Reformed Podmatics

The End of an Era - Episode 236

In the words of Porky Pig, "Th-th...that's all, folks!"
After nearly 6 years, Reformed Podmatics finally comes to an end. It's been a wonderful run and we have so much to be thankful for. So in this final episode, we reflect on the wonderful fruit of this ministry, the friends we've made, and the things we've learned. We also delve into other things like the future of the CRC, Zac's transition to become an Anglican church planter, and the beauty of Reformed theology. So join us for episode 236 as we finally say, for the last time, "grace and peace...see ya!"
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Church Planting: The What, Why, and How - Episode 235

The heartbeat of the church's mission is to worship God and to invite others to join the chorus through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Part and parcel of this endeavor, then, is church planting, the multiplication of new churches that will, in due time, become established, organized, and worshiping congregations that will seek to plant new churches themselves. As Pastor Zac considers a future in church planting, and as the conversations about the importance of church planting continue on in the Christian Reformed Church, we thought it would be good to think through this timely and important topic in what will be our second to last episode in the life of this podcast, at least as we know it today.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Growing In Your Assurance of Salvation - Episode 234

One of the perennial conundrums many Christians face is regarding the assurance of their salvation. In the Reformed tradition, it regularly comes up in the form of questions about God's providence and election; How can I be sure that God chose me? It’s a tricky doctrine, but an important one for the spiritual health, wellbeing, and sanctification of the believer. So in this week's episode, we dive into Scripture and our Reformed confessions to take a look at how we can grow in assurance of salvation.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

The Oft-Neglected Principle of Tota Scriptura - Episode 233

In last week's episode we covered the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura, and so in this week's installment we thought it would be good to cover the complementary principle known as tota Scriptura, which is the conviction that the whole of Scripture is inspired, good, and profitable for the Christian. We also drop some very important news about the future of the show, so make sure to tune in and get the scoop in this week's episode.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Did the Roman Catholic Church Give Us the Bible? A Discussion on Sola Scriptura - Episode 232

One of the perennial points of discussion between Roman Catholics and Protestants is the role and authority of Scripture and tradition in the Christian life, and for good reason. Many Roman Catholic apologists today will argue that sola Scriptura is untenable because it was the Church that created the Scripture, and not the other way. So in this week's episode we aim to explain what sola Scriptura is, what is isn't, and how it stands up to Roman and Orthodox objections.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

The Reformed View of Communion - Episode 231

With Holy Week upon us, we thought it would be wonderful to take a few moments reflecting on the Reformed view of Communion and how it compares to the views of Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and modern Evangelicalism. As you celebrate the Eucharist this week, we hope this episode is a helpful way of deepening your participation in this sacrament. 
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Creating A Healthy Culture of Welcome & Hospitality at Your Church - Episode 230

One of the most important questions each local congregation can ask itself is, Do we have a healthy culture of greeting and hospitality that will remove barriers and foster fellowship with newcomers and new members? In this week's episode, we dive into how having a good theology of greeting ought to radically reorient our attention away from being inwardly focused and insular to being outwardly focused and hospitable. Whether you're a church leader or just a member, we all have an important part to play in making sure our churches rightly reflect our hospitable and gracious God.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Truth & Work in the Age of AI - Episode 229

A long time has passed since our first episode on AI back in November of 2023, so we thought it would be good to revisit this topic. But rather than covering the topic from a general perspective, this time around we focus specifically on two new angles: how AI has disintegrated our ability to trust what we're told is true, and how it impacts the way we approach our work and vocations. We hope this will be a thought-provoking conversation about this timely topic.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Interview on Global Christian Education with Mario Matos of EduDeo Ministries - Episode 228

As an extension of our Neo-Calvinist roots, one of the great the convictions of the Christian Reformed tradition globally is its commitment to the importance of Christ-centered education, and how such education brings transformation and renewal to its local communities. In this week's episode we had the pleasure of sitting down - virtually, of course - with Mario Matos, who serves as the International Partnership Director of EduDeo Ministries, a global Reformed Christian education ministry that seeks to provide resources and training for Christ-centered schools all over the majority world. In the episode we discuss the roots of the Christian Reformed Church of the Dominican Republic and the ways in which God is using EduDeo to bring about gospel-centered community transformation all around Latin America, east Asia, and Africa. If you have a heart for missions and/or Christian education, this is definitely the episode for you!
Visit www.EduDeo.com for more information about this ministry as well as ways you or your church may get involved in supporting their work.

How Frequently Should We Have Communion? - Episode 227

One of the perennial discussions in the Reformed tradition is over the frequency with which we ought to observe and partake in the Lord's Supper together. In the history of the CRC, it was common to partake quarterly and on Good Friday. But the growing trend today in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches seems to be going the other direction, toward weekly celebration. In this week's episode we aim to mine the Scriptures and the Reformed tradition's great luminaries to show that while there is no express command, there does seem to be a general push for more frequency rather than less.
 
The article we mention in the episode from Resurrection OPC in Matthews, NC can be found here: https://www.rpcmatthews.org/articles/reformed-theologians-on-the-frequency-of-communion-past-amp-present

Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life? Interview with Justin N. Poythress - Episode 226

In this week's episode we were blessed with the opportunity to sit down with Justin N. Poythress, pastor of All Saints Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Meridian, ID, about his upcoming book Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life?, set for release on April 1st from the Good Book Company. In this conversation we dive into the contents of Justin's book as he helps guide through the fundamental questions of identity, the self, and understanding who we are in Christ. For a discount code to Justin's book available for pre-order, you can subscribe to blog at justinpoythress.com.

A Tale of Two Halftime Shows - Episode 225

This past week marked the annual observance of America's most important religious, er, national holiday: the NFL Super Bowl. As per usual, there was no shortage of controversy surrounding the halftime show, this year hosted by an artist named Bad Bunny. But this year there was not one but two halftime shows, with the other pitched the "All-American Halftime Show", which aimed at being a celebration of "American culture, freedom, and faith." Sifting through all the noise, we thought we'd add our thoughts about what all of this says for American Christians, and how we might, as Reformed Christians, seek to avoid populist Evangelicalism. 
 

The Rise & Fall of the "Young, Restless, & Reformed Movement" - Episode 224

This week we're traveling back in time to examine the so-called Young, Restless, and Reformed movement, analyzing its roots, its rise to prominence in the evangelical world in the 2000s, and its subsequent decline in the mid-2010s. Through it all we explore the real strengths of the movement, alongside a sober analysis of the genuine weaknesses and valid criticisms. For anyone who lived through it, this may be an intriguing walk down memory lane. For others, it may be merely a cautionary tale. But for all, we hope it's a thoughtful analysis of a movement that profoundly impacted evangelicalism in the early years of the 21st century.
 

Satan, Sin, & Temptation - Episode 223

This week we dive into a fascinating discussion and exploration of what the Bible has to teach us about Satan, demons, sin, and temptation. A listener recently asked us whether it's true that Satan is to blame for our temptation, or whether this removes too much of the responsibility off our shoulders. So this episode is one part response to the question, one part a theology of Satan and demons, and one part exploration of what we might call the "gestational stages" of temptation based on James 1:13-15. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Referenced in the episode:
Can Satan Put Thoughts Into Our Heads? With “Ask Pastor John” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CZOxAql4Ko)
Declare War On Sin, with "Ask Pastor John" (https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/declare-war-on-sin)

Addressing the Overlooked Sins of Greed, Gluttony, & Grumbling - Episode 222

In the Christian life there are often sins that are overlooked, dismissed, and neglected. These exist in contrast to the ones that are far more obvious and therefore far more commonly addressed. So in an effort to discern the whole counsel of God and allow its light to pervade into every nook and cranny of our hearts, this week we turn to the sins of greed, gluttony, and grumbling in an effort to address how Christ's Lordship affects our hearts and even our plates.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

What Are the Best Go-To Books for New Christians? - Episode 221

A few weeks ago, a pastor friend reached out to Pastor Zac asking what his go-to book recommendations were for new Christians, and this question got him thinking. Books are an important part of discipleship for many Christians, and so in this week's episode we take some time to reflect on what books we'd recommend for getting to grips with Christianity depending on various considerations (age, maturity level, spiritual needs, etc.). This will be a helpful episode for anyone looking for good books to start with, or for anyone looking for good books to recommend to new Christians in their church.Below is a list of the books we mention in the episode, as well as some volumes we didn't get around to:
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Be Thou My Vision (Jonathan Gibson)
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook (Kevin DeYoung)
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about the Christian Faith (Rebecca McLaughlin)
Letters to A Young Disciple (Brad East)
Core Christianity and/or Pilgrim Theology (Michael Horton)
Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion (Herman Bavinck)
Theology: The Basics (Allister McGrath)
Growing in Christ and/or Knowing God (JI Packer)
Everyone's A Theologian (RC Sproul)
Basic Christianity (John Stott) 
The Reason for God (Tim Keller)
How to Have Real Joy (Charles Spurgeon)
The Sacrifice of Praise (Herman Bavinck)
Life Together (Dietrich Boenhoffer)
Taking God at His Word (Kevin De Young)
Gentle & Lowly (Dane Ortlund)
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

A Look Back at 2025: Conspiracies, Conservatives, & the Importance of Trust - Episode 220

In this first episode of 2026, we take some time to reflect on 2025 and some of the major events that transpired. We pay special attention on the recent developments within the conservative right and the fractures that have become clear in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death as a result of conspiracy theories and the appeal of sensational explanatory narratives. Following the guidance of Scripture & our Reformed confessions, in this episode we discuss how Christians ought not be marked by pervasive distrust of government and institutions, but by an abiding respect for and willingness to trust them despite their failings. 
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

The Real Christmas Story Vs. the Pop-Christmas Story - Episode 219

Do you know the REAL Christmas story, as opposed to the popular versions of the story we hear every year around this time? In this week's episode, we spend some time, like Mary herself, marveling at the goodness of God in the Matthew and Luke's accounts of the nativity of Christ our Lord. We get into the date of Christ's birth, the timeline leading up to and after His birth, the story of the shepherds, the wise men, and the slaughter of the innocents. As we prepare for Christmas, this is a devotional episode to help us focus on the reality of Christmas and the glad tidings of great joy.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

The Reformed Tradition & the Church Calendar - Episode 218

While it may sound strange to many, the Reformed tradition has had a long and complicated history with regard to the use of the Church Calendar. In some corners it's been outright rejected, whereas in others it's been strongly encouraged. So given that we are currently in the season of Advent and approaching Christmas, we thought it would be fun to sit down and discuss how Reformed Christians can and should use the Church Calendar today and how our tradition helps shine the spotlight on the so-called "evangelical feast days." We hope this is a fun and enlightening episode!
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Christmas Carols: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Episode 217

It's the most wonderful time of the year! As another Christmas season has now descended upon us, we thought it would we'd get a little festive and spend this week's episode ranking our favorite (and least favorite) Christmas carols and songs. Perhaps we'll step on some toes, but more importantly we hope to deepen your appreciation for some of the true gems of this wonderful season where we celebrate the arrival of the Son of God in the incarnation. 
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.