Kingdom Polemics

In this solo episode, Pastor Aldo Leon presents a compelling case for the inclusion of instruments in worship based on the regulative principle of worship (RPW). He discusses various biblical and theological perspectives, responding to arguments against using instruments in worship. Much of Pastor Aldo's commentary is in response to an article written by G.I. Williamson, entitled, "Instrumental Music in Worship: Commanded or Not Commanded?," found here: https://www.westminsterconfession.org/resources/worship/instrumental-music-in-worship-commanded-or-not-commanded/

Biblical Justification for Instruments in Worship:
- Psalm 150: Command to use instruments without negation.
- Davidic Revelation: Instruments commanded from David to Solomon.
- Instruments used for prophecy, praise, sacrifice, and ceremony.

Instruments Beyond the Mosaic Ceremonial Law:
- Instruments under the Davidic Administration of Grace.
- Distinction between ceremonial system and instruments.
- Continuity with the eschatological temple.

Counterarguments Addressed:
- Sacrificial context and the role of instruments.
- Psalms beyond Israel's worship.
- Typological elements and the New Testament revelation.
- Second Temple Judaism's avoidance of instruments in Worship.

Significance of Instruments in Worship:
- Accompanying the ministry of the Word.
- Enhancing the celebratory nature of the gospel.
- The general principle of instruments in worship.

In this episode, there are a number of mentions of the Regulative Principle of Worship (or RPW). Here are two articles that provide explanations of RPW for those interested in knowing more: https://purelypresbyterian.com/2017/04/23/the-regulative-principle-of-worship-proven-from-scripture/ and https://purelypresbyterian.com/2017/01/31/what-is-the-regulative-principle-of-worship/

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

In this episode, Pastor Aldo Leon talks about how to make our churches more missional and effective in reaching out to the lost. He covers the following topics:

• The importance of redemptive formation: how to cultivate a gospel-centered culture that transforms lives and communities.
  
• The power of gospel preaching: how to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that is faithful, clear, and relevant.
  
• The role of congregational maturity: how to equip and empower every member of the church to be a minister and a witness.
  
• The beauty of humble holiness: how to live out the gospel in our daily lives with humility, integrity, and love.

He also identifies some of the obstacles and idols that hinder our mission and how to overcome them. Pastor Aldo shares his insights and experiences on how to be faithful to the Great Commission and multiply disciples for the glory of God. Join him as he explores how to make disciples who make disciples and impact our world for Christ.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, Pastor Aldo takes a unique approach to reviewing the recent General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Rather than rehashing the entire event, he offers insightful highlights and commentary on specific aspects of the assembly. Join Pastor Aldo as he shares his perspectives on the election of the moderator, the overall tone, and delves into key overtures that sparked intense discussion.

Pastor Aldo focuses on several notable overtures presented at the GA, providing his own views and even sharing clips of his comments on the assembly floor. These overtures include:

• O-23: Requiring Officers' Conformity to Biblical Standards for Chastity...
• O-20: Requesting Administrative Committee to Research Use of Electronic Records...
• O-12: Petitioning Government to End Sex-change Procedures for Minors
• O-26: Regarding Titling of Unordained People
• O-15: Disallowing Exhortation, Preaching, or Teaching by Women in Worship
• O-13: Allowing All Persons as Witnesses in Cases of Process

To explore these overtures in detail, visit the PCA GA website: https://pcaga.org/resources/#overtures

Insights on Reformed or Radical Two Kingdoms (R2K):
During his commentary, Pastor Aldo suggests that differences of opinion on certain overtures may stem from varying interpretations of Reformed or Radical Two Kingdoms (R2K) theology. For an in-depth exploration of his views on R2K, Pastor Aldo recommends listening to Episode 167 of Kingdom Polemics titled "No Space for R2K in the PCA." You can find the episode here: https://reformationmiami.org/podcasts/kp#e167.

Recommended Reviews of the PCA General Assembly:
Pastor Aldo also encourages listeners to check out other reviews of this year's PCA General Assembly for diverse perspectives. He recommends the following resources:

Podcast: Conversations That Matter
Episode: "What Happened at the 2023 PCA General Assembly?"
Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-that-matter/id1446645865?i=100618154551

Podcast: Grace to Stand
Episode: "Walkin' in Memphis at the 50th General Assembly"
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/walkin-in-memphis-at-the-50th-general-assembly/id1633537628?i=1000617920662

Substack: Mid the Pines (Ryan Biese)
Article: "Report on the PCA's Jubilee Assembly"
Link: https://rfbwcf.substack.com/p/report-on-the-pcas-jubilee-assembly?r=1q2sbz%26utm_campaign=post%26utm_medium=web

Don't miss this insightful episode of Kingdom Polemics as Pastor Aldo provides his unique perspective on the PCA General Assembly and sheds light on key discussions and overtures that shaped the event.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

Welcome to Kingdom Polemics, where we engage in thought-provoking discussions about the complexities of Christ's nature. In today's episode, we delve into the question: What is the issue with a Christ characterized solely by gentleness and humility? While there is nothing inherently wrong with these attributes, the problem arises when they are exclusively emphasized, overlooking the broader picture of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Aldo challenges the prevailing emphasis on Christ's humiliation over his exaltation. By prioritizing his humble nature, we risk creating an image of an effeminate Christ, neglecting the fullness of Christ as our mighty King. Pastor Aldo reminds us that Christ is not only the gentle Lamb but also the victorious conqueror who triumphed over death, and as king sitting on His throne, He is currently ruling this present world.

Furthermore, Pastor Aldo presents an argument connecting this singular focus on Christ's humiliation to the feminization of the church and the promotion of egalitarianism. He suggests that by embracing a humiliated view of Christ, the church inadvertently fosters a climate that blurs gender roles, leading to the erosion of masculinity. This erosion, according to Pastor Aldo, can potentially contribute to the emergence of Side B homosexuality and the appointment of women to positions designated for men, contrary to God's intended order.

This enlightening talk was delivered by Pastor Aldo as a side-session at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCA) in June 2023. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of Christ and its implications for the church today.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

Welcome to Kingdom Polemics, where Pastor Aldo Leon engages in thought-provoking discussions on challenging topics within the reformed church. In this episode, we delve into the controversial issue of Antinomianism, a subject that continues to plague our community.

Joining us today is Pastor Mark Jones, the esteemed author of "Antinomianism: Reformed Theology's Unwelcome Guest?" written in 2013, this book was a response to the teachings of Tullian Tchividjian, who led the Liberate movement, aiming to connect God's inexhaustible grace with an exhausted world. Pastor Mark felt compelled to address the potential dangers of Tchividjian's teachings, as he believed they were leading Tchividjian and his followers towards Antinomianism.

In this captivating conversation, Pastor Aldo and Pastor Mark explore the depths of Antinomianism, addressing questions such as:

• Is Antinomianism still a prevalent issue in our present day?
• How does Antinomianism manifest within the reformed world specifically?
• What are the historical differences and similarities in Antinomianism, and how does it relate to the present?
• What are the underlying causes and reasons behind Antinomianism?
• How does Antinomianism impact other fundamental doctrines?
• Is there a connection between Antinomianism and the evolving perspective on the civil use of the law among Christians?
• What are the cunning disguises and defenses employed by proponents of Antinomianism?
• Are there subtle traces of Antinomianism that are not as overt as others?
• Which theological camps within the reformed world contribute to the prevalence of Antinomianism?
• Lastly, what are the remedies to combat Antinomianism and promote a balanced view of God's grace and law?

Our guest, Pastor Mark Jones, serves as the Pastor of Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, BC, Canada (https://faithvan.com/leadership). He is a prolific author with numerous notable works (see: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Jones/author/B004YG6EHE), and his insightful writings can be found on platforms such as reformation21 (https://www.reformation21.org/blog) and "Desiring God" (https://www.desiringgod.org/). Pastor Mark is married to his wife, Barbara, and together they have four children. In addition to his passion for theology, he is an avid soccer fan and coach.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of Kingdom Polemics as we gain valuable insights into the complex issue of Antinomianism, seeking a deeper understanding and fostering healthier discussions within the reformed church.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

Senator Ted Cruz is facing criticism on social media platforms for his progressive stance on homosexuality in Uganda. The focus of the current debate lies in a recently passed law in Uganda, which not only criminalizes homosexuality but also imposes the death penalty for specific offenses. Critics argue that Cruz's opposition to the law is in conflict with certain interpretations of biblical teachings. Russell Moore citing the Cruz Twitter storm in a recent article in Christianity Today (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/may-web-only/uganda-anti-lgbtq-ted-cruz-russell-moore-biblical-sin-crime.html), provides his view which also condemns the Ugandan law, stating that it is authoritarianism, and that it "demonstrates not a commitment to the Bible's authority but a rejection of it. ...don't for a minute call it Christian."

In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, Pastor Aldo Leon interacts onscreen with both the Ted Cruz Tweet and the Russell Moore article refuting Moore's position in detail, providing Biblical evidence as to why the magistrate, serving as Deacon to the Church has every right to establish laws according to God's moral law as revealed in the Bible and that it is, in fact absolutely Christian.

Russell D. Moore is a prominent American evangelical theologian, ethicist, and author. He served as the president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2013 to 2021. Moore is known for his thoughtful and compassionate approach to addressing cultural and ethical issues from a Christian perspective. His work often focuses on topics such as religious liberty, family, and the intersection of faith and politics.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

Welcome to this re-broadcast of a thought-provoking teaching delivered to the Women's group at Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami, FL. In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Rosaria Butterfield as she fearlessly challenges the prevailing false beliefs of our time.

Through the powerful tools of storytelling and Bible-based instruction, Rosaria Butterfield tackles a range of contentious issues, shedding light on the roots of many present-day struggles. She contends that our failure to recognize the gospel's seeds in the garden of Eden and our reluctance to read the signs of the times have contributed to the challenges we face. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for us to love our enemies enough to lovingly share the truth.

During this teaching, Rosaria fearlessly confronts prevalent falsehoods on various topics, including:

Homosexuality: She asserts that there is no ontological foundation for a homosexual identity and challenges the notion of Side-A/Side-B Christianity, that it cannot exist, urging listeners to explore a biblical perspective.

Male/Female Binary: Rosaria affirms that we are uniquely created in God's image as distinctly male or distinctly female, rejecting the idea of interchangeability or personal choice in gender identity.

Feminism: She exposes the false promises of feminism that have often led to a form of enslavement, advocating for a biblical understanding of gender roles and true empowerment.

Transgenderism: Rosaria contends that the rise of transgenderism and genital mutilation stems from Gnosticism, not science, emphasizing the importance of discerning between cultural trends and objective truth.

Modesty and Purity: She highlights the relevance of modesty and purity, dispelling the misconception that these concepts are outdated and irrelevant in today's culture.

Additionally, Rosaria addresses "Big Eva," noting how some segments of the evangelical community have compromised biblical truth in favor of societal acceptance. She calls for a balanced approach that involves loving our enemies while boldly engaging in spiritual warfare, armed with the powerful weapon of God's revealed Word in the Bible.

Tune in to this captivating episode as Rosaria Butterfield encourages us to confront the lies of our time with unwavering truth, demonstrating how a deeper understanding of Scripture can equip us to navigate the cultural challenges we face.

Rosaria Butterfield, a former professor of English and women's studies at Syracuse University, converted to Christ in 1999 in what she describes as a train wreck. Her memoir The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert chronicles that difficult journey. Rosaria is married to Kent Butterfield, a Reformed Presbyterian pastor in North Carolina, and is a homeschool mother, author, and speaker. Learn more about Rosaria Butterfield at her website: https://rosariabutterfield.com/

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, Pastor Aldo Leon discusses the fourth commandment, the Sabbath, with Pastor Zachary Garris. They explore various aspects of observing the Sabbath and its connections to life, theology, and practice.

The hosts examine the Sabbath's place within the Ten Commandments, its implications for our relationship with God and others, and its connection to society, the household, and male headship. They contrast the labor-centric culture of Egypt with the rest and worship prescribed by God.

The conversation continues with the Sabbath as a connecting point between creation and redemption, highlighting its reminder of our dependence on God as Creator and our redemption in Christ.

They discuss the Sabbath's impact on personal piety and spirituality, emphasizing the holistic approach it fosters. The Sabbath's significance in eschatology is explored, informing our understanding of God's purposes for creation and restoration.

The hosts showcase the Sabbath's relationship to the regulative principle of worship, guiding our approach to worship practices and approaching God.

The Sabbath's implications for the covenantal world are addressed, emphasizing the interconnectedness and responsibility it promotes in our actions and morality.

The hosts also discuss the magistrate's responsibility with regards to regulating the ability to observe the Sabbath, in particular Thomas Jefferson's enacted law in the state of Virginia to fine citizens who violate observance.

Throughout the episode, objections are addressed, providing insightful answers and a comprehensive understanding of the Sabbath's relevance in contemporary Christian life.

Pastor Zachary (Zach) Garris is pastor of Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church (https://www.brycepresbyterian.org/) and is an author/writer of Masculine Christianity which can be found on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Masculine-Christianity-Zachary-Garris/dp/1735473901). He is the founder and writer for the website "Knowing Scripture" at https://knowingscripture.com/.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

On this episode of Kingdom Polemics, Pastor Gavin Beers is going to provide practical observations on the topic of National Religion. Originally presented by Pastor Gavin Beers in August of 2012, Pastor Aldo Leon is thrilled to republish this as a follow-on to Gavin Beers' series on the Establishment Principle as it remains a timely and relevant topic for Christians today.

Pastor Gavin Beers is a native of Northern Ireland and a graduate of the Free Church Seminary in Inverness, Scotland. He previously served as the minister of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) congregation at Ayr, in the southwest of Scotland. He's currently the minister of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, the first North Carolina congregation of the US Presbytery of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (https://cornerstone-presbyterian.com/). This church is devoted to preserving the Scriptural integrity and religious truths that were upheld in Scotland and other places during the Reformation.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.

In this thought-provoking episode of Kingdom Polemics, Pastor Aldo Leon engages in a compelling conversation with Pastor Andrew Smyth, delving into the polemic issues surrounding the contemporary church. The focus of this episode revolves around the groundbreaking positions of Meredith G. Kline (1922-2007), which diverge from the Westminster Confession of Faith and challenge traditional Scottish confessionalism.

Throughout the episode, Pastor Aldo and Pastor Andrew explore various key topics influenced by Kline's ideas, which continue to shape many modern controversies. These topics include the unique perspectives Kline held on the creation account, the image of God, the procession of the Holy Spirit, the republication of the covenant of works in the Mosaic covenant, "The Intrusion" and its connection to the Decalogue, the role of Imprecatory Psalms, the doctrine of the two kingdoms, his stance on the role of Civil Government, his view of the validity of the Sabbath, as well as the issue of sectarianism and division within the church.

These discussions are essential as they shed light on the divisions that exist within the church, challenging the adherence to confessional statements and raising questions about the ultimate purpose and implications of such departures.

For further engagement with Pastor Andrew Smyth (Twitter: @Ref_Andrew), make sure to follow his insightful broadcasts on the "Once for All Delivered" Podcast available at https://www.onceforalldelivered.com/. You can also connect with him through Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church at https://www.hamillopc.com/.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.