Reformed Podmatics

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.

Gracious Separation in the CRCNA - Episode 106

After Synod 2022 many in the Christian Reformed Church are asking how they should respond. The call for "gracious separation" is increasing, but is this the most biblical response to division on the Church?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Christian Nationalism - Episode 105

During this election week we attempt to define "Christian Nationalism" and ask where the problem might be evident in various corners of American Christianity.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Be Fruitful and Multiply - Episode 104

How do we apply God's command to "be fruitful and multiply?" Does this mean every Christian is called to marriage and a big family? 
The Case for Kids by Rev. Kevin DeYoung
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Charismatic Spiritual Gifts - Episode 103

In Episode 103 we dig into the mail bag for a question from a listener: What does the Bible say about charismatic spiritual gifts like healing, speaking in tongues, and prophecy?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.
 

The Perils (and Promises) of Theology - Episode 102

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." How can a Christian seek knowledge of God without turning doctrine into an idol?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Altar Calls - Episode 101

The sermon is ending... the lights are dimmed... the inspirational music fades in... here comes your chance to commit to following Jesus. In this episode Zac and Mark discuss the biblical and theological aspects of the altar call.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

EPISODE 100! - Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Zac and Mark take a trip down memory lane to discuss the purpose of the podcast and where we hope to take it in the future. We also recount some of our favorite conversations, including the episodes on Infant Baptism, Christian Education, and Jesus & John Wayne. 
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.
Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Reformed Podmatics DESTROY Political Pundits - Episode 99

Click for an INSANE episode where Zac and Mark OWN anyone who disagrees with them about the most obscure political or theological topic. On a more serious note, we'll consider how Christians should consume political commentary.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Theology for Middle Schoolers - Episode 98

Can a 7th grade student learn theology? Special guest Lucas Geiger (Youth Director at Escalon Christian Reformed Church) joins us for a conversation on teaching middle school students the doctrines of the Christian faith.
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Enjoying Your Church (Despite Its Faults) - Episode 97

There is no perfect church this side of heaven. Anyone who participates in the life of a local congregation is well aware of that truth. How can a Christian still enjoy and even thrive in their local (imperfect) church?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Dr. Michael Heiser and the Unseen Realm - Episode 96

In this special episode of Reformed Podmatics we (virtually) sit down with Dr. Michael Heiser to talk about his influential book The Unseen Realm. 
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Old Testament 201 - Episode 95

Why read the Old Testament? What are the major plot points of this important section of God's Word?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

How to Be Offensive - Episode 94

Should a Christian ever say something offensive? If someone claims to have been hurt by an idea, does that mean we have sinned? How can we tell the difference between speech that is truthful and needlessly offensive?
Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

The Image of God vs. Regeneration? - Episode 93

It is an observable fact that during theological debates the progressive and traditional camps often talk past one another. In an effort to get to the essence of the disagreements within the CRC and broader Christian culture, this episode examines some core doctrines of each camp, and asks how the two sides can bless one another with a fuller understanding of the Gospel.
Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj

Faith in a Strange New World - Episode 92

Using Carl Trueman's latest book Strange New World as a springboard, Zac and Mark discuss how Christianity offers the sure foundation that many people are seeking. Where do we find identity? Where do we find community?
Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj