RenewalCast

Resting in Christ: Gospel-Centered Discipleship with E.D. Burns
Hosts: Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf
Guest: Evan (E.D.) Burns
Length: 27:27

Short description
E.D. Burns joins Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf to discuss missions, law and gospel, catechism, and spiritual habits rooted in grace.

Episode description
Christian service grows from rest in Christ and gratitude for his grace. On this episode of Renewalcast, Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf welcome missionary and theologian E.D. Burns for a conversation about the gospel, discipleship, and faithful ministry.Drawing on his work training pastors and translating theological resources in Southeast Asia, Burns explains why missions needs sound doctrine and a clear distinction between law and gospel. The conversation explores guilt, grace, and gratitude; the temptation to treat God's favor as something we maintain through our performance; and the rest in Christ that leads to earnest service.The hosts and Burns also discuss catechism, helpful books, and practical spiritual habits that encourage growth without becoming another burden. Burns closes with an update on his research into Adoniram Judson's writings and the influence of his mentor, Michael Haykin.

In this episode

• Why theological training belongs at the heart of missionary work.
• Reading Romans as a resource for ongoing discipleship.
• The difference between serving from guilt and serving from gratitude.
• Responding to suffering without pretending to know all of God's purposes.
• Recovering question-and-answer instruction, memory, and catechism.
• Practicing spiritual disciplines with confidence in Christ.
• Books that help connect doctrine and daily Christian life.
• Adoniram Judson research, ABWE, and the value of theological mentorship.

Chapters
00:00 Renewalcast intro
00:31 Meet E.D. Burns: training and translating
03:07 Why missions needs sound theology
07:20 Guilt, grace, and gratitude
08:28 Resting in Christ instead of earning favor
11:59 Catechism and Making Disciples
17:41 The Common Rule and everyday habits
20:05 Great Commission Spirituality
21:57 Adoniram Judson research and ministry
26:08 Closing reflections

Selected books mentioned

• Gospel Assurance — Mike Abendroth.
• The Whole Christ — Sinclair B. Ferguson.
• Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice — Alex Fogleman.
• Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way — J. I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett.
• The Common Rule — Justin Whitmel Earley.
• Great Commission Spirituality: Abiding in Christ, Serving in Obscurity — E.D. Burns.
• The Transcultural Gospel — E.D. Burns.

Social post
Resting in Christ changes the way we serve. On Renewalcast, E.D. Burns joins Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf to discuss missions, law and gospel, catechism, and spiritual habits rooted in grace. We also talk about helpful books and his ongoing work on Adoniram Judson's writings. Listen to “Resting in Christ: Gospel-Centered Discipleship with E.D. Burns” on Renewalcast.

Find out more about Dr. Stephen Yuille, the 2026 Puritin Conference, and how to register HERE

Dr. Stephen Yuille serves as pastor of Fairview Covenant Church in Granbury, TX and Professor of Church History at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to his time at Southwestern, Dr. Yuille was the Vice President of Academics and Academic Dean of College at Heritage Baptist College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. Additionally, he was Associate Professor of Biblical Spirituality at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.


Dr. Yuille is the author and editor of numerous books and book chapters on the Puritan theologians William Perkins, George Swinnock, John Flavel, and Thomas Manton. He has published journal articles in Themelios, Puritan Reformed Journal, and the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.


He is married to Alison, and they have two daughters and two grandsons.

In this episode of Renewal Cast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf sit down with Daniel Scheiderer, a pastor and assistant professor of Christian Theology at International Reform Baptist Seminary, to explore the complex question of which Old Testament laws apply to Christians today. The conversation delves into the threefold division of the law—moral, civil, and ceremonial—explaining how this theological framework helps believers understand that while all Scripture is profitable, not all laws apply to us in the same way. Daniel provides historical context, biblical examples, and practical applications, including a thoughtful discussion on the Sabbath commandment and how it transitions from the seventh day to the Lord's Day in the New Testament. The episode offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to better understand how to read and apply the entirety of God's Word in their daily lives.

MB ORIGINS
In this episode of RenewalCast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf dive into the origins of the Mennonite Brethren movement, tracing their heritage back through the Anabaptist reformation. They explore the radical reformation that emerged alongside Luther and Zwingli, focusing particularly on Menno Simons and his journey from Catholic priest to Anabaptist leader. The discussion covers key theological distinctives including believer's baptism, separation of church and state, and the emphasis on discipleship and sanctified living. They also address areas where early Anabaptists went astray, including Menno's "celestial flesh" view of Christ, while affirming their commitment to orthodox Christian doctrine through the historic creeds. The episode concludes with sobering accounts of persecution faced by early Anabaptists who were willing to die for their convictions about biblical authority and believer's baptism.

In this episode of RenewalCast, Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf discuss the book of Isaiah with Pastor Drew, exploring its themes, historical context, and prophetic messages. They delve into the role and nature of prophets, emphasizing their purpose as spokesmen for God and drawing parallels to the calling of pastors today. Drew provides insights into the structure and major themes of Isaiah, highlighting its messianic prophecies and the message of salvation extending to the Gentiles. The episode also explores helpful resources for studying Isaiah, making it more accessible to listeners keen on deepening their understanding of this impactful biblical book.

Coalt and Jay are the hosts of Renewal Cast, a podcast dedicated to exploring theological topics, church history, and religious practices. They are deeply connected with the Mennonite Brethren community, Cole serving as a pastor and Jay as a long-time member. Both have a profound interest in church history and confessional traditions, seeking to understand and disseminate the rich heritage and identity of the Mennonite Brethren.

In this intriguing episode of RenewalCast, hosts Coalt and Jay embark on a new series exploring the history of the Mennonite Brethren. With a mix of humor and seriousness, they dive into the motivations behind understanding their religious heritage and how it impacts their beliefs and practices today. The conversation is interspersed with insightful asides about their personal journeys within the Mennonite Brethren community and reflections on the evolution of their confessional traditions.In a detailed discussion filled with informative insights, Coalt and Jay reflect on the significance of the 1902 Confession of Faith, offering historical context and drawing parallels to contemporary religious practices. The episode sheds light on the nuances of aligning Evangelical and Anabaptist ideals within the Mennonite Brethren framework, highlighting the complexities and debates surrounding their identity. By revisiting the works of notable historians like PM Friesen, they aim to unravel the narratives that shaped their community and offer valuable lessons for today’s church life.

Cody Schwichtenberg is a pastor at First Reformed Church in Herreid, South Dakota, which is part of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) denomination. Raised in Iowa with a Lutheran background, Cody transitioned to the Reformed tradition in his early twenties. He attended Heidelberg Theological Seminary in Sioux Falls, where he delved deeply into biblical and theological studies. Cody has served in his pastoral role since 2015, and he is passionate about teaching and reinforcing the foundational principles of the Reformed faith through the Heidelberg Catechism.

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of RenewalCast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf engage with Pastor Cody Schwichtenberg to explore the significance of the law and gospel distinction within the Christian faith, particularly focusing on its representation in the Heidelberg Catechism. The discussion aims to clarify the misconceptions surrounding legalism and antinomianism, providing insights into how these issues surface within church teachings. Pastor Cody elucidates how understanding these distinctions can profoundly affect a believer's spiritual journey, offering solace and strength in faith.With the backdrop of historical confessions, the trio delves into how the Heidelberg Catechism structures its teachings around key biblical principles. They explore how these frameworks aid Christians in avoiding the theological pitfalls of legalism, which mistakenly merges law and grace, and antinomianism, which dismisses God's law altogether. 

Resources:

• Theocast - A podcast introducing the hosts to the law-gospel distinction.
• "The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson - A book that influenced Cody's understanding.
• The Heidelberg Catechism -
• AN ORTHODOX CATECHISM (1680)

About the Guest(s):
Logan Nyquist is a former Texan currently residing in South Dakota, where he serves as the pastor at Grace Bible Church. He holds a graduate degree from Dallas Seminary and is pursuing doctoral work at The Master’s Seminary. Logan brings a wealth of knowledge and theological insight, especially relating to his experiences in various evangelical circles and his exposure to different denominational teachings. Episode Summary:

Episode Title: The Legacy of John MacArthur and His Impact on Modern Evangelicalism

In this episode of Renewal Cast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf welcome Logan Nyquist to delve into the profound influence of John MacArthur on evangelicalism. The conversation explores MacArthur's steadfast dedication to scriptural teaching, his involvement in pivotal theological debates, and his lasting legacy in the Christian community, particularly in how he shaped thinking on critical issues like Lordship salvation and church governance. Throughout the discussion, the trio shares personal anecdotes and interactions with MacArthur’s work, highlighting his unique approach to ministry and his unwavering commitment to Biblical exposition. As they navigate through key events, such as the Strange Fire conference and MacArthur’s stand during the pandemic, they offer a nuanced examination filled with personal insights and theological reflections. Listeners are taken on a journey through decades of impactful Christian leadership, examining the challenges and triumphs that came with MacArthur's dedicated service to the Church.

Key Takeaways:

• John MacArthur played a crucial role in addressing theological controversies, such as the Lordship salvation debate, by standing firm on scriptural authority.
• MacArthur’s preaching style was marked by clarity and conviction, aimed at grounding listeners firmly in biblical truths.
• His relationship with fellow theologians like R.C. Sproul exemplified a commitment to unity on essential doctrines despite secondary differences.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted MacArthur’s leadership abilities, as he navigated his church through challenges while holding fast to principles of faith.
• MacArthur’s longevity and faithfulness in ministry serve as an inspiration for contemporary and future church leaders.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You always know where he stood…his ability to unfold Scripture with such clarity, that is what amazed me about his preaching."
2. "The unity is in the right place. And then there's room for differences as brothers."
3. "You don't do those things to be provocative…it comes down to being faithful to the Scriptures."
4. "What is success in ministry, and it's faithfulness. We're called to be faithful."
5. "Logan Nyquist: It just reminds you that…may God be pleased to grace us with such faithfulness and commitment to the Scriptures."

Resources:

• Grace Bible Church (Logan Nyquist’s church)
• The Master’s Seminary
• Books mentioned:
  • "The Gospel According to Jesus" by John MacArthur
  • "Charismatic Chaos" by John MacArthur
  • "Ashamed of the Gospel" by John MacArthur
  • "Standing Strong: How to Resist the Enemy of Your Soul" by John MacArthur
  • "A Hidden Life of Prayer" (favored by John MacArthur)
• Grace to You
• The Strange Fire Conference

We invite you to tune in to this insightful episode to explore these themes in greater depth and reflect on John MacArthur’s enduring influence. Stay connected for more inspiring discussions on Renewal Cast, where biblical and theological subjects come to life.
*Shownotes are AI Generated

About the Guest(s)
:Michael Beatty is a pastor at Community Baptist Church located in Fargo, North Dakota. With a rich history of involvement in Reformed Baptist circles, Michael has been associated with churches formerly part of ARPA, now CBA. After departing ARBA, Michael has been focused on ecclesiastical independence. He pursued theological studies at Westminster Seminary in California and is leading a new initiative, the 3535 Foundation, aimed at enhancing church growth and understanding through a variety of initiatives including scholarships, missions, republication of classic texts, and conferences.

Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of RenewalCast, hosts Colt Robinson and Jay Wiff welcome Michael Beatty, a dedicated pastor and theologian, who introduces listeners to the 3535 Foundation based in North Dakota. This episode delves deeply into ecclesiology and its significance for church foundation and growth, providing both historical and contemporary insights. Michael shares his journey through the Reformed Baptists movement, his educational pursuits, and the motivations behind establishing the 3535 Foundation.Throughout the discussion, Michael enumerates the multiple initiatives of the 3535 Foundation, focusing on four primary areas: the provision of scholarships for men interested in church ministry, supporting mission work and church planting, republishing primary ecclesiastical resources, and organizing annual conferences. This episode sheds light on the potential impact of such endeavors on enhancing church activities and promoting theological education, particularly amidst challenges like those observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of ecclesiology with respect to church governance and individual believers' roles within the broader framework of faith.

Key Takeaways:

• The 3535 Foundation is dedicated to bolstering ecclesiastical work through educating and resourcing churches.
• The foundation separates church duties from other organizational acts to maintain focus on core spiritual responsibilities.
• Michael stresses the importance of ecclesiology as a means to deliver Christ's blessings through church functions and governance.
• The COVID-19 pandemic challenged churches to rethink the intertwining of government regulations and church autonomy.
• The episode underlines how historical creeds like the 1689 Confession of Faith guide churches in aligning with theological soundness.

Notable Quotes:

1. "All the benefits that we really see that Jesus gives to Christians all flow through the church."
2. "The foundation is there to empower local churches to make decisions that are good for them."
3. "We were doing a number of these missions works…ultimately, the church is called elders to teach and preach."
4. "One of the things that sets us apart…is trying to have more reader helps in the volumes."
5. "There's a lot of important institutions…but ultimately none of those make it into the new heaven and the new earth."

Resources:

• 3535 Foundation: [Learn more about their initiatives and how to get involved](website URL not provided in the transcript).
• Westminster Seminary California: Michael Beatty's educational institution.
• Community Baptist Church: The church where Michael Beatty serves as pastor.
• Historical Confessions: References to Savoy Declaration, Westminster Confession of Faith, and the 1689 Baptist Confession.
• Theology for Breakfast with Pat Abendroth: Reference to a theological discussion group attended by Michael.

Tune in to this episode to explore how the 3535 Foundation seeks to fortify church practice and faith through strategic initiatives. Stay informed and inspired by subscribing to RenewalCast for more insightful theological discussions.

In this episode of Renewal Cast, hosts Colt Robinson and Jay Wipf welcome back guest Mike Abendroth for an engaging discussion on effective preaching and teaching, particularly focusing on communicating biblical truths and how to handle topics like law and gospel. Mike Abendroth shares his insights from years of teaching and preaching, discussing how to effectively engage congregations without reliance on tools like PowerPoint or meticulous manuscripts. The episode delves into the qualifications and passion necessary for teaching, as well as the importance of a pastor's demeanor and connection with the congregation. The dialogue underscores the timeless importance of centering sermons on Christ and maintaining clarity and warmth in communication. 

Episode Highlights
00:00:06: Introduction to Renewal Cast and its mission to engage listeners in biblical discussions.
00:00:39: Introduction of returning guest Mike Abendroth and the subject of teaching and preaching. 00:01:00: Mike humorously shares about the cost of his doctorate in preaching.
00:01:36: Discussion on the scientific and artistic aspects of biblical preaching.
00:02:01: Mike's background in teaching at various seminaries globally.
00:03:00: Experiences and challenges of having sermons recorded, with a humorous anecdote. 00:03:53: Significance of preaching Christ in sermons and balancing law and gospel.
00:06:05: Explanation of how to preach law without being overly harsh or scolding.
00:07:53: Discussion on sermon length and historical context, citing the book of Hebrews. 00:10:23: Perspectives on PowerPoint use and its relevance in sermons.
00:12:52: Commentary on sermon duration, manuscript usage, and church member engagement.
00:16:23: Insights on effectively using multiple commentaries when preparing sermons. 00:21:06: Importance of listening to other sermons for inspiration and understanding.
00:23:18: Discussion on the pros and cons of manuscript preparation for sermons.
00:27:23: Importance of preaching to people's faces and tailoring messages based on reactions.
00:30:12: Determining teaching qualifications: balancing subjective desire and objective affirmation.
00:32:51: Tips for new pastors, choosing sermon speed, and avoiding pitfalls.
00:35:44: Encouragement for pastors to smile and relate positively with their congregation. 00:38:27: Closing thoughts and expression of gratitude for participation in the podcast. 00:39:46: Notes about discontinuing the 'sermon critique' initiatives due to practical challenges. 

Key Takeaways Preaching should actively center on Christ, ensuring clarity and relevance to the congregation. Law should be preached as guiding and protecting under the loving authority of God, not as a harsh directive. Sermons are most effective when they engage listeners through dynamic delivery and eye contact rather than relying solely on written manuscripts. The objective call to teach must be confirmed by church leaders and congregation feedback, alongside personal desire to preach. Positivity, such as smiling, during sermons can enhance connection and reception amongst congregants.

Tweetable Quotes "Two minutes of Jesus talk at the end of a sermon cannot rescue a Christless sermon." - Mike Abendroth "Leave the congregation longing, not loathing." - Mike Abendroth quoting Howard Hendricks "Get on fire for the Lord as a pastor, and people will come to watch you burn." - Abendroth, quoting Spurgeon "Let Jesus offend rather than forcing the issue yourself when preaching sovereignty and salvation." - Mike Abendroth "Send a missionary to your face—let the good news reflect through your demeanor." -  Show Notes by Barevalue.