Reformed Podmatics

Things have been getting very interesting in the Reformed world over the past few years, both within the CRC and without. So in this week's episode we're kicking off a new series where we'll be trying to consider where things are and where things are headed. Today we reflect on some of the bigger trends within the Reformed churches today and how we've gotten here, and in the weeks to come we'll be...

How should a Christian engage the surrounding culture when there are so many passionately debated issues that divide us? Do we participate in the culture wars? Do we retreat into the church and wait to go to heaven? Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

As Reformed Christians, our beliefs about baptism set us apart from many American Christians, especially those who believe babies should not be baptized. How can we talk about baptism in a way that will help conversations move in a constructive rather than divisive direction? Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan...

Mark is back from sabbatical and sharing what he learned while traveling in Europe and North America. Much of the conversation centers on worship and the differing emphases of traditional and modern liturgical styles. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

Life today in our busy, fast-paced world rarely affords us the freedom of rest--but perhaps there is nothing more needful for our souls. Throughout the Bible, the subject of rest plays a crucial role, from beginning to end. And our own Reformed tradition has much to say on the matter as well. So in this week's episode (the final one with guest Lucas before Mark's return in 2 weeks' time), we cover...

On this week's episode, Zac and Lucas sit down with Pastor Patrick Anthony (Immanuel CRC of Ripon, CA) and Pastor Dave Vander Meulen (Escalon CRC of Escalon, CA) to reflect on Synod 2023 and their experiences there as two of the four delegates from Classis Central California. The aim of this episode is twofold: to provide a simple report of what took place at synod and to discuss the implications...

No, we're NOT talking about #CRCSynod this week. Instead, Pastor Zac and Pastor Lucas sat down to discuss the question: is fighting in war biblically justified? This is a difficult but important subject for Christians to consider, not only because it gets to the very heart of how the Lord has called us to live in this world, but also because it touches on several other important topics such as nat...

In this first episode since Pastor Mark's sabbatical, Pastor Zac welcomes to the show our friend and special guest co-host for the summer, Lucas Geiger, youth pastor of Escalon CRC in Escalon, CA. In this first episode together, Zac and Lucas discuss their journeys into the CRCNA as well as what they appreciate most about this denomination, especially given their perspectives as fellow "outsiders"...

With Synod 2023 just around the corner for the Christian Reformed Church, Mark and Zac take some time to reflect together on recent developments within the denomination, and discuss arguments such as those put forward by the Better Together movement that we ought to prioritize unity and mission over sexual ethics.  Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed...

In this week's episode Mark & Zac take up the questions of a listener regarding the daily practices and rhythms of prayer in the Reformed tradition. We hope this is both a practical and helpful discussion for learning how to grow deeper in your own prayer life as well as learning about Reformed prayer through the centuries.  Prayer resources mentioned in the episode: Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy f...

What Mark preparing for a sabbatical and Zac getting ready to step into his role for the summer, they discuss the "why" and the "what" of sabbaticals.  Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

One point that got traction in our previous episode was the tendency of many Christians to choose a good reputation over faithfulness to God. In this episode we discuss how that happens among conservative and progressive groups. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

As the Christian Reformed Church shifts further away from an ethnic identity the question of who is directing the conversation about our future is often unspoken. In this podcast we ask how denominational discourse is curated and how the CRC might improve in being more biblical and more Reformed in our public conversations. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian...

One of the questions that many people in and outside the Church have about Christianity is, "What should I think about hell?" This episode seeks to provide biblical direction on the topic, as well as answering some common questions or challenges to the doctrine of hell. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden...

Many thanks to the Reformed Podmatics listener who has suggested today's topic: What does the Bible say about swearing, bad language, or cussing? We'll find that Scripture calls Christians to be careful with words, but at times gives permission to use strong language that has sometimes been incorrectly forbidden in the American evangelical church. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about...

Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss books, podcasts, and other resources that have contributed to their spiritual growth. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

Everyone's a theologian! So goes the title of R.C. Sproul's excellent book, where readers are encouraged to think deeply about God, humanity, and the world. But what is the purpose or goal of doing theology? Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

Part 1 of this short series compared different denominations in the Reformed wing of the Church. In this episode we look for different emphases within each Reformed denomination. Some see doctrine as paramount, while others consider piety as the center of the Christian life, and still others view transformation as the highest goal of the Church. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about A...

You want to find a Reformed church? What are your options and what are some of the basic differences among denominations in the Reformed wing of the Church? Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

What's the story behind the author of The Pilgrim's Progress? What lessons can we gain from his life and writing that will help us in our way to meeting Jesus? Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

Zac and Mark (virtually) sit down with Rev. Paul VanderKlay to discuss the Christian Reformed Church and evangelism in the 21st century. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

What are some of the joys and struggles to life in a rural church? In this episode Zac and Mark discuss their experiences as pastors in the agricultural community of Ripon, California. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission.

Can we trust that we have the right books in our Bibles? What criteria was used in determining what should be included in our Bibles? Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Zac and Mark detail some of the ways God is working at Almond Valley CRC. How does the Bible's description of a healthy church compare and contrast with the American evangelical expectation of a good congregation? Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Put on your yamaka, it's time for Hanukkah! Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark dive into the Apocrypha to explain the origins of this Jewish holiday. Origins of Hanukkah video by Kings and Generals Music by Jonathan Ogden  used with permission. Visit  www.almondvalley.org  for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.