Life at the Corner

Pastors Nate and Sebastian join again to talk about Neo-Calvinism; they discuss some of its founders, history, distinctives, and practical implications. If you didn't listen to the previous episode, it provides some context going into today's conversation.

Here are links to three of Bavinck's books that Sebastian recommended if you want to delve into Neo-Calvinism: Bavinck: A Critical Biography, The Wonderful Works of God, and The Sacrifice of Praise.

Today, Pastor Sebastian Bjernegård of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church joins Pastor Nate to talk about Calvinism. They elaborate on the famous 5 points and clarify some common misconceptions and errors surrounding those doctrines. They will return next week to talk about Neo-Calvinism.

Today, Pastor Nate goes to the mailbag and answers a question from a listener. The question concerns how a Christian should think the spiritual realm. Touching on the subject of angels and demons, Pastor Nate offers three foundational points for thinking and responding biblically to the reality of the spiritual realm.

This is part 2 of Pastor Nate's conversation with Brittain and Nathaniel. They finish talking about covenant theology throughout Scripture and move to some applications: What difference does it make to us that we have a covenantal God? Stay tuned for their answers.

Brittain is the associate minister at Reformation Covenant Church in Oregan City, OR. Nathaniel is the associate pastor at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale, CA. Both interned at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church several years ago before going on to seminary.

For more resources on covenant theology, here are three books Pastor Nate recommends: Covenants Made Simple, The Christ of the Covenants, and What is Covenant Theology?

Pastor Nate interviews two pastor friends, Rev. Brittain Brewer and Rev. Nathaniel Vroom, about covenant theology. Today, they give a brief overview of what covenant is, how it works, and how the biblical story is held together by covenant.

Brittain is the associate minister at Reformation Covenant Church in Oregan City, OR. Nathaniel is the associate pastor at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale, CA. Both men were interns at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN, several years ago before going on to seminary and entering pastoral ministry.

As you enter the new year, you might be thinking about your spiritual disciplines. One of the most important disciplines is Bible reading, but it is no ordinary book and so we should not read it in an ordinary way. Today, Pastor Nate talks about what we should remember and seek after when we read God's Word.

It's the last week of the year, and in this last episode of 2024, Pastor Nate answers a question he has gotten over the recent weeks about how we ought to live in 2025. There are a lot of unknowns, both good and bad, coming all of our ways, so Pastor Nate lays out the "5 'R's"—some principles for preparing for the year and living faithfully through it.

Today, Pastor Nate draws our attention to the meaning of Christmas by going back to primordial clash at the beginning of redemptive history. Reminding us that the peace Christmas promises comes on the other side of a cosmic war.

Counselors and psychologists tell us depression often peaks during the holiday season. So today, Pastor Nate offers some consolation and practical advice on how to deal with depression during the holidays.

Today, Pastors Nate and Jonathan continue their conversation about church membership, and they address some real-world complexities, like: How many church events should I attend? and How should I handle a disagreement with my pastor when I am a member?

Jonathan is an OPC pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and Nate met during their doctoral studies and became fast friends. Jonathan has authored several books, including the one that he and Nate talk about today: Church Membership, which you can find on Amazon. He writes regularly for TGC, Reformation21, and other ministries.