MarsCast

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton examines the intersection of fantasy writing and theological themes with OPC Pastor Rev. Jeremiah Montgomery. As the author of The Dark Harvest trilogy , Montgomery discusses his journey into writing fiction with a distinctively theological flavor. We explore his approach to storytelling, the influence of his reformed faith, and how his experiences in min...

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton and Rob McKenzie continue their conversation on Rob’s book Seeker’s Progress , exploring how storytelling can effectively convey theological truths, make them memorable, and address common faith questions. They’ll touch on the challenges of publishing Christian fiction and the importance of encouraging Christians to read more. You can find Seeker's Pr...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the "Theology Simply Profound" podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book Seekers Progress , a modern take on John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress , that addresses contemporary issues. Their...

In this episode, Dr. Venema concludes this series on the Holy Spirit by looking at the doctrine of sanctification and the role of the Holy Spirit. He discusses the biblical and theological understanding of sanctification as an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit rather than a "second blessing" or higher level of Christian experience. Dr. Venema emphasizes that sanctification is a progressive...

In today’s episode, Dr. Venema will explore the controversial topic of spiritual gifts in the modern church, focusing on prophecy, speaking in tongues, and healing. He’ll present a cessationist perspective, arguing that certain foundational gifts have ceased with the closure of the biblical canon while emphasizing the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for ministry and s...

In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema explores the identity, deity, and distinct personhood of the Holy Spirit - the third person of the Trinity. He unpacks the various names used for the Holy Spirit in Scripture, examines attributes that confirm the Spirit's deity, and discusses the Spirit's role in creation and redemption. He’ll also touch on the nature of the Spirit's work and his...

This episode explores John Calvin's perspective on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments as outlined in his Institutes of the Christian Religion , focusing on Book Two, Chapters 9-11. Dr. J. Mark Beach looks at Calvin's view of law and gospel, explaining how Calvin sees both continuity and differences between the testaments. Key points include: Calvin's understanding of h...

In this episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's teachings on how fallen humanity can find redemption in Christ according to Book 2, Chapter 6 of his famous work The Institutes of the Christian Religion . Calvin argues that true knowledge of God is useless without also having faith in Him as our Redeemer through Christ. He explains how the Old Testament law was never intended to provide a way...

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores John Calvin's views on human nature and free will as presented in Book II, Chapters 2-3 of his influential work Institutes of the Christian Religion . Calvin grapples with the difficult question of human freedom in light of the Fall and original sin. He warns against the perils of complacency if we deny human ability, or boastfulness if we overestima...

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach dives deep into Book 2 of John Calvin's seminal work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion . After covering knowledge of God as Creator in Book 1, Calvin turns his attention in Book 2 to understanding humanity's fallen, depraved state and need for redemption. Dr. Beach provides an in-depth analysis of Calvin's teaching on the gravity of Adam's...

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange joins the podcast again to discuss the development of the doctrine of justification, particularly in the medieval period. He explains how Augustine recovered key aspects of Paul's teaching on justification being by grace alone while still viewing it as an ongoing process of being "made righteous" rather than a punctiliar declarative act. Dr. Strange...

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange continues the discussion on medieval church history. The conversation focuses on the major church councils and influential theologians from the Middle Ages. Dr. Strange begins by distinguishing the first seven ecumenical councils, which are recognized across Christian traditions, from the subsequent medieval councils after the East-West church schism in 1054. He h...

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange discusses scholasticism and mysticism in the medieval era of church history. He provides an in-depth look at scholasticism, explaining its origins in the monas-tic schools of the 9th and 10th centuries and how it contributed to the rise of universities in the 12th and 13th centuries. He analyzes the strengths and potential pitfalls of the scholastic method, which...

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores the complex relationship between Christianity and Islam, examining whether the Islamic faith served as a "check" on defective Christian practice in the medieval era. He then dives into the Crusades - the series of religious wars waged by European Christians against Muslims in the medieval period, providing an overview of the reasons, motivations...

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema concludes his series on catechism preaching by highlighting the advantages of preaching from the catechism. He'll explain how the catechism's simplicity and clarity make it an accessible resource for systematically teaching core Christian doctrines to congregants of all ages. He'll also share insights from his own experience using the catechism i...

In today's episode, we're discussing objections to the practice of catechism preaching. Rev. Paul Ipema joins us once again to address common criticisms, including claims that it does not truly expound the Word of God, that the catechism is outdated, and that its tone is too polemical against other Christian traditions. While acknowledging the need for prudent handling, Rev. Ipema argues t...

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema begins a series discussing the history, practice, and relevant issues associated with catechism preaching. Catechism preaching has long been an important tradition in Reformed churches, where the doctrinal summaries contained in the Heidelberg Catechism were not just taught but expounded upon regularly from the pulpit. However, there are some concerning tren...

In today’s episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's teachings on divine providence - the doctrine that God actively governs and sustains all of creation, not as a detached creator but through His continual power and wisdom. Dr. Beach discusses how Calvin argued that even seemingly random or insignificant events are part of God's overarching purpose. His providence extends to the decisions...

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores the biblical account of creation and what it reveals about the nature of God and humanity. Tracking with the Institutes of the Christian Religion , Dr. Beach examines John Calvin’s key insights, including how the creation story testifies to God's eternal power and benevolent care in preparing the earth for humans made in His image. He’ll also look...

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach looks once again at John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion , this time examining his writing on the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. While the natural world around us gives glimpses of God's eternal power and divine nature, Scripture provides the clearest, most complete revelation of who He truly is - revealing God's attributes like His bo...

In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Compton concludes his series on teaching theology through fiction by engaging with author Richard Coffeen, a PCA pastor serving in the Chicago metropolitan area. Coffeen has penned an intriguing science fiction novel that, much like the works of Brian Godawa, blends narrative storytelling with Christian apologetics. However, Coffeen's imaginative tale takes reade...

In today’s episode, Dr. Compton sits down with Brian Godawa, celebrated novelist and author. Their conversation dives into Godawa’s creative process in narrative storytelling and his unique approach of intertwining apologetics and a defense of the Christian faith, particularly in the gripping tale he wrote called Cruel Logic about a psychopathic philosophy professor. In their dialogue, Dr. Compton...

In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Compton introduces a rather fascinating topic that will carry us over into the next couple of weeks: Teaching and defending the Christian faith through fiction. In this first episode, Dr. Compton gives us an overview of how the concept of story is presented to us in Scripture, followed by the value of storytelling and how it’s been utilized by Christians over the cen...

Could pastors be some of the most prominent Sabbath-breakers? In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema asks, "How can we encourage pastors to honor the Lord’s will in observing the Sabbath?” How can congregations create a culture that supports their leader's need for rejuvenation rather than burnout? Tune in as Rev. Ipema brings practical wisdom to this question, an answer that, we hope, can b...

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema considers the responsibility of the pastor to read – a responsibility to not only feed his own spirit but also an activity that allows him to take what he's read to nourish his own congregation. So, whether you’re a faithful parishioner or a devoted shepherd, listen carefully to Rev. Ipema as he describes how reading can be an aid to your ministry and, as a...