EP44 Why We Worship: Reclaiming the Glory of Gathered Worship - Ft. Oliver Allmand Smith

In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John Mark is joined by Oliver Allmand Smith to discuss his new book, Gathered for Glory: Why We Worship. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the 'why' behind worship and its theological basis from a pastoral Reformed perspective. They explore key themes such as the purpose, necessity, and essence of worship, emphasizing its Trinitarian nature. The discussion also touches on practical aspects of gathered worship, its significance for believers and their children, and the dangers of undermining worship in contemporary evangelical churches. The episode aims to offer insightful reflections for Reformed and confessional churches to deepen their understanding and practice of worship.

Gathered for Glory: Why We Worship is available at [brokenwharfe.com].

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In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John-Mark sits down with Dr. James Renihan to explore the Old and New Testament foundations of baptism. Drawing from his teaching series, IRBS On The Road, Dr. Renihan explains how ritual washings in the Old Covenant point forward to believer’s baptism, why circumcision is fulfilled in regeneration—not baptism—and how baptism serves as a pastoral help to Christians.

Whether you’re Baptist, paedobaptist, or simply wrestling with the theology of baptism, this conversation provides clarity, encouragement, and a strong biblical framework.

📖 What You’ll Learn

Old Testament roots of baptism in ritual washings

Why circumcision points to regeneration, not baptism

The relationship between baptism and confession of faith

How baptism connects with church membership and prudence

Baptism’s pastoral role in assurance and sanctification

⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Introduction
1:00 – Welcome Dr. James Renihan & IRBS On The Road
2:50 – Goals of the baptism seminar
9:00 – Baptism in the Old Testament: washings & priestly consecration
13:00 – Why New Covenant baptism is one washing
19:00 – Circumcision and regeneration in the New Testament
21:00 – Timothy’s baptism and confession of faith
25:00 – Credobaptism vs. “adult baptism”
27:00 – Baptism, church membership, and prudence with children
34:00 – Baptism as pastoral encouragement for believers
37:00 – IRBS On The Road 2025–26: Sola Scriptura & the Trinity

🔗 Resources & Links

Visit: [brokenwharfe.com] for historical reprints, covenant theology resources, and more.

Book highlight: Nehemiah Coxe on Covenant Theology with John Owen on Hebrews 8, newly available - Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ [brokenwharfe.com/bookshop]

Invite Dr. Renihan or Dr. Scheiderer to your church through IRBS On The Road: [irbs.org] 

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In this second part of our series on C. H. Spurgeon, host John Mark is joined again by Dr. Brandon Rhea to explore the major controversies, trials, and enduring legacy of the “Prince of Preachers.” Building on the previous discussion of Spurgeon’s life and theology of the Sabbath, Dr. Rhea surveys the defining battles Spurgeon faced—hypercalvinism, slavery, baptismal regeneration, sabbatarianism, and the infamous Downgrade Controversy.

Dr. Rhea explains how Spurgeon’s unwavering convictions about the authority of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ, and the necessity of doctrinal integrity often came at great personal cost—fractured friendships, public censure, physical illness, and emotional strain. Yet, through suffering, Spurgeon held fast to the truth, refusing to compromise for the sake of pragmatism or popularity. The conversation draws out enduring lessons for today’s church on the need for confessional clarity, the costliness of faithfulness, the centrality of sound doctrine in interchurch fellowship, and the hope believers have in Christ amid trials.

Brandon Rhea is author of Spurgeon’s Forgotten Sabbatarianism: The Fourth Commandment in the Life and Theology of the Prince of Preachers—available at [brokenwharfe.com/bookshop].

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:52 Recap of Part One & Episode Overview
02:00 Spurgeon’s Major Controversies
07:59 Slavery & Public Backlash
10:08 Baptismal Regeneration Dispute
12:25 Sabbath Controversies in Scotland
15:20 The Downgrade Controversy
20:45 Doctrinal Clarity in Church Partnerships
27:01 The Cost of Standing for Truth
32:55 Spurgeon’s Theology of Suffering
37:53 Susannah Spurgeon’s Suffering & Support
40:38 Lessons for the Church Today

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In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, host John Mark is joined by Dr. Brandon Rhea to discuss C. H. Spurgeon's life, ministry, and theology of the Sabbath. Dr. Rhea, a pastor and scholar, shares insights into Spurgeon's Victorian context, confessional theology, personal life, and ministry challenges. He delves into Spurgeon's emphasis on the Christian Sabbath, his strong convictions about God's law, and his dedication to a high doctrine of Christian worship on the Sabbath Day. The conversation also touches upon contemporary lessons from Spurgeon's ministry, highlighting the importance of maintaining doctrinal clarity, the need for corporate worship, confessions of faith and faithfulness to Jesus Christ despite the many temptations to prioritize pragmatic success over obedience to the Lord.

Brandon Rhea is author of "Spurgeon's Forgotten Sabbatarianism: The Fourth Commandment in the Life and Theology of the Prince of Preachers" - available on sale today !

00:00 Welcome to the Broken Wharfe Podcast
00:42 Introducing Dr. Brandon Rhea
01:56 Dr. Rhea's Journey with Spurgeon
07:36 Spurgeon's Victorian Context
15:56 Spurgeon's Theology of the Sabbath
21:15 Spurgeon's Commitment to Sound Doctrine
30:20 The Importance of Gathering for Worship
36:25 Spurgeon's Conversion Story
39:16 Reflections on Worship During COVID
42:25 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

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In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John Mark is joined by Texas pastors Aaron Wright and Wilson Marsh. They discuss Christian liberty as outlined in chapter 21 of the Baptist Confession of Faith. Their discussion covers its implications for worship, the limitations imposed by man-made doctrines, and the freedom believers have under God's law. They emphasize the difference between moral and positive law, the proper observance of the Christian Sabbath, and the importance of adhering to scriptural commands while avoiding legalism. The episode also addresses practical concerns such as alcohol consumption, balancing Christian freedom with sensitivity towards individuals with weaker consciences, and the pivotal role of doctrines and confessions in guiding church practices.

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Christian Liberty & The Second London Confession: Insights with Aaron Wright & Wilson Marsh | The Broken Wharfe Podcast

In this episode, John Mark delves into the doctrine of Christian Liberty as framed in Chapter 21 of the Second London Confession with special guests, Aaron Wright and Wilson Marsh. They explore misconceptions around Christian liberty, particularly the focus on trivial liberties versus the more profound freedom from sin and the dominion of Satan that Christ has purchased for believers. The conversation touches on the differences in Christian liberty experienced under the Old and New Covenants and addresses common issues faced by believers today. Additionally, both guests share prayer requests regarding their respective church ministries in Houston and Wichita Falls, emphasizing gospel work and church growth. This episode offers a deep dive into the core essence of Christian liberty and its significance in the life of a believer.

00:00 Introduction to Christian Liberty
00:53 Welcome to the Broken Wharfe Podcast
01:08 Meet the Guests: Aaron Wright and Wilson Marsh
01:27 Aaron Wright's Background and Ministry
03:15 Wilson Marsh's Background and Ministry
05:32 The State of Reformed Churches in Texas
07:30 Understanding Texas: Culture and Geography
10:33 Discussion on Christian Liberty
23:28 Understanding Christian Liberty
23:52 Roman Catholic Influence in New Orleans
25:09 The Doctrine of Peace with God
26:50 Living According to Doctrine
28:00 Evangelical Perspectives on Liberty
31:52 The Role of Good Works in Salvation
34:09 Access to God Through Christ
36:57 Children's Books and Theological Concepts
41:15 Prayer Requests and Church Updates
45:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode, Oliver Allmand-Smith joins the show to discuss the Covenant of Works with Jonny and John-Mark. They discuss its implications, referencing the Baptist Catechism and the recent publication of 'Covenant Theology from Adam to Christ' by Nehemiah Coxe and John Owen. Topics include the significance of headship, the distinctions between grace and covenant, and how the covenantal relationship between Adam and God impacts creation. The conversation also explores the relationship between angels and humanity in covenantal terms and the overarching importance of understanding the Covenant of Works in Reformed theology. Tune in for a deep theological discussion enriched by historical insights and practical implications for contemporary faith.

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Listen in to this segment on the foundation of the doctrine of divine impassibility - from the audiobook edition of "God without Passions: The Majesty of God's Unshakeable Perfection". To listen to the audiobook, you can view it on Audible or view the Print Edition.

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In this episode, Austin Walker joins the show to discuss his new book on the life and theology of Robert Hall Jr. Walker shows the anti-confessionalism of Hall and how his legacy stretches as far as today, foreshadowing many of the ideas prominent in modern evangelicalism. To learn more about the 18th Century Baptists, the impact of Romanticism on the health of the churches in this era, and many other issues - tune into this episode!

Austin Walker's book is available at brokenwharfe.com/bookshop/

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James Renihan joins the show to mark the new 20th Anniversary Edition of 'Covenant Theology from Adam to Christ', featuring the writings of Nehemiah Coxe and John Owen. Doc Renihan provides a detailed biography of Nehemiah Coxe and explores the historical and theological significance of his work. Topics include the importance of covenant theology, the interplay between biblical and systematic theology, and how Coxe's writings offer a corrective to certain theological trends. The episode also touches on the relevance of understanding covenants within the broader scope of reformed and particular Baptist traditions. Tune in for a deep dive into covenant theology and its implications for contemporary faith and practice.

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