RenewalCast RenewalCast

About the Guest(s): Eldon Busenitz is a seasoned minister with a resolute dedication to pastoral ministry and preaching. Raised in a Christian home in South Central Kansas, Eldon's formative years on a farm instilled in him the values of hard work and self-discipline. His journey through pastoral ministry has spanned an impressive 57 years, with Eldon having served congregations across Nebraska, South Dakota, Michigan, and Texas. While originally envisioning a life in farming, Eldon discovered a strong conviction for pastoral work during his college years at Grace University, where he also met his wife. Eldon's approach to ministry is deeply rooted in his conviction that the Bible is the inerrant word of God. Episode Summary: In this episode of Renewal Cast, veteran pastor Eldon Busenitz joins Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf to share a lifetime of wisdom accumulated through his 57 years of devoted service in pastoral ministry. Eldon recounts his early realization of his calling to ministry, the unexpected shift from his initial plans of farming, and his unwavering devotion to teaching and preaching the word of God. His influences, rooted in his upbringing and education, have shaped a career centered around faith, dedication, and the sovereign hand of God in all aspects of life and ministry. Eldon offers invaluable insights into the virtues of discipline, the importance of continuous learning, and the profound impact of consistently engaging with God's word for one's spiritual nourishment. With elder wisdom, he delves into the challenges and triumphs faced whilst steadfastly fulfilling his pastoral duties. Eldon's message is a beacon of hope and guidance, grounded in unwavering biblical truth and a clear vision of the church's unique mission in the world. Key Takeaways:Eldon Busenitz's lifetime of experience in pastoral ministry highlights the importance of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning.Eldon emphasizes the importance of expository preaching and teaching the entire counsel of God's word as foundational to church health and growth.The necessity of training and mentoring future generations in ministry is a key focus for sustaining church leadership and continuity.Sound doctrine and a thorough doctrinal statement are paramount for the unity and stability of the church.Eldon underscores the significance of the church staying true to its mission by focusing on the heart-changing message of the Gospel amidst societal pressures.Notable Quotes:"I consider it a high, awesome calling and a privilege to be involved in pastoral ministry.""The Bible is the God-breathed inerrant word of God… I've never struggled with that conviction.""Self discipline and hard work are especially indispensable qualities in ministry.""True unity is based on truth. It's not at the expense of truth.""Success is based on standing faithfully on what God has called us to do."Resources: No specific resources, social media handles, or URLs were referenced in the transcript provided. Tune in to the full episode to draw from Eldon Busenitz's rich well of knowledge and experience and to grasp the nurturing essence of his pastoral journey. And don't miss out on future episodes of RenewalCast for more enlightening discussions that challenge, inspire, and foster spiritual growth.

About the Guest(s): Jim Newheiser is an experienced figure in the field of Christian counseling, currently serving as the director of the Christian Counseling program at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. This program is grounded in biblical counseling principles. With a history of engagement in the field since the mid-1990s, Newheiser has also played a pivotal role in the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (IBCD), serving as its executive director for 17 years. Additionally, he contributes his expertise as an ACBC fellow and as a member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition. His personal life includes over four decades of marriage and raising three adult sons. Episode Summary: In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt Robinson invites counselor and educator Jim Newheiser to delve into the intricate process of personal change and the nuances of parenting in a Christian context. The discussion opens with an exploration of why individuals often struggle with transformation despite recognizing the need for it. Jim shares his insights, drawing from his extensive experience in biblical counseling and pastoral ministry. The conversation moves towards the critical role that the gospel plays in facilitating authentic change, highlighting the need for a balance between understanding divine grace and exercising personal responsibility in sanctification. The practical issues in parenting are addressed, noting that the application of scriptural principles varies significantly depending on the child's stage of faith. Interwoven with Newheiser's theological stance are the challenges and humbling experiences that come with striving to guide children towards a Christ-centered life. Key Takeaways:Transformation often involves a long-term process rather than instantaneous change, and individuals should align their expectations with the principles of progressive sanctification.A secure standing with God through Christ is the foundation from which genuine change and pursuit of holiness emanate, and this assurance is essential for combating doubts and fostering spiritual growth.Gratitude for God’s grace can significantly motivate obedience, but this is just one aspect of multifaceted motivations that also include discipline and a recognition of God’s love.Parenting is an area where law and gospel both play crucial roles, and biblical principles must be applied with awareness of a child's spiritual condition and individual needs.It is important for parents to recognize their limitations in changing their children's hearts and to understand that ultimately, it is God who regenerates and sanctifies.Notable Quotes:"The Bible teaches Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.""If salvation is God's work, then it will progress beyond conversion, and you began the good work, will continue to perfect it. No one will snatch you out of the father's hands.""The gospel empowers obedience rather than discouraging it.""We will not save our children through being perfect parents. Even if there was a law of parenting, we could not keep it.""Being a believer in a fallen world […] it gives me compassion for people who struggle in different ways, including in this way [parenting]."Resources:Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (IBCD): IBCD WebsiteACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors): ACBC WebsiteBiblical Counseling Coalition: BCC WebsiteDive into the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the gospel...

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About the Guest(s): Dr. E.D. Burns is a seasoned missionary with more than two decades of experience since 2002, residing and working in Southeast Asia. He holds a teaching position at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, spread across various satellite sites in Southeast Asia. His work focuses primarily on training pastors and missionaries, translation, and writing theological materials. As the Director of Frontier Dispatch, Dr. Burns engages in networking within ministry circles, emphasizing simplicity and practicality in his educational materials. His prolific writing includes a new book, "Seeds and Stars," which discusses the integration of Christian spirituality with missions and serving the gospel. Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Renewal cast, we welcome back Dr. E.D. Burns to delve into his intriguing work as a missionary and author. This discussion navigates the complexities of missions, evangelism, and the drive behind Dr. Burns' latest publication, "Seeds and Stars." Dr. Burns shares his profound insights on the integration of the five solas of the Reformation into modern missionary work and Christian living. By stressing the foundational truths of grace, faith, scripture, Christ, and the glory of God, he offers powerful arguments for deeper theological understanding as a means of encouragement for believers in their spiritual journey and Great Commission efforts. His approach to spirituality emphasizes resting in Christ while actively contributing to God's work across the world. Key Takeaways:Dr. E.D. Burns emphasizes the five solas as the framework for encouraging mission-focused Christian spirituality.He critiques the influence of mystic and monastic traditions on contemporary Christian spirituality, advocating for a return to soli Deo gloria as the root of all encouragement.The discussion underscores the importance of assurance in faith, contrasting it with the ongoing pursuit of union with God found in Catholic mysticism.Dr. Burns expounds on the dangers of blending law and gospel, highlighting the critical distinction between the two for proper theological understanding.The episode also explores the controversial concept of "final justification" and the necessity of maintaining the purity of justification by faith alone.Notable Quotes:"The glory of God is the chief end of man, and the chief end of all history. You got to get that right first.""Justification is one package deal. It's from justification to glorification you're in.""Any good works that we have to point to, if we do in this life, all emerge out of the power of grace working in us as we walk by faith alone.""We labor in the middle. And it's all about promise giver and the promise keeper. It's all about his work.""We rest in our service as we labor on."Resources:The new book "Seeds and Stars" by Dr. E.D. Burns.Previous work by Dr. Burns including his book "The Transcultural Gospel."Frontier Dispatch, the ministry led by Dr. Burns.To truly grasp the depth and richness of the conversation and be uplifted by the powerful guidance offered by Dr. Burns, we encourage you to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Renewal cast that promises to rejuvenate your spiritual walk and service.

About the Guest(s):
Michael Beck is an insightful pastor and venerable thinker with a deep interest in Meredith Klein. Originally from South Africa, Beck moved to New Zealand in 2005 to plant Gracenet Community Church and has been serving as its pastor since. With an academic background that includes a PhD focused on the work of Meredith Klein, Michael Beck has contributed significantly to the understanding and accessibility of biblical theology within the Reformed tradition. Besides his pastoral work, he also teaches Old Testament and Hebrew at Grace Theological College and hosts the podcast "Two-Age Sojourner," which centers on biblical and systematic theology with a clinionian perspective.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt Robinson engages in a compelling conversation with Michael Beck, pastor and noted thinker who has extensively studied Meredith Klein, a pivotal figure in biblical and theological scholarship. Beck shares his insightful views on why Klein's work remains highly relevant for understanding Christ's relationship with culture and our roles within it.
The discussion opens with Beck recounting his church-planting experiences in New Zealand and how it led him to Klein's theology. He emphasizes that Klein's perspective on the sacred-secular divide and covenant theology has profound implications for church missions and individual Christians in a secular society. The academic rigor and theological depth of Beck's PhD dissertation-turned-book, "Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary," serve as a backdrop for the entire conversation.
Key Takeaways:
Michael Beck's experience in church planting in New Zealand confronted him with secularism, leading him to Meredith Klein's work on covenant theology and Christ-culture relationships.
Beck's book "Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary" critically examines the church's role in society, inspired by Klein's thoughts on the sacred-secular divide.
Klein's legacy is multifaceted, ranging from Old Testament scholarship to his significant development of Gerhardus Vos's biblical theology.
Essential to Beck's thesis is the interplay between active obedience in justification and its impact on the church's cultural engagement.
The Transformationalism movement in church planting is critiqued for potentially overburdening churches with cultural ambitions at the expense of gospel-centric mission.
Notable Quotes:
"The question before us was just, okay, well, what do we do with the culture? How do you plan a church? How are you supposed to live in this culture faithfully?" - Michael Beck
"What Klein shows is that [covenant theology] is going to matter." - Michael Beck
"Adam failed, Israel failed. I mean, I hate to break it to you, but we're not going to make it. We need Jesus." - Michael Beck
"The church has something to say, and there are all these temptations to kind of move in different directions." - Michael Beck
"I just want to come to church and hear the gospel and just be fed by word and sacrament." - Michael Beck
Resources:
Michael Beck's book
Meredith Klein's academic contributions.
Church planting networks like Acts 29.
Books by Michael Horton: "Where in the World is the Church?", "The Gospel Commission", and "Ordinary".
Michael Beck's own podcast "Two-Age Sojourner".
Be sure to tune in to the full episode of Renewal Cast to engage with the rich theological insights Michael Beck offers based on his study of Meredith Klein. As you explore the transformative power of God's word, continue to renew your mind with us and discover a clearer vision of Jesus. Stay with us for more episodes filled with profound discussions on biblical and theological topics.

You may need a snickers, but God doesn’t. Listen and see why that is good news for us and helps us trust God.

About the Guest(s):
Samuel Renihan is the guest spotlighted in this episode. With a deep commitment to theology, Sam serves as one of the pastors at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, California. He possesses an academic background with a focus on Spanish language and literature for his undergrad followed by an MDiv at Westminster in Escondido, capped with a PhD from the Free University of Amsterdam. He is dedicated to exploring Baptist confessional theology and history, offering rich insights into the doctrines that shape faith and practice. Sam is also a family man, married to Kim with a son named Owen, and he has an intriguing musical taste influenced by ancient folk stories from Finland.
Episode Summary:
In this enriching episode of Renewalcast, Coalt Robinson sits down with Pastor Samuel Renihan to delve into the nuanced and complex doctrine of divine impassibility. The discussion aims to unravel the intricacies of this crucial theological concept and its implications for understanding God's unchangeable nature. The conversation opens doors to a greater comprehension of how divine attributes provide comfort and assurance within the Christian faith.
Renihan articulates the essence of divine impassibility, emphasizing its role in characterizing God as unchanged and unchangeable by external or internal forces, particularly in terms of emotions. This leads into an exploration of the impact of such a doctrine on our interpretation of scripture and the nature of God's commitments, such as the promise of unfailing love and mercy. Furthermore, Renihan highlights the importance of balancing the understanding of God's love with his justice, stressing the immutable and perfect nature of both attributes.
Key Takeaways:
Divine impassibility asserts that God is not subject to change, either externally or internally, especially concerning emotions.
Passages that seem to suggest God experiences emotional change are interpreted through metaphoric language contextualized by other scriptures affirming God's immutable nature.
Impassibility does not negate God's affective attributes but rather nuances them as perfections integral to his essence – e.g., God as love itself rather than possessing the quality of love.
The doctrine provides reassurance of the steadfastness of God's promises, both in the unchanging nature of his love for the redeemed and the certainty of his justice towards the wicked.
The conversation around impassibility touches on practical aspects of faith, from the assurance of salvation to the understanding of God's discipline and just wrath.
Notable Quotes:
"Impassibility is that God's not passable. He can't be changed by outside forces, external forces, nor does he act upon himself to change himself in any way."
"His love is impassable, and his love will always be perfect and always be marvelous and always at the full for his people, which assures us in so many ways."
"…the gospel is not about changing God's mind. The gospel is about changing you."
"God's justice can do nothing else but approve of a righteous object. That same justice to us is mercy and kindness, whereas to the wicked it is wrath and anger."
"Even the afflictions that God permits in our lives, he does so with a loving purpose of sanctifying us…"
Resources:
James Dolzal's book, "All That Is in God"
Sam Renihan's own book, "God Without Passions: A Reader"
We invite you to listen to the full episode for a more thorough understanding and appreciation of the doctrine of divine impassibility as Samuel Renihan unpacks its profound implications for the Christian faith. Stay tuned to Renewalcast for more thoughtful and enlightening discussions on matters of theology and practice.

About the Guest(s):
Simonetta Carr is an Italian-born author and educator with a rich background in history, writing, and working with young people. She possesses a lifelong passion for history, one that was nurtured by the rich historical culture of Italy. For many years, Simonetta traveled internationally with her American husband, an English teacher, and embraced the homeschooling journey with their eight children. Homeschooling provided a platform for Simonetta to merge education, historical exploration, and writing, eventually leading her to author numerous children's books and a comprehensive church history book. Renowned for the "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series, she has penned over twenty titles, bringing church history to life for younger audiences.
Episode Summary:
Dive into the intellectually enriching realm of church history with the latest episode of Renewalcast, featuring the esteemed author and historian, Simonetta Carr. Known for her captivating "Christian Biographies for Young Readers," Carr's works are a beacon for education, thoughtful reflection, and theological discovery, painting a vivid historical landscape for both young minds and adults alike.
This episode journeys through Carr's unique personal history, her international experiences, and her profound discovery of church history's relevance and resonance. We explore the genesis of her acclaimed book series, her meticulous research process, and her unwavering commitment to presenting church history in a form that young readers can not only comprehend but deeply connect with. Witness a behind-the-scenes look at Carr's collaborations with experts, the challenges of distilling complex ideas into engaging narratives, and her insights on why church history remains crucially important in modern times.
Key Takeaways:
Simonetta Carr shares her background in Italy and journey into writing children's books on church history.
Carr emphasizes the importance of teaching theology alongside historical figures to help children understand the development of Christian beliefs.
The process of writing these books involves extensive research, consulting experts, and the creative challenge of simplifying theological concepts for young readers.
Carr's passion extends to encouraging young Christians through her works, highlighting God's preservation of the church throughout history.
The "Kids Talk Church History" podcast, supported by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, showcases the active participation and perspectives of young believers today.
Notable Quotes:
"I had this idea […] to include all this in my curriculum with my kids. And I was interested not only in learning about great people in church history but about how the theology developed."
"I try to condense their main teaching in one or two paragraphs. […] It's the hardest part, to try to really condense it. But it's also, for me, it's the most fun because it's a challenge."
"So many young people joining this movement and the parents saying, what happened to them? It sounds like they're talking and then you read letters. Like, I think it was Bollinger. I think he was writing his son and saying, why are you spending so much money in college and we don't have money to buy another pair of shoes."
"I am generally encouraged, just generally speaking. I think it's just from studying church history that kind of made me really believe that Christ is keeping his church."
"It encourages you, especially when people say, oh, everybody hates Christians now, what's going to happen to us? Just look back 2000 years, we're still here."
Resources:
"Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series by Simonetta Carr.
"Kids Talk Church History" podcast by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.
In a world that often overlooks the pivotal role of church history in shaping our faith,...