Theology for the Rest of Us Kenneth Ortiz

In this episode Kenny explains the heart of Protestant theology, which can be summed up in five key theological statements known as "The Five Solas."



The Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation distinguished the 16th century Protestant Reformers from the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. They include: Sola scriptura (Scripture alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola fide (Faith alone), Sola gratia (Grace alone), and Soli Deo gloria (Glory to God alone).

In this episode, Kenny briefly explains and outlines the history and essence of Reformed Theology (also known as Calvinism). This podcast episode is designed to be a foundational episode, laying the foundation for future episodes of the podcast that dive deeper into this topic.



Kenny argues that there were four types of Protestants in the 1500s: Lutherans, Anabaptists, Anglicans, and Reformed/Calvinists. To hold to "Reformed Theology" would be to affirm the theology of that fourth group.



Kenny gives us eight observations of that specific group:



Unconditional election

Covenantal theology

Spiritual reality in participating in the sacraments

Primary and secondary uses of the Law

Christ-centered hermeneutic

Pedobaptism

Regulative Principle of Worship

Particular application of theology to the public square



 



Additional Resources



Introduction: What is Reformed Theology? with R.C. Sproul



"What was the Protestant Reformation?"



"If the Reformation Caused Division, Why Was it a Good Thing?"



"Why Are There So Many Denominations?"



"Where'd All These Calvinists Come From?"



"Book Review: 'The Anabaptist Story' by William Estep"

After a four year hiatus, Kenny Ortiz is resurrecting the "Theology for the Rest of Us" podcast. He gives an update on his life.



Then, he comes back strong by asking the question, "What is kindness?" He makes it clear that niceness is not the same as kindness. We are called to be kind, but often times many Christians confuse niceness with kindness, which can be quite detrimental.

In this episode, Kenny tackles the reality that there will be various opinions and convictions from different people in our lives and churches as we make attempts to return to some sense of normalcy in the coming weeks and months. This is going to require wisdom and grace.



Instead of demands, expectations, social pressures, harshness, judgmental attitudes, or virtue-signaling, Christians ought to actually lead the way with kindness, grace, and diplomacy in the midst of this unique season that may have the potential to be filled with some awkward moments.



Resources



Navigating Different COVID-19 Recovery Convictions (By Costi Hinn)



Coronavirus and Christ (By John Piper)



What Courage Might Corona Unleash? (By Marshall Segal)



Let the Lily Have Today (By Marshall Segal)

In this episode, Kenny encourages and challenges listeners to be very careful with what they post on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Christians are posting things that seem to be motivated by fear, politics, or conspiracy theories, and these sorts of posts tend to cause us to lose credibility. This behavior misrepresents Jesus and potentially jeopardizes our ability to share the gospel.



In this moment in history, people are looking for sources of comfort and encouragement. People are often looking for voices they can trust, and voices that can be the source of wisdom. Let's be what they are looking for, so that we can point them to Jesus.



Resources



Navigating Different COVID-19 Recovery Convictions (By Costi Hinn)



Coronavirus and Christ (By John Piper)



What Courage Might Corona Unleash? (By Marshall Segal)



Let the Lily Have Today (By Marshall Segal)

Currently, the world is facing a global pandemic—the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In the midst of the panic, fear, and frustrations there are many different responses. One common phrase used by many is the statement, "These are 'uncertain' times." However, for the Christian—the genuine believer in Christ—nothing is uncertain.



In this episode, Kenny makes clear that the believer never has anything to worry about. No matter what we face, even if we die due to a virus, we are in the hands of Christ! Kenny closes the episodes with a great quote from Francis J. Grimké who was a pastor during the Spanish Flu of 1918:



"While the plague was raging, what a comfort it was to feel that we were in the hands of a loving Father, whether we were smitten with the epidemic or not, we knew it would be well with us, that there was no reason to be alarmed."



Resources



Navigating Different COVID-19 Recovery Convictions (By Costi Hinn)



Coronavirus and Christ (By John Piper)



What Courage Might Corona Unleash? (By Marshall Segal)



Let the Lily Have Today (By Marshall Segal)