Cincy Reformed Podcast

Are Arminians Pelagian? (Audio only)

When the Canons of Dort speak of "Pelagianism," of whom is it referring? Were the Remonstrants Pelagian? In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Zac discuss the these questions and more. 

For more information, see: 

The Canons of Dort. 

Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey 

Crisis in the Reformed Church: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort  ed. by Peter Y. De Jong

But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort by Cornelius Venema

Engaging the Source of ”Calvinism”

What is "Calvinism"? Can it really be summed up into five points? Is the acronym TULIP sufficient for our understanding of salvation? In this episode, Pastor Zac discusses the Canons of Dort. 

For more information, see: 

Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey 

Crisis in the Reformed Church: Essays in Commemoration of the Great Synod of Dort  ed. by Peter Y. De Jong

But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort by Cornelius Venema

 

Eucharistic Miracle?

On September 8, 2023 it was claimed that a Eucharistic Miracle happened in Cincinnati, OH wherein the bread of the Lord's Supper became stained with physical blood. The samples were subsequently sent off for verification. In this podcast episode, Pastor Brandon reflects on this local event from a Reformed perspective. 

Should We Swear?

Should we swear? What about oaths? In this episode Pastor Zac discusses the Third Commandment. 

For more information, see: 

Heidelberg Catechism Qs. 99-102. 

Theories on Education from a Christian Perspective

How should children be educated? What is education? What is the goal of education? What should be taught? Are the children products of chance, or are they covenant children made in God's image? Are teachers passive chaperones or mature shepherds who lead with authority? Who shapes the curriculum and what is included? What is the standard for education? Numerous theories on education seek to answer these questions, but many of them are not from a Christian worldview. How should Christians understand the various theories at play in schools across the country? In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses several theories of education from a biblical worldview. 

For more information, see: 

Philosophy and Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective by George R. Knight 

Voices from the Past: Reformed Educators, ed. by Donald Oppewal

Essays on Christian Education by Cornelius Van Til 

 

The Word that Lifts Anxiety

In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses Proverbs 12:25 and Psalm 45:1-6. What is the "good word" that lifts anxiety and gives hope to the heart? 

For more information, see: 

A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust by Ed Welch 

Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness by Ed Welch 

Overcoming Anxiety: Relief for Worried People by David Powlison 

"Paralyzing Fear," in Counseling the Hard Cases ed. by Heath Lambert 

The Salvation of Covenant Children

In this episode, Pastor Zac explores the salvation of covenant children from an article in the Canons of Dort (1.17):

Since we must make judgments about God’s will from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature but by virtue of the gracious covenant in which they together with their parents are included, godly parents ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom God calls out of this life in infancy.

Foxes Destroy Vineyards, But God Makes New

In this episode, Pastor Brandon gives a devotional from Song of Songs 2:15. 

For more information, see: 

Sermon on Song 2:15 by Ian Duguid 

Song of Songs (Reformed Commentary) by Ian Duguid

Grateful Christian Living: The Ten Commandments in Worship

In this episode, Pastor Zac explains the role of gratitude in the Christian life. 

For more information, see: 

Heidelberg Catechism 

God Cares for the Next Generation

It is so comforting that God cares for the next generation, and they are in His mighty hands. Even when we fail, God is faithful to His covenant promises. But that doesn't mean we don't have a lot of work to do. Judges 2:10 recounts a sad story when "there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." How could this happen? How could they forget about creation, Adam and Eve, Abraham, and the Exodus event? But it did happen. As yearly statistics warn of the religious decline in the next generation, Judges 2:10 becomes a stark warning. In this episode, Pastor Brandon discusses how to equip the next generation. 

For Pastor Brandon's favorite Apologetics books, see: 

8th Grade - Know Why You Believe by K. Scott Oliphint 

9th Grade - Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson 

10th Grade - The Ultimate Proof of Creation by Jason Lisle 

11th Grade - Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith by K. Scott Oliphint & Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach by Vern Poythress (chapters 1-3, 11-23)

12th Grade - Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til & Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger 

Also: from 8th grade to 12th grade read this book with your child to help him or her to navigate and critique other forms of thought: A History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame. This book will help them understand the aforementioned books and will go along nicely with them.