Reformed Podmatics

Conversation with Stephen Hamidu of the CRC-Nigeria - Episode 136

Rev. Stephen Hamidu joins us from Veenstra Theological Seminary in eastern Nigeria. After serving a church in the CRC of Nigeria, Stephen now serves as professor of systematic theology, ethics, and pastoral care.
For information on how to support Veenstra Theological Seminary please contact Stephen at hamidustephen007@gmail.com. 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Conversation with Anthony Selvaggio on Reformed Identity - Episode 135

The pastor of Rochester CRC in Rochester, NY, Anthony Selvaggio, joins us for this week's episode. Anthony served the Lord for several yeras in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, and in this episode he shares his thoughts on the similarities and differences between the RPCNA and the CRC.
Anthony's Published Works Include:
Considering Job
Sing a New Song: Recovering Psalm Singing for the Twenty-First Century (Co-Authored with Dr. Joel Beeke)
A Proverbs Driven Life: Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth and Relationships
From Bondage to Liberty: The Gospel According to Moses
Faith Once Delivered: Essays in Honor of Dr. Wayne R. Spear
Table Talk Magazine - A monthly periodical produced by Ligonier Ministries.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Conversation with Paul Van Maaren on the RCA and the ARC - Episode 134

Our first conversation in the "Reformed Perspectives" series is with Pastor Paul Van Maaren of First Reformed Church of Sheldon, Iowa. The congregation in Sheldon recently departed from the Reformed Church in America and became affiliated with the Alliance of Reformed Churches. In this conversation we learn about the state of the RCA and how things are going in the newly formed ARC.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Perspectives on the Reformed World (Series Intro) - Episode 133

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 getting some interesting guests from around the Reformed community (and the globe) to help give us some perspective on what the Lord is doing all around us today.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

A Christian in the Culture Wars - Episode 132

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.

How to Talk About Baptism - Episode 131

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 Ogden used with permission.

Sabbatical, Worship, and Lessons Learned on Pilgrimage - Episode 130

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.

A Theology of Rest

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 this important subject and reflect on ways that we might reconsider and reorient our understanding of rest according to God's Word. Grace + peace!
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

CRC Synod 2023 Roundtable - Episode 128

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 of these decisions for the interested lay person.Thanks for tuning in and putting up with this rather lengthy installment of Reformed Podmatics. We hope it's helpful in terms of getting a better sense of #CRCSynod2023 and where we go from here.
 
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Visit www.immanuelcrc.org/ for more information about Immanuel CRC in Ripon, CA.
Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Just War Theory - Episode 127

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 nationhood, government, justice, self-defense & protection of innocents, etc. We pray this discussion will help you sharpen you and edify you - even if it's not the discussion on Synod 2023 you may have been hoping for (but stay tuned, that will come!).
Mentioned in the episode:
"Just War Theory", essay in Protestant Social Teaching: An Introduction
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.