Reformed Podmatics

New episode just dropped! What is a Reformed view of Israel? How can good theology help a Christian process the current events in the Holy Land?

Israel and the Church - Episode 139 | Reformed Podmatics With Israel re-entering the news cycle, many Christians are asking theological questions concerning the connection between Israel and the Church. Did the Christian Church replace Israel? Whose side should a Christian take in the current conflict between Israel and Palestine? Visit www.almondvalley.o...

In this week's episode we spoke with Stephen Hamidu, a pastor and professor in the CRC-Nigeria. We learned about how Reformed ministry and theology is impacting people in Africa, and heard Stephen's thoughts on what is happening in the CRC of North America.
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/conversation-with-stephen-hamidu-of-the-crc-nigeria-episode-136/

We're back with an episode on the culture wars. Check out this week's episode, "A Christian in the Culture Wars."

A Christian in the Culture Wars - Episode 132 | Reformed Podmatics 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 Ch...

If you're looking for a resource to help you or someone you know think through , we think this latest episode of Reformed Podmatics will be a great place to start.

We welcomed to the show two delegates from Classis Central California who just so happened to be on committees 7 & 8, which dealt with some of the more serious matters facing the CRC. We hope this conversation is helpful and encouraging. Grace + peace!

Synod 2023 Roundtable - Episode 128 | Reformed Podmatics 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...

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.

Synod 2023 & John 17 - Episode 125 | Reformed Podmatics 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...

In one of our most popular episodes yet, we chat about how Christian Reformed people are talking about the issues that are facing our denomination. We only need 2 more downloads to reach 400!

Who Controls the Conversation in the CRC? - Episode 121 | Reformed Podmatics 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....

With World Cup fever in full swing, check out this week's episode of Reformed Podmatics titled "Theology of Sports." This would be a great episode to share with any athletes or superfans you know who would be blessed to think more deeply about the intersection between sports and our spiritual lives.

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 ...

Much attention has been given in previous years to "Christian nationalism." What is it? Where is it present in American Christianity?

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 Al...

For this week's episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Mike Heiser, author of The Unseen Realm and host of the Naked Bible Podcast, for a discussion of his work, which seeks to help modern Christians better understand the Bible's teachings, particularly in regards to the spiritual worldview of the biblical authors and the cultural context of the Ancient Near East.

We hope this episode not only piques the interest of our listeners but also encourages you to think deeply about what the Scriptures teach, especially with regard to these oft-overlooked matters of the spiritual world. While it's no secret that some of Dr. Heiser's work is, at times, at odds with some of the particulars of our Reformed tradition, we've certainly really enjoyed reading through The Unseen Realm and now having the opportunity to pick his brain about it.

And so, with that said, we'd like to extend a word of appreciation once again to Mike for taking the time to join us and for helping us continue processing his important work, especially in light of his ongoing battle with cancer. Mike, it was an honor, and we'll all be praying for you.

Until next time, everyone: grace + peace!

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....

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 how core doctrines like the image of God and regeneration are thought of in each camp, and asks how the two sides can bless one another with a fuller understanding of the Gospel.

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 cor...

Synod 2022 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America has come and gone! One thing everyone agrees on is that the decisions made at this synod will have lasting consequences for years to come.

In this week's episode, Pastor Mark and Pastor Zac dive into the events of synod and give a general overview of what took place. But in weeks to come, they'll be looking at synod from a theological perspective as well as asking the big question, What's next for the CRCNA?

For now, we invite you to join us to as we begin unpacking Synod 2022.

Synod 2022: What Happened? - Episode 89 Synod 2022 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America has come and gone! One thing everyone agrees on is that the decisions made at this synod will have lasting consequences for years to come. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https...

Tune in to this week's episode of Reformed Podmatics as part of your celebration of Holy Week. As always, please share, like, and subscribe if you enjoy the podcast!

https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/a-very-reformed-holy-week-episode-82/

A Very Reformed Holy Week - Episode 82 Holy Week marks the high point of the church calendar, culminating in Good Friday and Easter Sunday. In this episode we discuss differing Reformed perspectives on the observance of Holy Week and some common pitfalls in how Easter Sunday is celebrated in Am...

Reformed Podmatics updated their business hours.

We are nearing our 10,000th download! Why not help us get there this weekend by sharing your favorite episode with a friend?
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/ (also on Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, and Apple Podcasts)

Reformed Podmatics Welcome to Reformed Podmatics! Hosted by Pastor Mark VanD**e and Pastor Zac Dewey of Almond Valley CRC in Ripon CA, this podcast exists to promote the vibrant, biblical, and historically informed face of Reformed theology both in our context and beyond....

NEW EPISODE!
Are there some issues a pastor should not preach about? Check out Episode 70 of Reformed Podmatics titled "Preaching Allergies."
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/preaching-allergies-episode-70/

Preaching Allergies - Episode 70 Preachers and congregants can become allergic to certain topics, but is this a biblical development in a church? Should a pastor preach about politics, money, sexuality, or other matters that are controversial? Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Og...

"I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious." - Michael Scott
In this year's first episode of Reformed Podmatics we discuss superstition in the church. Where is it present? Why is it antithetical to the Gospel?

Ep. 68 - Superstition In the Church
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/superstition-in-the-church-episode-68/

With Christmas & the new year coming up just around the corner, Mark and I have decided to take a two week hiatus here at Reformed Podmatics. This will allow us to focus on sermon preparation, visitation, planning for the new year, and spending time with our friends & families.

But don't worry; we look forward to getting back to the podcast in the first week of 2022. Until then, we pray you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families and churches!

Grace + peace,
-Pastor Zac

Two pastors chat about the history and current status of the Christian Reformed Church. This episode is a "must listen" for people who want to expand their view of the CRC outside the walls of their own church. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find the post helpful!
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/the-crc-yesterday-and-today-episode-65/

Does it really matter whether or not you're a member of a local church?

https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/church-membership-episode-62/

Church Membership - Episode 62 How important is it that a Christian is officially a member of a local church?  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...

Well, folks, we've done it - we've finally made an episode on COVID, vaccines, and mask wearing. So buckle up and join us as we think through these issues from a pastoral and biblical perspective.

COVID Vaccines: A Pastoral Conversation - Episode 61 Two pastors talk about COVID, vaccines, masks, and how Christians can navigate through these matters in a way that exalts Christ.  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...

Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark are not doctors, so we weigh in on the COVID vaccine situation from a pastoral perspective. How should Christians think and talk about COVID, vaccines, and masks?

COVID Vaccines: A Pastoral Conversation - Episode 61 Two pastors talk about COVID, vaccines, masks, and how Christians can navigate through these matters in a way that exalts Christ.  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...

What better way to celebrate Reformation Day than by sitting back and enjoying an episode of Reformed Podmatics on the value of creeds, catechisms, and confessions? If you've ever wondered why we in the Reformed tradition have them, value, teach about them, and preach on them, then this is just the episode for you.

Ecclesia reformata et semper reformanda!

The Case for Confessions - Episode 60 What are your plans for Reformation Day? How about celebrating by listening to a podcast on confessionalism? In this episode Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark laud the merits of the confessions. To read the 3 Forms of Unity check out https://www.crcna.org/welcome...

This week's episode offers some thoughts on the podcast phenomenon sweeping the nation, The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark ask, "Do I Attend a 'Mars Hill?'"

https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/do-i-attend-a-mars-hill-episode-56/

Do I Attend a ”Mars Hill?” - Episode 56 In an age of scandals and church closures, how can someone spot the warning signs in their congregation? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark recount some of the lessons learned from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" and help ask if those red flags are evident in you...

This week's episode gives a brief introduction to the life and work of C.S. Lewis. Give it a listen!
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/who-is-cs-lewis-episode-55/

Who Is C.S. Lewis? - Episode 55 Clive Staples Lewis is often regarded as the greatest apologist for the Christian faith during the 20th Century. Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark give a snapshot of his life and work. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...

This week, following up on their episode on "Jesus and John Wayne," and responding to the popular podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss how Christians are called to relationships defined by grace and accountability, while asking the questions, What is biblical grace? And does the Church need to be more gracious, less gracious, or both?

Where Grace Goes Wrong in the Church - Episode 54 Following up on Jesus and John Wayne and responding to the popular podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark ask how Christians are called to relationships defined by grace and accountability. What is biblical grace? Music Provided...

SPECIAL EPISODE: Review of Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. In this episode we talk with Ron Vander Molen Sr. about Kristin Kobes Du Mez's best-selling book.
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/review-of-jesus-and-john-wayne-episode-53/

Review of Jesus and John Wayne - Episode 53 Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is a best-selling book by Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. In this episode Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark welcome Ron Vande...

"Do you take the Bible literally?"
This is one of the "gotcha" questions in conversations about the Bible. How should a Christian respond?
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/do-you-take-the-bible-literally-episode-51/

Do You Take the Bible Literally? - Episode 51 One of the "gotcha" questions in conversations about the Bible is, "Do you read the Bible literally?" Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark explore the question from a Reformed perspective. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...

Over the past two decades or so the American church has witnessed a resurgence of Calvinist theology in its midst. While it's certainly true this movement has not been perfect, it is interesting to consider where it has left us today and how it may continue to impact the Protestant & Evangelical landscape into the future. So join Pastor Mark and Pastor Zac this week as they consider the state of Calvinism today.

Calvinism Today - Episode 50 In the wake of the "Young, Restless, and Reformed" movement of the early 2000s, what is the status of Calvinism in America today? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark take a look at previous events and present trends. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden...

When something goes wrong at church how should you respond? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark talk about encouragement and criticism in the church.

Criticism & Encouragement - Episode 48 How can we best offer feedback, both positive and critical, to people in church? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark give examples of how encouragement and criticism has gone well and how it has been unhelpful for us in the past. Music Provided With Permission by J...

Perhaps one reason so many Americans are exhausted and discouraged is a lack of beauty in their lives. In this week's episode we explore the role of aesthetics in the Christian life.

Beauty and Aesthetics - Episode 47 Why should beauty matter to Christians? What place do art, architecture, music, films, and literature have in how we celebrate God's glory? Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...

The word of the week is "polemics," which Oxford defines as "the art or practice of engaging in controversial debate or dispute." Reformed people often have the reputation as being argumentative and sometimes overly polemical. This week's episode of Reformed Podmatics addresses polemicism and where it fits (or doesn't fit) with our faith.
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/a-word-for-argumentative-calvinists-reformed-podmatics-episode-44/

A Word for Argumentative Calvinists - Reformed Podmatics: Episode 44 Why are so many Reformed pastors argumentative and suspicious of any idea that differs slightly from their established doctrines? In this episode of Reformed Podmatics Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark address polemics, which Oxford defines as "the art or practic...

In this week's episode we address one of the most contentious issues in the Church over the past 40 years: women in ecclesiastical office.
https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/womens-ordination-reformed-podmatics-episode-43/

Women's Ordination - Reformed Podmatics: Episode 43 We're going there! Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss differing beliefs about women's ordination.  Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  ...

How should Reformed Christians think about the Roman Catholic Church? What are the strengths and weaknesses? What do they do well? What do they do wrong? Are they a true church? Can they be saved?

In this week's episode, Pastor Mark and Pastor Zac weigh in with their thoughts and try to help Reformed Christians navigate ecumenical conversations with Roman Catholic friends, family members, and neighbors.

Roman Catholicism - Reformed Podmatics: Episode 39 What should a Reformed Christian make of the Roman Catholic Church? This question originated in the Reformation and continues to this day. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj...

Not all arguments against Christianity are created equal. In this week's episode, Pastor Zachary Dewey and Pastor Mark Van D**e refute some of the poorer arguments against our faith.

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 37: A Catalog of Bad Arguments Against Christianity As western culture moves further into a "post-Christian" era, there will be various arguments made against our faith. Some arguments are better than others. In this episode Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark address some of the weaker arguments against the orthodo...

We'd like to know: Who are YOUR favorite non-Reformed theologians and what have they taught you?

In this week's episode, Pastor Mark and Pastor Zac talk about their favorite theologians from outside the Reformed tradition and use this as a starting point to discuss Christian ecumenism, the various criteria they use in finding helpful non-Reformed voices, and what the Bible has to say about the visible unity of the global church.

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 35: Non-Reformed Voices Which non-Reformed theologians and pastors are doing Christ-centered ministry in a way that is blessing Reformed believers? What criteria do we use to evaluate who is influencing our life and doctrine? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark give their lists of non-Ref...

Polls suggest that churchgoers are becoming less and less likely to officially join a church and worship every week with that congregation. There are a number of factors that contribute to this phenomenon of "nomadic spirituality." Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss some of the dangers of transience, both for pastors and for the average churchgoer.

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 34: Nomadic Spirituality Polls suggest that churchgoers are becoming less and less likely to officially join a church and worship every week with that congregation. There are a number of factors that contribute to this phenomenon of "nomadic spirituality." Pastor Zac and Pastor Ma...

Must a Christian choose between Sola Scriptura and tradition?

As debate rages around interpreting God's Word, this issue is often at the center of the argument. For some, the thinking is that we need *only* God's Word when it comes to grounding our beliefs. For others, there is the notion that the Scriptures are insufficient and that tradition is therefore necessary to fill in the gaps and infallibly interpret it.

But perhaps there is a different way?

In this episode, we lay out the historic Protestant approach to Christian tradition and explore how it helps us today as the Church deals with the ongoing conversation surrounding sexual ethics.

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 30: Sola Scriptura vs. Tradition? Must a Christian choose between Sola Scriptura and tradition? As debate rages around interpreting God's Word, this issue is often at the center of the argument. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj  ...

Christians know we should signal our devotion to God's Word, but does the Bible have functional authority over our life and doctrine? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark explore some threats to biblical authority and present a high view of God's Word, which will not only lead us into life but will confront every person's sin.

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 29: Biblical Authority "I take the Bible seriously, but..." Christians know we should signal our devotion to God's Word, but does the Bible have functional authority over our life and doctrine? Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark explore some threats to biblical authority and present a h...

When you're sitting in church or reading your Bible and you hear the command to repent, what are you being asked to do? This week's episode of Reformed Podmatics defines repentance and (perhaps even more importantly) establishes the "ethos" of the penitent Christian life.

https://reformedpodmatics.podbean.com/e/reformed-podmatics-episode-28-repentance/

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 28: Repentance How central is repentance to the Christian life? In this episode of Reformed Podmatics Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark not only define repentance but teach on the "ethos" of the penitent Christian life. Understanding this topic is essential if we are going to h...

When you walk with the Lord for any amount of time, you can't help but be shaped and moulded by the passages of Scripture the Lord uses to guide, strengthen, and bless you along the way. So in this week's episode, Pastor Mark and Pastor Zac share the passages that have most shaped and moulded their lives and ministries all along the way.

We hope that this would be an encouraging exercise of letting "the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:17) and that you would be blessed and strengthened by His Word.

But we're also curious, what are YOUR favorite passages and why?

Reformed Podmatics - Episode 26: Favorite Bible Verses One of the best questions Christians can talk about is, "What is your favorite part of God's Word?" In this episode, Pastor Zac and Pastor Mark discuss their favorite Bible verses. Music Provided With Permission by Jonathan Ogden - https://amzn.to/2DTw5rj ...