Reformed Podmatics

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.

Two ”CRC Outsiders” & the Three Forms of Unity - Episode 126

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" who have now been blessed to call it home. 
 
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.

Synod 2023 & John 17 - Episode 125

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 Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

How Reformed Christians Pray - Episode 124

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 for Daily Prayer, by Jonathan Gibson
ReformationWorship.com
ReformedStandards.com
Directory for Publick Worship
Directory for Family Worship
2019 Book of Common Prayer (ACNA) (PDF)
The Online Book of Common Prayer (1979, TEC)
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Pastor Sabbaticals - Episode 123

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.

”What Will People Say?” (The Idol of Reputation) - Episode 122

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.

Who Controls the Conversation in the CRC? - Episode 121

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 Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Is Hell Real? - Episode 120

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 used with permission.

What does the Bible say about swearing? - Episode 119

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 Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

What’s On Your Bookshelf? - Episode 118

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.

What is the purpose of theology? - Episode 117

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.

Streams in the Reformed Faith (Part 2) - Episode 116

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 Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Streams in the Reformed Faith - Episode 115

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.