Cincy Reformed Podcast: Recent Episodes
cincyreformed
Cincy Reformed Podcast is a podcast of Westside Reformed Church (URCNA) in Cincinnati, OH. Pastors Zac (Mdiv, Westminster Seminary California) and Brandon (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) discuss matters of theology, history, apologetics, contemporary issues, and more.
This is the last of three lectures delivered by Dr. Mark Garcia, professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary and founding president of Greystone Theological Institute. These lectures were given during the 2025 Semper Reformanda Conference of Classis Eastern, URCNA. This conference was hosted by Ascension Reformed Church in Cincinnati, OH.
This is the second of three lectures delivered by Dr. Mark Garcia, professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary and founding president of Greystone Theological Institute. These lectures were given during the 2025 Semper Reformanda Conference of Classis Eastern, URCNA. This conference was hosted by Ascension Reformed Church in Cincinnati, OH.
This is the first of three lectures delivered by Dr. Mark Garcia, professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary and founding president of Greystone Theological Institute. These lectures were given during the 2025 Semper Reformanda Conference of Classis Eastern, URCNA. This conference was hosted by Ascension Reformed Church in Cincinnati, OH.
In this episode of Cincy Reformed, Rev. Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Northern Kentucky, gives five reasons why he is Dutch Reformed.
For more information, see:
On the History of the Dutch Reformed Church:
A Goodly Heritage: The Secession of 1834 and Its Impact on Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and North America
https://www.heritagebooks.org/product...
The Reformation of 1834
https://marsbooks.online/products/the...
Dutch Calvinism in Modern America https://www.eerdmans.com/978080280009...
"Integration, Disintegration, and Reintegration: A Preliminary History of the United Reformed Churches in North America," in Always Reforming: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (ch. 13)
https://www.amazon.com/Always-Reforme...
Introducing the United Reformed Churches https://cincyreformed.podbean.com/e/i...
The Reformed Dutch Influence upon American Presbyterianism https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ct...
The Dutch Reformed in North America https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article...
On Covenant Theology:
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/sac...
Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives https://www.heritagebooks.org/product...
On the Sacraments:
The Lord's Supper as the Sign and Meal of the New Covenant https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/lor...
Covenantal Baptism https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/cov...
What Do We Mean By Sacrament, Sign, And Seal? https://heidelblog.net/2018/07/what-d...
On the Ordinary Means of Grace:
The Means of Grace and Sanctification: Part I https://www.wscal.edu/devotion/the-me...
The Means of Grace and Sanctification: Part II https://www.wscal.edu/devotion/the-me...
By His Spirit and Word: How Christ Builds His Church https://reformedfellowship.net/collec...
One Major Difference Between The Reformed And The Evangelicals https://heidelblog.net/2022/12/one-ma...
On Liturgical Worship:
The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship https://wipfandstock.com/978153269176...
What Happens When We Worship https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/wha...
Lost Keys: The Absolution in Reformed Liturgy https://www.academia.edu/35514237/Los...
NOT HOLY BUT HELPFUL: A CASE FOR THE “EVANGELICAL FEAST DAYS” IN THE REFORMED TRADITION https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/fi...
On the Confessions & Church Order:
With Heart and Mouth: An Exposition of the Belgic Confession https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/wit...
But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/but...
The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/the...
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/sav...
The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Commentary https://lexhampress.com/product/36697...
Crisis in the Reformed Churches https://heritagebooks.org/products/cr...
Church Order https://www.urcna.org/church-order
Commentary on the Church Order https://archive.org/details/churchord...
In this episode Pastor Zac continues his series on Bioethics.
For more information, see:
Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions by David VanDrunen
In this episode Pastor Zac continues his series on Bioethics.
For more information, see:
Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions by David VanDrunen
In this episode, Pastor Zac kicks off a new series looking at Bioethics.
For more information, see:
Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions by David VanDrunen
In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses the concept of "ritual" in the book of Leviticus, with an eye towards its application for today.
In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses the "clean-unclean" distinction in the book of Leviticus, with an eye towards its application for today.
In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses worship in the book of Leviticus, with an eye towards its application for today.
In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss what makes a valid baptism. Does a baptism count if a relative baptizes a child in the bathtub? Does baptism need to be performed during a worship service? Could a non-ordained person baptize? Does it matter what words (or names) are used when the baptism occurs?
"Can I come back to church after years of being away? What should I do?" In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss practical matters related to getting involved with your local church once again.
To find a solid church in your location, search here.
For more information about church and worship in general, see:
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Church Membership by Jonathan Cruse
What did the Synod of Dort teach regarding the 4th Commandment? Are there things we can learn about observing the Lord's Day? In this episode, pastor Zac unpacks Dort's insights on the topic of Sabbath.
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's work?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this series, Pastor Zac unpacks the doctrine of vocation. How should Christians understand their vocation? How does being a Christian bring shape to one's vocation?
For more information, see:
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work (feat. William Edison) by Cincy Reformed
Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution by William Edison
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein
In this episode, Pastor Zac interviews Will Edison regarding an article he wrote, entitled, Christian Faithfulness In Secular Work: Clarification and Caution.
In this new series, Pastors Zac and Brandon answer objections to Infant Baptism. This episode explores the question: Can infants repent and believe? The Reformed have argued that children of believing parent(s) have the "habit," "seed," or "inclination" to faith. Listen to how many Reformed theologians described the children of believers:
-
- Herman Bavinck: Based upon God’s promise and His ordinary working, a “judgement of charity” is extended to children of believers.
- Henry Bullinger: “Children [of believing parents] are God’s; therefore they have the Spirit of God.”
- Zacharias Ursinas: "Faith is, indeed, necessary to the use of baptism with this distinction. Actual faith is required for adults, and an inclination to faith in infants…. Infants born of believing parents have faith as to inclination…. Infants do believe after their manner, or according to the condition of their age; they have an inclination to faith. Faith is in infants potentially and by inclination, although not actually as in adults.”
- Herman Witsius: “We moreover subsume: even the children of believers have received the Holy Spirit: for otherwise they could never be holy.”
- Cornelius Van Til: “I must regard all children of believers as children of God till the contrary appear to be true.”
But is this view substantiated in Scripture? Have a listen!
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant (article) by Richard Pratt
The Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition (audio) by Mark Jones
Covenant Theology in Hebrews (video) by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children (book) by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism (book) by John Murray
Covenantal Baptism (book) by Jason Helopoulos
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism (audio) by J. Brandon Burks
Ten Reasons to Baptize Your Covenant Children (audio) by Zac Wyse
In this new series, Pastors Zac and Brandon answer objections to Infant Baptism. This episode explores the question: Can infants repent and believe? The Reformed have argued that children of believing parent(s) have the "habit," "seed," or "inclination" to faith. Listen to how many Reformed theologians described the children of believers:
-
- Herman Bavinck: Based upon God’s promise and His ordinary working, a “judgement of charity” is extended to children of believers.
- Henry Bullinger: “Children [of believing parents] are God’s; therefore they have the Spirit of God.”
- Zacharias Ursinas: "Faith is, indeed, necessary to the use of baptism with this distinction. Actual faith is required for adults, and an inclination to faith in infants…. Infants born of believing parents have faith as to inclination…. Infants do believe after their manner, or according to the condition of their age; they have an inclination to faith. Faith is in infants potentially and by inclination, although not actually as in adults.”
- Herman Witsius: “We moreover subsume: even the children of believers have received the Holy Spirit: for otherwise they could never be holy.”
- Cornelius Van Til: “I must regard all children of believers as children of God till the contrary appear to be true.”
But is this view substantiated in Scripture? Have a listen!
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant (article) by Richard Pratt
The Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition (audio) by Mark Jones
Covenant Theology in Hebrews (video) by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children (book) by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism (book) by John Murray
Covenantal Baptism (book) by Jason Helopoulos
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism (audio) by J. Brandon Burks
Ten Reasons to Baptize Your Covenant Children (audio) by Zac Wyse
In this new series, Pastors Zac and Brandon answer objections to Infant Baptism. This episode explores the question: Is the Greek word Baptizó only properly translated as "Immersion"? Can the word be used in other ways, such as to "wash" or to "pour"? Furthermore, are sprinkling and pouring also valid modes of baptism?
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant (article) by Richard Pratt
The Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition (audio) by Mark Jones
Covenant Theology in Hebrews (video) by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children (book) by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism (book) by John Murray
Covenantal Baptism (book) by Jason Helopoulos
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism (audio) by J. Brandon Burks
Ten Reasons to Baptize Your Covenant Children (audio) by Zac Wyse
In this new series, Pastors Zac and Brandon answer objections to Infant Baptism. This episode explores the question: Is the Greek word Baptizó only properly translated as "Immersion"? Can the word be used in other ways, such as to "wash" or to "pour"? Furthermore, are sprinkling and pouring also valid modes of baptism?
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant (article) by Richard Pratt
The Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition (audio) by Mark Jones
Covenant Theology in Hebrews (video) by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children (book) by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism (book) by John Murray
Covenantal Baptism (book) by Jason Helopoulos
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism (audio) by J. Brandon Burks
Ten Reasons to Baptize Your Covenant Children (audio) by Zac Wyse
In this new series, Pastors Zac and Brandon answer objections to Infant Baptism. This episode explores the question: who is a member of the New Covenant? Is it only those who make a credible profession, or is it believers along with their children? Does Jeremiah 31 teach that only the regenerate will be New Covenant members? Furthermore, does Hebrews 10:29 teach us that the New Covenant is "mixed" - that is, does it include, as previous covenants have, those who are "in the covenant but not of the covenant" (see: Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 3:232)?
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant (article) by Richard Pratt
The Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition (audio) by Mark Jones
Covenant Theology in Hebrews (video) by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children (book) by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism (book) by John Murray
Covenantal Baptism (book) by Jason Helopoulos
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism (audio) by J. Brandon Burks
Ten Reasons to Baptize Your Covenant Children (audio) by Zac Wyse
In this new series, Pastors Zac and Brandon answer objections to Infant Baptism. This episode explores the question: who is a member of the New Covenant? Is it only those who make a credible profession, or is it believers along with their children? Does Jeremiah 31 teach that only the regenerate will be New Covenant members? Furthermore, does Hebrews 10:29 teach us that the New Covenant is "mixed" - that is, does it include, as previous covenants have, those who are "in the covenant but not of the covenant" (see: Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 3:232)?
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant (article) by Richard Pratt
The Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition (audio) by Mark Jones
Covenant Theology in Hebrews (video) by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children (book) by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism (book) by John Murray
Covenantal Baptism (book) by Jason Helopoulos
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism (audio) by J. Brandon Burks
Ten Reasons to Baptize Your Covenant Children by Zac Wyse
In this episode, Pastor Zac interviews a former Ascension Reformed intern, Isaac Ferrell.
In this episode, Pastor Brandon concludes his series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpacks the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode, Pastor Brandon offers three concluding principles for discipleship consideration.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:28 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 2:15-17 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 3 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 6-9 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Jewish Education and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Wisdom and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode, Pastor Brandon continues his series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpacks the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:28 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 2:15-17 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 3 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 6-9 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Jewish Education and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode, Pastor Brandon continues his series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpacks the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:28 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 2:15-17 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 3 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 6-9 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode, Pastor Brandon continues his series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpacks the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:28 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 2:15-17 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 3 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode Pastors Zac and Brandon report on the URC Synod that took place in Escondido, CA from June 17-21.
For more information, see
2024 URC Synod Preview by Cincy Reformed
2024 URC Synod Sessions
How should we think about the imprecatory Psalms? Should we sing Psalms like Psalm 137, which says, "Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!"? How should we understand these God-given Psalms? In this episode, Pastor Zac interviews Ryan Swale on the Imprecatory Psalms.
For more information on the Psalms, see:
The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology by O. Palmer Robinson
Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey
Jesus on Every Page by David Murray
In this episode, Pastor Brandon (Christ Reformed) and Pastor Zac (Ascension Reformed) gather to preview the agenda of the upcoming 2024 synodical meeting.
For more information, see:
Introducing the United Reformed Churches by Cincy Reformed
In this episode, Pastor Brandon continues his series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpacks the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:28 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 2:15-17 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode, Pastor Brandon continues his series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpacks the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:28 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
On Pentecost weekend, 2024, four URC churches gathered for worship and fellowship in Greensburg, IN. Those churches were: Ascension Reformed, Madison Reformed, Indy Reformed, and Christ Reformed.
In this episode, Pastor Brandon begins a new series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpack the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
Genesis 1:27 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode, Pastor Brandon begins a new series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpack the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
For the other episodes in this series, see:
Genesis 1:1 and the Story of Discipleship by Pastor Brandon
In this episode, Pastor Brandon begins a new series entitled "The Story of Discipleship," where he unpack the Bible's teaching on education, discipleship, and catechesis from Genesis to Revelation.
For more information, see:
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Education in Ancient Israel: From Earliest Times to 70 A.D. by Fletcher Harper Swift
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believer the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett
History of Jewish Education: From 515 BCE to 220 CE by Nathan Drazin
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation by Alex Fogleman
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
Entertaining Angels: Early Christian Hospitality in Its Mediterranean Setting by Andrew Arterbury
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the Gospels and Acts by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 1 by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 2 by Pastor Zac
Four Motives for Showing Hospitality by Pastor Zac
Ancient Models of Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
Modern Models of Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
Entertaining Angels: Early Christian Hospitality in Its Mediterranean Setting by Andrew Arterbury
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the Gospels and Acts by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 1 by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 2 by Pastor Zac
Four Motives for Showing Hospitality by Pastor Zac
Ancient Models of Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
Entertaining Angels: Early Christian Hospitality in Its Mediterranean Setting by Andrew Arterbury
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the Gospels and Acts by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 1 by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 2 by Pastor Zac
Four Motives for Showing Hospitality by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the Gospels and Acts by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 1 by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 2 by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the Gospels and Acts by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the New Testament Epistles - Part 1 by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
Hospitality in the Gospels and Acts by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
For the previous episodes in this series, see:
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
The Neglect of Hospitality in the Old Testament by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
Old Testament Examples of Godly Hospitality by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
God's Hospitality in the Old Testament Scriptures by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
Introduction to Christian Hospitality by Pastor Zac
In this episode, Pastor Zac kicks off his series on Christian hospitality.
For more information, see:
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield
Is the Roman Catholic Church shifting their view on homosexuality? Officially, the Catholic Catechism believes that Scripture views homosexuality as a "grave depravity," which is why Catholic Tradition has declared it "intrinsically disordered," and "contrary to the natural law." Regarding acceptance of the act or practice, the Catechism says, "Under no circumstances can they be approved." For those struggling with same-sex attraction, the Church wrote, "Homosexual persons are called to chastity." Likewise, Pope Benedict XVI affirmed that homosexual acts are "grave sins," and that "Deep-seated homosexual tendencies" are "objectively disordered." While sensitivity and respect are grated to the person struggling with same-sex attraction, such persons are bid to "unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter," especially as they lead lives of chastity and purity. But is Pope Francis reshaping this official view by blessing same-sex couples?
For more information, see:
The Briefing by Albert Mohler
Vatican II Inclusivism by Reformed Forum
Priests, scholars ask Church leaders to request the Pope withdraw Fiducia Supplicans by Life Site News
Is the Roman Catholic Church shifting their view on homosexuality? Officially, the Catholic Catechism asserts that Scripture views homosexuality as a "grave depravity," which is why Catholic Tradition has declared it "intrinsically disordered," and "contrary to the natural law." Regarding acceptance, the Catechism says, "Under no circumstances can they be approved." For those struggling with same-sex attraction, the Church wrote, "Homosexual persons are called to chastity." Likewise, Pope Benedict XVI affirmed that homosexual acts are "grave sins," and that "Deep-seated homosexual tendencies" are "objectively disordered." But is Pope Francis reshaping this official view by blessing same-sex couples?
For more information, see:
The Briefing by Albert Mohler
Vatican II Inclusivism by Reformed Forum
Priests, scholars ask Church leaders to request the Pope withdraw Fiducia Supplicans by Life Site News
Many exciting things are happening in 2024. Westside Reformed Church is moving into a new building and will, subsequently, have to undergo a name change as well. Also, Pastor Brandon is now the church planter for Christ Reformed Church in Northern Kentucky. This means that there will be changes also to the podcast in 2024. In this episode we go over those exciting changes!
Many exciting things are happening in 2024. Westside Reformed Church is moving into a new building and will, subsequently, have to undergo a name change as well. Also, Pastor Brandon is now the church planter for Christ Reformed Church in Northern Kentucky. This means that there will be changes also to the podcast in 2024. In this episode we go over those exciting changes!
In this episode Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-56.
For more information, see:
Song of Mary from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal
In this episode Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-56.
For more information, see:
Song of Mary from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal
Who was Guido de Bres, the author of the Belgic Confession of Faith? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac survey the life of de Bres.
For more information, see:
The Belgic Confession of Faith (online)
The Belgic Confession (hardcover)
Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guide de Bres (children's books) by William Boekestein
Three Men Came to Heidelberg and Glorious Heretic: The Story of Guido de Bres by Thea B. Van Halsema
With Heart and Mouth: An Exposition of the Belgic Confession by Daniel Hyde
Who was Guido de Bres, the author of the Belgic Confession of Faith? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac survey the life of de Bres.
For more information, see:
The Belgic Confession of Faith (online)
The Belgic Confession (hardcover)
Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guide de Bres (children's books) by William Boekestein
Three Men Came to Heidelberg and Glorious Heretic: The Story of Guido de Bres by Thea B. Van Halsema
With Heart and Mouth: An Exposition of the Belgic Confession by Daniel Hyde
What makes a baptism valid? Is a bathtub baptism performed by a family member a valid baptism? Is a Roman Catholic baptism a valid baptism? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon think through those necessary elements of baptism.
In this week's episode, Pastor Zac reflects on the word "Advent" and what it means for us, especially during the month of December.
For more information, see:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany by Jonathan Gibson
Who was Cornelius Van Til? In this episode, Pastor Brandon surveys his biography and contributions to theology and apologetics.
For more information, see:
Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman (book) by John Muether
Van Til the Evangelist (article) by K. Scott Oliphint
To Protect Christ's Little Ones (article) by Allen Guelzo
Cornelius Van Til (article) by Robert den Dulk
Christian Apologetics (book) by Cornelius Van Til
Essays on Christian Education (book) by Cornelius Van Til
A Christian Theory of Knowledge (book) by Cornelius Van Til
History and Nature of Apologetics: Faith, Reason, and Theistic Proofs (lecture) by Cornelius Van Til
Be Ye Steadfast, Unmovable, Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord (sermon) by Cornelius Van Til
In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the positive role of ritual in the Christian life.
For more information, see:
What Happens When We Worship by Jonathan Cruse
What is the process of appointing elders and deacons? In this episode, Pastor Zac sheds light on the process.
For more information, see:
Church Order of the URC
What is the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA or URC for short)? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on the history, practices, and distinct characteristics of the URC.
For more information on the URC or the general history of the Dutch Reformed Church, see:
https://www.urcna.org
Cornelis P. Venema, "Integration, Disintegration, and Reintegration: A Preliminary History of the United Reformed Churches in North America," in Always Reforming: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (ch. 13) ed. by R. Scott Clark and Joel E. Kim
Old Mud Meeting House (Harrodsburg, KY) by Stephen Beal
A Goodly Heritage: The Secession of 1834 and Its Impact on Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and North America by Cornelius Pronk
Secession, Doleantie, and Union: 1834-1892 by Hendrik Bouma
Dutch Calvinism in Modern America: A History of a Conservative Subculture by James D. Bratt
The Reformed Church in the Netherlands by Maurice G. Hansen
The Reformation of 1834 by Faculty of Mid-America
Sources of Secession by Gerrit J. tenZythoff
The Netherlands Reformed Church, 1571-2005 by Karel Blei
The Christian Reformed Church by Henry Beets
Dutch Reformed Education: Immigrant Legacies in North America ed. by Donald A. Luidens
A Perfect Babel of Confusion: Dutch Religion and English Culture in the Middle Coloniesby Randall Balmer
What is the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA or URC for short)? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on the history, practices, and distinct characteristics of the URC.
For more information on the URC or the general history of the Dutch Reformed Church, see:
https://www.urcna.org
Cornelis P. Venema, "Integration, Disintegration, and Reintegration: A Preliminary History of the United Reformed Churches in North America," in Always Reforming: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (ch. 13) ed. by R. Scott Clark and Joel E. Kim
Old Mud Meeting House (Harrodsburg, KY) by Stephen Beal
A Goodly Heritage: The Secession of 1834 and Its Impact on Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and North America by Cornelius Pronk
Secession, Doleantie, and Union: 1834-1892 by Hendrik Bouma
Dutch Calvinism in Modern America: A History of a Conservative Subculture by James D. Bratt
The Reformed Church in the Netherlands by Maurice G. Hansen
The Reformation of 1834 by Faculty of Mid-America
Sources of Secession by Gerrit J. tenZythoff
The Netherlands Reformed Church, 1571-2005 by Karel Blei
The Christian Reformed Church by Henry Beets
Dutch Reformed Education: Immigrant Legacies in North America ed. by Donald A. Luidens
A Perfect Babel of Confusion: Dutch Religion and English Culture in the Middle Colonies by Randall Balmer
In this episode, Pastor Zac highlights the intersection of current events with various theological proposals regarding the nation of Israel. Is Palestine still considered the "Holy Land"? How should Christians view battles over land?
For more information, see:
https://elder2elder.substack.com/p/contrasting-perspectives-on-the-land?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the up-and-coming church plant: Christ Reformed Church in Florence, KY. Pastor Brandon, currently a co-pastor at Westside Reformed Church, will be sent out as a "home missionary" to labor in Northern Kentucky.
On November 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM Pastor Brandon will lead a Bible study on the topic of Law and Gospel from a Reformed perspective at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Florence, KY. And beginning on February 4, 2024 Pastor Brandon will hold weekly Sunday evening services in the same location at 6:00 PM. If you are in the area, please join us and bring a friend. If you know someone in the area, please spread the word.
In this episode, Pastor Brandon describes his family and background, and also how he hopes that Christ Reformed Church will be a confessional church that stands on Scripture, engages unbelief with truth and love, relies on the ordinary means of grace, and seeks God’s comforting Word and Spirit in every circumstance of life.
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the up-and-coming church plant: Christ Reformed Church in Florence, KY. Pastor Brandon, currently a co-pastor at Westside Reformed Church, will be sent out as a "home missionary" to labor in Northern Kentucky.
On November 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM Pastor Brandon will lead a Bible study on the topic of Law and Gospel from a Reformed perspective at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Florence, KY. And beginning on February 4, 2024 Pastor Brandon will hold weekly Sunday evening services in the same location at 6:00 PM. If you are in the area, please join us and bring a friend. If you know someone in the area, please spread the word.
What exactly are we asking when we pray the Lord's Prayer? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac walk through each petition of the Lord's Prayer.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Q.116-129
Sacred Dissertations on the Lord's Prayer by Herman Witsius
The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson
Can the Pope Change the Lord’s Prayer? by Cincy Reformed
What exactly are we asking when we pray the Lord's Prayer? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac walk through each petition of the Lord's Prayer.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Q.116-129
Sacred Dissertations on the Lord's Prayer by Herman Witsius
The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson
In this episode, Pastor Zac interviews Rev. Sam Perez of Grace Reformed Church in Jersey City.
According to Scripture, it is God who opens wombs (Gen. 29:31; 30:17-24; Ps. 113:9) and closes wombs (Gen. 20:18; 1 Sam. 1:5). God is Lord of the womb and, under God’s Lordship, life begins and a soul is created by God when an egg is fertilized. With this background, how should Christians think about the killing of a person in his or her mother's womb? God forbids murder (Exo. 20:13; Rev. 21:8), but does this include a person in a womb? Are there exceptions where a mother would be justified in killing her child in her womb? Should a mother put to death her child if the child's father raped her? Should the mother kill her child to save her own life? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss this difficult issue. (Also see: Job 31:15; Ps. 22:9-10; 100:3; 139:14-15; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41)
For more information, see:
Abortion by R.C. Sproul
Do You Really Love Life? by Timothy Brindle
Healing After Abortion: God's Mercy Is for You by David Powlison
Forgiveness After an Abortion by Julie Ganschow
Abortion is Immoral: An Animated Roadmap of the Argument by Justin Taylor
"Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey Haunt Our Country" - Some of the Most Clarifying Words in Supreme Court Historyby R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Scripture exhorts us, "Let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous" (Heb. 13:4), "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord," (1 Cor. 6:13), "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality," (Ephesians. 5:3), and "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). But what if a person feels trapped by the sin of lust? What are some practical ways to fight lust? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and more.
For more information, see:
Fighting Lust by Heath Lambert
Stuck in Sexual Sin by Alastair Groves
Lies that Fuel Disordered Sexual Desires by Craig Marshall
Scripture exhorts us, "Let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous" (Heb. 13:4), "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord," (1 Cor. 6:13), "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality," (Ephesians. 5:3), and "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). But what if a person feels trapped by lust? What are some practical ways to fight lust? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and more.
For more information, see:
Fighting Lust by Heath Lambert
Stuck in Sexual Sin by Alastair Groves
Lies that Fuel Disordered Sexual Desires by Craig Marshall
When the Canons of Dort speak of "Pelagianism," of whom is it referring? Were the Remonstrants Pelagian? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the these questions and more.
For more information, see:
The Canons of Dort.
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey
Crisis in the Reformed Church: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort ed. by Peter Y. De Jong
But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort by Cornelius Venema
When the Canons of Dort speak of "Pelagianism," of whom is it referring? Were the Remonstrants Pelagian? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the these questions and more.
For more information, see:
The Canons of Dort.
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey
Crisis in the Reformed Church: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort ed. by Peter Y. De Jong
But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort by Cornelius Venema
What is "Calvinism"? Can it really be summed up into five points? Is the acronym TULIP sufficient for our understanding of salvation? In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses the Canons of Dort.
For more information, see:
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey
Crisis in the Reformed Church: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort ed. by Peter Y. De Jong
But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort by Cornelius Venema
On September 8, 2023 it was claimed that a Eucharistic Miracle happened in Cincinnati, OH wherein the bread of the Lord's Supper became stained with physical blood. The samples were subsequently sent off for verification. In this podcast episode, Pastor Brandon reflects on this local event from a Reformed perspective.
Should we swear? What about oaths? In this episode Pastor Zac discusses the Third Commandment.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Qs. 99-102.
How should children be educated? What is education? What is the goal of education? What should be taught? Are the children products of chance, or are they covenant children made in God's image? Are teachers passive chaperones or mature shepherds who lead with authority? Who shapes the curriculum and what is included? What is the standard for education? Many theories on education seek to answer these questions, but many of them are not from a Christian worldview. How should Christians understand the various theories at play in schools across the country? In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses several theories of education from a biblical worldview.
For more information, see:
Philosophy and Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective by George R. Knight
Voices from the Past: Reformed Educators, ed. by Donald Oppewal
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses Proverbs 12:25 and Psalm 45:1-6. What is the "good word" that lifts anxiety and gives hope to the heart?
For more information, see:
A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust by Ed Welch
Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness by Ed Welch
Overcoming Anxiety: Relief for Worried People by David Powlison
"Paralyzing Fear," in Counseling the Hard Cases ed. by Heath Lambert
In this episode, Pastor Zac explores the salvation of covenant children from an article in the Canons of Dort (1.17):
Since we must make judgments about God’s will from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature but by virtue of the gracious covenant in which they together with their parents are included, godly parents ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom God calls out of this life in infancy.
In this episode, Pastor Brandon gives a devotional from Song of Songs 2:15.
For more information, see:
Sermon on Song 2:15 by Ian Duguid
Song of Songs (Reformed Commentary) by Ian Duguid
In this episode, Pastor Zac explains the role of gratitude in the Christian life.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism
It is so comforting that God cares for the next generation, and they are in His mighty hands. Even when we fail, God is faithful to His covenant promises. But that doesn't mean we don't have a lot of work to do. Judges 2:10 recounts a sad story when "there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." How could this happen? How could they forget about creation, Adam and Eve, Abraham, and the Exodus event? But it did happen. As yearly statistics warn of the religious decline in the next generation, Judges 2:10 becomes a stark warning. In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses how to equip the next generation.
For Pastor Brandon's favorite Apologetics books, see:
8th Grade - Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint
9th Grade - Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
10th Grade - The Ultimate Proof of Creation by Jason Lisle
11th Grade - Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint & Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach by Vern Poythress (chapters 1-3, 11-23)
12th Grade - Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til & Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger
Also: from 8th grade to 12th grade read this book with your child to help him or her to navigate and critique other forms of thought: A History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame. This book will help them understand the aforementioned books and will go along nicely with them.
In this episode, Pastor Zac continues the series on Amillennialism, speaking here of the two ages found in Scripture.
For more information, see:
Musings on Amillennialism - Part 1 by Pastor Brandon
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
Notes:
Biblical Texts Which Speak of “This Age” Matthew 12:32 - There is no forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Matthew 24:3 - The end of the age will be preceded by signs Matthew 28:20 - Christ will be with us until the end of the age Luke 18:30 - There are material rewards given to us in this life Luke 20:34 - The people of this age marry and are given in marriage Mark 10:30 - The present age is an age of homes, fields, and families Romans 12:2 - We are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world (age) I Corinthians 1:20 - Philosophy is the wisdom of this age I Corinthians 2:6-8 - Wisdom and rulers are of this age II Corinthians 4:4 - Satan is the god of this age who has blinded the minds of men and women Galatians 1:4 - The present age is evil Ephesians 1:21 - Christ reigns in present age Ephesians 2:2 - The ways of this world (age) are evil I Timothy 6:17 - Those who are rich in this age, are not to hope in their wealth for the next Titus 2:12 - We are to live Godly lives in the present age
In every instance the qualities associated with “this age” are temporal in nature. These texts describe the present course of history before the return of Christ and are things which pass away at his return.
Biblical Texts Which Speak of the “Age to Come” Matthew 12:32 - No forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Matthew 13:40 - The weeds will be thrown into the fire Mark 10:30 - Eternal life as a reward Luke 18:30 - Eternal life as a reward Luke 20:35 - No marriage or giving in marriage I Corinthians 6:9-10 - Evil doers will not inherit the kingdom of God I Corinthians 15:50 - Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God Galatians 5:21 - Those who live evil lives will not inherit the kingdom Ephesians 1:21 - Christ will reign in age to come Ephesians 5:5 - Immoral people will not inherit kingdom of God I Thessalonians 2:12 - We are encouraged to live lives worthy of the kingdom II Thessalonians 1:5 - Faith will count you worthy of the kingdom of God I Timothy 6:19 - The coming age has life that is truly life II Timothy 4:18 - The Lord will bring us to kingdom of God In marked contrast to “this age” the qualities assigned to the age to come are all eternal (or non-temporal)
in nature. These references are clearly describing the future eschatological state of believers (and non- believers if you factor in the references to judgment).
The Line of “Demarcation” Between the Two Ages Matthew 13:39 - The harvest is the end of the age, and the angels are the harvesters Matthew 13:40 - The weeds will be burned in the fire at the end of the age (judgment) Matthew 13:49 - The angels will separate the wicked from the righteous
What is Amillennialism? If you were asked to define it, where would you start? In this episode, Pastor Brandon gives some overarching contours for understanding the Amillennial position.
For more information from the Amillennialist Perspective, see:
Critical Questions of Postmillennialism by Cincy Reformed
Understanding Revelation 20:1-15 - The Millennial Reign of Christ and the Binding of Satan by Cincy Reformed
Theonomy and Eschatology: Some Reflections on Postmillennialism by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
Amillennialism by Anthony Hoekema
Amillennialism - Part 1 by Robert Strimple
Amillennialism - Part 2 by Robert Strimple
The Great Hope of Amillennialism by Pierce Taylor Hibbs
Theonomy: A Reformed Critique ed. by William Barker and W. Robert Godfrey
Revelation (Gospel Coalition) by G.K. Beale and Thomas Schreiner
The Gospel and Eschatology by Westminster Faculty
In this devotional, Pastor Zac clarifies the nature of a sacrament. Too often people conceive of sacraments like a bare memorial akin to a photo album. But is that what the Bible teaches?
For more information, see:
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper as a Means of Grace: More Than Just a Memory by Richard Barcellos
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation (ch. 7) by Robert Kolb and Carl Trueman
The Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass by Cornelius Venema
The Lord's Supper by Thomas Watson
In this episode, Pastor Brandon unpacks Ephesians 5:15-21:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Also see Colossians 3:12-17:
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Sources used and/or recommended, see:
In the Fullness of Time: An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Acts and Paul by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
Colossians and Philemon (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by G.K. Beale
How does a church plant differ from an established church? What preparation goes into church planting? What are some tips for people joining a church plant? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his church planting experience.
For more information, see:
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA (online version)
Planting, Watering, Growing: Planting Confessionally Reformed Churches in the 21st Century by Daniel Hyde and Shane Lems
Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims by Daniel Hyde
The Ordinary Means of Growth by Ligon Duncan
According to the Bible, "Pride goes before destruction" (Prov. 16:18), "When pride comes, then comes disgrace" (Prov. 11:2), "The Lord tears down the house of the proud" (Prov.15:25), "The pride of your heart has deceived you" (Obad. 1:3), and “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jas. 4:6). If Pride is one of those root sins that give rise to many other sins, how can we fight the sin of pride?
For more information, see:
From Pride to Humility by Stuart Scott
The Absurdity of Pride by Ed Welch
A Heart Full of Pride by Max Benfer
I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say? by Ed Welch
According to the Bible, "Pride goes before destruction" (Prov. 16:18), "When pride comes, then comes disgrace" (Prov. 11:2), "The Lord tears down the house of the proud" (Prov.15:25), "The pride of your heart has deceived you" (Obad. 1:3), and “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jas. 4:6). If Pride is one of those root sins that give rise to many other sins, how can we fight the sin of pride?
For more information, see:
From Pride to Humility by Stuart Scott
The Absurdity of Pride by Ed Welch
A Heart Full of Pride by Max Benfer
I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say? by Ed Welch
What are the benefits for a church in owning their own building? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss a new chapter in the life of Westside Reformed Church, as we begin the process of renovating and moving into our own property.
For more information, see:
https://westsidereformed.org/building/
What are the benefits for a church in owning their own building? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss a new chapter in the life of Westside Reformed Church, as we begin the process of renovating and moving into our own property.
For more information, see:
https://westsidereformed.org/building/
What is the importance of Christ's ascension? Why have Christians historically neglected this important aspect of Christ's work of salvation?
For more information, see:
Knowing Christ by Mark Jones
What is the importance of Christ's ascension? Why have Christians historically neglected this important aspect of Christ's work of salvation? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the importance of Christ's ascension.
For more information, see:
Knowing Christ by Mark Jones
In this episode, two Amillennialists, Zac and Brandon, ask critical questions of Postmillennialism. Will the world become Christianized into an earthly "golden era" before Jesus returns, or will the church continue to be a pilgrim church, walking through the wilderness, experiencing persecution and martyrdom, and awaiting triumph in the New Heavens and New Earth? These matters and more are discussed in this episode.
For more information from the Amillennialist Perspective, see:
Theonomy and Eschatology: Some Reflections on Postmillennialism by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
Amillennialism by Anthony Hoekema
Amillennialism - Part 1 by Robert Strimple
Amillennialism - Part 2 by Robert Strimple
The Great Hope of Amillennialism by Pierce Taylor Hibbs
Theonomy: A Reformed Critique ed. by William Barker and W. Robert Godfrey
Revelation (Gospel Coalition) by G.K. Beale and Thomas Schreiner
The Gospel and Eschatology by Westminster Faculty
In this episode, two Amillennialists, Zac and Brandon, ask critical questions of Postmillennialism. Will the world become Christianized into an earthly "golden era" before Jesus returns, or will the church continue to be a pilgrim church, walking through the wilderness, experiencing persecution and martyrdom, and awaiting triumph in the New Heavens and New Earth? These matters and more are discussed in this episode.
For more information from the Amillennialist Perspective, see:
Theonomy and Eschatology: Some Reflections on Postmillennialism by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
Amillennialism by Anthony Hoekema
Amillennialism - Part 1 by Robert Strimple
Amillennialism - Part 2 by Robert Strimple
The Great Hope of Amillennialism by Pierce Taylor Hibbs
Theonomy: A Reformed Critique ed. by William Barker and W. Robert Godfrey
Revelation (Gospel Coalition) by G.K. Beale and Thomas Schreiner
The Gospel and Eschatology by Westminster Faculty
One of the most extensive treatments of the implications of the Resurrection of Christ is found in 1 Corinthians 15. In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss key parts of this chapter.
For more information, see:
Crucified and Risen by John Calvin
The Cross and the Resurrection by Simon Gathercol
Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul's Soteriology by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles by Brandon Crowe
Union with the Resurrected Christ: Eschatological New Creation and New Testament Biblical Theology by G.K. Beale
In the Fullness of Time: An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Acts and Paul by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
One of the most extensive treatments of the implications of the Resurrection of Christ is found in 1 Corinthians 15. In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss key parts of this chapter.
For more information, see:
The Cross and the Resurrection by Simon Gathercol
Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul's Soteriology by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles by Brandon Crowe
Union with the Resurrected Christ: Eschatological New Creation and New Testament Biblical Theology by G.K. Beale
In the Fullness of Time: An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Acts and Paul by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Why do URC churches give Psalms a "principle place" in worship? What are the benefits of Psalm-singing? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss Psalm-singing.
For more information, see:
The Trinity Psalter Hymnal
The Trinity Psalter Hymnal App
Why We Sing Old Testament Psalms by Daniel Hyde
Psalms and Contemporary Worship by Robert Godfrey
Spirit and Truth by Les Lanphere
The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology by O. Palmer Robinson
Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
What is Worship? by Theology Gals
Why do URC churches give Psalms a "principle place" in worship? What are the benefits of Psalm-singing? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss Psalm-singing.
For more information, see:
The Trinity Psalter Hymnal
The Trinity Psalter Hymnal App
Why We Sing Old Testament Psalms by Daniel Hyde
Psalms and Contemporary Worship by Robert Godfrey
Spirit and Truth by Les Lanphere
The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology by O. Palmer Robinson
Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
What is Worship? by Theology Gals
What is the relationship between classical education and catechesis? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon have a conversation exploring the relationship.
For more information, see:
The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith (chapter 4) by K. Scott Oliphint
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Catechized for Battle by J. Brandon Burks
What is the relationship between classical education and catechesis? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon have a conversation exploring the relationship.
For more information, see:
The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith (chapter 4) by K. Scott Oliphint
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Catechized for Battle by J. Brandon Burks
Is God giving some people more revelation about Heaven and Hell than what is in the Bible? How should Christians assess claims from men, women, and children who claimed to have seen or experienced Heaven or Hell after a near-death experience? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac compare these claims with Scripture and the Reformed tradition.
For more information, see:
Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Richard Gaffin
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches about Life to Come by Derek Thomas
We Don’t Have to Read the Book or See the Movie to Know Heaven Is Real by Nancy Guthrie
The Bestsellers: Heaven Is For Real by Tim Challies
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit: God's Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life by Michael Horton
Is God giving some people more revelation about Heaven and Hell than what is in the Bible? How should Christians assess claims from men, women, and children who claimed to have seen or experienced Heaven or Hell after a near-death experience? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac compare these claims with Scripture and the Reformed tradition.
For more information, see:
Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Richard Gaffin
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches about Life to Come by Derek Thomas
We Don’t Have to Read the Book or See the Movie to Know Heaven Is Real by Nancy Guthrie
The Bestsellers: Heaven Is For Real by Tim Challies
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit: God's Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life by Michael Horton
Are children of believing parents mere teaching tools for Jesus, or did Jesus see them as exemplar Christian members of His Kingdom? Are covenant children prized primarily for what they might do or believe in the future, or are they prized because of who they are and the contributions they make right now? How does your view of God's covenants shape your view of children? This special episode is a sermon Pastor Zac preached on Matthew 18:1-14 where he unpacked these questions.
For more information, see:
Are Covenant Children Christians? by Cincy Reformed
Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition by Greystone Conversations
Should there be a collection within a church's liturgical service? Is there a place for "tithes and offerings" within Sunday morning worship? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his recent study and his views on the matter. Pastor Zac shares his recent exploration of both Hughes Oliphant Old and Elsie Anne McKee.
For more information, see:
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship John Meuther
Reformation Worship: Liturgies from the Past for the Present by Jonathan Gibson
Should there be a collection within a church's liturgical service? Is there a place for "tithes and offerings" within Sunday morning worship? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his recent study and views on the matter.
For more information, see:
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship John Meuther
Reformation Worship: Liturgies from the Past for the Present by Jonathan Gibson
How can regenerate believers work together with unregenerate unbelievers? If there is an absolute antithesis between the principles of the regenerate and the principles of the unregenerate, how can there be any interaction? Moreover, does God's common grace restrain the unrighteous suppression of truth in the unbeliever? Perhaps Cornelius Van Til can help shed light on this:
"Because of God’s common grace, this ethical antithesis to God on the part of the sinner is restrained, and thereby the creative forces of man receive the opportunity of constructive effort. In this world the sinner does many “good” things. He is honest. He helps to alleviate the sufferings of his fellow men. He “keeps” the moral law. Therefore the antithesis besides being ethical rather than metaphysical is limited in a second way. It is one of principle, not one of full expression. If the natural man fully expressed himself as he is in terms of the principle of ethical hostility to God that dwells within his soul, he would then be a veritable devil. Obviously he is often nothing of the sort. He is not at all as “bad as he may be.” (An Introduction to Systematic Theology, 45)
"And common grace is the means by which God keeps man from expressing the principle of hostility to its full extent, thus enabling man to do the “relatively good.” (Common Grace and the Gospel, 200)
"Thus it comes to pass that they of whom Scripture says that their minds are darkened can yet discover much truth. But this discovery of truth on their part is effected in spite of the fact that in principle they are wholly evil. Their discovery of truth is adventitious so far as their own principle is concerned. They are not partly evil, they are not just sick; they are wholly evil, they are spiritually dead. But in spite of being dead in sins, they can, because of God’s common grace, discover truth. The universe is what the Scripture says it is, and man is what the Scripture says he is. On both of these points it says the opposite of what fallen man says. Fallen man knows truth and does “morally good” things in spite of the fact that in principle he is set against God." (A Christian Theory of Knowledge, 44)
"The idea of common grace may not become the basis for a 'neutral territory' between believer and unbeliever... [I]n this world of sin no Christian individual and no Christian organization can be positive and constructive till after they have been negative and destructive.... At this point I may interject that when I thus emphasize the absolute antithesis I am not denying or even for a moment forgetting the doctrine of common grace. That doctrine does not militate against but here as elsewhere confirms the doctrine of the absolute antithesis. Common grace does not overlook ultimate differences. Nor does it when correctly understood, in any way tone down those ultimate differences. On the contrary, common grace helps to point out that things which look alike are not ultimately alike. Common grace points specifically to the fact that similarities between the people of God and the people of this world are but proximate similarities and that these proximate similarities play before the background of ultimate differences." (Essays on Christian Education, 91, 187, 189)
For Pastor Zac's favorite book on these matters, see:
Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture by David VanDrunen
For Pastor Brandon's favorite book in these matters, see:
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, in All of Life, with All of Our Heart by Vern Poythress
How can regenerate believers work together with unregenerate unbelievers? If there is an absolute antithesis between the principles of the regenerate and the principles of the unregenerate, how can there be any interaction? Moreover, does God's common grace restrain the unrighteous suppression of truth in the unbeliever? Perhaps Cornelius Van Til can help shed light on this:
"Because of God’s common grace, this ethical antithesis to God on the part of the sinner is restrained, and thereby the creative forces of man receive the opportunity of constructive effort. In this world the sinner does many “good” things. He is honest. He helps to alleviate the sufferings of his fellow men. He “keeps” the moral law. Therefore the antithesis besides being ethical rather than metaphysical is limited in a second way. It is one of principle, not one of full expression. If the natural man fully expressed himself as he is in terms of the principle of ethical hostility to God that dwells within his soul, he would then be a veritable devil. Obviously he is often nothing of the sort. He is not at all as “bad as he may be.” (An Introduction to Systematic Theology, 45)
"And common grace is the means by which God keeps man from expressing the principle of hostility to its full extent, thus enabling man to do the “relatively good.” (Common Grace and the Gospel, 200)
"Thus it comes to pass that they of whom Scripture says that their minds are darkened can yet discover much truth. But this discovery of truth on their part is effected in spite of the fact that in principle they are wholly evil. Their discovery of truth is adventitious so far as their own principle is concerned. They are not partly evil, they are not just sick; they are wholly evil, they are spiritually dead. But in spite of being dead in sins, they can, because of God’s common grace, discover truth. The universe is what the Scripture says it is, and man is what the Scripture says he is. On both of these points it says the opposite of what fallen man says. Fallen man knows truth and does “morally good” things in spite of the fact that in principle he is set against God." (A Christian Theory of Knowledge, 44)
"The idea of common grace may not become the basis for a 'neutral territory' between believer and unbeliever... But in this world of sin no Christian individual and no Christian organization can be positive and constructive till after they have been negative and destructive.... At this point I may interject that when I thus emphasize the absolute antithesis I am not denying or even for a moment forgetting the doctrine of common grace. That doctrine does not militate against but here as elsewhere confirms the doctrine of the absolute antithesis. Common grace does not overlook ultimate differences. Nor does it when correctly understood, in any way tone down those ultimate differences. On the contrary, common grace helps to point out that things which look alike are not ultimately alike. Common grace points specifically to the fact that similarities between the people of God and the people of this world are but proximate similarities and that these proximate similarities play before the background of ultimate differences." (Essays on Christian Education, 91, 187, 189)
For Pastor Zac's favorite book on these matters, see:
Living in God's Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture by David VanDrunen
For Pastor Brandon's favorite book in these matters, see: '
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, in All of Life, with All of Our Heart by Vern Poythress
Did Jesus die for the sins of the whole world, or only the sins of the elect? Did Jesus's death purchase a mere possibility for all, or was it absolutely effective for certain individuals? What does the Bible say?
For more information, see:
Canons of Dort, Second Head of Doctrine
Death of Death in the Death of Christby John Owen
From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective by Johnny Gibson
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort by Cornelius Venema
Did Jesus die for the sins of the whole world, or only the sins of the elect? Did Jesus's death purchase a mere possibility for all, or was it absolutely effective for certain individuals? What does the Bible say?
For more information, see:
Canons of Dort, Second Head of Doctrine
Death of Death in the Death of Christby John Owen
From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective by Johnny Gibson
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
Can we change God's pronouns to "They/Them"? When the Bible uses the pronouns "He" or "Him" referring to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, are we able to change or tweak those pronouns? In other words, is God male?
For more information, see:
Gender of God by OPC
Is It Proper to Call God Mother? by OPC
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
Critical Race Theory by Timothy Brindle
Can we change God's pronouns to "They/Them"? When the Bible uses the pronouns "He" or "Him" referring to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, are we able to change or tweak those pronouns? In other words, is God male?
For more information, see:
Gender of God by OPC
Is It Proper to Call God Mother? by OPC
How should we view our children? Are the children of believing parents Christians, or do we merely hope one day that they will become Christians? When we baptize infants of believing parents, are we saying, "God's promise rests upon my covenant child and I hope he or she becomes a Christian one day?" or are we saying, "I'm baptizing my covenant child because he or she is a Christian and already has the Holy Spirit?" Cornelius Van Til said, “Before God our children are personalities from and before their birth; we are chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. Moreover, I must regard all children of believers as children of God till the contrary appear to be true.” Should this be our approach as well?
In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the status and nature of a covenant child.
For more information, see:
Church, Baptism, and Faith in the Reformed Tradition by Greystone Conversations
10 Reasons to Baptize Covenant Children by Cincy Reformed
Reformed Baptism by Cincy Reformed
What is the Providence of God? Does God control everything? In this episode, Pastor Brandon and Zac speak about the Providence of God.
For more information, see:
What is Providence? By Derek Thomas
The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel
What is the Providence of God? Does God control everything? In this episode, Pastor Brandon and Zac speak about the Providence of God.
For more information, see:
What is Providence? By Derek Thomas
Is Christianity a repackaged myth derived from other ancient, pagan religions? Is Jesus and His Gospel based on Egyptian and Roman mythology? Did ancient Israel ever borrow from the Egyptians? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and more.
For more information, see:
The Christ of Wisdom by O. Palmer Robinson
Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint
Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til
The Ultimate Proof of Creation by Jason Lisle
Is Christianity a repackaged myth derived from other ancient, pagan religions? Is Jesus and His Gospel based on Egyptian and Roman mythology? Did ancient Israel ever borrow from the Egyptians? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and more.
For more information, see:
The Christ of Wisdom by O. Palmer Robinson
Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint
Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til
The Ultimate Proof of Creation by Jason Lisle
Does Jesus "Get Us"? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac respond to the "He Gets Us" campaign.
For more information, see:
Exploring the Order of Scriptural Reality as Reality by Mark Garcia
Does Jesus "Get Us"? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac respond to the "He Gets Us" campaign.
For more information, see:
Exploring the Order of Scriptural Reality as Reality by Mark Garcia
What is total depravity and what does it mean to be totally depraved? This episode is a catechism sermon preached by Pastor Brandon from Lord's Day Three of the Heidelberg Catechism.
For more information, see:
The Imputation of Adam's Sin by John Murray
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey
What is wisdom? How can a person get wisdom? What books of the Bible are considered "Wisdom literature"? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and others.
For more information, see:
The Christ of Wisdom by O. Palmer Robinson
The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom by Tremper Longman
The Book of Proverbs (2 Vol.) by Bruce Waltke
Ecclesiastes by Douglas Sean O'Donald
Job: The Wisdom of the Cross by Christopher Ash
Song of Songs by Ian Duguid
What is wisdom? How can a person get wisdom? What books of the Bible are considered "Wisdom literature"? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and others.
For more information, see:
The Christ of Wisdom by O. Palmer Robinson
The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom by Tremper Longman
In the previous episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discussed the doctrine of the Sabbath, examining Sabbath from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode, they turn their attention to the practical ways in which the Lord's Day is observed by believers in the New Covenant. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritan tradition. For example, in Isaiah 58:13, God speaks against "doing your own pleasure." Does this mean that we ought to abstain from our "works, words, and thoughts about [...] recreations" (WCF 21.8), or is Isaiah 58:13 speaking against "a hypocritical religious ritual [i.e., formalism] on the Sabbath that is used as a cloak to cover the pursuit of one’s selfish and sinful agenda"? Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul, siding with the Continental tradition, wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God... The prophets weren't revolutionaries; they were reformers. They didn't come to change the law of Israel... The function of the prophets wasn't to add new burdens but to call the people back to the original terms. That is why it is unlikely that Isaiah [c.f., Isa. 58:13] was adding new regulations regarding the celebration of the Sabbath Day... The Puritans misunderstood the word 'pleasure.' The Israelites knew God's law, but they were violating it commercially.... It really had nothing to do with recreation; it had to do chiefly with commerce" (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Q.103
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
The Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord's Day by William Boekenstein
In the previous episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discussed the doctrine of the Sabbath, examining Sabbath from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode, they turn their attention to the practical ways in which the Lord's Day is observed by believers in the New Covenant. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritan tradition. For example, in Isaiah 58:13, God speaks against "doing your own pleasure." Does this mean that we ought to abstain from our "works, words, and thoughts about [...] worldly employments and recreations" (WCF 21.8), or is Isaiah 58:13 speaking against "a hypocritical religious ritual [i.e., formalism] on the Sabbath that is used as a cloak to cover the pursuit of one’s selfish and sinful agenda"? Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul, siding with the Continental tradition, wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God... The prophets weren't revolutionaries; they were reformers. They didn't come to change the law of Israel... The function of the prophets wasn't to add new burdens but to call the people back to the original terms. That is why it is unlikely that Isaiah [c.f., Isa. 58:13] was adding new regulations regarding the celebration of the Sabbath Day... The Puritans misunderstood the word 'pleasure.' The Israelites knew God's law, but they were violating it commercially.... It really had nothing to do with recreation; it had to do chiefly with commerce" (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Q.103
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
The Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord's Day by William Boekenstein
Does the 4th Commandment still command believers today to rest on the Sabbath Day? What is the relationship between the Lord's Day and the 4th Commandment? How is the Lord's Day to be observed? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss matters regarding the Lord's Day (sometimes called the Christian Sabbath). In Part 1, big picture doctrines are clarified. In Part 2, more practical issues will be surveyed. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritans. Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God." (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Q.103
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
The Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord's Day by William Boekenstein
Does the 4th Commandment still command believers today to rest on the Sabbath Day? What is the relationship between the Lord's Day and the 4th Commandment? How is the Lord's Day to be observed? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss matters regarding the Lord's Day (sometimes called the Christian Sabbath). In Part 1, big picture doctrines are clarified. In Part 2, more practical issues will be surveyed. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritans. Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on theSabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God." (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism Q.103
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
According to the Bible, "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20) and we, like the Patriarchs of old, are "sojourners and exiles" (1 Pet. 2:11) "seeking a homeland... a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Her. 11:13-16). The church walks the "narrow path" (Prov. 4:25-27; Matt. 7:13-14), which encounters many blessings, but also challenges. The apostles warned us, "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God," (Acts 14:22), and Christ promised us: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Nevertheless, being pilgrims does not means societal and cultural disengagement. J. Gresham Machen encouraged the church to take a stand when necessary, to consecrate our efforts to God, and to influence the cultural and intellectual "atmosphere" in order to give the Gospel a better hearing amid society. In other words, we are engaged pilgrims, doing all things to the glory of God, and calling unbelievers to faith and repentance (Mark 1:15). In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss how the pilgrim motif has shaped their lives.
For more information, see:
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
The Pilgrim's Progress (audio book) by John Bunyan
Who Would True Valor See [Hymn] by John Bunyan
Passing Though: Pilgrim Life in the Wilderness by Jeremy Walker
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch.18) by J. Brandon Burks
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, In All of Life, with All of Our Hearts by Vern Poythress
According to the Bible, "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20) and we, like the Patriarchs of old, are "sojourners and exiles" (1 Pet. 2:11) "seeking a homeland... a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Her. 11:13-16). The church walks the "narrow path" (Prov. 4:25-27; Matt. 7:13-14), which encounters many blessings, but also challenges. The apostles warned us, "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God," (Acts 14:22), and Christ promised us: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Nevertheless, being pilgrims does not means societal and cultural disengagement. J. Gresham Machen encouraged the church to take a stand when necessary, to consecrate our efforts to God, and to influence the cultural and intellectual "atmosphere" in order to give the Gospel a better hearing amid society. In other words, we are engaged pilgrims, doing all things to the glory of God, and calling unbelievers to faith and repentance (Mark 1:15). In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss how the pilgrim motif has shaped their lives.
For more information, see:
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
The Pilgrim's Progress (audio book) by John Bunyan
Who Would True Valor See [Hymn] by John Bunyan
Passing Though: Pilgrim Life in the Wilderness by Jeremy Walker
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch.18) by J. Brandon Burks
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, In All of Life, with All of Our Hearts by Vern Poythress
How does a church plant differ from an established church? What preparation goes into church planting? What are some tips for people joining a church plant? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his church planting experience.
For more information, see:
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA (online version)
Planting, Watering, Growing: Planting Confessionally Reformed Churches in the 21st Century by Daniel Hyde and Shane Lems
Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims by Daniel Hyde
How does a church plant differ from an established church? What preparation goes into church planting? What are some tips for people joining a church plant? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his church planting experience.
For more information, see:
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA
Planting, Watering, Growing: Planting Confessionally Reformed Churches in the 21st Century by Daniel Hyde and Shane Lems
Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims by Daniel Hyde
What does it mean to "Repent"? The Bible gives summary lists of various sins, and they are sins of which mankind is to repent. But how does one repent? Is it a mere, "I'm sorry," as an elder brother might half-heartedly say to a younger sister, when the former is caught taking a toy away from the latter? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the six "ingredients" of repentance as taught by Puritan Thomas Watson, as well as insights from the Heidelberg Catechism.
For more information, see:
The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
What does it mean to "Repent"? The Bible lists various sins, and they are sins of which mankind is to repent. But how does one repent? Is it a mere, "I'm sorry," as an elder brother might say to a younger sister, when the former is caught taking a toy away from the latter? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the six "ingredients" of repentance as taught by Puritan Thomas Watson, as well as insights from the Heidelberg Catechism.
For more information, see:
The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
Did God created everything in six literal days, or was each "day" representative of a longer duration? Did creation occur in the order in which Genesis chapter one describes? Did God use macro-evolution in order to create all things? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the URC Statement on Creation and Evolution.
For more information, see:
URCNA Statement on Creation and Evolution
Revisiting the URC Creation Decision by R. Scott Clark
Report of the Committee to Study the Views of Creation by OPC
Jesus on Every Page (chapter 7) by David Murray
Adam in the New Testament by J.P. Versteeg
For a discussion of various views, see:
The Genesis Debate: Three Views in the Days of Creation ed. by David Hagopian
Presuppositionalism and Young Earth (debate) by Richard Howe, Jason Lisle, and K. Scott Oliphint
For understanding the Six-24hr/Young Earth Creation view, see:
The Battle for the Beginning by John MacArthur
Why Does the Universe Look So Old? by Albert Mohler
Coming to Grips with Genesis by Terry Mortenson
Creation According to the Scriptures: A Presuppositional Defense of Literal, Six-Day Creation ed. by P. Andrew Sandlin
For understanding the Analogical day view, see:
Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress
For understanding the Framework view, see:
Because It Had Not Rained by Meredith G. Kline
Space and Time in the Genesis Cosmogony by Meredith G. Kline
The Framework Interpretation: An Exegetical Summary by Lee Irons
For understanding the Modified Gap View (sometimes called "Historic Creationism"), see:
What Should We Teach About Creation? by John Piper
The Explicit Gospel (chapter 5) by Matt Chandler
Did God created everything in six literal days, or was each "day" representative of a longer duration? Did creation occur in the order in which Genesis chapter one describes? Did God use macro-evolution in order to create all things? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the URC Statement on Creation and Evolution.
For more information, see:
URCNA Statement on Creation and Evolution
Revisiting the URC Creation Decision by R. Scott Clark
Jesus on Every Page (chapter 7) by David Murray
Adam in the New Testament by J.P. Versteeg
For a discussion of various views, see:
The Genesis Debate: Three Views in the Days of Creation ed. by David Hagopian
Presuppositionalism and Young Earth (debate) by Richard Howe, Jason Lisle, and K. Scott Oliphint
For understanding the Six-24hr/Young Earth Creation view, see:
The Battle for the Beginning by John MacArthur
Why Does the Universe Look So Old? by Albert Mohler
Coming to Grips with Genesis by Terry Mortenson
Creation According to the Scriptures: A Presuppositional Defense of Literal, Six-Day Creation ed. by P. Andrew Sandlin
For understanding the Analogical day view, see:
Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress
For understanding the Framework view, see:
Because It Had Not Rained by Meredith G. Kline
Space and Time in the Genesis Cosmogony by Meredith G. Kline
The Framework Interpretation: An Exegetical Summary by Lee Irons
For understanding the Modified Gap View (sometimes called "Historic Creationism"), see:
What Should We Teach About Creation? by John Piper
The Explicit Gospel (chapter 5) by Matt Chandler
In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses the role of the Church as "Evangelizing Prophet," also considering the ordinary way in which God grows the Church.
For more information, see:
Ordinary Means of Growth by Ligon Duncan
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
Encouraging Lay Witnessing by R. Scott Clark
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA
Church Order of the URCNA
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of Godby J.I. Packer
Does the Bible contain errors and contradictions? Christians throughout church history have believed the Bible to be inspired (or "breathed out") by God. Does this mean that God's Word cannot err? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the doctrine of inerrancy.
For more information, see:
Books
Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture ed. by David Garner
Thy Word is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today ed. by Peter Lillback
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 1) by J. Brandon Burks
Inerrancy and the Gospels: A God-Centered Approach to the Challenges of Harmonization by Vern Poythress
The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism: Responding to New Challenges to Biblical Authority by G.K. Beale
Articles
J.I. Packer on Why We Need Inerrancy by Kevin DeYoung
Inerrancy: A Historic Christian Doctrine by R. Scott Clark
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
Videos
Inerrancy and Church History by Carl Trueman
Inerrancy and Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
Inerrancy and Science by Vern Poythress
Defending the Doctrine of Inerrancy by R.C. Sproul
Podcasts
Why We Trust the Bible by Cincy Reformed
What Happens When New Testament Manuscripts Disagree? by Cincy Reformed
Does the Bible contain errors and contradictions? Christians throughout church history have believed the Bible to be inspired (or "breathed out") by God. Does this mean that God's Word cannot err? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the doctrine of inerrancy.
For more information, see:
Books
Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture ed. by David Garner
Thy Word is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today ed. by Peter Lillback
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 1) by J. Brandon Burks
Articles
J.I. Packer on Why We Need Inerrancy by Kevin DeYoung
Inerrancy: A Historic Christian Doctrine by R. Scott Clark
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
Videos
Inerrancy and Church History by Carl Trueman
Inerrancy and Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
Inerrancy and Science by Vern Poythress
Defending the Doctrine of Inerrancy by R.C. Sproul
Podcasts
Why We Trust the Bible by Cincy Reformed
What Happens When New Testament Manuscripts Disagree? by Cincy Reformed
How should we understand "spiritual gifts"? Are they extraordinary? Are they given spontaneously and instantaneously by the Holy Spirit? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and more.
For more information, see:
Speaking in Tongues Today? by Cincy Reformed
Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
How should we understand "spiritual gifts"? Are they extraordinary? Are they given spontaneously and instantaneously by the Holy Spirit? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss these questions and more.
For more information, see:
Speaking in Tongues Today? by Cincy Reformed
Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
A few years ago the Pope approved changes to the Lord's Prayer, specifically in the sixth petition. According to the Pope, the wording might lead to a wrong understanding of God and of the nature of temptation. But can the Pope change the words of sacred Scripture? Can God's Word be altered? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the Pope's proposal.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism, Q.127
Sacred Dissertations on the Lord's Prayer by Herman Witsius
The Problem of Evil by Cincy Reformed
What are Demons? by Cincy Reformed
A few years ago the Pope approved changes to the Lord's Prayer, specifically in the sixth petition. According to the Pope, the wording might lead to a wrong understanding of God and of the nature of temptation. But can the Pope change the words of sacred Scripture? Can God's Word be altered? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the Pope's proposal.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism, Q.127
Sacred Dissertations on the Lord's Prayer by Herman Witsius
The Problem of Evil by Cincy Reformed
What are Demons? by Cincy Reformed
In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give reflections on the recently held Synod within the URC. Zac explains what a Synod is, and also recaps some of the debates that took place at Synod Niagara. Brandon compares and contrasts a URC Synod with his previous experience of SBC assemblies.
In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give reflections on the recently held Synod within the URC. Zac explains what a Synod is, and also recaps some of the debates that took place at Synod Niagara. Brandon compares and contrasts a URC Synod with his previous experience of SBC assemblies.
Why is it important to hear afresh of God's absolution of your sin? Is there a place for absolution within Christian worship? In this episode, Pastor Zac explains absolution and its place within the church's liturgy.
For more information, see:
Lost Keys: Absolution (feat. Pastor Daniel Hyde) by Cincy Reformed
Do you feel like your prayers are sometimes dull or lack depth and structure? A helpful acronym to think though is A.C.T.S., which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon walk through the acronym, showing its biblical basis and practical relevance.
For more information, see:
Why Pray Liturgical Prayers? by Cincy Reformed
Liturgical Forms and Prayers by URCNA
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Devotions by Johnny Gibson
Sacred Dissertations on the Lord's Prayer by Herman Witsius
Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
Do you feel like your prayers are sometimes dull or lack depth and structure? A helpful acronym to think though is A.C.T.S., which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon walk through the acronym, showing its biblical basis and practical relevance.
For more information, see:
Why Pray Liturgical Prayers? by Cincy Reformed
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Devotions by Johnny Gibson
Sacred Dissertations on the Lord's Prayer by Herman Witsius
Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
Rev. Matthew Joyner, the Rector of Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in Mason, OH was the speaker of this year's annual Reformation Day Conference held by Westside Reformed Church. Rev. Joyner is a former Orthodox Priest; in this episode he tells his story and why he left the Orthodox Church for the Reformation tradition (You can learn more about his transition from Orthodoxy to Anglicanism here).
For more information on the Protestant Reformation, see:
Movie
Luther (2003)
Documentary
Luther Documentary
Reformation 500 Celebration
Articles
The Orthodox Church and the Lutherans – An ecumenical correspondence from 1573 to 1581 by Petar Gramatikov
Books
Martin Luther (For Young Readers) by Simonette Carr
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom by Carl Trueman
The European Reformations by Carter Lindberg
The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation by Michael Reeves
John Calvin: For a New Reformation ed. by Derek Thomas and John Tweeddale
Do you struggle to read your Bible well? Do you want to learn how to interpret the Bible better? Are you applying the text of Scripture accurately to your life? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac answer these questions and more.
For more information, see:
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview by J. Brandon Burks
Do you struggle to read your Bible well? Do you want to learn how to interpret the Bible better? Are you applying the text of Scripture accurately to your life? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac answer these questions and more.
For more information, see:
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview by J. Brandon Burks
What are different ways of studying God's Word? What does it mean when people say they are doing "biblical theology" or "systematic theology"? Is there a theology that studies church history? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore these questions and others.
For more information, see:
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview by J. Brandon Burks
What are different ways of studying God's Word? What does it mean when people say they are doing "biblical theology" or "systematic theology"? Is there a theology that studies church history? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore these questions and others.
For more information, see:
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview by J. Brandon Burks
In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Rev. Matthew Joyner, the Rector of Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in Mason, OH. Rev. Joyner will be speaking at the 2022 Reformation Day Conference on October 30 at 6:00 PM, hosted by Westside Reformed Church.
For more information on the Reformation, see:
Movie
Luther (2003)
Documentary
Luther Documentary
Reformation 500 Celebration
Books
Martin Luther (For Young Readers) by Simonette Carr
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom by Carl Trueman
The European Reformations by Carter Lindberg
The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation by Michael Reeves
In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Rev. Matthew Joyner, the Rector of Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in Mason, OH. Rev. Joyner is a former Orthodox Priest; in this episode he speaks as to why he left the Orthodox Church, why he embraces the Reformation tradition, and also why so many today are becoming interested in Eastern Orthodoxy. (You can learn more about his transition from Orthodoxy to Anglicanism here). He will be speaking more on this at the 2022 Reformation Day Conference on October 30 at 6:00 PM, hosted by Westside Reformed Church.
For more information on the Protestant Reformation, see:
Movie
Luther (2003)
Documentary
Luther Documentary
Reformation 500 Celebration
Articles
The Orthodox Church and the Lutherans – An ecumenical correspondence from 1573 to 1581 by Petar Gramatikov
Books
Martin Luther (For Young Readers) by Simonette Carr
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom by Carl Trueman
The European Reformations by Carter Lindberg
The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation by Michael Reeves
John Calvin: For a New Reformation ed. by Derek Thomas and John Tweeddale
In this week's episode we bring you the second part of Rev. Peppo's address from the Nurture Conference held by Westside Reformed Church in 2022. Having already spoken about why we teach, this address focuses on what we teach.
Why do we teach? Why are Christian fathers motivated toward raising covenant children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord"? How does Scripture answer the "why" question regarding education? This talk is a recording of the 2022 Nurture Conference sponsored by Westside Reformed Church.
Catechizing children is not merely a task given for official church catechists to carry out - pastors and elders - but also for parents. As Matthew Henry put it, “Public catechizing will turn to little account without family catechizing.” But how do you get squirmy kids to memorize a catechism? How should parents go about catechizing? Are there "tricks of the trade" that can help parents? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give eleven tips for at-home catechesis.
For more information, see:
Catechized for Battle by J. Brandon Burks
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary Parrett
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by Bill Boekestein
The Duty of Catechetical Instruction by Archibald Alexander
More Catechism Needed by Cornelius Van Til
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
The Early Church at Work and Worship: Catechesis, Baptism, Eschatology, and Martyrdom by Everett Ferguson
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til
Catechizing children is not merely a task given for official church catechists to carry out - pastors and elders - but also for parents. As Matthew Henry put it, “Public catechizing will turn to little account without family catechizing.” But how do you get squirmy kids to memorize a catechism? How should the parents go about catechizing? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give eleven tips for at-home catechesis.
For more information, see:
Catechized for Battle by J. Brandon Burks
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary Parrett
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by Bill Boekestein
The Duty of Catechetical Instruction by Archibald Alexander
More Catechism Needed by Cornelius Van Til
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
The Early Church at Work and Worship: Catechesis, Baptism, Eschatology, and Martyrdom by Everett Ferguson
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
When Jeremiah said, "All will know the Lord," does mean that only professing believers are members of God's covenant? What about the children of believers? How should Jeremiah 31 be understood?
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant by Richard Pratt
Covenant Theology in Hebrews by Jeremy Boothby
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
When Jeremiah said, "All will know the Lord," does mean that only professing believers are members of God's covenant? What about the children of believers? How should we understand Jeremiah 31?
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant by Richard Pratt
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
When you begin speaking about the End Times, it becomes immediately apparent that there are several different views, that complicated terminology is often used, and that very smart people are on all sides of the debate. This can cause some to declare that they are "Pan-millenialitst," that everything will "pan out" in the end and they need not worry about understanding such things. Nevertheless, the end times are important, and the different views can impact how you understand other texts of sacred Scripture. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon survey the various views of end times.
For more information, see:
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views ed. by Robert Clouse
Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond ed. by Darrell Bock
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
When you begin speaking about the End Times, it becomes immediately apparent that there are several different views, that complicated terminology is often used, and that very smart people are on all sides of the debate. This can cause some to declare that they are "Pan-millenialitst," that everything will "pan out" in the end and they need not worry about understanding such things. Nevertheless, the end times are important, and the different views can impact how you understand other texts of sacred Scripture. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon survey the various views of end times.
For more information, see:
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views ed. by Robert Clouse
Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond ed. by Darrell Bock
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
In the previous episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explored what the Bible had to say about Angels and the various heavenly hosts. In this episode, they turn their attention to fallen angels, also known as "demons" or "unclean spirits."
For more information, see:
Spiritual Warfare - Part I (video) by Vern Poythress
Spiritual Warfare - Part II (video) by Vern Poythress
Spiritual Warfare - Part IIII (video) by Vern Poythress
Fighting Satan: Knowing His Weaknesses, Strategies, and Defeat by Joel Beeke
The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare by Ian Duguid
Christians and Demonic Activity Today by Michael Horton
In the previous episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explored what the Bible had to say about Angels and the various heavenly hosts. In this episode, they turn their attention to fallen angels, also known as "demons" or "unclean spirits."
For more information, see:
Spiritual Warfare - Part I (video) by Vern Poythress
Spiritual Warfare - Part II (video) by Vern Poythress
Spiritual Warfare - Part IIII (video) by Vern Poythress
Fighting Satan: Knowing His Weaknesses, Strategies, and Defeat by Joel Beeke
The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare by Ian Duguid
What are angels? What do they do? If they sin, will God forgive them? Do we become angels in Heaven? Pastors Brandon and Zac explore what the Bible says about Angels in this episode.
For more information, see:
Marriage According to Scripture by CincyReformed
Reformed Dogmatics: Abridged in One Volume (ch. 10) by Herman Bavinck
What are angels? What do they do? If they sin, will God forgive them? Do we become angels in Heaven? Pastors Brandon and Zac explore what the Bible says about Angels in this episode.
For more information, see:
Marriage According to Scripture by CincyReformed
Reformed Dogmatics: Abridged in One Volume (ch. 10) by Herman Bavinck
What is worship? How does God command to be worshiped in His Word? Is it okay to include skits, puppet shows, and alter calls in corporate worship on the Lord's Day? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore the different approaches to worship between the Reformed tradition and the Baptist tradition.
For more information, see:
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Forms and Prayers by URC
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson
Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present ed. by Lukas Vischer
Thinking God's Thoughts (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Recovering the Reformed Confession: Our Theology, Piety, and Practice by R. Scott Clark
Reformation Worship ed. by Jonathan Gibson
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship by Hart and Muether
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
What is worship? How does God command to be worshiped in His Word? Is it okay to include skits, puppet shows, and alter calls in corporate worship on the Lord's Day? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore the different approaches to worship between the Reformed tradition and the Baptist tradition.
For more information, see:
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Forms and Prayers by URC
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson
Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present ed. by Lukas Vischer
Thinking God's Thoughts (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Recovering the Reformed Confession: Our Theology, Piety, and Practice by R. Scott Clark
Reformation Worship ed. by Jonathan Gibson
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship by Hart and Muether
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
How is Christ's church to be structured? Who holds the keys of the kingdom? What does Acts 15 have to teach us today? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the differences between the Reformed polity and the Baptist polity, from a Presbyterian-type structure to a congregationalist structure.
For more information, see:
Church Order of the United Reformed Churches in North America
Belgic Confession, Art. 27-31
The Church by Edmund Clowney
A Well-Ordered Church by William Boekestein and Daniel Hyde
Institute of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, Book 4, ch. 2-11.
How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Prentiss Waters
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
How is Christ's church to be structured? Who holds the keys of the kingdom? What does Acts 15 have to teach us today? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the differences between the Reformed polity and the Baptist polity, from a Presbyterian-type structure to a congregationalist structure.
For more information, see:
Church Order of the United Reformed Churches in North America
Belgic Confession, Art. 27-31
The Church by Edmund Clowney
A Well-Ordered Church by William Boekestein and Daniel Hyde
Institute of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, Book 4, ch. 2-11.
How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Prentiss Waters
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
In this series Pastors Brandon and Zac are comparing and contrasting Reformed Theology with Baptist Theology, highlighting differences for the sake of clarity and conversation. In this episode, they consider the different approaches to both Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant by Richard Pratt
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper by Thomas Watson
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism by John Murray
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
In this series Pastors Brandon and Zac are comparing and contrasting Reformed Theology with Baptist Theology, highlighting differences for the sake of clarity and conversation. In this episode, they consider the different approaches to Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
For more information, see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant by Richard Pratt
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper by Thomas Watson
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism by John Murray
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
While the Reformed Church and the Baptist Church share many points of doctrine relating to Christ and His Gospel, we differ on several other important points. One of those places where we differ is in Covenant Theology. How do the covenants in Scripture unfold? The Reformed and the Baptists give different answers. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon explore these differences and commend the Reformed understanding of Covenant Theology.
For more information see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant by Richard Pratt
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored by Brown and Keele
The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law by Brandon Crowe
Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives ed. by Waters, Reid, and Muether.
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
Covenant Theology by Cincy Reformed
While the Reformed Church and the Baptist Church share many points of doctrine relating to Christ and His Gospel, we differ on several other important points. One of those places where we differ is in Covenant Theology. How do the covenants in Scripture unfold? The Reformed and the Baptists give different answers. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon explore these differences and commend the Reformed understanding of Covenant Theology.
For more information see:
Jeremiah 31: Infant Baptism in the New Covenant by Richard Pratt
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored by Brown and Keele
The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law by Brandon Crowe
Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives ed. by Waters, Reid, and Muether.
Is Reformed Theology Merely '5 Points'? by Cincy Reformed
Covenant Theology by Cincy Reformed
In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon were interviewed by Rev. Matthew Joyner for his podcast, Taproot Faith. The theme of the interview was Sola Scriptura.
For more information, see:
For more information, see:
The Belgic Confession, Art. 7 (c.f., Art. 3-7)
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol.1, ch.11-14) by Herman Bavinck
God's Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett
The Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger
Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture ed. by David Garner
Thy Word is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today ed. by Peter Lillback
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, in All of Life, with All of Our Heart by Vern S. Poythress
In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses three styles of church architecture - the Meeting House, the Classical style, and the Gothic style - and why church architecture matters.
In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses three styles of church architecture - the Meeting House, the Classical style, and the Gothic style - and why church architecture matters.
When Paul says that a person is "Justified by faith apart from works," what does he mean? Can works play some sort of foundational role in our justification? Where do good works come in? Is faith a work? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac unpack the pillars of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification.
For more information, see:
Rom. 3:24; 4:1-13; 5:1, 15-21; 8:33; 10:3-4; Gal. 2:16; 3:11; 5:4; 1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11; Phil. 3:9; Jas. 2:23
Belgic Confession, Art. 22-23
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 60-65
Canons of Dort, Rejection of Errors
Reformed Catholic vs. Roman Catholic - Part 2: Justification and Sola Fide by Cincy Reformed
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
Justified In Christ ed. by Scott Oliphint
How Can Justification Make Me Joyful? by Daniel Hyde
By Faith, Not By Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion (ch. 16) by Herman Bavinck
Reformed Dogmatics (vol. 4, ch. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation (ch. 7, 21) by Geerhardus Vos
When Paul says that a person is "Justified by faith apart from works," what does he mean? Can works play some sort of foundational role in our justification? Where do good works come in? Is faith a work? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac unpack the pillars of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification.
For more information, see:
Rom. 3:24; 4:1-13; 5:1, 15-21; 8:33; 10:3-4; Gal. 2:16; 3:11; 5:4; 1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11; Phil. 3:9; Jas. 2:23
Belgic Confession, Art. 22-23
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 60-65
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
Justified In Christ ed. by Scott Oliphint
How Can Justification Make Me Joyful? by Daniel Hyde
By Faith, Not By Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion (ch. 16) by Herman Bavinck
Should ministers wear preaching robes and clerical collars? Well, this is certainly in the realm of adiaphora (i.e., things "indifferent" or "non-essential"). The Bible doesn't require someone to wear a robe or a collar, but why might some pastors choose to wear them? What is the reasoning behind wearing them?
For more information, see:
A Pulpit Is Not A Platform (article) by R. Scott Clark
A Short History of the Wearing of Clerical Collars in the Presbyterian Tradition (article) by Tim LeCroy
Should ministers wear preaching robes and clerical collars? Well, this is certainly in the realm of adiaphora (i.e., things "indifferent" or "non-essential"). The Bible doesn't require someone to wear a robe or a collar, but why might some pastors choose to wear them? What is the reasoning behind wearing them?
For more information, see:
A Pulpit Is Not A Platform (article) by R. Scott Clark
A Short History of the Wearing of Clerical Collars in the Presbyterian Tradition (article) by Tim LeCroy
What is the Christian identity? In today's cultural climate the issue of identity is being debated, with those who seek to spin an identity from their feelings, and with those who look outside of themselves for their identity. The question "What defines us?" gets to the point of contention. Do things like gender, sexual orientation, careers, sinful proclivities, or, more religiously, God, give shape to who we are? Do we look within us, or do we look to our Creator? Even Christians have been confused, sometimes using the title: "Gay Christian." How do we sift through the competing ideas of identity? In a word: we go back to God's Word.
For more information, see:
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher
About Being a Boy or a Girl: Discussing Gender and Marriage with Little Ones in Light of God’s Word by Lisa Updike
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by David Menton
Are You Born Gay? (discussion)
What is the Christian identity? In today's cultural climate the issue of identity is being debated, with those who seek to spin an identity from their feelings, and with those who look outside of themselves for their identity. The question "What defines us?" gets to the point of contention. Do things like gender, sexual orientation, careers, sinful proclivities, or, more religiously, God, give shape to who we are? Do we look within us, or do we look to our Creator? Even Christian have been confused, sometimes using the title: "Gay Christian." How do we sift through the competing ideas of identity? In a word: we go back to God's Word.
For more information, see:
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher
About Being a Boy or a Girl: Discussing Gender and Marriage with Little Ones in Light of God’s Word by Lisa Updike
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by David Menton
Are You Born Gay? (discussion)
What happens when New Testament manuscripts disagree? For example, should John 7:53-8:11 and Mark 16:9-20 be considered "Scripture"? Should Mark 9:29 say, "prayer and fasting" or just "prayer"? What do we do when some manuscripts of the New Testament have one reading, and other manuscripts have a different reading? How do scholars determine which was the original reading? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac give a basic overview into textual criticism.
For more information, see:
Podcasts
The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method by Reformed Forum
Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism by Museum of the Bible
What is New Testament Textual Criticism? by The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts
From Scrolls to Scrolling: Scripture, Technology, and the Word of God by Museum of the Bible
Articles
Textual Criticism: What It Is And Why You Need It by Brandon Crowe
On The King James Only Movement, The Majority Text, And Text Criticism by R. Scott Clark
Nestle-Aland 28: The New Standard in Critical Texts of the Greek New Testament by Daniel Wallace
Can We Still Believe the Bible? by Daniel Wallace
Doing Internal Evidence First in Textual Criticism by Daniel Wallace
Do We Have the Original Text? Some Optimism in Textual Criticism by Michael Kruger
The Heresy of Orthodoxy: Was the NT Text Reliably Transmitted? by Michel Kruger
Books
The Early Text of the New Testament by Michael Kruger
Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger
The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration by Bruce Metzger
A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament by Bruce Metzger
The Text of the Earliest New Testament Greek Manuscripts, (Volume 1-2) by Philip Comfort and David Barrett
A Commentary on the Manuscripts and Text of the New Testament by Philip Comfort
"The Greek Language and Textual Criticism" in Going Deeper With New Testament Greek by Andreas Kostenberger, Benjamin Merkle, and Robert Plummer
The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas Kostenberger and Michael Kruger
What happens when New Testament manuscripts disagree? For example, should John 7:53-8:11 and Mark 16:9-20 be considered "Scripture"? Should Mark 9:29 say, "prayer and fasting" or just "prayer"? What do we do when some manuscripts of the New Testament have one reading, and other manuscripts have a different reading? How do scholars determine which was the original reading? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac give a basic overview into textual criticism.
For more information, see:
Podcasts
The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method by Reformed Forum
Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism by Museum of the Bible
What is New Testament Textual Criticism? by The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts
From Scrolls to Scrolling: Scripture, Technology, and the Word of God by Museum of the Bible
Articles
Nestle-Aland 28: The New Standard in Critical Texts of the Greek New Testament by Daniel Wallace
Can We Still Believe the Bible? by Daniel Wallace
Doing Internal Evidence First in Textual Criticism by Daniel Wallace
Do We Have the Original Text? Some Optimism in Textual Criticism by Michael Kruger
The Heresy of Orthodoxy: Was the NT Text Reliably Transmitted? by Michel Kruger
Books
The Early Text of the New Testament by Michael Kruger
Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger
The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration by Bruce Metzger
A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament by Bruce Metzger
The Text of the Earliest New Testament Greek Manuscripts, (Volume 1-2) by Philip Comfort and David Barrett
A Commentary on the Manuscripts and Text of the New Testament by Philip Comfort
"The Greek Language and Textual Criticism" in Going Deeper With New Testament Greek by Andreas Kostenberger, Benjamin Merkle, and Robert Plummer
The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas Kostenberger and Michael Kruger
What should we think about the house church movement? Are churches in the Bible disconnected, autonomous, non-organized, and independent? Or are they connected with oversight and orderliness? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon think through the house church phenomena.
For more information, see:
The Church of Christ by James Bannerman
The Church by Edmund Clowney
I Will Build My Church by Thomas Witherow
America's God by Mark Noll
The Democratization of American Christianity by Nathan Hatch
Should You Give Yourself Communion At Home? by R. Scott Clark
Cornelis P. Venema, “Integration, Disintegration, and Reintegration: A Preliminary History of the United Reformed Churches in North America” in Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey
What should we think about the house church movement? Are churches in the Bible disconnected, autonomous, non-organized, and independent? Or are they connected with oversight and orderliness? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon think through the house church phenomena.
For more information, see:
The Church of Christ by James Bannerman
The Church by Edmund Clowney
I Will Build My Church by Thomas Witherow
America's God by Mark Noll
The Democratization of American Christianity by Nathan Hatch
Cornelis P. Venema, “Integration, Disintegration, and Reintegration: A Preliminary History of the United Reformed Churches in North America” in Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey
What does it mean to be "Reformed"? Is Reformed Theology merely the "5 Points of Calvinism"? Or is Reformed Theology an entire system of theology derived from Scripture and the ancient church?
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession
Heidelberg Catechism
Canons of Dort
Westminster Standards
Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck
Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos
Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
Recovering the Reformed Confession: Our Theology, Piety, and Practice by R. Scott Clark
Reformation Worship ed. by Jonathan Gibson
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship by Hart and Muether
For Calvinism by Michael Horton
The Shaping of the Reformed Baptismal Rite in the Sixteenth Century by Hughes Oliphant Old
The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old
Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics ed. by K. Scott Oliphint and Lane G. Tipton
The Case for Calvinism by Cornelius Van Til
A Christian Worldview: Essays from a Reformed Perspective ed. by C.N. Willborn
The Puritan Family Resemblance by Randall Pederson
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation by Trueman and Kolb
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
John Calvin: For a New Reformation ed. by Derek Thomas
Crisis in the Reformed Churches: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort ed. by Peter DeJong
What does it mean to be "Reformed"? Is Reformed Theology merely the "5 Points of Calvinism"? Or is Reformed Theology an entire system of theology derived from Scripture and the ancient church?
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession
Heidelberg Catechism
Canons of Dort
Westminster Standards
Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck
Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos
Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
Recovering the Reformed Confession: Our Theology, Piety, and Practice by R. Scott Clark
Reformation Worship ed. by Jonathan Gibson
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship by Hart and Muether
For Calvinism by Michael Horton
The Shaping of the Reformed Baptismal Rite in the Sixteenth Century by Hughes Oliphant Old
The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old
Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics ed. by K. Scott Oliphint and Lane G. Tipton
The Case for Calvinism by Cornelius Van Til
A Christian Worldview: Essays from a Reformed Perspective ed. by C.N. Willborn
The Puritan Family Resemblance by Randall Pederson
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation by Trueman and Kolb
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
John Calvin: For a New Reformation ed. by Derek Thomas
Crisis in the Reformed Churches: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort ed. by Peter DeJong
Christians rightly focus on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, but what about Christ's ascension into heaven? What is the significance of this redemptive-historical event? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the importance of the ascension, and also invite you to our Ascension Day Service.
For more information, see:
The Story Retold (pp. 378-383) by G.K. Beale and Benjamin Gladd
Crucified and Risen by John Calvin
Knowing Christ (chs. 21, 22) by Mark Jones
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 3, pp. 442-447) by Herman Bavinck
God, Heaven, and Har Magedon by Meredith Kline
Foundations of Covenant Theology by Lane Tipton
Christians rightly focus on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, but what about Christ's ascension into heaven? What is the significance of this redemptive-historical event? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the importance of the ascension, and also invite you to our Ascension Day Service.
For more information, see:
The Story Retold (pp. 378-383) by G.K. Beale and Benjamin Gladd
Crucified and Risen by John Calvin
Knowing Christ (chs. 21, 22) by Mark Jones
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 3, pp. 442-447) by Herman Bavinck
God, Heaven, and Har Magedon by Meredith Kline
Foundations of Covenant Theology by Lane Tipton
Was Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross "once for all," or is it to be repeated daily or weekly? Does the Word have primacy in a worship service, or is it the Lord's Supper (Eucharist)? Is the Eucharist our work toward God, or God's action toward us? In this episode, Pastor's Brandon and Zac discuss the differences between the Reformed Church and the Roman Church regarding the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
For more information, see:
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper by Thomas Watson
The Lord's Supper as a Means of Grace: More Than Just a Memory by Richard Barcellos
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation (ch. 7) by Robert Kolb and Carl Trueman
Why The Reformation Still Matters by Michael Reeves
The Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass by Cornelius Venema
Treatises on the Sacraments by John Calvin
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
Was Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross "once for all," or is it to be repeated daily or weekly? Does the Word have primacy in a worship service, or is it the Lord's Supper (Eucharist)? Is the Eucharist our work toward God, or God's action toward us? In this episode, Pastor's Brandon and Zac discuss the differences between the Reformed Church and the Roman Church regarding the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
For more information, see:
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper as a Means of Grace: More Than Just a Memory by Richard Barcellos
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation (ch. 7) by Robert Kolb and Carl Trueman
The Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass by Cornelius Venema
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
Should we pray to Mary and the Saints? Can they hear our prayers? Does Mary help to save us from our sins? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon compare and contrast the Reformed view with the Roman view on Mary and the Saints in order to bring out greater understanding between the two traditions.
For more information, see:
Luke 11:27-28
1 Timothy 2:5
Hebrews 7:25
Revelation 22:9
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 30
Mary, the Old Testament, and the Roman Catholic "Leap" by Mark Garcia
Rescuing Mary from Rome: The Virgin in Scripture, Theology, and the Church by Mark Garcia
Should We Pray to the Saints in Heaven? by Zacharias Ursinus
Can praying to Mary or the saints keep a professing Christian out of heaven? by R.C. Sproul
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
Should we pray to Mary and the Saints? Can they hear our prayers? Does Mary help to save us from our sins? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon compare and contrast the Reformed view with the Roman view on Mary and the Saints in order to bring out greater understanding between the two traditions.
For more information, see:
Luke 11:27-28
1 Timothy 2:5
Hebrews 7:25
Revelation 22:9
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 30
Mary, the Old Testament, and the Roman Catholic "Leap" by Mark Garcia
Rescuing Mary from Rome: The Virgin in Scripture, Theology, and the Church by Mark Garcia
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
Is the Pope the "head of the church"? Does Matthew 16 teach apostolic succession or doctrinal succession? Should there be an earthly man at the top of the church hierarchy? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the Reformed view of church polity as compared to the Roman Catholic view.
For more information, see:
Was Peter the First Pope (Matthew 16)? by Cincy Reformed
Belgic Confession, Art. 27-31
Canons of Dort, 1.7
The Church by Edmund Clowney
Institute of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, Book 4, ch. 2-11.
How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Prentiss Waters
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
Is the Pope the "head of the church"? Does Matthew 16 teach apostolic succession or doctrinal succession? Should there be an earthly man at the top of the church? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the Reformed view of church polity as compared to the Roman Catholic view.
For more information, see:
Was Peter the First Pope (Matthew 16)? by Cincy Reformed
Belgic Confession, Art. 27-31
Canons of Dort, 1.7
The Church by Edmund Clowney, ch. 14
Institute of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, Book 4, ch. 2-11.
How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Prentiss Waters
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
"What must I do to be saved?" is a central question asked in the Gospels. However, the Reformed Church and the Roman Catholic Church have given antithetical answers to this key question. According to the Reformed Church, justification is on the grounds of Jesus's imputed righteousness which is received by faith alone. Good works, then, are a fruit of justification - never the root. As Richard Gaffin said, love "is not identical with faith, but its fruit or result," and good works are "expressions" of a believer's saving faith. Roman Catholicism, however, has declared those who believe this to be "Anathema" (eternally damned). In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac continue the series that is comparing and contrasting the Reformed Church with the Roman Catholic Church in order to gain clarity and understanding, which can best lead to more fruitful dialogue.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession, Art. 22-23
Heidelberg Catechism, Q 60-65
Canons of Dort, Rejection of Errors
Justified in Christ: God's Plan for Us in Justification ed. by K. Scott Oliphint
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
By Faith, Not By Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance by Sinclair Ferguson
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
How Can Justification Make Me Joyful? by Daniel Hyde
Reformed Dogmatics (vol. 4, ch. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation (ch. 7, 21) by Geerhardus Vos
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
"What must I do to be saved?" is a central question asked in the Gospels. However, the Reformed Church and the Roman Catholic Church have given antithetical answers to this key question. According to the Reformed Church, justification is on the grounds of Jesus's imputed righteousness which is received by faith alone. Good works, then, are a fruit of justification - never the root. As Richard Gaffin said, love "is not identical with faith, but its fruit or result," and good works are "expressions" of a believer's saving faith. Roman Catholicism, however, has declared those who believe this to be "Anathema" (eternally damned). In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac continue the series that is comparing and contrasting the Reformed Church with the Roman Catholic Church in order to gain clarity and understanding, which can best lead to more fruitful dialogue.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession, Art. 22-23
Heidelberg Catechism, Q 60-65
Canons of Dort, Rejection of Errors
Justified in Christ: God's Plan for Us in Justification ed. by K. Scott Oliphint
Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by R.C. Sproul
By Faith, Not By Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance by Sinclair Ferguson
Far From Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Catholic Priests by Richard Bennett
How Can Justification Make Me Joyful? by Daniel Hyde
Reformed Dogmatics (vol. 4, ch. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation (ch. 7, 21) by Geerhardus Vos
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
In this five-part series, Pastors Zac and Brandon compare and contrast the teachings of the Reformed Church with the Roman Catholic Church in order to gain clarity, and to sharpen our understanding of each tradition. In this first episode, the pastors take up the issue of authority, Scripture, and church tradition.
For more information, see:
The Belgic Confession, Art. 7 (c.f., Art. 3-7)
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol.1, ch.11-14) by Herman Bavinck
God's Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett
The Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger
Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture ed. by David Garner
Thy Word is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today ed. by Peter Lillback
The Doctrine of Scripture by Cornelius Van Til
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
In this five-part series, Pastors Zac and Brandon compare and contrast the teachings of the Reformed Church with the Roman Catholic Church in order to gain clarity, and to sharpen our understanding of each tradition. In this first episode, the pastors take up the issue of authority, Scripture, and church tradition.
For more information, see:
The Belgic Confession, Art. 7 (c.f., Art. 3-7)
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol.1, ch.11-14) by Herman Bavinck
God's Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett
The Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger
Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture ed. by David Garner
Thy Word is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today ed. by Peter Lillback
A Reformed Catholic by William Perkins
The early church was devoted to the Apostles' teaching, the Lord's Supper, the fellowship, and "theprayers" (Acts 2:42). Why did Luke add the definite article "the"? Why not say more generally, "... and they prayed"? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the biblical basis for and practical benefits of praying liturgical prayers.
For more information, see:
Forms and Prayers by URC
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson
Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present ed. by Lukas Vischer
Thinking God's Thoughts (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
The early church was devoted to the Apostles' teaching, the Lord's Supper, the fellowship, and "the prayers" (Acts 2:42). Why did Luke add the definite article "the"? Why not say more generally, "... and they prayed"? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the biblical basis for and practical benefits of praying liturgical prayers.
For more information, see:
Forms and Prayers by URC
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson
Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present ed. by Lukas Vischer
Thinking God's Thoughts (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward." Notice that Jesus said "when you fast," not "ifyou fast." Fasting is expected of, for those who follow Christ. As one author put it, "Christian fasting is not self-wrought discipline that tries to deserve more from God. It is a hunger for God awakened by the taste of God freely given in the gospel." And it need not be a daunting idea. "If you've never fasted before, start with a one-, two-, or at most three-meal fast. But start somewhere," said Donald Whitney. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon look to Scripture and answer common questions about fasting.
For more information, see:
On Christian Fasting by Zac Wyse
Fasting: A Neglected Practice by Zac Wyse
Why Should I Fast? by Daniel Hyde
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward." Notice that Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast." Fasting is expected of, for those who follow Christ. As one author put it, "Christian fasting is not self-wrought discipline that tries to deserve more from God. It is a hunger for God awakened by the taste of God freely given in the gospel." And it need not be a daunting idea. "If you've never fasted before, start with a one-, two-, or at most three-meal fast. But start somewhere," said Donald Whitney. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon look to Scripture and answer common questions about fasting.
For more information, see:
On Christian Fasting by Zac Wyse
Fasting: A Neglected Practice by Zac Wyse
Why Should I Fast? by Daniel Hyde
If the Apostles' Creed (2nd-7th c.), Nicene Creed (AD 325-589), and Athanasian Creed (5th-6th c.) were not "God-breathed," as are the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16), should they have any authority in our churches? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the authority of these creeds. While the Bible is our highest authority, which makes it the "norming norm," creeds, confessions, and catechisms function as subordinate authorities, which makes them the "normed norm." Developing creedal summaries of the faith is a practice that goes all the way back to the early church, as they sought to "hold fast to the pattern of sound words" (2 Tim. 1:13). In fact, the Bible includes many early credal statements that existed prior to the writing of some of the New Testament books (e.g., Rom. 1:3-4; 1 Cor. 8:6; 15:3ff; Phil. 2:5-10; 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:18-21). Not only are creeds biblical, but everyone has one. [A]ll Christians engage in confessional synthesis," wrote Carl Trueman, "the difference is simply whether one adheres to a public confession, subject to public scrutiny, or to a private confession that is, by its very nature, immune to such examination."
For more information, see:
Forms and Prayers by URCNA
The Creedal Imperative by Carl Trueman
Thinking God's Thoughts (ch. 16) by J. Brandon Burks
Know the Creeds and Councils by Justin Holcomb
If the Apostles' Creed (2nd-7th c.), Nicene Creed (AD 325-589), and Athanasian Creed (5th-6th c.) were not "God-breathed," as is Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16), should they have any authority in our churches? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the authority of these creeds. While the Bible is our highest authority, which makes it the "norming norm," creeds, confessions, and catechisms function as subordinate authorities, which makes them the "normed norm." Developing creedal summaries of the faith is a practice that goes all the way back to the early church, as they sought to "hold fast to the pattern of sound words" (2 Tim. 1:13). In fact, the Bible includes many early credal statements that existed prior to the writing of some of the New Testament books (e.g., Rom. 1:3-4; 1 Cor. 8:6; 15:3ff; Phil. 2:5-10; 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:18-21). Not only are creeds biblical, but everyone has one. [A]ll Christians engage in confessional synthesis," wrote Carl Trueman, "the difference is simply whether one adheres to a public confession, subject to public scrutiny, or to a private confession that is, by its very nature, immune to such examination."
For more information, see:
Forms and Prayers by URCNA
The Creedal Imperative by Carl Trueman
Thinking God's Thoughts (ch. 16) by J. Brandon Burks
Know the Creeds and Councils by Justin Holcomb
What does the Bible teach about marriage? If the church is commanded to "hold marriage in high honor (Hebrews 13:4), then we must know what marriage is. But whose definition should we seek? Who defines marriage, God or the world?
For more information, see:
Affirmations Regarding Marriage by URCNA
When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel in Marriage by Dave Harvey
Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change Through Ordinary Moments by Winston Smith
Song of Songs by Iain Duguid
What does the Bible say about marriage? If the church is commanded to "hold marriage in high honor (Hebrews 13:4), then we must know what it is. Whose definition should we seek? Who defines marriage, God or the world?
For more information, see:
Affirmations Regarding Marriage by URCNA
When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel in Marriage by Dave Harvey
Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change Through Ordinary Moments by Winston Smith
Song of Songs by Iain Duguid
In this episode, Pastor Brandon introduces the Reformed view of Baptism, focusing on the fact that the children of believers are Christians - members of the Covenant of Grace - and as such they are entitled to the sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is a means of grace, whereby we are spiritually nourished by Christ. Throughout our lives, we are called to "remember your baptism."
For more information, see:
Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children by Daniel Hyde
Christian Baptism by John Murray
Baptism, Covenant, Election (video) by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Why Do We Baptize Our Children? (video) by Richard Pratt
Infant Baptism (video) by Lingon Duncan
As one Catechism put it, "Fasting is abstaining from food or some enjoyment for a period of time for spiritual concerns, focusing on Christ and His purposes in the world." But was this really meant to be a routine Christian practice? What are some practical ways fasting can be a regular practice as part of our Christian piety? In this episode, Pastor Zac delivers a Catechism Sermon on the topic of Fasting.
For more information, see:
On Christian Fasting by Zac Wyse
Why Should I Fast? by Daniel Hyde
There are no shortages of books, documentaries, and movies that attempt to grapple with the reality of what happened in Salem Village, 1692. Many approaches are admittedly secular and naturalistic, using the historical event to discredit religion, Christianity, or specifically the Puritans. But what is a Christian to think about the Salem Witch Trials? After all, Christians believe witchcraft not only to be real, but also to be a great evil (Exo. 7:11; Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 28:6-25; Acts 16:16-24; 19:17-20; Gal. 5:19-21). Moreover, the Puritans were spiritual giants whose writings have blessed many. John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, John Owen's Death of Death in the Death of Christ, Herman Witsius's The Lord's Prayer, Thomas Boston's The Crook in the Lot, Thomas Watson's The Doctrine of Repentance, and Richard Sibbs The Bruised Reed are just a few Puritan classics that have blessed Christians for generations. It would be wrong to "throw the baby out with the bathwater." Nevertheless, there are serious lessons to be learned, both negative and positive, from the terrible events of Salem Village, 1692. In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore this historical occurrence from a Puritan perspective.
For the original source material (from a theological perspective), see:
A Discourse on the Damned Art of Witchcraft by William Perkins
The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits by Richard Baxter
Demonology and Theology by Nathaniel Holmes
On Witchcraft by Cotton Mather
The Sermon Notebook of Samuel Parris, 1689-1694
There are no shortages of books, documentaries, and movies that attempt to grapple with the reality of what happened in Salem Village, 1692. Many approaches are admittedly secular and naturalistic, using the historical event to discredit religion, Christianity, or specifically the Puritans. But what is a Christian to think about the Salem Witch Trials? After all, Christians believe witchcraft not only to be real, but also to be a great evil (Exo. 7:11; Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 28:6-25; Acts 16:16-24; 19:17-20; Gal. 5:19-21). Moreover, the Puritans were spiritual giants whose writings have blessed many. John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, John Owen's Death of Death in the Death of Christ, Herman Witsius's The Lord's Prayer, Thomas Boston's The Crook in the Lot, Thomas Watson's The Doctrine of Repentance, and Richard Sibbs The Bruised Reed are just a few Puritan classics that have blessed Christians for generations. It would be wrong to "throw the baby out with the bathwater." Nevertheless, there are serious lessons to be learned, both negative and positive, from the terrible events of Salem Village, 1692. In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore this historical occurrence from a Puritan perspective.
For the original source material, see:
A Discourse on the Damned Art of Witchcraft by William Perkins
The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits by Richard Baxter
Demonology and Theology by Nathaniel Holmes
On Witchcraft by Cotton Mather
The Sermon Notebook of Samuel Parris, 1689-1694
In this week's episode, Pastors and Brandon and Zac unpack the religion of Wicca and brainstorm ways in which Christians can reach Wiccans with the Gospel of Christ.
For more information, see:
Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned From Other Beliefs to Jesus (ch. 7) by Thom Rainer
Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists by Janis Hutchinson
Wicca's Charm: Understanding the Spiritual Hunger Behind the Rise of Modern Witchcraft and Pagan Spirituality by Catharine Sanders
Cults and New Religious Movements: A Reader ed. by Lorne L. Dawson
Mystics and Messiahs: Cults and New Religions in American History by Philip Jenkins
[NOTE: These books cannot be recommended wholesale, as there are some places where we disagree, but they do shed light on key aspects of Wicca.]
In this week's episode, Pastors and Brandon and Zac unpack the religion of Wicca and brainstorm ways in which Christians can reach Wiccans with the Gospel of Christ.
For more information, see:
Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned From Other Beliefs to Jesus (ch. 7) by Thom Rainer
Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists by Janis Hutchinson
Wicca's Charm: Understanding the Spiritual Hunger Behind the Rise of Modern Witchcraft and Pagan Spirituality by Catharine Sanders
Cults and New Religious Movements: A Reader ed. by Lorne L. Dawson
Mystics and Messiahs: Cults and New Religions in American History by Philip Jenkins
[NOTE: These books cannot be recommended wholesale, as there are some places where we disagree, but they do shed light on key aspects of Wicca.]
The Trinity is difficult to understand. As pastors and teachers try to break down the concept in order to teach, analogies are often deployed. Some liken the Trinity to a three-leaf clover, others to the three possible states of waters (solid, liquid, gas). But are these analogies helpful? Do they reflect the God of Scripture? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac show that all human analogies actually teach an ancient Trinitarian heresy rather than the God of the Bible. This being the case, human analogies ought to be rejected.
For more information, see:
Athanasian Creed
Belgic Confession, Art 8-9
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 25
The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain
The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance ed. by Brandon Crowe and Carl Trueman
The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship by Robert Letham
Van Til's Trinitarian Theology by Lane Tipton
The Trinity is difficult to understand. As pastors and teachers try to break down the concept in order to teach, analogies are often deployed. Some liken the Trinity to a three-leaf clover, others to the three possible states of waters (solid, liquid, gas). But are these analogies helpful? Do they reflect the God of Scripture? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac show that all human analogies actually teach an ancient Trinitarian heresy rather than the God of the Bible. This being the case, human analogies ought to be rejected.
For more information, see:
Athanasian Creed
Belgic Confession, Art 8-9
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 25
The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain
The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance ed. by Brandon Crowe and Carl Trueman
The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship by Robert Letham
Van Til's Trinitarian Theology by Lane Tipton
If we believe in the Trinity, should that shape our worship? Should a liturgy have an explicitly Trinitarian shape to it? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss not only why the Trinity should shape Christian worship, but also ways in which the Trinity can be explicit featured in a church's liturgy.
For more information, see:
The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain
The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance ed. by Brandon Crowe and Carl Trueman
The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship by Robert Letham
Van Til's Trinitarian Theology by Lane Tipton
How is our worship shaped by the Trinity? Should a liturgy have an explicitly Trinitarian shape to it? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss not only why the Trinity should shape Christian worship, but also ways in which the Trinity can be explicit featured in a church's liturgy.
For more information, see:
The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain
The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance ed. by Brandon Crowe and Carl Trueman
The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship by Robert Letham
Van Til's Trinitarian Theology by Lane Tipton
"Can I come back to church after years of being away? What should I do?" In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss practical matters related to getting involved with your local church once again.
To find a solid church in your location, search here.
For more information about church and worship in general, see:
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
"Can I come back to church after years of being away? What should I do?" In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss practical matters related to getting involved with your local church once again.
To find a solid church in your location, search here.
For more information about church and worship in general, see:
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Every mention of microchips, implants, or smart tattoos brings anxiety that perhaps the end is near. But what is the Mark of the Beast? Is it always something physical and visible? Can someone be forced against his or her will to receive the Mark? Could a person accidentally be implanted with the Mark? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the Mark of the Beast and its practical implications for daily life.
For more information, see:
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist by Kim Riddlebarger
Every mention of microchips, implants, or smart tattoos brings anxiety that perhaps the end is near. But what is the Mark of the Beast? Is it always something physical and visible? Can someone be forced against his or her will to receive the Mark? Could a person accidentally be implanted with the Mark? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the Mark of the Beast and its practical implications for daily life.
For more information, see:
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist by Kim Riddlebarger
"If I don't attend church, should I have my children baptized?" This is a question asked with more frequency in our day. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon unpack Scripture and the Reformed tradition in order to answer this question.
For our previous episodes on baptism, see:
Infant Baptism - Biblical Mandate or Manmade Tradition?
Are Covenant Children Christians?
What Makes Baptism Valid?
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism
10 Reasons to Baptize Covenant Children
"If I don't attend church, should I have my children baptized?" This is a question asked with more frequency in our day. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon unpack Scripture and the Reformed tradition in order to answer this question.
For our previous episodes on baptism, see:
Infant Baptism - Biblical Mandate or Manmade Tradition?
Are Covenant Children Christians?
What Makes Baptism Valid?
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism
10 Reasons to Baptize Covenant Children
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac take on the weird and the extraterrestrial. Could aliens be real? There has been a lot of buzz in the media regarding this topic. Over the summer in 2021, the government released previously classified information regarding UFO sightings and, more recently, there have been reports of theologians discussing with government officials as to how their faith communities would respond to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Unsurprisingly, this has caused quite the stir within wider-culture. But does the Bible give us any insights or clues into this question?
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac take on the weird and the extraterrestrial. Could aliens be real? There has been a lot of buzz in the media regarding this topic. Over the summer in 2021, the government released previously classified information regarding UFO sightings and, more recently, there have been reports of theologians discussing with government officials as to how their faith communities would respond to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Unsurprisingly, this has caused quite the stir within wider-culture. But does the Bible give us any insights or clues into this question?
In this episode, Pastor Zac unpacks Romans chapter 7 and the Heidelberg Catechism in order to highlight the heart of the law.
For more information, see:
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored (2nd ed.) by Michael Brown and Zack Keele
It is often asked, "Why would I memorize a catechism when I could just memorize Bible verses?" This impulse can be appreciated; after all, the Bible is our highest authority, it is inerrant, infallible, and so on. In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac speak about why catechisms are necessary for the Christian life.
For more information, see:
Rediscovering Catechism by Donald Van Dyken
It is often asked, "Why would I memorize a catechism when I could just memorize Bible verses?" This impulse can be appreciated; after all, the Bible is our highest authority, it is inerrant, infallible, and so on. In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac speak about why catechisms are necessary for the Christian life.
For more information, see:
Rediscovering Catechism by Donald Van Dyken
Is Christ really present in the Lord's Supper or is the Lord's Supper a mere memorial of Christ's death? In the Sacrament of Communion we remember what Christ has done and also we look forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb when Christ returns, but is there a present reality where we commune with Christ during the Lord's Supper? If Christ is really present in the Lord's Supper, is His presence physical or spiritual? Has Christ's flesh ascended into Heaven or is it still on earth? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss different views on the Lord's Supper and how to engage them.
For more information, see:
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper as a Means of Grace: More Than Just a Memory by Richard Barcellos
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation (ch. 7) by Robert Kolb and Carl Trueman
The Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass by Cornelius Venema
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Is Christ really present in the Lord's Supper or is the Lord's Supper a mere memorial of Christ's death? In the Sacrament of Communion we remember what Christ has done and also we look forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb when Christ returns, but is there a present reality where we commune with Christ during the Lord's Supper? If Christ is really present in the Lord's Supper, is His presence physical or spiritual? Has Christ's flesh ascended into Heaven or is it still on earth? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss different views on the Lord's Supper and how to engage them.
For more information, see:
The Lord's Supper: Answers to Common Questions by Keith Mathison
The Lord's Supper as a Means of Grace: More Than Just a Memory by Richard Barcellos
Reformed Dogmatics (Vol. 5) by Geerhardus Vos
Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation (ch. 7) by Robert Kolb and Carl Trueman
The Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass by Cornelius Venema
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Zacharias Ursinus said, "The doctrine of the church is the entire and uncorrupted doctrine of the law and gospel concerning the true God, together with his will, works, and worship." How do we understand words like "Gospel" or "Law"? Narrowly, the Gospel tells us what Christ has done for us (indicative). But broadly, the Gospel can exhort (imperative) and even threaten (Canons of Dort, 5.14). The Law can refer to the Law of Moses, broadly, or to the moral law more narrowly. But of what use is the Law for those who are united to Christ? If, in Christ, we are justified, adopted, and sanctified - if our 'old self' was crucified and we are raised with Christ - of what use can the law be? Does the law merely function negatively, showing us our sinfulness and inability, or does the Holy Spirit empower us to follow God's commands (though imperfectly)? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give an introduction to these questions.
For more information, see:
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (pp. 608-618) by Zacharias Ursinus
By Faith, Not By Sight by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law by Brandon Crowe
The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson
A New Testament Biblical Theology (ch. 25-26) by G.K. Beale
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored by Michael Brown and Zach Keele
The Law-Gospel Distinction by Zac Wyse
Zacharias Ursinus said, "The doctrine of the church is the entire and uncorrupted doctrine of the law and gospel concerning the true God, together with his will, works, and worship." How do we understand words like "Gospel" or "Law"? Narrowly, the Gospel tells us what Christ has done for us (indicative). But broadly, the Gospel can exhort (imperative) and even threaten (Canons of Dort, 5.14). The Law can refer to the Law of Moses, broadly, or to the moral law more narrowly. But of what use is the Law for those who are united to Christ? If, in Christ, we are justified, adopted, and sanctified - if our 'old self' was crucified and we are raised with Christ - of what use can the law be? Does the law merely function negatively, showing us our sinfulness and inability, or does the Holy Spirit empower us to follow God's commands (though imperfectly)? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give an introduction to these questions.
For more information, see:
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (pp. 608-618) by Zacharias Ursinus
By Faith, Not By Sight by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law by Brandon Crowe
The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson
A New Testament Biblical Theology (ch. 25-26) by G.K. Beale
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored by Michael Brown and Zach Keele
The Law-Gospel Distinction by Zac Wyse
According to Scripture, it is God who opens wombs (Gen. 29:31; 30:17-24; Ps. 113:9) and closes wombs (Gen. 20:18; 1 Sam. 1:5). God is Lord of the womb and, under God’s Lordship, life begins and a soul is created by God when an egg is fertilized. With this background, how should Christians think about Abortion (i.e., the killing of a baby in a mother's womb)? God forbids murder (Exo. 20:13; Rev. 21:8), but does this include a person in a womb? Are there exceptions where a mother would be justified in killing her child in her womb? Should a mother kill her child if the child's father raped her? Should the mother kill her child to save her own life? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss this difficult issue. (Also see: Job 31:15; Ps. 22:9-10; 100:3; 139:14-15; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41)
For more information, see:
Abortion by R.C. Sproul
Do You Really Love Life? by Timothy Brindle
Healing After Abortion: God's Mercy Is for You by David Powlison
Forgiveness After an Abortion by Julie Ganschow
Abortion is Immoral: An Animated Roadmap of the Argument by Justin Taylor
"Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey Haunt Our Country" - Some of the Most Clarifying Words in Supreme Court Historyby R. Albert Mohler Jr.
According to Scripture, it is God who opens wombs (Gen. 29:31; 30:17-24; Ps. 113:9) and closes wombs (Gen. 20:18; 1 Sam. 1:5). God is Lord of the womb and, under God’s Lordship, life begins and a soul is created by God when an egg is fertilized. With this background, how should Christians think about Abortion (i.e., the killing of a baby in a mother's womb)? God forbids murder (Exo. 20:13; Rev. 21:8), but does this include a person in a womb? Are there exceptions where a mother would be justified in killing her child in her womb? Should a mother kill her child if the child's father raped her? Should the mother kill her child to save her own life? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss this difficult issue.
For more information, see:
Abortion by R.C. Sproul
Do You Really Love Life? by Timothy Brindle
Healing After Abortion: God's Mercy Is for You by David Powlison
Forgiveness After an Abortion by Julie Ganschow
Abortion is Immoral: An Animated Roadmap of the Argument by Justin Taylor
"Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey Haunt Our Country" - Some of the Most Clarifying Words in Supreme Court History by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Is Christianity the only true religion? Are all other religions false? How do you know? Are you in the true religion or a false religion? Are all religions the same? Are all gods equal? Does every religion have merely pieces of the truth? How can you be sure? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon dive into these questions in order to bring clarity and encouragement to weary pilgrims.
For more information, see:
Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus by Thom Rainer
Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint
The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius van Til
"The Gospel and World Religions" by Simon Turpin in World Religions and Cults (Vol. 2).
The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox by B.A. Bosserman
What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James White
No God But One: Allah or Jesus? by Nabeel Qureshi
Is Christianity the only true religion? Are all other religions false? How do you know? Are you in the true religion or a false religion? Are all religions the same? Are all gods equal? Does every religion have merely pieces of the truth? How can you be sure? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon dive into these questions in order to bring clarity and encouragement to weary pilgrims.
For more information, see:
Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus by Thom Rainer
Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint
The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius van Til
"The Gospel and World Religions" by Simon Turpin in World Religions and Cults (Vol. 2).
The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox by B.A. Bosserman
What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James White
No God But One: Allah or Jesus? by Nabeel Qureshi
In a recent television show, a college professor posed this question to his students:
“When do people’s [religious/superstitous] convictions and your pursuit of happiness become mutually exclusive? With a click of a button, people can push these symbols out to millions and promote myth as fact. In this post-truth world, where does this leave us? Where do we draw the line between respecting the beliefs of others and calling bull-[crap].”
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac dissect this quote, not only to show Christians how the logic of the quote falls apart, but also to give them guidance in how to live in a world wherein this thinking is becoming pervasive.
For more information, see:
Confessions by St. Augustine
Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til
Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame
Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress
Christian Worldview by Herman Bavinck
What is Your Worldview? by James Anderson
Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint
Can We Know Truth? by Richard Phillips
In a recent television show, a college professor posed this question to his students:
“When do people’s [religious/superstitous] convictions and your pursuit of happiness become mutually exclusive? With a click of a button, people can push these symbols out to millions and promote myth as fact. In this post-truth world, where does this leave us? Where do we draw the line between respecting the beliefs of others and calling bull-[crap].”
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac dissect this quote, not only to show Christians how the logic of the quote falls apart, but also to give them guidance in how to live in a world wherein this thinking is becoming pervasive.
For more information, see:
Confessions by St. Augustine
Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til
Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame
Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress
Christian Worldview by Herman Bavinck
What is Your Worldview? by James Anderson
When you think of the Lord's Supper, do you think of celebration and joy, or maybe of a more somber, penitent, self-examination? In this episode, Pastor Zac makes the case that the emphasis of the Lord's Supper ought to be one of a joyful celebration. Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on a range of issues, including covenant meals, the role of self-examination, and more.
For more information, see:
Lift Your Hearts on High by Ronald P. Byars
The Lord's Supper: As the Sign and Meal of the New Testament by Guy Prentiss Waters
When you think of the Lord's Supper, do you think of celebration and joy, or maybe of a more somber, penitent, self-examination? In this episode, Pastor Zac makes the case that the emphasis of the Lord's Supper ought to be one of a joyful celebration. Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on a range of issues, including covenant meals, the role of self-examination, and more.
For more information, see:
Lift Your Hearts on High by Ronald P. Byars
The Lord's Supper: As the Sign and Meal of the New Testament by Guy Prentiss Waters
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss one of the most controversial chapters in all of the Bible, namely, Revelation chapter 20. Is the "1,000 year reign of Christ" a future event? Or is the Millennium (1,000 yrs) right now? Also, what does it mean for Satan to be "bound"? Again, is this future or right now? These questions and others are unpacked in this episode.
For more information, see:
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale and David Campbell
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
Theonomy and Eschatology: Some Reflections on Postmillennialism by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss one of the most controversial chapters in all of the Bible, namely, Revelation chapter 20. Is the "1,000 year reign of Christ" a future event? Or is the Millennium (1,000 yrs) right now? Also, what does it mean for Satan to be "bound"? Again, is this future or right now? These questions and others are unpacked in this episode.
For more information, see:
Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale and David Campbell
Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke
Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips
The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress
A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
Theonomy and Eschatology: Some Reflections on Postmillennialism by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Philosopher David Hume pressed the question, "Is he [God] willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?" In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac open Scripture to discuss why evil exists and how God remains both "the overflowing source of all good" (Belgic Confession, Article 1) and so sovereign that "all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand" (Heidelberg Catechism, Q.27). The episode concludes with practical and pastoral advice on how to respond to suffering and persecution.
For more information, see:
Suffering and Sovereignty: John Flavel and the Puritans on Afflictive Providence by Brian Cosby
Suffering and the Goodness of God ed. by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson
God's Grace in Your Suffering by David Powlison
How Long O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Pain by D.A. Carson
Know Why You Believe (chapter 9) by K. Scott Oliphint
Philosopher David Hume pressed the question, "Is he [God] willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?" In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac open Scripture to discuss why evil exists and how God remains both "the overflowing source of all good" (Belgic Confession, Article 1) and so sovereign that "all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but by his fatherly hand" (Heidelberg Catechism, Q.27). The episode concludes with practical and pastoral advice on how to respond to suffering and persecution.
For more information, see:
Suffering and Sovereignty: John Flavel and the Puritans on Afflictive Providence by Brian Cosby
Suffering and the Goodness of God ed. by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson
God's Grace in Your Suffering by David Powlison
How Long O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Pain by D.A. Carson
Know Why You Believe (chapter 9) by K. Scott Oliphint
As we prepare for Reformation Day, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the 16th Century Reformation, as well as the debates on authority and justification that were taking place at that time.
For more information, see:
Movie
Luther (2003)
Documentary
Luther Documentary
Reformation 500 Celebration
Books
Martin Luther (For Young Readers) by Simonette Carr
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom by Carl Trueman
The European Reformations by Carter Lindberg
The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation by Michael Reeves
As we prepare for Reformation Day, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the 16th Century Reformation, as well as the debates on authority and justification that were taking place at that time.
For more information, see:
Movie
Luther (2003)
Documentary
Luther Documentary
Reformation 500 Celebration
Books
Martin Luther (For Young Readers) by Simonette Carr
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom by Carl Trueman
The European Reformations by Carter Lindberg
The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation by Michael Reeves
In this episode, Pastor Zac gives 10 reasons why Christian parents should baptize their children. Infant Baptism is not left over baggage from Roman Catholicism; it is something that is given to Christ's church in the pages of Holy Scripture.
For more information, see:
A Baptist Pastor Embraces Infant Baptism
Are Covenant Children Christians?
Infant Baptism
Why Do We Baptize Our Children?
Baptism, Covenant, Election
In today's episode, we bring you the recording of the Pastors' Mini-Conference (2021) that was held at Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH. The topic of the conference was the Psalms, specifically singing Psalms in corporate worship on the Lord's Day. Rev. Boekestein also gave helpful advice for pastors and elders who might want to introduce Psalm-singing in their local church.
For more information, see:
Trinity Psalter Hymnal
Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey
Sing A New Song: Recovering Psalm Singing for the Twenty-First Century by Joel Beeke and Anthony Selvaggio
Why Should We Sing Psalms by Joel Beeke
The Flow of the Psalm by O. Palmer Robinson
J. Gresham Machen rightly said that Liberalism is a different religion entirely from that of Christianity. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the origin and characteristics of Theological Liberalism.
For more information, see:
Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Theological Liberalism by R.C. Sproul
Immanuel Kant by Shao Kai Tseng
A History of Western Philosophy and Theology (pp. 214-461) by John Frame
Christianity and Barthianism (pp. 1-10, 240-273, 387-446) by Cornelius Van Til
Machen's Christianity and Liberalism (Reformed Forum)
Van Til, Barth, and Liberalism (Reformed Forum)
Liberalism, the Different Religion (Reformed Forum)
The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy and the Spirit of Schleiermacher (Reformed Forum)
Christianity and Liberalism Today by Michael Horton
J. Gresham Machen rightly said that Liberalism is a different religion entirely from that of Christianity. In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the origin and characteristics of Theological Liberalism.
For more information, see:
Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Theological Liberalism by R.C. Sproul
Immanuel Kant by Shao Kai Tseng
A History of Western Philosophy and Theology (pp. 214-461) by John Frame
Christianity and Barthianism (pp. 1-10, 240-273, 387-446) by Cornelius Van Til
Machen's Christianity and Liberalism (Reformed Forum)
Van Til, Barth, and Liberalism (Reformed Forum)
Liberalism, the Different Religion (Reformed Forum)
The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy and the Spirit of Schleiermacher (Reformed Forum)
Christianity and Liberalism Today by Michael Horton
Pastors Brandon and Zac don their apologetics hat in today's episode and discuss the common arguments for the existence of God that have been used throughout church history. In this episode, they discuss the cosmological, teleological, ontological, moral, and transcendental arguments for God's existence. If those titles look too daunting, fear not! Zac and Brandon break them down to their simplest levels.
For more information, see:
[Introductory Level]
Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint
Why Should I Believe Christianity? By James Anderson
Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint
The Faithful Apologist: Rethinking the Role of Persuasion in Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
[Intermediate Level]
Christian Apologetics: Past and Present (Vol. 1 & 2) ed. by William Edgar and K. Scott Oliphint
Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til
Van Til's Apologetic: Readings and Analysis by Greg Bahnsen
Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics ed. by K. Scott Oliphint and Lane G. Tipton
The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox: An Interpretation and Refinement of the Theological Apologetic of Cornelius Van Til by B.A. Bosserman
Pastors Brandon and Zac don their apologetics hat in today's episode and discuss the common arguments for the existence of God that have been used throughout church history. In this episode, they discuss the cosmological, teleological, ontological, moral, and transcendental arguments for God's existence. If those titles look too daunting, fear not! Zac and Brandon break them down to their simplest levels.
For more information, see:
[Introductory Level]
Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint
Why Should I Believe Christianity? By James Anderson
Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint
The Faithful Apologist: Rethinking the Role of Persuasion in Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
[Intermediate Level]
Christian Apologetics: Past and Present (Vol. 1 & 2) ed. by William Edgar and K. Scott Oliphint
Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til
Van Til's Apologetic: Readings and Analysis by Greg Bahnsen
Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics ed. by K. Scott Oliphint and Lane G. Tipton
The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox: An Interpretation and Refinement of the Theological Apologetic of Cornelius Van Til by B.A. Bosserman
This is the final installment of the 2021 Nurture Conference that was held at Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH. To round out the conference, Pastor Zac preached a sermon from Psalm 78 where he emphasized the need to tell the next generation their story as it is found in Sacred Scripture.
This was Bill's second and final address in the Nurture Conference (2021) held by Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH. In this episode, Bill discusses the role biographies can play in the raising of our covenant children.
Some of the biographies Bill Boekestein has written include:
-
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism
-
The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort
-
Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido de Bres
-
Ulrich Zwingli
This is the second talk of the Nurture Conference (2021) held by Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH. In this talk, Pastor Brandon unpacks the biblical basis of catechesis, the history of catechisms, and some practical tips for catechizing.
For more information, see:
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary Parrett
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by Bill Boekestein
The Duty of Catechetical Instruction by Archibald Alexander
More Catechism Needed by Cornelius Van Til
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
The Early Church at Work and Worship: Catechesis, Baptism, Eschatology, and Martyrdom by Everett Ferguson
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
This was the first of three talks given at the Nurture Conference (2021) held by Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH. In this lecture, Rev. Bill Boekestein helps parents think through how to cultivate the intellectual life of our covenant children.
Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the doctrines of Unconditional Election and Reprobation. Unconditional Election is a comforting doctrine. As Christians we know: Before God even spoke the galaxies into existence, He loved me and wrote my name in His Book of Life. There is also the unpleasant flip side of unconditional election, namely, that God has chosen to pass over some sinners, to leave them in their sin, and to show them justice. No one receives injustice from God.
For more information, see:
The Canons of Dort
The Joy of Calvinism by Greg Forster
For Calvinism by Michael Horton
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Majesty of Mystery by K. Scott Oliphint
Saving the Reformation by Robert Godfrey
Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH is hosting a Nurture Conference designed to encourage and to help Christian parents as they shepherd their covenant children. This conference will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Rev. Bill Boekestein will be our main speaking, giving two of the three talks during the conference. The conference will address the following topics:
- Minds in Love with God (Boekestein)
- Catechized for Battle (Burks)
- The Beauty of Biography (Boekestein)
For more information, see:
http://westsidereformed.org/nurture-conference-on-christian-parenting/
For resources on Catechesis, see:
Recovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary Parrett
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by Bill Boekestein
The Duty of Catechetical Instruction by Archibald Alexander
More Catechism Needed by Cornelius Van Til
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH is hosting a Nurture Conference designed to encourage and to help Christian parents as they shepherd their covenant children. This conference will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Rev. Bill Boekestein will be our main speaking, giving two of the three talks during the conference. The conference will address the following topics:
- Minds in Love with God (Boekestein)
- Catechized for Battle (Burks)
- The Beauty of Biography (Boekestein)
For more information, see:
http://westsidereformed.org/nurture-conference-on-christian-parenting/
For resources on Catechesis, see:
Recovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Covenant Children by Donald Van Dyken
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary Parrett
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism by Bill Boekestein
The Duty of Catechetical Instruction by Archibald Alexander
More Catechism Needed by Cornelius Van Til
What Shall We Feed Our Children by Cornelius Van Til
Classical Christian Catechesis by R. Scott Clark
What are the ordinary means of grace and how do they shape the Christian's expectations and the church's ministry? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore the Reformed view of the means of grace and how it is distinct from the emotionally-driven, morally-driven, and seeker-driven church models.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism, questions 65-82
Belgic Confession, articles 28-35
What Happens When We Worship by Jonathan Cruse
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Liturgical Worship: A Lutheran Introduction (pp. 9-15) by Jordan Cooper
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship (ch. 9) by D.G. Hart and John Muether
Reformed Dogmatics, volume five: Ecclesiology, the Means of Grace, Eschatology (ch. 3-5) by Geerhardus Vos
Reformed Dogmatics, volume four: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation (ch.8-11) by Herman Bavinck
What are the ordinary means of grace and how do they shape the Christian's expectations and the church's ministry? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac explore the Reformed view of the means of grace and how it is distinct from the emotionally-driven, morally-driven, and seeker-driven church models.
For more information, see:
Heidelberg Catechism, questions 65-82
Belgic Confession, articles 28-35
What Happens When We Worship by Jonathan Cruse
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch. 17) by J. Brandon Burks
Liturgical Worship: A Lutheran Introduction (pp. 9-15) by Jordan Cooper
With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship (ch. 9) by D.G. Hart and John Muether
Reformed Dogmatics, volume five: Ecclesiology, the Means of Grace, Eschatology (ch. 3-5) by Geerhardus Vos
Reformed Dogmatics, volume four: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation (ch.8-11) by Herman Bavinck
Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH is hosting a Nurture Conference designed to encourage and to help Christian parents as they shepherd their covenant children. This conference will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Rev. Bill Boekestein will be our main speaking, giving two of the three talks during the conference. The conference will address the following topics:
- Minds in Love with God (Boekestein)
- Catechized for Battle (Burks)
- The Beauty of Biography (Boekestein)
For more information, see:
http://westsidereformed.org/nurture-conference-on-christian-parenting/
Some of the biographies Bill Boekestein has written include:
-
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism
-
The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort
-
Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido de Bres
-
Ulrich Zwingli
Westside Reformed Church (URC) in Cincinnati, OH is hosting a Nurture Conference designed to encourage and to help Christian parents as they shepherd their covenant children. This conference will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Rev. Bill Boekestein will be our main speaking, giving two of the three talks during the conference. The conference will address the following topics:
- Minds in Love with God (Boekestein)
- Catechized for Battle (Burks)
- The Beauty of Biography (Boekestein)
For more information, see:
http://westsidereformed.org/nurture-conference-on-christian-parenting/
Some of the biographies Bill Boekestein has written include:
-
The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism
-
The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort
-
Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido de Bres
-
Ulrich Zwingli
What is the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA or URC for short)? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on the history, practices, and distinct characteristics of the URC.
For more information see:
https://www.urcna.org
Always Reforming: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (ch. 13) ed. by R. Scott Clark and Joel E. Kim
What is the United Reformed Churches of North America (URCNA or URC for short)? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on the history, practices, and distinct characteristics of the URC.
For more information see:
https://www.urcna.org
Always Reforming: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey (ch. 13) ed. by R. Scott Clark and Joel E. Kim
How many offices did Christ establish for His church? Two offices: Elder and Deacon, or three offices: Minister of the Word, Elder, and Deacon? In today's episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac look to Scripture and to the history of the Reformed tradition in order to gain clarity on this issue.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession, Articles 30-31.
The Elder: Today's Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture by Cornelius Van Dam
The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today by Cornelius Van Dam
Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons ed. by William Boekenstein and Steven Sets
Called to Serve: Essays for Elders and Deacons ed. by Michael Brown
How many offices did Christ establish for His church? Two offices: Elder and Deacon, or three offices: Minister of the Word, Elder, and Deacon? In today's episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac look to Scripture and to the history of the Reformed tradition in order to gain clarity on this issue.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession, Articles 30-31.
The Elder: Today's Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture by Cornelius Van Dam
The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today by Cornelius Van Dam
Faithful and Fruitful: Essays for Elders and Deacons ed. by William Boekenstein and Steven Sets
Called to Serve: Essays for Elders and Deacons ed. by Michael Brown
What is it like to be a pastor or seminary student, immersed in Scripture, theology, church history, apologetics, and so forth every single day? In this episode Pastor Brandon interviews Drew Admiraal, a seminary student at Westminster California, about his experience as a theological student.
What is it like to be a pastor or seminary student, immersed in Scripture, theology, church history, apologetics, and so forth every single day? In this episode Pastor Brandon interviews Drew Admiraal, a seminary student at Westminster California, about his experience as a theological student.
What was speaking in tongues in the 1st century and is that practice still around today? What does the Bible teach us about the gift of tongues and its cessation or continuation? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac turn to the Bible for answers.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession of Faith Article 7
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1
Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
What was speaking in tongues in the 1st century and is that practice still around today? What does the Bible teach us about the gift of tongues and its cessation or continuation? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac turn to the Bible for answers.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession of Faith Article 7
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 1
Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
Does seminary stifle zeal, kill heart devotion, and deaden love for Christ? Or, conversely, does seminary create opportunities to grow in knowledge, devotion, love, piety, and service toward Christ and His Church? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Drew Admiraal, a seminary student at Westminster California, to discuss seminary life.
For more on this, see:
The Religious Life of Theological Students by B. B. Warfield
Does seminary stifle zeal, kill heart devotion, and deaden love for Christ? Or, conversely, does seminary create opportunities to grow in knowledge, devotion, love, piety, and service toward Christ and His Church? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Drew Admiraal, a seminary student at Westminster California, to discuss seminary life.
For more on this, see:
The Religious Life of Theological Students by B. B. Warfield
In this episode pastors Zac and Brandon discuss a parable that is only found in the Gospel of Luke, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager.
In this episode pastors Zac and Brandon discuss a parable that is only found in the Gospel of Luke, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager.
I this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss two books, Untangling Emotions and How People Change. Specifically, they discuss what advice these authors give for engaging anger. How can we put sinful anger to death in our lives?
I this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss two books, Untangling Emotions and How People Change. Specifically, they discuss what advice these authors give for engaging anger. How can we put sinful anger to death in our lives?
As the gospel spread across the world, how did the early churches bring on new members? What process did people undergo in order to be incorporated into the life of the Church? In this episode, pastors Brandon and Zac explore training, membership, and baptism in the early church.
For further study, see:
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Barrett
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
The Early Church at Work and Worship (vol. 2) by Everett Ferguson
A Faithful Church: Issues in the History of Catechesis by John H. Westerhoff III and O.C. Edwards, Jr.
Augustine and the Catechumenate by William Harmless
Catechetical Discourse: A Handbook for Catechists by St. Gregory of Nyssa
As the gospel spread across the world, how did the early church bring on new members? What process did people undergo in order to be incorporated into the life of the Church? In this episode, pastors Brandon and Zac explore training, membership, and baptism in the early church.
For further study, see:
Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Barrett
Educating People of Faith: Exploring the History of Jewish and Christian Communities ed. by John Van Engen
The Early Church at Work and Worship (vol. 2) by Everett Ferguson
A Faithful Church: Issues in the History of Catechesis by John H. Westerhoff III and O.C. Edwards, Jr.
Augustine and the Catechumenate by William Harmless
Catechetical Discourse: A Handbook for Catechists by St. Gregory of Nyssa
What is Covenant Theology? In this episode, pastors Brandon and Zac give an introduction to this topic, as they outline and define the Covenant of Redemption, Covenant of Works, and Covenant of Grace.
For more information, see:
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored (2nd edition) by Michael Brown and Zach Keele
Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives ed. by Guy Prentiss Waters, J. Nicholas Reid, and John R. Muether
Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man by Herman Witsius
What is Covenant Theology? In this episode, pastors Brandon and Zac give an introduction to this topic, as they outline and define the Covenant of Redemption, Covenant of Works, and Covenant of Grace.
For more information, see:
Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored (2nd edition) by Michael Brown and Zach Keele
Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives ed. by Guy Presntiss Waters, J. Nicholas Reid, and John R. Muether
Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man by Herman Witsius
How should we view our children? Are the children of believing parents Christians, or do we merely hope one day that they will become Christians? When we baptize infants of believing parents, are we saying, "God's promise rests upon my covenant child and I hope he or she becomes a Christian one day?" or are we saying, "I'm baptizing my covenant child because he or she is a Christian and already has the Holy Spirit?" In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the status and nature of a covenant child.
For more information, see:
https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/ep29
How should we view our children? Are the children of believing parents Christians, or do we merely hope one day that they will become Christians? When we baptize infants of believing parents, are we saying, "God's promise rests upon my covenant child and I hope he or she becomes a Christian one day?" or are we saying, "I'm baptizing my covenant child because he or she is a Christian and already has the Holy Spirit?" In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the status and nature of a covenant child.
For more information, see:
https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/ep29
In this episode, Pastor Zac interviews Pastor Brandon about his father latest book, Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview.
You can purchase the book here: https://www.fontespress.com/product/thinking-gods-thoughts-an-introduction-to-a-pilgrim-worldview/
In this episode, Pastor Zac interviews Pastor Brandon on his new book, Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview.
Is God a killjoy that hinders you from having fun and being who you want to be? Or is God, in fact, the highest joy possible who shows you how to live according to your design, following the grain of reality? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss St. Augustine's famous book, The Confessions, and how Augustine advances the discussion on pursuing happiness and joy.
Is God a killjoy that hinders you from having fun and being who you want to be? Or is God, in fact, the highest joy possible who shows you how to live according to your design, following the grain of reality? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss St. Augustine's famous book, The Confessions, and how Augustine advances the discussion on pursuing happiness and joy.
Does Matthew 16 teach us that Jesus established the papacy upon the apostle Peter? Was Peter commissioned to pass down his authority and position as the "head of the church" to his successor (apostolic succession)? Does the Bible teach the office or position of Pope? In this episode, pastors Brandon and Zac discuss Matthew 16 and apostolic succession.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession art. 27-31
Canons of Dort, 1.7
The Church by Edmund Clowney, ch. 14
Institute of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, Book 4, ch. 2-11.
Does Matthew 16 teach us that Jesus established the papacy upon the apostle Peter? Was Peter commissioned to pass down his authority and position as the "head of the church" to his successor (apostolic succession)? Does the Bible teach the office or position of Pope? In this episode, pastors Brandon and Zac discuss Matthew 16 and apostolic succession.
For more information, see:
Belgic Confession art. 27-31
Canons of Dort, 1.7
The Church by Edmund Clowney, ch. 14
Institute of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, Book 4, ch. 2-11.
In this special episode, we bring you a lecture given by Pastor Brandon Burks for a 2020 Reformation Day Conference, hosted by Westside Reformed Church. In this lecture, Pastor Brandon discusses his transition from pastoring a Southern Baptist Church to embracing the Reformed Church. Specifically, Pastor Brandon discusses how he came to embrace infant baptism as taught and prescribed in Holy Scripture.
For more information on infant baptism, see:
https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/ep29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqeQUFsBpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs3quNPeHqU&t=15s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUPaQ4leYEc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDqmENmL_Gk
Can I be a Christian and not go to church? Can I faithfully follow Christ outside of the institutional church? What does the Bible say about church attendance? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon explore what the Bible has to say on these matters.
Recommended Reading:
Belgic Confession, art. 27-35
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 54-55, 66-85, 98, 103, 115
Canons of Dort, 3rd & 4th Main Points, art. 17
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Grace Alone by Carl Trueman (chapters 7-10)
Thinking God's Thoughts by J. Brandon Burks (chapter 17)
Can I be a Christian and not go to church? Can I faithfully follow Christ outside of the institutional church? What does the Bible say about church attendance? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon explore what the Bible has to say on these matters.
Recommended Reading:
Belgic Confession, art. 27-35
Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 54-55, 66-85, 98, 103, 115
Canons of Dort, 3rd & 4th Main Points, art. 17
What Happens When We Worship? by Jonathan Cruse
Grace Alone by Carl Trueman (chapters 7-10)
Thinking God's Thoughts by J. Brandon Burks (chapter 17)
Did the resurrection of Jesus really happen? What evidence do we have for this historical event? What are some theories unbelievers have put forth? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss Easter apologetics.
For more on why we believe in the resurrection, see:
https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/know-why-you-believe-k-scott-oliphint-9780310525974?variant=9744676421679
What role did absolution play in Reformed liturgy? Did the Reformed Church see absolution as a mere Roman Catholic or Lutheran practice, or did they embrace it themselves? Should churches today recover this waning practice? In this special edition we bring you the recording of a recent Pastors' Conference hosted by Westside Reformed Church (URCNA) in Cincinnati, OH where Pastor Danny Hyde spoke about the historicity and (hopeful) recovery of absolution, the lost keys.
Rev. Hyde's article can be accessed here:
https://www.academia.edu/35514237/Lost_Keys_The_Absolution_in_Reformed_Liturgy
Did the resurrection of Jesus really happen? What evidence do we have for this historical event? What are some theories unbelievers have our forth? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss Easter apologetics.
What makes a baptism valid? If a non-ordained person privately baptized his or her family member in a swimming pool or bathtub, would that be a valid baptism? What if a person was baptized in infancy as a Roman Catholic? Is that valid? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon think through those necessary elements of baptism.
What makes a baptism valid? Is a bathtub baptism performed by a family member a valid baptism? Is a Roman Catholic baptism a valid baptism? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon think through those necessary elements of baptism.
Does the Lord's Supper have a corporate identity or can it be performed in the privacy of our homes? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the issue of time and place with regards to the Lord's Supper.
For more information on this topic, we recommend:
https://heidelblog.net/2020/03/should-you-give-yourself-communion-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR0VyrN2BmMv_4TgrxtEuq5WiBkSZIdgmTMZjwMAAwbj4IFxAIq32uzEoWg
Does the Lord's Supper have a corporate identity or can it be performed in the privacy of our homes? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the issue of time and place with regards to the Lord's Supper.
For more information on this topic, we recommend:
https://heidelblog.net/2020/03/should-you-give-yourself-communion-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR0VyrN2BmMv_4TgrxtEuq5WiBkSZIdgmTMZjwMAAwbj4IFxAIq32uzEoWg
Is the Bible God's Word or a manmade invention? Can we trust the Bible or is it skewed to the point of being unreliable? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the canon of Scripture.
For more information, we recommend:
Belgic Confession, articles 3-7
Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 1
https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/canon-revisited-michael-kruger-9781433505003?variant=9747744620591
https://www.michaeljkruger.com/what-about-the-lost-books-of-the-bible/
https://www.michaeljkruger.com/the-reception-of-the-book-of-revelation-in-the-early-church/
https://www.michaeljkruger.com/did-the-church-create-the-bible/
https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/thy-word-is-still-truth-peter-lillback-9781596384477?variant=9997304135727
Is the Bible God's Word or a manmade invention? Can we trust the Bible or is it skewed to the point of being unreliable? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the canon of Scripture.
For more information, we recommend:
Belgic Confession, articles 3-7
Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 1
https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/canon-revisited-michael-kruger-9781433505003?variant=9747744620591
https://www.michaeljkruger.com/what-about-the-lost-books-of-the-bible/
https://www.michaeljkruger.com/the-reception-of-the-book-of-revelation-in-the-early-church/
https://www.michaeljkruger.com/did-the-church-create-the-bible/
https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/thy-word-is-still-truth-peter-lillback-9781596384477?variant=9997304135727
In this episode, Pastor Zac unpacks the history behind Westside Reformed Church. He also discusses the identity (or 'DNA') of WRC, as well as future goals.
In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses the history of Westside Reformed Church. He also discusses the identity (or DNA) of the church, as well as hopes and aspirations for the future.
Should the children of believers receive the sacrament of baptism or is baptism reserved only for those who profess a mature faith in Christ? Are the children of believers members of the Covenant of Grace or are only believers granted membership? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the biblical mandate to baptize the infants of believers.
For more on infant baptism, we recommend:
https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/ep29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs3quNPeHqU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqeQUFsBpg
Should the children of believers receive the sacrament of baptism or is baptism reserved only for those who profess a mature faith in Christ? Are the children of believers members of the Covenant of Grace or are only believers granted membership? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the biblical mandate to baptize the infants of believers.
For more on infant baptism, we recommend:
https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/ep29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs3quNPeHqU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqeQUFsBpg
Do rituals hurt or help the Christian life? Does ritual lead to flourishing or to a dead, confined religion? In this episode, pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the impact of ritual on the Christian life.
Are rituals helpful for the Christian life or do they lead to a dead, stuffy, going-through-the-motions religion? In this episode Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss the impact of ritual on the Christian life.
We also recommend that you check out these:
https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/2020/7/20/reformed-and-ritual-why-recovering-ritual-matters https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/2020/7/20/reformed-and-ritual-time-living-with-the-grain-of-reality https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/2020/7/20/reformed-and-ritual-space https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/2020/7/20/reformed-and-ritual-vocation-male-and-female-as-doxological https://www.greystoneinstitute.org/conversations/2020/7/20/reformed-and-ritual-and-our-embrace