Reformed Podmatics

As the chasm between western culture and Christianity widens, we need to think biblically about how and where God is at work. Does the Lord only confer blessings on the elect or is He at work outside the Church also? Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj    

The word of the day is "ecumenism." This is a theological term that refers to churches from different denominations cooperating with one another. In this episode we discuss how and to what extent Christians from different perspective should get along?  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

In an age of scandals and church closures, how can someone spot the warning signs in their congregation? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark recount some of the lessons learned from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" and help ask if those red flags are evident in your local church. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

Clive Staples Lewis is often regarded as the greatest apologist for the Christian faith during the 20th Century. Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark give a snapshot of his life and work. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

Following up on Jesus and John Wayne and responding to the popular podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark ask how Christians are called to relationships defined by grace and accountability. What is biblical grace? Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is a best-selling book by Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. In this episode Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark welcome Ron VanderMolen Sr. to the podcast to discuss our thoughts on the book. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

"The Bible isn't as clear as you think it is!" This proclamation is common among skeptics, and increasingly popular among people (even ministers) in the church. In this episode Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark talk about the dangers of obfuscating Scripture. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

One of the "gotcha" questions in conversations about the Bible is, "Do you read the Bible literally?" Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark explore the question from a Reformed perspective. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

In the wake of the "Young, Restless, and Reformed" movement of the early 2000s, what is the status of Calvinism in America today? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark take a look at previous events and present trends. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

In this new series on Reformed Podmatics we'll venture through Church history and learn more about the "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds us today. This episode gives a basic introduction to Herman Bavinck, whose masterful work as a theologian continues to grow in influence throughout the world. Fun Fact: The title of this podcast plays on the title of Bavinck's magnum opus, Reformed Dogmat...

How can we best offer feedback, both positive and critical, to people in church? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark give examples of how encouragement and criticism has gone well and how it has been unhelpful for us in the past. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

Why should beauty matter to Christians? What place do art, architecture, music, films, and literature have in how we celebrate God's glory? Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

Over the past few months Critical Race Theory has been much-discussed but often misunderstood. What should a Christian make of this movement? Is it compatible with a biblical worldview? Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

While the topic of modesty has faded a bit in prevalence among evangelicals, there is still much confusion about the matter. What does the Bible say about modesty? Is this only a "women's issue?" Additional Reading: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/modesty-conversation/ https://alastairadversaria.com/2013/09/07/some-rambling-and-unwelcome-reflections-on-modesty-debates/ Music Provided Wi...

Why are so many Reformed pastors argumentative and suspicious of any idea that differs slightly from their established doctrines? In this episode of Reformed Podmatics Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark address polemics, which Oxford defines as "the art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute."  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

We're going there! Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss differing beliefs about women's ordination.  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  

What are the ingredients of a good sermon? This episode of Reformed Podmatics will prompt listeners to evaluate the quality of a sermon with more criteria than "How did it make me feel?" Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

One trait of Reformed churches that many evangelicals find peculiar is our dedication to Christian day school education. Special guest Joe Venema, principal of the upper school (middle school and high school) at Ripon Christian joins Reformed Podmatics to help us understand why Christian education is so important to many Reformed believers. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https...

One of the most influential trends within Christianity over the past 30 years has been the charismatic movement. Charismatic leaders have impacted beliefs on worship, music, evangelism, theology, and ecclesiology. Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss some of the blessings and challenges that have arisen as a result of the expanding influence of charismatic theology. Music Provided With Permission by...

What should a Reformed Christian make of the Roman Catholic Church? This question originated in the Reformation and continues to this day. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

What are some of the more theologically or philosophically substantial arguments against the Christian faith? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark share their thoughts on how a wise, faithful Christian can respond to these matters. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

As western culture moves further into a "post-Christian" era, there will be various arguments made against our faith. Some arguments are better than others. In this episode Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark address some of the weaker arguments against the orthodox, historic Christian faith. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

What are some distinctive traits of Reformed youth ministry? Today we welcome special guest, Pastor Patrick Anthony, to Reformed Podmatics for a discussion on the purpose and goal of youth group. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

Which non-Reformed theologians and pastors are doing Christ-centered ministry in a way that is blessing Reformed believers? What criteria do we use to evaluate who is influencing our life and doctrine? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark give their lists of non-Reformed voices that have blessed them. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden -  https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

Polls suggest that churchgoers are becoming less and less likely to officially join a church and worship every week with that congregation. There are a number of factors that contribute to this phenomenon of "nomadic spirituality." Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss some of the dangers of transience, both for pastors and for the average churchgoer. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden...