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Cincy Reformed Podcast is a podcast of Westside Reformed Church (URCNA) in Cincinnati, OH. Pastors Zac (Mdiv, Westminster Seminary California) and Brandon (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) discuss matters of theology, history, apologetics, contemporary issues, and more.
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
In the previous episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discussed the doctrine of the Sabbath, examining Sabbath from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode, they turn their attention to the practical ways in which the Lord's Day is observed by believers in the New Covenant. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritan tradition. For example, in Isaiah 58:13, God speaks against "doing your own pleasure." Does this mean that we ought to abstain from our "works, words, and thoughts about [...] recreations" (WCF 21.8), or is Isaiah 58:13 speaking against "a hypocritical religious ritual [i.e., formalism] on the Sabbath that is used as a cloak to cover the pursuit of one’s selfish and sinful agenda"? Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul, siding with the Continental tradition, wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God... The prophets weren't revolutionaries; they were reformers. They didn't come to change the law of Israel... The function of the prophets wasn't to add new burdens but to call the people back to the original terms. That is why it is unlikely that Isaiah [c.f., Isa. 58:13] was adding new regulations regarding the celebration of the Sabbath Day... The Puritans misunderstood the word 'pleasure.' The Israelites knew God's law, but they were violating it commercially.... It really had nothing to do with recreation; it had to do chiefly with commerce" (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
The Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord's Day by William Boekenstein
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
In the previous episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discussed the doctrine of the Sabbath, examining Sabbath from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode, they turn their attention to the practical ways in which the Lord's Day is observed by believers in the New Covenant. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritan tradition. For example, in Isaiah 58:13, God speaks against "doing your own pleasure." Does this mean that we ought to abstain from our "works, words, and thoughts about [...] worldly employments and recreations" (WCF 21.8), or is Isaiah 58:13 speaking against "a hypocritical religious ritual [i.e., formalism] on the Sabbath that is used as a cloak to cover the pursuit of one’s selfish and sinful agenda"? Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul, siding with the Continental tradition, wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God... The prophets weren't revolutionaries; they were reformers. They didn't come to change the law of Israel... The function of the prophets wasn't to add new burdens but to call the people back to the original terms. That is why it is unlikely that Isaiah [c.f., Isa. 58:13] was adding new regulations regarding the celebration of the Sabbath Day... The Puritans misunderstood the word 'pleasure.' The Israelites knew God's law, but they were violating it commercially.... It really had nothing to do with recreation; it had to do chiefly with commerce" (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
The Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord's Day by William Boekenstein
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Does the 4th Commandment still command believers today to rest on the Sabbath Day? What is the relationship between the Lord's Day and the 4th Commandment? How is the Lord's Day to be observed? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss matters regarding the Lord's Day (sometimes called the Christian Sabbath). In Part 1, big picture doctrines are clarified. In Part 2, more practical issues will be surveyed. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritans. Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God." (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
The Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord's Day by William Boekenstein
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Does the 4th Commandment still command believers today to rest on the Sabbath Day? What is the relationship between the Lord's Day and the 4th Commandment? How is the Lord's Day to be observed? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss matters regarding the Lord's Day (sometimes called the Christian Sabbath). In Part 1, big picture doctrines are clarified. In Part 2, more practical issues will be surveyed. They also speak into a debate between the Continental Reformed and the Puritans. Regarding this intramural debate, R.C. Sproul wrote:
“We find a division among Reformed theologians on how the Sabbath day is to be observed. Both the Continental believers and the Puritans believed that the seventh day was to be observed, but they differed as to how it was to be observed. They agreed that Christians are required to worship on the Sabbath day, which is set apart in the New Testament as the day when the people of God come together. We are not to neglect the assembling together of the saints on the Lord's Day (Heb. 10:24-25). Christians should be prepared to [according to the Puritans] "observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations." Here is the chief and principal point of difference between the Continental view of the Sabbath and the Puritan view of the Sabbath. It was the Puritan view that won out in the Westminster Confession. The Puritans believed that the Sabbath day was to be taken up in worship, in the study of the things of God, and in doing errands of mercy. It was not to include things like going on picnics, playing badminton, swimming, or any of the recreational activities that are commonplace on the Sabbath day in our culture. The Continentals believed that though the Sabbath day should indeed be given principal to worship, there still was an opportunity for restful recreation. The whole idea of recreation was that the body was re-created by having rest and fellowship on the
Sabbath day... To see how these views collided, imagine the consternation of John Knox, who was expelled from England during the reign of Bloody Mary and first sought refuge in Germany and finally went to Calvin's Geneva. Knox was shocked when he arrived in Geneva and found Calvin, with his family, lawn bowling on the Sabbath day. Calvin took the Continental view, while Knox took the Puritan view…. Both the Continental and the Puritan views on the Sabbath are tolerated within the Reformed community. Each takes a strong view of the central importance of worship and delighting in the things of God." (pp.485-491)
For more information, see:
The Lord's Day: Sabbath Worship and Rest by W. Robert Godfrey
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
According to the Bible, "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20) and we, like the Patriarchs of old, are "sojourners and exiles" (1 Pet. 2:11) "seeking a homeland... a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Her. 11:13-16). The church walks the "narrow path" (Prov. 4:25-27; Matt. 7:13-14), which encounters many blessings, but also challenges. The apostles warned us, "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God," (Acts 14:22), and Christ promised us: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Nevertheless, being pilgrims does not means societal and cultural disengagement. J. Gresham Machen encouraged the church to take a stand when necessary, to consecrate our efforts to God, and to influence the cultural and intellectual "atmosphere" in order to give the Gospel a better hearing amid society. In other words, we are engaged pilgrims, doing all things to the glory of God, and calling unbelievers to faith and repentance (Mark 1:15). In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss how the pilgrim motif has shaped their lives.
For more information, see:
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
The Pilgrim's Progress (audio book) by John Bunyan
Who Would True Valor See [Hymn] by John Bunyan
Passing Though: Pilgrim Life in the Wilderness by Jeremy Walker
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch.18) by J. Brandon Burks
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, In All of Life, with All of Our Hearts by Vern Poythress
Monday Jan 16, 2023
Monday Jan 16, 2023
According to the Bible, "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20) and we, like the Patriarchs of old, are "sojourners and exiles" (1 Pet. 2:11) "seeking a homeland... a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Her. 11:13-16). The church walks the "narrow path" (Prov. 4:25-27; Matt. 7:13-14), which encounters many blessings, but also challenges. The apostles warned us, "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God," (Acts 14:22), and Christ promised us: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Nevertheless, being pilgrims does not means societal and cultural disengagement. J. Gresham Machen encouraged the church to take a stand when necessary, to consecrate our efforts to God, and to influence the cultural and intellectual "atmosphere" in order to give the Gospel a better hearing amid society. In other words, we are engaged pilgrims, doing all things to the glory of God, and calling unbelievers to faith and repentance (Mark 1:15). In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss how the pilgrim motif has shaped their lives.
For more information, see:
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
The Pilgrim's Progress (audio book) by John Bunyan
Who Would True Valor See [Hymn] by John Bunyan
Passing Though: Pilgrim Life in the Wilderness by Jeremy Walker
Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (ch.18) by J. Brandon Burks
The Lordship of Christ: Serving Our Savior All of the Time, In All of Life, with All of Our Hearts by Vern Poythress
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
Tuesday Jan 10, 2023
How does a church plant differ from an established church? What preparation goes into church planting? What are some tips for people joining a church plant? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his church planting experience.
For more information, see:
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA (online version)
Planting, Watering, Growing: Planting Confessionally Reformed Churches in the 21st Century by Daniel Hyde and Shane Lems
Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims by Daniel Hyde
Monday Jan 09, 2023
Monday Jan 09, 2023
How does a church plant differ from an established church? What preparation goes into church planting? What are some tips for people joining a church plant? In this episode, Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on his church planting experience.
For more information, see:
How to Plant a Reformed Church by URCNA
Planting, Watering, Growing: Planting Confessionally Reformed Churches in the 21st Century by Daniel Hyde and Shane Lems
Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims by Daniel Hyde
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
What does it mean to "Repent"? The Bible gives summary lists of various sins, and they are sins of which mankind is to repent. But how does one repent? Is it a mere, "I'm sorry," as an elder brother might half-heartedly say to a younger sister, when the former is caught taking a toy away from the latter? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the six "ingredients" of repentance as taught by Puritan Thomas Watson, as well as insights from the Heidelberg Catechism.
For more information, see:
The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson
Monday Jan 02, 2023
Monday Jan 02, 2023
What does it mean to "Repent"? The Bible lists various sins, and they are sins of which mankind is to repent. But how does one repent? Is it a mere, "I'm sorry," as an elder brother might say to a younger sister, when the former is caught taking a toy away from the latter? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the six "ingredients" of repentance as taught by Puritan Thomas Watson, as well as insights from the Heidelberg Catechism.
For more information, see:
The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson
Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson