Reformed Podmatics

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.

Who is John Bunyan? - Episode 114

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.

Conversation with Paul VanderKlay - Episode 113

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.

Life in a Rural Church - Episdoe 112

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.

Who Chose the Books of the Bible? - Episode 111

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.

Recognizing God’s Work in a ”Regular Church” - Episode 110

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.

What is Hanukkah? - Episode 109

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.

What Happened Between the Old and New Testaments? - Episode 108

Four hundred years separate the conclusion of the Old Testament from the birth of Jesus. What happened in Israel during that time and how does it impact our understanding of the ministry of Jesus?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Theology of Sports - Episode 107

Two pastors who love sports talk about the blessings and the dangers of devotion to "the team." 
"Identity and the Thing" - by the New Time Religion Podcast
"Once Brothers" ESPN 30 for 30 Episode
"The Two Escobars" ESPN 30 for 30 Episode
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.