Cincy Reformed Podcast

What‘s the Difference Between the Law and the Gospel? (Audio only)

Zacharias Ursinus said, "The doctrine of the church is the entire and uncorrupted doctrine of the law and gospel concerning the true God, together with his will, works, and worship." How do we understand words like "Gospel" or "Law"? Narrowly, the Gospel tells us what Christ has done for us (indicative). But broadly, the Gospel can exhort (imperative) and even threaten (Canons of Dort, 5.14). The Law can refer to the Law of Moses, broadly, or to the moral law more narrowly. But of what use is the Law for those who are united to Christ? If, in Christ, we are justified, adopted, and sanctified - if our 'old self' was crucified and we are raised with Christ - of what use can the law be? Does the law merely function negatively, showing us our sinfulness and inability, or does the Holy Spirit empower us to follow God's commands (though imperfectly)? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon give an introduction to these questions.

For more information, see: 

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson 

Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (pp. 608-618) by Zacharias Ursinus 

By Faith, Not By Sight by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

The Path of Faith: A Biblical Theology of Covenant and Law by Brandon Crowe 

The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson 

A New Testament Biblical Theology (ch. 25-26) by G.K. Beale 

Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored by Michael Brown and Zach Keele 

The Law-Gospel Distinction by Zac Wyse 

 

 

Abortion: What Does God Say?

According to Scripture, it is God who opens wombs (Gen. 29:31; 30:17-24; Ps. 113:9) and closes wombs (Gen. 20:18; 1 Sam. 1:5). God is Lord of the womb and, under God’s Lordship, life begins and a soul is created by God when an egg is fertilized. With this background, how should Christians think about Abortion (i.e., the killing of a baby in a mother's womb)? God forbids murder (Exo. 20:13; Rev. 21:8), but does this include a person in a womb? Are there exceptions where a mother would be justified in killing her child in her womb? Should a mother kill her child if the child's father raped her? Should the mother kill her child to save her own life? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss this difficult issue. (Also see: Job 31:15; Ps. 22:9-10; 100:3; 139:14-15; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41)

For more information, see: 

Abortion by R.C. Sproul 

Do You Really Love Life? by Timothy Brindle 

Healing After Abortion: God's Mercy Is for You by David Powlison 

Forgiveness After an Abortion by Julie Ganschow

Abortion is Immoral: An Animated Roadmap of the Argument by Justin Taylor 

"Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey Haunt Our Country" - Some of the Most Clarifying Words in Supreme Court Historyby R. Albert Mohler Jr. 

Abortion: What Does God Say? (Audio only)

According to Scripture, it is God who opens wombs (Gen. 29:31; 30:17-24; Ps. 113:9) and closes wombs (Gen. 20:18; 1 Sam. 1:5). God is Lord of the womb and, under God’s Lordship, life begins and a soul is created by God when an egg is fertilized. With this background, how should Christians think about Abortion (i.e., the killing of a baby in a mother's womb)? God forbids murder (Exo. 20:13; Rev. 21:8), but does this include a person in a womb? Are there exceptions where a mother would be justified in killing her child in her womb? Should a mother kill her child if the child's father raped her? Should the mother kill her child to save her own life? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon discuss this difficult issue. 

For more information, see: 

Abortion by R.C. Sproul 

Do You Really Love Life? by Timothy Brindle 

Healing After Abortion: God's Mercy Is for You by David Powlison 

Forgiveness After an Abortion by Julie Ganschow

Abortion is Immoral: An Animated Roadmap of the Argument by Justin Taylor 

"Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey Haunt Our Country" - Some of the Most Clarifying Words in Supreme Court History by R. Albert Mohler Jr. 

 

 

Is Christianity the Only True Religion?

Is Christianity the only true religion? Are all other religions false? How do you know? Are you in the true religion or a false religion? Are all religions the same? Are all gods equal? Does every religion have merely pieces of the truth? How can you be sure? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon dive into these questions in order to bring clarity and encouragement to weary pilgrims. 

For more information, see: 

Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson 

The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus by Thom Rainer 

Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint 

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius van Til 

"The Gospel and World Religions" by Simon Turpin in World Religions and Cults (Vol. 2). 

The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox by B.A. Bosserman 

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James White 

No God But One: Allah or Jesus? by Nabeel Qureshi 

Is Christianity the Only True Religion? (Audio only)

Is Christianity the only true religion? Are all other religions false? How do you know? Are you in the true religion or a false religion? Are all religions the same? Are all gods equal? Does every religion have merely pieces of the truth? How can you be sure? In this episode, Pastors Zac and Brandon dive into these questions in order to bring clarity and encouragement to weary pilgrims. 

For more information, see: 

Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson 

The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus by Thom Rainer 

Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint 

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius van Til 

"The Gospel and World Religions" by Simon Turpin in World Religions and Cults (Vol. 2). 

The Trinity and the Vindication of Christian Paradox by B.A. Bosserman 

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James White 

No God But One: Allah or Jesus? by Nabeel Qureshi 

What is Truth and Happiness? (Video)

In a recent television show, a college professor posed this question to his students: 

“When do people’s [religious/superstitous] convictions and your pursuit of happiness become mutually exclusive? With a click of a button, people can push these symbols out to millions and promote myth as fact. In this post-truth world, where does this leave us? Where do we draw the line between respecting the beliefs of others and calling bull-[crap].”

In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac dissect this quote, not only to show Christians how the logic of the quote falls apart, but also to give them guidance in how to live in a world wherein this thinking is becoming pervasive. 

For more information, see: 

Confessions by St. Augustine 

Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til 

Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson 

Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint

History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame 

Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress 

Christian Worldview by Herman Bavinck 

What is Your Worldview? by James Anderson 

Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint 

Can We Know Truth? by Richard Phillips 

What is Truth and Happiness?

In a recent television show, a college professor posed this question to his students: 

“When do people’s [religious/superstitous] convictions and your pursuit of happiness become mutually exclusive? With a click of a button, people can push these symbols out to millions and promote myth as fact. In this post-truth world, where does this leave us? Where do we draw the line between respecting the beliefs of others and calling bull-[crap].”

In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac dissect this quote, not only to show Christians how the logic of the quote falls apart, but also to give them guidance in how to live in a world wherein this thinking is becoming pervasive. 

For more information, see: 

Confessions by St. Augustine 

Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til 

Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson 

Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint

History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame 

Redeeming Science by Vern Poythress 

Christian Worldview by Herman Bavinck 

What is Your Worldview? by James Anderson 

Joy and the Lord‘s Supper

When you think of the Lord's Supper, do you think of celebration and joy, or maybe of a more somber, penitent, self-examination? In this episode, Pastor Zac makes the case that the emphasis of the Lord's Supper ought to be one of a joyful celebration. Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on a range of issues, including covenant meals, the role of self-examination, and more. 

For more information, see: 

Lift Your Hearts on High by Ronald P. Byars 

The Lord's Supper: As the Sign and Meal of the New Testament by Guy Prentiss Waters 

Joy and the Lord‘s Supper (Audio only)

When you think of the Lord's Supper, do you think of celebration and joy, or maybe of a more somber, penitent, self-examination? In this episode, Pastor Zac makes the case that the emphasis of the Lord's Supper ought to be one of a joyful celebration. Pastor Brandon interviews Pastor Zac on a range of issues, including covenant meals, the role of self-examination, and more. 

For more information, see: 

Lift Your Hearts on High by Ronald P. Byars 

The Lord's Supper: As the Sign and Meal of the New Testament by Guy Prentiss Waters 

Understanding Revelation 20:1-15 - The Millennial Reign of Christ and the Binding of Satan

In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss one of the most controversial chapters in all of the Bible, namely, Revelation chapter 20. Is the "1,000 year reign of Christ" a future event? Or is the Millennium (1,000 yrs) right now? Also, what does it mean for Satan to be "bound"? Again, is this future or right now? These questions and others are unpacked in this episode. 

For more information, see: 

Revelation: A Shorter Commentary by G.K. Beale and David Campbell 

Revelation (Lectio Continua) by Joel Beeke 

Revelation (Reformed Expository) by Richard Phillips 

The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress 

A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger 

Theonomy and Eschatology: Some Reflections on Postmillennialism by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.