MarsCast

In today's episode, we're discussing objections to the practice of catechism preaching. Rev. Paul Ipema joins us once again to address common criticisms, including claims that it does not truly expound the Word of God, that the catechism is outdated, and that its tone is too polemical against other Christian traditions. While acknowledging the need for prudent handling, Rev. Ipema argues that catechism preaching has an important historical precedent and remains a valid way of faithfully teaching key biblical doctrines to congregations today. He unpacks the nuances of these objections and makes a compelling case for why catechism exposition remains a valuable practice.

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema begins a series discussing the history, practice, and relevant issues associated with catechism preaching. Catechism preaching has long been an important tradition in Reformed churches, where the doctrinal summaries contained in the Heidelberg Catechism were not just taught but expounded upon regularly from the pulpit. However, there are some concerning trends today where catechism preaching is being sidelined or abandoned, particularly as churches move away from having a Sunday evening service. Rev. Ipema explores the importance of maintaining this practice to preserve our theological rootedness and identity as Re-formed churches. He’ll also touch on how some ministers entering Reformed churches lack train-ing in this aspect of pastoral ministry and how we here at Mid-America Reformed Seminary offer unique preparation for prospective ministers in this area of ministry.

In today’s episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's teachings on divine providence - the doctrine that God actively governs and sustains all of creation, not as a detached creator but through His continual power and wisdom. Dr. Beach discusses how Calvin argued that even seemingly random or insignificant events are part of God's overarching purpose. His providence extends to the decisions and actions of human beings, guiding them to fulfill His decrees while still holding them accountable for sin. Though we don't always understand God's ways, Calvin saw providence as a comfort amid life's troubles and a call to reverent submission.

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores the biblical account of creation and what it reveals about the nature of God and humanity. Tracking with the Institutes of the Christian Religion, Dr. Beach examines John Calvin’s key insights, including how the creation story testifies to God's eternal power and benevolent care in preparing the earth for humans made in His image. He’ll also look at the role of angels as God's servants ministering to the Church, as well as the tragic corruption of humanity’s image through the Fall. Despite this, Calvin shows how the creation narrative points to God's wisdom in renewing us through Christ.

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach looks once again at John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, this time examining his writing on the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. While the natural world around us gives glimpses of God's eternal power and divine nature, Scripture provides the clearest, most complete revelation of who He truly is - revealing God's attributes like His boundless mercy, perfect righteousness, and endless goodness toward us as our Maker and Provider. But the Scriptures don't just tell us about God's qualities; they untangle the complexity of His very being and lead us to the truth that God eternally exists as one Being in three co-equal, co-eternal Persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Compton concludes his series on teaching theology through fiction by engaging with author Richard Coffeen, a PCA pastor serving in the Chicago metropolitan area. Coffeen has penned an intriguing science fiction novel that, much like the works of Brian Godawa, blends narrative storytelling with Christian apologetics. However, Coffeen's imaginative tale takes readers on an otherworldly journey, exploring the concepts of space missionaries, uncharted worlds ripe for sharing the gospel, and a pastoral perspective on artificial intelligence.

Coffeen's novel is titled The Discipling of Mytra and can be found here for purchase.

In today’s episode, Dr. Compton sits down with Brian Godawa, celebrated novelist and author. Their conversation dives into Godawa’s creative process in narrative storytelling and his unique approach of intertwining apologetics and a defense of the Christian faith, particularly in the gripping tale he wrote called Cruel Logic about a psychopathic philosophy professor. In their dialogue, Dr. Compton and Godawa look at how Christians can reconcile living in a world marred by darkness and evil with biblical teachings, examining the potential of fiction as an artistic medium to portray and communicate such realities.

In today’s episode, Dr. Andrew Compton introduces a rather fascinating topic that will carry us over into the next couple of weeks: Teaching and defending the Christian faith through fiction. In this first episode, Dr. Compton gives us an overview of how the concept of story is presented to us in Scripture, followed by the value of storytelling and how it’s been utilized by Christians over the centuries to communicate the message of the Bible to readers.

Could pastors be some of the most prominent Sabbath-breakers?

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema considers the responsibility of the pastor to read – a responsibility to not only feed his own spirit but also an activity that allows him to take what he's read to nourish his own congregation. So, whether you’re a faithful parishioner or a devoted shepherd, listen carefully to Rev. Ipema as he describes how reading can be an aid to your ministry and, as a congregant, help deepen your habits with engaging God’s Word.