MarsCast

In today’s episode, Dr. Venema introduces us to a very sobering topic in the study of theology: the doctrine of eternal punishment (Hell). Today he’ll present this doctrine, remark on what the confessions say about it in a traditional view, and introduce some popular objections to it, most notably, universalism and annihilationism (or conditional immortality).

In today’s episode, Dr. Venema continues to explore the intermediate state of believers, but from the perspective of the Old Testament. What do the Psalms say about what happens to believers after they die? Did Old Testament saints experience the same state as New Testament believers? Tune in today to find out.

Beginning today and for the next few weeks, you’ll hear Dr. Cornelis Venema speak on matters of a heavenly nature, that being the intermediate state and the resurrection of the body. These talks come from his Spring Evening class that he taught in 2015, titled “What Happens After I Die?” In today’s episode, Dr. Venema elaborates on what death means for the Christian and examines two erroneous views associated with the death of believers: annihilationism and soul sleep.

In today’s episode, Dr. Beach wraps up his discussion on the Christian and free will by tackling the subject of Libertarian Free Will, a concept you’ll hear most commonly in Arminian circles.

Last time Dr. Beach affirmed the Reformed teaching on free will, that Christians do indeed have free will, but a will that is only awakened and enabled by the grace of God to freely obey his will, not a will of our own volition, a will left in darkness. In our Reformed heritage, we love to reflect on the work of John Calvin, of course. So what did he think of free will? You may be surprised to learn that he affirms what Dr. Beach was talking about but that he was a little cautious in using the exact terminology of “free will.”

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Doctrinal and Ministerial Studies, begins to look carefully at the theological issue of free will by asking the simple question: Do Christians have free will?

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange concludes his series on church offices by looking at the Office of Deacon and the ministry of mercy.

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange, continuing his series on church offices, elaborates on the role of the Elder in the church. What does it mean to be a ruling Elder or teaching Elder? What are his obligations and duties in this ordained office? Here’s Dr. Strange to answer these questions.

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange looks once again at the Office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament, tracing its history, especially in the eyes of the Reformers.

In today’s episode, we will look at a particular vocation where one is called to proclaim the Word of God, that of the Minister of the Word and Sacrament. Being in this vocation, they hold an office. Dr. Alan Strange takes us on a tour of this office, particularly in its distinction from the office of Ruling Elder, and in the weeks ahead, look more narrowly at the office of Elder and the office of Deacon.