need to make exciting. But Cruse seeks to demonstrate that churchgoing only seems monotonous and mundane because our eyes are blinded to the supernatural wonder that is taking place all around us. In this conversation, we discuss the significance of worship and the elements that comprise it.

Rev. Cruse is pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jonathan Landry Cruse

The Christian’s True Identity

Theology Simply Profound — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 06:00:37 +0000

Jonathan Landry Cruse, Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, speaks with Rob and Bob about his new book, The Christian’s True Identity: What It Means to Be in Christ (Reformation Heritage Books).

Participants: Jonathan Landry Cruse, Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo