Captivate & Conform

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14-15) There is an overabundance of counseling and therapy options today, as some 23% of US adults see a counselor or therapist. However, there is shortage of rich biblical counseling. The type of counseling that not only binds up the wounds of the sufferer using Scripture, but helps him o...

When attempting to disprove the faith, enemies of Christianity—especially Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Muslims—take aim at the doctrine of the trinity. This is for good reason, as it is typically a weak point among Christians. The average churchgoer is unprepared to defend it, let alone explain how such a concept is derived from the Bible. But the trinity can and must be defended. And as one...

If the Christian has freedom in Christ, why does he still fall into sin and do the things he hates? This is the Apostle Paul’s plea in Romans 7:13-20. Is what he is describing the “normal” Christian experience? Special guest Cliff Boone, former senior pastor of Cedar Crest BFC, answers this question by unpacking the paradigm of Law-Keepers versus Spirit-Walkers. You can contact Cliff at pastorclif...

To wrap up our series on the fruit of the Spirit, former senior pastor Cliff Boone joins the show to answer what it means to “walk by the Spirit.” Part 4 of a 4-episode series. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at podcast@cedarcrest.church . Visit Captivate & Conform | cedarcrest.churc...

Many misconceptions exist around the discipline of fasting. Does Scripture command us to do it? If so, for how long? Or is it a practice only reserved for “super devout” Christians? Resource Recommendation | Ask Pastor John: What Is the Purpose of Fasting?   --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email...

We continue our study of the fruit of the Spirit—the unique qualities of each one and how they fit together to form the singular fruit in a Christian. Fruits covered: KINDNESS GOODNESS FAITHFULNESS GENTLENESS SELF-CONTROL Part 3 of a 4-episode series. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at p...

The fruit of the Spirit is singular. It’s a package deal. In other words, each one presents itself in the life of a believer, albeit in varying degrees. For the sake of clarity we focus on one at a time, with the recognition that they work together as a whole in a Christian’s life. Fruits covered: LOVE JOY PEACE PATIENCE Part 2 of a 4-episode series. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave u...

On this episode we explore the meaning behind the fruit of the Spirit. It is not a Christian to-do list of active spiritual habits, but a set of characteristics that will naturally grow in the life of a believer and infuse everything they do. Part 1 of a 4-episode series. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for th...

On Sunday morning, we can often think that all the responsibility resides in the pulpit. We just need to show up. Perhaps we’re a little late, but at least we got our coffee! However, being an expository listener entails much more than relaxing in the pew. Guests Rick and Keri Whitmire join the show to share how they prepare their minds and hearts to engage with and respond to Sunday sermons. Reso...

Should Christ and his gospel be present in every single sermon? To answer this question, one must first understand the purpose of preaching on Sunday morning and the overarching story of Scripture. Resource Recommendations: - The Gospel by Numbers by Ligon Duncan - Preaching Christ in Every Sermon by Fred Malone --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a...

In reformed circles, we hear the term “expository preaching” pretty often. But what does it mean exactly? And how is it different from other styles of preaching? --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at podcast@cedarcrest.church . Visit Captivate & Conform | cedarcrest.church/podcast Learn...

We serve a God of order. He is not only creator but sustainer and perfecter of all things, particularly our salvation. When you become a Christian, there are a series of distinct events that occur (and continue to do so) on your road to salvation (which isn’t even the final destination).  The Ordo Salutis helps believers to reflect on what God has done, what he continues to do in our lives, and wh...

Dating is a relatively new concept in the history of mankind. On top of this, Scripture doesn’t mention anything about it. However, given its normalization in modern culture, what biblical principles should Christians apply to dating? --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at podcast@cedarcrest...

Dr. Mark Farnham, Professor of Apologetics at Lancaster Bible College, joins the show to answer questions from you, our listeners. Purchase Dr. Farnham’s Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian .  He will be the main speaker at our FREE apologetics conference on Saturday, February 24. Mark your calendars! --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review a...

Baptism is one of the most universally recognized traditions in the church. But although well-known and widely practiced, baptism varies by denomination, with many debating the proper mode. However, arguing the method shouldn’t be the starting point of debate. Instead, a more effective approach is to first ask ourselves, “Who gets to be baptized?” We tackle this question and more on this episode....

Enjoy this episode on Christmas carols, the deity of Christ, and our first-ever “lightning round” of questions. EXCITING NEWS! Dr. Mark Farnham is returning to Captivate & Conform to answer your questions, which will be discussed on the show, December 20th. Submit your question here . Check out our previous episode with Dr. Farnham, “Apologetics: Every Believer Confident.” --- If you enjoyed t...

James tells us that “faith without works is dead.” In other words, it is not enough to simply pray the sinner’s prayer or assent to the gospel but go on living a life unchanged by its transformational but difficult truths. Yet this is precisely what easy believism says is possible. All the supposed “benefits” with no cost. But, of course, there is a dear cost to following Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeff...

Last week, we established from Scripture that there is a hierarchy to sin—there are lesser and greater acts of disobedience to God’s law. Christians must be careful not to let this distinction make Pharisees out of us, looking down on others who commit greater sins. For all sin is worthy of eternal damnation, yet no sin is beyond the cleansing blood of Christ. Special guest Pastor Jess Miller from...

Over the years, it seems that broader evangelicalism has flattened the doctrine of sin. Meaning, all sin is the same and without distinction. On one hand, every sin “big” or “small” is indeed a violation of God’s law and is therefore damnable in the eyes of holy God. However, Scripture communicates that some sins are more severe in their effects and consequences than others, and they are deserving...

The world views justice and mercy as polar opposites. Mercy, it claims, is trampled upon if any form of justice is served. But the Christian knows better. At least, the Christian should. On the cross, our Lord demonstrated that justice and mercy are inextricably linked in his blood payment for the forgiveness of sins. On this episode, we explore how Christians can champion justice and mercy in a c...

The struggle and pain of infertility often goes on behind the scenes and is far more prevalent than most expect (1 in 5 women aged 15-49 in the US  with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying). The curse of sin has tainted everything—even conception—which is why the church must strive to know how to best care for those in the thick of infertility. Pastor Jules Hull and...

Are Christians able in good conscience to take part in Halloween, a holiday whose historical origins are demonic? Shouldn’t those in Christ reject a day that seems to glorify death and fear? Can a believer participate in redeeming ways without celebrating it? We tackle these thoughtful questions and more in this episode on All Hallows’ Eve. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positi...

On this special episode, listen to the story and ministry of John and Judy Nicely, longtime missionaries from Cedar Crest and current outreach workers for TEAM’s (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) home office. Sign up for Global Outreach Conference   --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at po...

Outreach Pastor John LoRusso joins the show to explain the meaning behind this year’s theme for GO (Global Outreach) Conference— Missions Drift: Know the Course, Stay the Course . Sign up for Global Outreach Conference | October 15th - 22nd Resource Recommendations | Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper, Loving the Church...Blessing the Nations by George Miley, Honor and Shame by Roland Muller --...

In light of some feedback we received from last week’s episode on capital punishment, we take time to respond and also to clarify the mission and purpose of the show. --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a positive review and share it with a friend! If you have any questions for the show, email us at podcast@cedarcrest.church . Visit Captivate & Conform | cedarcrest.church/podcast...