Mid-America Reformed Seminary Unknown

In today's episode, we're discussing objections to the practice of catechism preaching. Rev. Paul Ipema joins us once again and addresses common criticisms, including claims that it's not truly expounding the Word of God, that the catechism is outdated, and that its tone is too polemical against other Christian traditions.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 case for why catechism exposition is still a valuable practice.

Rev. Josh Engelsma, pastor at Crete Protestant Reformed Church in Crete, Illinois, delivers a chapel message aimed at those aspiring to gospel ministry. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4-6-16, Rev. Engelsma exhorts his listeners to remain vigilant in examining their personal conduct and safeguarding the doctrinal integrity of their teaching and preaching.

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, par-ticularly 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 Reformed churches. He'll also touch on how some ministers entering Reformed churches lack training 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.

Looking into Matthew's parable of the talents, Rev. Paul Ipema's chapel message explores the bold, faithful risks pastors must undertake in their ministerial duties, drawing parallels between the servants' actions and the courageous leaps required in spiritual leadership.

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.