RenewalCast

About The Guest(s):

• Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf are the hosts of the Renewal Cast podcast.
• Kim Riddlebarger is a guest on the podcast and is a theologian and author. He has a background in pastoral ministry and has taught at Westminster Seminary California.

Summary:

• In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf continue their series on the Canons of Dort, focusing on the third and fourth main points of doctrine.
• They are joined by guest Kim Riddlebarger, who provides insights and explanations on the topics of human corruption, conversion, and the role of the Gospel in salvation.
• The Canons of Dort were written in response to the errors of the Armenians and the Remonstrants, who challenged the Reformed understanding of election and the preaching of the Gospel.
• The third and fourth heads of doctrine address the nature of human corruption, the inability of humans to save themselves, and the necessity of the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration and conversion.
• The Canons emphasize the importance of preaching the Gospel as the means through which God calls His elect to faith.
• The discussion also touches on the relationship between free will and human responsibility, the role of the law in convicting of sin, and the need for thanksgiving in response to God's grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Humans are born with a sinful nature and are unable to save themselves.
2. The Gospel is the only means through which God calls His elect to faith and salvation.
3. Regeneration is a supernatural work of God that precedes faith and enables a person to respond to the Gospel.
4. Faith and repentance are connected but distinct responses to God's grace.
5. The preaching of the Gospel and the sacraments are the primary means through which God works in the lives of His people.

Quotes:

• "The Gospel is the means through which the Holy Spirit takes a person dead in sin and makes them alive." - Kim Riddlebarger
• "The law exposes the magnitude of our sin and convicts us of our guilt, but it does not offer a remedy or enable us to escape from our misery." - Canons of Dort
• "The proper response to God's grace is thanksgiving." - Canons of Dort

About The Guest(s): William Boekestein is a pastor at Emmanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is the author of "The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort," a children's book that explains the history and theology of the Canons of Dort. Summary: In this episode, Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf interview William Bookestein about the Canons of Dort, specifically focusing on the second main point of doctrine. The Canons of Dort were written in response to the teachings of the Remonstrants, who promoted a universal atonement. The Reformers, on the other hand, believed in a particular redemption, where Christ's sacrifice is effective for the elect. The Reformers emphasized that Christ's work actually affects salvation, that the Son died for those whom the Father purposed to save, and that Christ atones for definite people. The Canons of Dort also highlight the importance of proclaiming the Gospel to all people and the personal nature of salvation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the effectiveness of Christ's death and the perseverance of the Church. Key Takeaways:

• Christ's sacrifice is not just a possibility for salvation, but it actually saves sinners.
• The Son died for those whom the Father purposed to save, emphasizing the harmony between election and salvation.
• Christ's sacrifice is of infinite worth because of His perfect nature and the punishment He endured.
• The Gospel should be proclaimed to all people, not limited to a select few.
• Salvation is a personal and definite act of God's grace, not dependent on human effort.

Quotes:

• "Christ died to justify, sanctify, and glorify all those and those only who are elect." - William Boekestein
• "The church steadfastly loves and persistently worships." - William Boekestein

About The Guest(s): Danny Hyde is a pastor, author, and theologian. He is the pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in California and the author of several books on Reformed theology. Summary: In this episode of Renewalcast, the hosts continue their conversation with Danny Hyde about the Canons of Dort. They focus on the first point of doctrine, divine predestination. The hosts discuss the historical and theological background of the Canons of Dort and the arguments made by the Remonstrants. They summarize the 18 articles and nine rejections of the Canons of Dort, highlighting the key points of each. They also discuss the pastoral implications of the doctrine of election and the assurance of salvation. The episode concludes with a discussion of reprobation and the comfort it brings to parents who have lost children. Key Takeaways:

• The Canons of Dort were a response to the Remonstrants' position that election to salvation was based on God foreseeing some people believing and some people not believing.
• The Reformed position is that election is based on God's unchangeable purpose and sovereign will, not on foreseen faith.
• The doctrine of election is meant to bring comfort and assurance to believers, not speculation or despair.
• The Canons of Dort affirm that the children of believers who die in infancy are with God and have no reason to doubt their election and salvation.

Quotes:

• "Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby before the foundation of the world, He hath, out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen from the whole human race which had fallen through their own fault from their primitive state and rectitude, and sin and destruction a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ." - Canons of Dort
• "The responsibility lies at the feet of the sinner and God is just allowing them to continue in the sin in which they themselves desire to live in." - Danny Hyde
• "We believe those children are with God like 100%. I can say that without any shame, without any fear that I'm saying anything beyond scripture." - Danny Hyde

About The Guest(s): Danny Hyde is a pastor at the Oceanside United Reformed Church and a theologian. He has been involved in the United Reformed Churches of North America and has a PhD in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. Summary: Danny Hyde joins the Renewal Cast podcast to discuss the Canons of Dort, a series of theological affirmations that were a response to the teachings of James Arminius. The Synod of Dort, held in the early 17th century, brought together theologians, pastors, and politicians to address the theological and political issues of the time. The canons are organized into four points of doctrine: predestination, satisfaction, sin and grace, and perseverance. Danny emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and the ongoing relevance of these theological debates. Key Takeaways:

• The Synod of Dort was a gathering of theologians, pastors, and politicians in the early 17th century to address theological and political issues.
• The Canons of Dort are a response to the teachings of James Arminius and are organized into four points of doctrine.
• The canons emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context and ongoing relevance of theological debates.

Quotes:

• "We want to acknowledge the shoulders of the men and women that we stand upon." - Danny Hyde
• "We should be humble enough to acknowledge that other people have dealt with this stuff and we should listen to them." - Danny Hyde

About The Guest(s): Drew Hoekema is the minister of the Christian Reform Church in Platte, South Dakota. He has a Master of Divinity from Westminster Seminary in California and has studied at Calvin Seminary in Michigan. Drew has a deep appreciation for the Belgian Confession and its importance in the Reformed tradition. Summary: Drew Hoekema joins the podcast to discuss the Belgic Confession, a Reformed confession of faith written by Guido Debray. Drew provides background information on Debray and the historical context in which the confession was written. He explains that the Belgic Confession was a response to the persecution of Protestants by the Roman Catholic Church in the Lowlands of Europe. Drew also highlights the structure of the confession, with its focus on theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. He discusses the use of the term "regeneration" in Article 24, emphasizing that faith produces regeneration and leads to sanctification. Drew also addresses the mention of Anabaptists in the confession, noting that Debray sought to separate the Reformed Church from the radical Anabaptists of the time. He explains that the confession denounces the Anabaptist view of Christ's humanity and rejects the practice of re-baptism. Drew further explores Article 36, which deals with the relationship between the church and the state. He notes that the confession has been updated over time, reflecting changes in Reformed theology and the understanding of church-state relations. Key Takeaways:

• The Belgic Confession was written by Guido Debray, a former Roman Catholic who converted to Protestantism and faced persecution for his beliefs.
• The confession was a response to the persecution of Protestants by the Roman Catholic Church in the Lowlands of Europe.
• The confession is structured around various theological topics, including theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
• The confession emphasizes the importance of faith in producing regeneration and leading to sanctification.
• The confession denounces the Anabaptist view of Christ's humanity and rejects the practice of re-baptism.
• The confession has been updated over time to reflect changes in Reformed theology and the understanding of church-state relations.

About The Guest(s):

• William Bookenstein is a pastor at Emmanuel Fellowship Church in West Michigan, specifically in Kalamazoo. He is also the author of a children's introduction to various confessions and catechisms.

Summary: Renewalcast is a weekly podcast that focuses on biblical and theological subjects. In this episode, Coalt Robinson and Jay WIpf discuss the Heidelberg Catechism with guest William Bookenstein. The Heidelberg Catechism was written in the 16th century as a guide to the Christian faith for the people of the Palatinate region in Germany. It consists of 129 questions and answers and is structured around the themes of guilt, grace, and gratitude. The catechism emphasizes personal comfort in Christ and covers topics such as the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. Bookenstein recommends additional resources for those interested in studying the Heidelberg Catechism, including his blog series on Corechristianity.com and his children's book, "The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism." Key Takeaways:

• The Heidelberg Catechism was written in the 16th century as a guide to the Christian faith for the people of the Palatinate region in Germany.
• It consists of 129 questions and answers and is structured around the themes of guilt, grace, and gratitude.
• The catechism emphasizes personal comfort in Christ and covers topics such as the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer.
• The Heidelberg Catechism has stood the test of time and is widely regarded as a pastoral and personal presentation of Christian truth.

Quotes:

• "What is your only comfort in life and in death?" - Heidelberg Catechism
• "I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ." - Heidelberg Catechism
• "True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also a wholehearted trust which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel." - Heidelberg Catechism

About The Guest(s):

• Robert Rothwell is a writer for Table Talk magazine and works for Ligonier Ministries. He is also an adjunct professor at Reformation Bible College and serves as an associate pastor at Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church.

Summary: Robert Rothwell, a writer for Table Talk magazine and associate pastor at Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church, discusses the topic of cessationism. Cessationism is the belief that the miraculous and revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues and prophecy, ceased with the end of the apostles. Rothwell explains the biblical and theological reasons for holding a cessationist view and addresses common misconceptions about cessationism. Key Takeaways:

• Cessationism is the belief that the miraculous and revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased with the end of the apostles.
• The foundation of cessationism is based on biblical texts such as Ephesians 2 and Hebrews 1, which suggest that the gifts of tongues and prophecy were temporary and ceased after the apostolic era.
• Cessationism does not deny the work of the Holy Spirit in the world today, but rather emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture and the ordinary means of grace for the Christian life.

About The Guest(s):

• David Lovi is a pastor of a small Reform Baptist Church near Chicago.
• He is involved in the production of the film "Cessationist" which explores the topic of cessationism.

Summary:David Lovi discusses the topic of cessationism and the film "Cessationist" that he is involved in. Cessationism is the belief that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as healing and prophecy, ceased after the apostolic age. The film aims to provide a biblical and theological perspective on this subject.Key Takeaways:

1. Cessationism is the belief that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased after the apostolic age.
2. The film "Cessationist" explores this topic and provides a biblical and theological perspective.
3. The gifts of healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy were specific to the apostolic age and served the purpose of laying the foundation of the Church.

Quotes:

• "Cessationism is the belief that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased after the apostolic age." - David Lovi
• "The gifts of healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy were specific to the apostolic age and served the purpose of laying the foundation of the Church." - David Lovi

About The Guest(s): Dr. Tom Nettles is a retired professor of historical theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has taught at several seminaries and has written extensively on church history and theology. Summary: Dr. Tom Nettles discusses the Pelagian Controversy and its significance in church history. He explains the theological issues surrounding the nature of sin, human nature, and the role of grace in salvation. Augustine's response to Pelagius and his development of the doctrines of grace are highlighted. The conversation also touches on the influence of Pelagianism in modern theology and the importance of understanding the nature of sin and the need for divine grace. Key Takeaways:

• Augustine's theological work focused on the nature of sin, human nature, and the role of grace in salvation.
• Pelagius believed in the perfectibility of human nature and the ability to achieve righteousness through personal effort.
• Augustine emphasized the fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of divine grace for salvation.
• The Pelagian Controversy led Augustine to develop a more scriptural and exegetical approach to theology.
• The influence of Pelagianism can still be seen in modern theology, particularly in the emphasis on human freedom and the rejection of the doctrines of grace.

Quotes:

• "Augustine stands within the history of theology, dealing with the issue of human sin, the nature of saving grace, and how human nature became polluted by sin." - Dr. Tom Nettles
• "Pelagianism was rejected in 431 at the same council where Nestorianism was rejected, as they were seen as twin errors." - Dr. Tom Nettles
• "Augustine's engagement with Pelagius is a tremendously important theological step that influenced the Reformation and the development of Protestant theology." - Dr. Tom Nettles

About The Guest(s): Christopher Gordon is a pastor at the Escondido United Reform Church and has been in pastoral ministry for 20 years. He is the author of the New Reformation catechism on human sexuality and has a passion for teaching and preaching on biblical and theological subjects. Summary: In this episode of Renewal Cast, Colt Robinson and Jay Whip interview Christopher Gordon on the topic of Christ-centered preaching. They discuss the importance of preaching that focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ and how it differs from moralistic preaching. They also explore the hermeneutical principles and theological categories that can help pastors preach Christ more effectively. The conversation emphasizes the need for pastors to understand the law-gospel distinction and to approach the text with a clear understanding of the author's intention. The tone and manner of preaching are also discussed, highlighting the importance of conveying the grace and compassion of Christ to the congregation. Key Takeaways:

1. Christ-centered preaching aims to exposit the text and show the excellencies and beauties of Jesus Christ.
2. Preaching should address the most pressing need of the congregation, which is the forgiveness of sins and the provision of a Savior.
3. The law-gospel distinction is essential for understanding and preaching the Scriptures.
4. Good expository preaching involves understanding the overarching point of the text and developing a sermon that supports and develops that point.
5. The tone and manner of preaching should reflect the grace and compassion of Christ.

Quotes:

• "The aim of preaching is to refresh people in the wonderful Gospel."
• "Christ-centered preaching can be properly done by dealing with the text on its own terms."
• "The ministry of the Spirit is a ministry of righteousness, rooted in the love and sacrifice of Christ."
• "In the Gospel, God is for us, not angrily yelling at us."
• "The tone and expression of preaching should reflect the gracious words of Jesus."

Note: The quotes provided are direct quotes from the transcript.