RenewalCast RenewalCast

About the Guest(s): Steve Meister is the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, California. Serving there for nearly a decade, Steve ministers in the heart of urban California, close to the state's political center. With a long-standing commitment to Christian orthodoxy, Steve has been an advocate for confessionalism, particularly the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession. Additionally, he serves on the board of Bible Translation Fellowship, an organization dedicated to promoting fidelity in Bible translation. Steve holds a seminary degree from The Masters Seminary in Los Angeles and has been a pivotal figure in his community for maintaining and advocating classical theological perspectives. Episode Summary: In this notable episode of Renewal Cast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay interview Pastor Steve Meister, diving into profound discussions on 1689 confessionalism and its relevance in today's theological landscape. Coalt and Jay aim to shed light on how historical confessions can effectively shape contemporary Christian thought and practice. Steve Meister, a passionate advocate for the Second London Baptist Confession, shares his compelling journey from a seeker-driven evangelical background through the emerging church movement, ultimately finding a home in confessional Reformed Baptist theology. Bringing forth critical insights, Steve elaborates on how historical context, doctrinal continuity, and biblical hermeneutics unite in the 1689 confession, emphasizing the enduring validity and applicability of these age-old truths. During the conversation, the dialogue also explores current debates in the doctrine of God, particularly addressing issues such as divine simplicity, immutability, and the Trinity. Steve points out how modern readings have diverged from historical understandings, highlighting the need for churches to employ confessional standards as a means of maintaining doctrinal integrity and fostering liberty for proper theological discourse. His reflections illustrate the importance of honoring past theological frameworks while engaging constructively with present-day theological controversies. Key Takeaways:Historical confessions like the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession hold significant value for guiding contemporary church doctrine and practice.Modern misunderstandings and debates over theological doctrines often arise from a lack of continuity with historical interpretations.The confessional standards provide a stable framework for evaluating and maintaining doctrinal purity within church ministries.The doctrine of God, including attributes such as divine simplicity and immutability, remains crucial yet underemphasized in modern evangelical teaching.Using historical confessions can liberate churches from subjective, individualistic interpretations and ensure a more collective adherence to biblical truths.Notable Quotes:"It is really understanding the impact that the Enlightenment and shifts in theological education have had on our approach to scripture.""Many folks who are doggedly insistent about the historical context of scripture do not approach the confession with the same respect.""The confession functions as a standard by which the public teaching and ministry of a church is measured.""The idea that the people of God don't want to know about God is hogwash. God's people want to know about God.""Having a disposition of trust towards our brothers in the past does not mean everything they said is right, but we benefit greatly from their collective wisdom."Resources:Steve Meister's Church: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sacramento, CABible Translation Fellowship: Bible Translation FellowshipJ.V. Fesko's Book: "The Need for Creeds Today: Confessing Our Faith from the...

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About the Guest(s): Mike Abendroth is a renowned theologian, pastor, and author, widely recognized for his contributions to the discussions on Reformed Theology and the doctrines of grace. With notable works addressing key theological debates, Abendroth has established himself as a thought leader in biblical and doctrinal studies. He is currently serving as a pastor and is known for his insightful and challenging perspectives on issues like Arminianism and lordship salvation. Episode Summary: Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Renewal Cast! In today's bonus episode, hosts Coalt and Jay delve into a fascinating conversation with Mike Abendroth, focusing on his critical views regarding Arminianism and lordship salvation. This episode promises to enrich your understanding as Abendroth meticulously deconstructs these theological standpoints, clarifying common misconceptions and offering profound insights into how they align with or diverge from Reformed theology. In this session, Abendroth addresses the core of lordship salvation, providing a balanced perspective on its implications. By distinguishing between outward-focused fiduciary faith and inward-directed volitional faith, he articulates why lordship salvation often leans towards Arminianism despite its proponents being predominantly Calvinists. This discussion is vital for grasping the intricacies of salvation theology and the nuanced differences that can significantly impact doctrinal teachings and personal belief systems. Key Takeaways:Fiduciary vs. Volitional Faith: Abendroth emphasizes the critical difference between fiduciary faith (trusting in Christ alone) and volitional faith (submission, surrender).Historical Context: He references the Marrow Controversy to highlight the historical debate on whether one must stop sinning prior to coming to Christ.Arminianism Concerns: The guest points out that while many lordship salvation proponents are Calvinists, their calls to submit and surrender resemble Arminian teachings.Sola Fide: The reformer's principle of faith alone (sola fide) is underscored as essential, with no preconditions for sinners to come to Christ.Sanctification and Justification: The distinction between these two categories is crucial, where surrender and submission are relevant to sanctification rather than justification.Notable Quotes:"When we preach to people, we are telling them about who Jesus is… now we ask them… believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.""Surrender, submission, yielding is something on me. So if I have to surrender my life in order to come to Christ, it better be perfect surrender.""A little faith in the right Jesus saves. Perfect surrender in the right Jesus would have to save. But that’s impossible.""It was the Arminians that had the response to the call of the work of Christ in a volitional category. What it had to do with my will. Surrender, submit.""Sola fide is there for a reason. And that’s why I would say their calls are Arminian very often."Resources:Renewal Cast Website: renewalcast.comJ.I. Packer's Book on Puritans: "Quest for Godliness" (Recommended reading for further understanding the fiduciary and volitional aspects in response to the Gospel)Facebook Page: Renewal Cast on FacebookStay tuned for more insightful discussions on Renewal Cast, where each episode...

About the Guest(s): Jim Neiwheiser is the Director of the Biblical Counseling Program at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. He also heads the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship. With over 30 years as a pastor and eight years in his current role, Jim has dedicated his life to offering biblical wisdom and counseling, helping individuals and couples to face life's challenges with the guidance of scripture. He is also an author of multiple books on financial issues and biblical counseling. Episode Summary: Welcome to another insightful episode of Renewalcast! Today, we are joined by the esteemed Jim Neiwheiser, Director of the Biblical Counseling Program at Reformed Theological Seminary. This episode delves into the transformative power of biblical counseling, focusing on how the scriptures provide unparalleled wisdom to tackle life’s spiritual and relational challenges. Gain practical advice on handling marriage conflicts, financial difficulties, and the weighty issues of singleness and divorce. Jim Neiwheiser explains the core principles of biblical counseling, emphasizing the importance of scripture in resolving spiritual issues, including marriage and financial conflicts. He shares his personal experiences and wisdom on maintaining a harmonious marriage, discussing the nuances of marital roles, budgeting, and the unique dynamics between husbands and wives. Diving into deeper issues, the conversation touches on dating, the discernment needed for potential partners, and the grace required to navigate post-marital conflicts. Neiwheiser expertly addresses the thorny question of divorce, outlining the biblical grounds for marital dissolution and the imperative for protective measures against abuse. Key Takeaways:Principles of Biblical Counseling: Offering scripture-based wisdom to help individuals and couples face spiritual challenges and live out the gospel.Marriage and Financial Conflicts: Identifying that financial issues in marriage often stem from deeper spiritual problems, and offering practical budgeting advice.Singleness and Dating: Discussing how one can discern the call for singleness, and providing guidance for intentional relationships that honor God.Divorce and Remarriage: Detailed guidelines on biblical grounds for divorce, including sexual immorality and abandonment, emphasizing careful church involvement in such decisions.Grace in Marriage: Applying the law-gospel distinction to encourage grace-filled interactions, reflecting Christ's unconditional love in marital relationships.Notable Quotes:"Biblical counseling is offering wisdom from the scriptures to help people not just live morally, but live out the implications of the gospel." — Jim Neiwheiser"If you're one of my little books, it's called 'Financial Crisis,' and it's like, why are you in this mess?" — Jim Neiwheiser"Marriage is not just designed by God to make us happy; it's also designed by God to make us holy." — Jim Neiwheiser"Abuse at a certain level fits within abandonment where you're walking away from the fundamental responsibilities of marriage." — Jim Neiwheiser"If my wife respects her husband, then the particulars of financial problems, there's wisdom in the Bible that will help them." — Jim NeiwheiserResources:Jim Neiwheiser’s Books:"Financial Crisis""Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage"Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (IBCD)Reformed Theological Seminary, CharlotteDeepak Reju’s Book: "She's Got the Wrong Guy"Dave Harvey’s Book: "When Sinners Say 'I Do'"Listen to the full episode to uncover more practical insights and stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on Renewalcast. Connect with us on Facebook to join the discussion and never...

About the Guest(s): Brandon Rhea
Brandon Rhea serves as the pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri. He holds a PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a focus on Charles Spurgeon. His deep interest in Spurgeon stems from his accessible, doctrinally sound sermons, which have profoundly impacted Rhea's ministry. Under his leadership, Faith Baptist Church has experienced significant revitalization, transforming from a dying congregation to a thriving Reformed Baptist community. Episode Summary: In this riveting episode of Renewalcast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf dive deep into the theological and historical contributions of Charles Spurgeon, often hailed as the "Prince of Preachers." They are joined by special guest Brandon Rhea, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Kirksville, Missouri, who provides insightful commentary on Spurgeon’s impact on modern Christianity and explains why Spurgeon continues to be a significant figure in Reformed theology. Throughout the episode, Brandon Rhea narrates Spurgeon’s life journey, from his rise to prominence in London at the age of 19 to his unwavering commitment to doctrinal purity amid rising modernism and Darwinism. The conversation covers Spurgeon’s profound influence on Christian piety, his use of the London Baptist Confession, and his enduring legacy in church practices and theology. Rhea also delves into some of Spurgeon’s personal exceptions to the confession and how these nuances played out in his ministry. Key Takeaways:Spurgeon's Influence on Christian Piety: His emphasis on doctrinal soundness combined with a profound commitment to Christian piety continues to inspire modern believers.Commitment to Doctrine: Spurgeon’s unwavering stand on Calvinism, the inerrancy of Scripture, and his interpretation of the Sabbath highlight his deep commitment to traditional doctrinal truths.Practical Use of Confessions: The London Baptist Confession of Faith served as a doctrinal anchor for Spurgeon’s ministry, shaping his church and instructional materials.Balanced Ministry Approach: Despite his strict adherence to doctrine, Spurgeon maintained an ecumenical spirit, inviting preachers from different denominations to his pulpit.Sabbatarian Views: Spurgeon strongly believed in the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, viewing it as a foretaste of the eternal rest believers will experience.Notable Quotes:"The reason why I like Spurgeon is because, one, he's pithy, and two, he's easy to read, but he's also doctrinally sound." – Brandon Rhea"If you want to understand what the gospel is calling free will, what does that mean? Justification, adoption into the family of God. This is a great place to go." – Brandon Rhea"Every Sunday is an appetizer to that glorious, eternal meal that we will have." – Brandon Rhea"The two great gifts that God has given to man and her are marriage and the Sabbath." – Brandon Rhea"We need to have a confession as a rule, not the final rule, but it brings clarity. We’re on the same page here. This is what it means." – Brandon RheaResources:Faith Baptist Church: WebsiteMorning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon: AmazonJeff Chang's "Spurgeon the Pastor": AmazonArnold Dallimore's Biography on Spurgeon: AmazonEd Romines' Book on Spurgeon's Open Air Preaching: a...

About the Guest(s):
Ryan Davidson is a seasoned pastor with nearly two decades of experience. He has been married for 19 years and is a father to four children. Presently, Ryan serves as the pastor at Grace Baptist Chapel in Hampton, Virginia, a Reformed Baptist congregation. In addition to his pastoral duties, Ryan is an educator, teaching regularly at the International Reformed Baptist Seminary in Mansfield, Texas. His expertise in law, the GOSP (Gospel) plan, and counseling, alongside his pastoral ministry, makes him a valuable resource in discussing the intersection of faith and practical ministry guidance.

Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of renewalcst, listeners get the rare opportunity to plunge into the depth of pastoral counseling and its connection with the law and GOSP plan, as explained by the esteemed guest, Ryan Davidson. The conversation begins with an introduction to Ryan's personal and pastoral background, setting the stage for a discourse that navigates the murky waters of biblical counseling and its significance in modern-day pastoral ministry. Focusing on pivotal aspects of spiritual guidance, Ryan Davidson delves into the intricacies of biblical and pastoral counseling, emphasizing the distinct but interconnected roles these methods play in the larger ecclesiastical framework. He stresses the sufficiency and relevance of scripture, coupled with general revelation, in addressing various counseling scenarios. Each segment of the dialogue is neatly packaged into sumptuous insights, seeping rich with SEO keywords like "biblical counseling," "pastoral ministry," "law and gospel distinction," and "grace-oriented guidance."
Key takeaways surface from the nuanced discussion surrounding the proper application of law and gospel in counseling, enlightening believers and non-believers alike on their spiritual journey. Ryan Davidson articulately explicates how these foundational Christian doctrines apply in the counseling room, revolutionizing our approach to dealing with life's complexities, personal struggles, and relational dynamics. Key Takeaways:The difference between biblical and pastoral counseling lies in their approach to the use and sufficiency of scripture in addressing the challenges faced by individuals.The law and gospel distinction is essential in counseling, preventing confusion and promoting clear progression in spiritual guidance.Pastoral counsel requires the acknowledgment of both special revelation (scripture) and general revelation (creation) to wisely navigate various issues.While the expectations in relationships such as marriage should be filtered through God's law, the freedom granted by the gospel enables a spirit of repentance and grace.Counseling should be tailored to each individual, considering the unique circumstances and spiritual status, and maintaining a clear distinction between God's moral law and personal preferences.Notable Quotes:"The scripture is sufficient for our work of counseling insofar as we also remember that the Lord has given us two books.""We don't operate as Christian families, if that's what we are, under the covenant of works.""We ought to make a distinction between preaching pulpit ministry and counseling ministry.""We don't want to simply just throw the gospel out to everyone, assuming that they don't need to actually hear the law and be drawn to Christ.""We are not under the law as a covenant of works, but we are under the law as a rule, so we can seek to glorify Christ."Resources: Resources mentioned in the conversation include:International Reformed Baptist Seminary, Mansfield, TexasBooks like "True Bounds of Christian Freedom" by Samuel Bolton and "The Law and the Gospel" by John ColquhounDive into the full episode to explore the rich tapestry of pastoral counseling insights offered by...

About the Guest(s): Patrick Abendroth is the featured guest in this episode of Renewalcast. Abendroth associates closely with the theological and biblical discourse community, contributing to substantive discussions on intricate aspects of Christian doctrine. His insights stem from a rich background in religious studies and pastoral experience, showcasing a deep commitment to exploring the nuances of Christian faith. Pat Abendroth also hosts the "Pacdom" podcast, a platform extending riveting conversations and scholarly discussions, enriching the community with theological knowledge and perspectives. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Renewalcast, Coalt Robinson invites Patrick Abendroth for a deep dive into the significance of the active obedience of Christ. Opening with a reflection on the gospel's transformational power, the episode transitions into an engaging dialogue that examines key facets of Biblical teachings. The conversation leads the listeners through the complexities of justification by faith alone, imputation of righteousness, and the crucial distinction between active and passive obedience of Christ. Abendroth's articulate exposition sheds light on the indispensable nature of understanding Christ's role in upholding divine law for the believer's justification. A striking emphasis is placed on the foundational principles that underpin the Protestants' stance on salvation, increasingly relevant in contemporary theological discourse. With SEO-friendly terms like "justification," "righteousness," "active obedience," and "imputed righteousness," the episode provides both a primer to the theologically curious and an advanced analysis for seasoned believers. The discussion navigates through the implications of misunderstanding or neglecting these doctrines, highlighting the potential peril of diluting the richness of Christian assurance and the gravity of redemption in Christ. Conversations like these fortify the listener's comprehension of theological nuances and their implications for the Christian life, simultaneously pushing back against simplistic or skewed interpretations widespread in the modern evangelical landscape. Key Takeaways:Understanding the doctrine of justification by faith alone is crucial, where Christ's righteousness is credited to believers.Righteousness in Biblical terms refers to adherence to God's law, which fundamentally involves loving God and one's neighbor perfectly.The active obedience of Christ encompasses His whole life of upholding God's law, while His passive obedience pertains to His suffering obedience.Neglecting the doctrine of Christ's active obedience can lead to a lack of assurance and misinformed obedience out of fear rather than gratitude.The traditional covenant theology is intricately connected with the doctrines discussed, emphasizing the necessity of perfect adherence to divine law for salvation.Notable Quotes:"We're good. I can't. Yeah, sometimes I can't promise my kids are not going to run in and my wife's mowing the yard." - Jay Wipf, establishing the conversational and unplugged nature of the podcast."It's not that complicated, right, John?" - Patrick Abendroth, stressing the accessibility of theological concepts with proper explanation."In order to get to heaven, in order to be accepted by God, you do have to have. I didn't say you have to do. You do have to have perfect obedience." - Patrick Abendroth, summarizing the imputation aspect of righteousness."Law, that's why Romans is going to say the law is written on our hearts." - Patrick Abendroth, highlighting the universality of God's moral law across dispensations.Resources: No specific resources, social media handles, websites, articles, books, or URLs were explicitly mentioned during the conversation in the transcript provided. Tune into the full episode to absorb the theological nuances and profound...