MarsCast

You may be unfamiliar with the concept of mutual censure in the church. We're referring to the practice of open comments shared between leadership for the purpose of accountability and strengthening that leadership. Joining the podcast and beginning a new series on habits in pastoral ministry is Rev. Paul Ipema, Assistant Professor of Ministerial Studies, who will tell us more about it.

Is the Bible really God’s Word? In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues to explore John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion and his uncompromising view of Scripture. Dr. Beach will help us see through Calvin’s eyes why we can fully trust the absolute authority of God’s Word and how a right view of Scripture fuels vibrant spirituality.

Welcome to 2024 and the newly renamed MARSCAST podcast from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. You may be wondering about the new name: The Seminary podcast enters 2024 with a fresh name indicative of our reformatting of the show. We used to do a generic roundtable configuration of older episodes but have slowly transformed into episodes singularly highlighting one of our learned faculty members as th...

In this final episode of the year of our Lord, 2023, Dr. Beach begins a multi-episode journey of taking us through the seminal work of John Calvin and his Institutes of the Christian Religion. He starts with part 1 to whet your appetite for when he picks it up again in February after we take a break in January. In this inaugural episode, he provides context to the Institutes, emphasizing the theol...

In this final episode on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Nick Lamme takes us through the implications for the Church today regarding identifying false teachers and provides encouragement, warning, and exhortation for Christians wrestling with this difficult passage. He concludes by reflecting on how understanding this sin should shape pastoral ministry.

In this episode, Rev. Nick Lamme examines the meaning of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in Matthew chapter 12. Specifically, he looks at verses 22-32, considering the larger context surrounding this passage. Rev. Lamme then analyzes Jesus's statement about this egregious sin, exploring who Jesus was addressing and why He made this warning at that moment.

In this episode, Jared speaks with Reverend Nick Lamme, a 2007 Mid-America alumnus and OPC pastor, about the complex biblical concept of "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." Rev. Lamme brings a depth of expertise to this discussion, having explored the topic extensively in a 2012 Mid-America Journal of Theology article . Guiding listeners through centuries of competing perspectives, Rev....

In this episode, Dr. Venema wraps up our series on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 80 by reflecting on the ongoing legacy and relevancy of Q&A 80 for today and answers the question of whether its critiques are still valid when considering contemporary Roman Catholicism.

In this episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema provides an in-depth examination of Question and Answer 80 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on its critique of the Catholic Mass. Dr. Venema highlights two major critiques made by the Catechism against the Mass. First, charging the Mass constitutes an unbiblical, repetitive sacrifice, undermining the completeness of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on t...

In this episode, we kick off a three-part series on Question and Answer 80 in the Heidelberg Catechism. Led by President of Mid-America, Dr. Cornelis Venema, this series begins with an overview of the history of the Catechism and the origins specifically of Q&A 80, which deals with what it calls the “popish mass.”

In this episode, Dr. Strange concludes this segment on church history by looking at the rise of Islam, its spread, and its impact on the development of Europe during the period of the Middle Ages.

In this episode, we explore one of the most transformative periods in European history - the fall of Rome in the 5th century AD and the subsequent rise of new barbarian kingdoms. Dr. Alan Strange, Professor of Church History, provides an overview of the factors that led to Rome’s decline after centuries of dominance, the complex history of the barbarian tribes, their eventual conversion from pagan...

In this episode, Dr. Strange examines the Second and Third Council of Constantinople, which sought to affirm Christ's divine and human natures, and the Second Council of Nicaea, which authorized the legitimacy of using visual images in worship. In addition to the four Councils that came before them, the Eastern Church became known as the Church of the Seven Councils.

In this episode of our ongoing Church History series, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the topic of monasticism. He traces its origins, explaining why Protestants have historically been less inclined toward monastic practices, and discusses how monasticism evolved and spread during the Middle Ages.

In this episode, Dr. Beach examines the ordo salutis , which refers to the logical sequence or order of the various elements involved in the process of salvation according to Reformed theology. What is the order of salvation? Is it even correct to describe salvation in such terms? As Dr. Beach elaborates more on election, effectual calling, regeneration, conversion, justification, adoption, and sa...

In this episode, Dr. Beach looks at the historia salutis , the overarching narrative of salvation history that unfolds throughout the Bible. By examining the major movements and themes of Scripture, Dr. Beach helps us see how the separate books of the Bible fit together into one grand narrative of God's purposeful action in human history to save a people for Himself. He highlights connections...

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores the pactum salutis , also known as the covenant of redemption. This refers to the agreement made between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit before the creation of the world to redeem fallen humanity. By exploring the pactum salutis , Dr. Beach provides insight into the nature of the Trinity and the meticulous planning involved in God's work of salvatio...

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange concludes his series on Christian Nationalism by offering final critiques of Stephen Wolfe's book, addressing how we distinguish our critique from that of the progressives,' and offering insight on where our focus should be instead.

Stephen Wolfe's book The Case for Christian Nationalism has sparked intense debate. In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange carefully analyzes Wolfe's arguments. While appreciating Wolfe's desire to take the Lordship of Christ seriously, Dr. Strange raises thoughtful concerns about the book's conclusions.

In this episode, Dr. Strange continues his assessment of Christian Nationalism, exploring definitions of essential terms, such as (obviously) "nationalism," "Christian," and others, and addressing whether Stephen Wolfe, author of The Case for Christian Nationalism , uses Scripture to make his case.

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange briefly introduces the controversial ideology known today as Christian Nationalism. He shares his overall assessment of the movement and provides a solid background of the phenomenon, addressing the question, "How did we get here?"

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema concludes his three-part series on pastoral visitation by exploring the role pastors and elders play in providing solace and support to the sick and dying. Sharing insights gained through years of ministering to those facing health challenges and end-of-life circumstances, Rev. Ipema once again helps us see the criticalness of pastoral visitation and how mea...

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema continues his three-part series on effective pastoral visitation. Having already covered visitation with the elderly in our previous episode, Rev. Ipema now focuses on the important but often challenging task of visiting troubled youth within the church community.

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema begins a new three-part series on pastoral visitation, visiting three different groups of congregants and how pastors, and others in the church, can compassionately support them through times of hardship. Today Rev. Ipema begins with the elderly.

In today’s episode, we hand the reins over to Dr. Andrew Compton, who will guide us through an insightful conversation with Mid-America alumnus Rev. Tim McClymonds. Our focal point today is the world of corporate chaplaincy. As Dr. Compton looks at this topic with Rev. McClymonds, we'll explore how these dedicated individuals provide invaluable support, solace, and spiritual guidance to employ...