Reformed Fringe

What does the word God really mean? Has it always meant the same thing? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn dive deep into the etymology of Elohim, Theos, Deus, and God, unpacking how language and culture have shaped our understanding of the divine. We tackle questions of monotheism, the supernatural worldview of Scripture, and why context matters more than capitalization. Whether you’r...

What truly sets God apart from the gods? How does that connect to the age-old debate about free will and predestination? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn dig into the supernatural side of salvation, exploring why the real opposite of free will might actually be the bondage of the will. From the nature of God’s incommunicable attributes to the “golden chain” of Romans 8, we unpack how...

What if the “other gods” in the Ten Commandments weren’t just ancient metaphors, but real spiritual beings still at work today? Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn dig into the biblical distinction between having gods and making idols, showing how these entities operated in ancient Israel’s time and how their influence still pulls us toward modern temptations like materialism, sexual obsession, and self...

Is Ezekiel 1 really about UFOs and ancient astronauts? Or are we missing something bigger? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn dive into the strange imagery of fire, wheels within wheels, and four-faced creatures to show how Ezekiel’s vision isn’t about aliens, but the glory of God and His divine council. We unpack how this scene fits into the Bible’s bigger story, why it would’ve made...

Is the divine council worldview just fringe theology? Or can it actually fit within confessional Reformed categories? That’s the tension we’re pressing into in this episode. Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn take on the growing pushback from some in the Reformed world who see divine council theology, popularized by Michael Heiser, as incompatible with Reformed theology and the confessions. But is that...

Recorded live at Grace Reformed Church in Nashville, TN, this special episode features hosts Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn exploring the mysterious world of Genesis 6. Together, we examine the controversial identity of the "sons of God" and the Nephilim, walking through biblical texts and early church history to weigh the natural and supernatural interpretations. We connect ancient giants to the b...

Are aliens real? Are they physical, spiritual, or something in between? In this wide-ranging conversation, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn approach the topic not as clickbait—but as pastors. With compassion, Scripture, and curiosity, they explore how Christians can think biblically about supernatural encounters, abduction stories, UFO sightings, and the growing sense that something strange is going...

Is it possible we’re missing a vital “sense” when we read the Bible? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn explore what they call the sixth sense of biblical interpretation—a supernatural awareness grounded in Scripture itself. More than grammar and history, rightly reading the Bible requires a Christ-centered, covenantal, and cosmic lens that takes seriously the divine authorship behind...

Why did every ancient culture worship multiple gods—and why does it seem like they vanished? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn explore a stunning reality: the gods never really left. From ancient paganism to modern materialism, we trace how spiritual beings—once openly worshiped—have simply gone underground, rebranding themselves in culture, media, and even religion. Drawing from Scri...

Is the world less enchanted than it used to be—or are we just blind to the heavens above us? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn explore Clinton Manley’s Desiring God article “Do You See the Heavenly Hosts?”—a positive, re-enchanting vision of the supernatural realm. We walk through the “map of heaven” Scripture reveals: a real kingdom filled with messengers, guardians, ministers, armie...

Was Jesus actually in Genesis? Most Christians believe Christ shows up in prophecy or type, but what if He was physically present—over and over again? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn explore 20 stunning appearances of the pre-incarnate Christ throughout the book of Genesis. From walking in the garden, wrestling Jacob, and dining with Abraham, to commanding Noah and calling Hagar by...

Could the people of the Bible really talk with Jesus in the Old Testament? What did the prophets actually see—and who were they speaking to? Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn dive deep into the divine council worldview to show how Old Testament prophets weren't just hearing mysterious voices—they were encountering the pre-incarnate Christ. We explore how figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah stood in the p...

Have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptized if He was without sin or why baptism is more than just a symbol? In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn dive into the often overlooked, supernatural dimensions of baptism through a distinctly Reformed lens. We explore how Jesus’ baptism connects to the Old Testament consecration of priests and how believers today are clothed in Christ’s righteo...

Can you hold to Reformed theology while embracing a Divine Council worldview? Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn think so. In this episode, we dive into the history of doctrinal development, showing how refining theology doesn’t mean abandoning the core of our faith. We share our own journeys as Reformed Baptist pastors, discussing how rediscovering the supernatural elements of scripture – like Christ’...

Is Paula White a dangerous teacher? In today’s episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn, tackle the supernatural power of words and the dangers of "word magic" theology, focusing on Paula White. We explore how the true power of the gospel stands against the manipulative practices of the health-and-wealth movement. The Word of God brings real transformation, not spells or emotional hype. As we reclai...

Satan and the evil realm were overjoyed to see the death of Christ. But, as 1 Corinthians states, "None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." The cross was the Trojan horse into Hell that led to Christ’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and the wicked supernatural entities that ruled over this world. In this episode, Jon Moff...

In recent history, we’ve seen a rise in the yearning for supernatural teaching and worship that embraces it. Between the rise of the seeker-sensitive and charismatic movements, and observing trends of evangelical Christians converting to Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The true gospel is often obscured by these movements and institutions. In this episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn discuss h...

The question is not whether these things have power. It is whether or not we’re trusting in the power of Jesus Christ, as described in the Scriptures, or something else. In today’s episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn discuss how many, even in Christian circles, are taught to trust in things that seem “good” but are actually far more damaging to us than we could ever imagine. JOIN THE REFORMED F...

Do Stephen and Paul allude to the existence of other gods? How do the New Testament writers understand the pagan powers like Molech? Why are these pagan gods, like Chemosh of Moab, always mentioned with geographical locations? Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn discuss this and more as they discuss the nature of the supernatural realms and how the effects of the gospel are even stronger than we can eve...

Who is Melchizedek? Is Christianity myth? How does the Christian story compare to the other stories of history? In today’s episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn delve deep into the idea of “mythology.” Discussing the etymology of the word, its historic uses, as well as, how it relates to the biblical narrative. JOIN THE REFORMED FRINGE COMMUNITY! Hosts: Jon Moffitt - http://jonmoffitt.com Doug Va...

What does the Bible say about the evil we face everyday? Is Satan the source of this evil? How do we effectively combat it using spiritual warfare? In today’s episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn delve into the writings of the Apostle Peter that encourages and instructs Christians on how to stand their ground in Christ against the evil realm. DOUG’S BOOK: THE ANGEL OF THE LORD JOIN THE REFORMED...

Kingdoms Unveiled is evolving into the Reformed Fringe! The same great conversations between Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn you know and love with a new look! Reformed Fringe is a podcast where doctrine meets discovery. Weekly conversations at the intersection of reformed theology and contemporary exploration. We’re bringing the fringe back to the reformed! JOIN THE REFORMED FRINGE COMMUNITY! Hosts...

The New Testament writers say that Satan “blinds” the hearts and minds of those who don’t believe. What does this mean? The nature of a supernatural gospel requires a supernatural response. Our hearts are either changed by God’s grace, or hardened to reject the gospel. Those who reject are said to have been blinded by the god of this world, Satan, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel a...

Does the Bible speak about the Earth being flat?! Going all the way back to the creation account and examining mentions of the earthly realm, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn look throughout Scripture to analyze this claim. How do science and faith interact? How should Christians navigate our modern, secular rationalist world? In today’s episode we discuss this and more! JOIN THE REFORMED FRINGE COMM...

What are the idols we see in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament? Are they simply creations of man with myths to accompany them? Or are they houses used to worship real spiritual powers other than Yahweh, the Most High? In today’s episode, Jon Moffitt and Doug Van Dorn present, from Scripture, the true nature of the other gods, the Lord’s warning against idolatry, and the hierarchy of the...