The Origin and Purpose of Marriage

https://open.spotify.com/episode/51kjrYtWJxgDOGEMuCNRlt?si=Kr1aBVndRASiu-ecUvx6cg We should keep in mind that questions 3-41 of this catechism are explaining to us the things that we must know to live happily in the comfort of our new identity in Christ, and in this first section, we are focusing upon God’s good design for humanity. In questions 3-5, we studied the goodness …

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Should We Distinguish Between Sex and Gender?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Hyv3XokOq3LHh3CPN5nvJ?si=vyGwvhnpQBa9Fwz9HLXO_w On August 22, 1965, Ron and Janet Reimer welcomed their twin boys into the world, Bruce and Brian. Six months later, both boys were diagnosed with phimosis, which is when the foreskin of the penis cannot retract and obstructs urination. On April 27, 1966, Bruce underwent circumcision to remove the foreskin. Rather than using …

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Question 35: Since We Are Redeemed by Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, Where Does This Faith Come From?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YXY477xSMHgyBrqoehzMm?si=3llhSJ-0QqyvdDHSl8Gc4w This is a wonderful question to conclude the second part of the New City Catechism that has focused upon our redemption through Christ. Having affirmed that we are saved entirely by the grace of our Lord and through faith in Him, it is certainly worth asking where such saving faith comes from. The catechism's …

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Imago Dei, Male and Female

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4nJbtU201GtPVGkVZv79gC?si=v9hIBhdbROuL_qbd5Gl2dA Darwin (1809-1882), Freud (1856-1939), and Marx (1818-1883) can quite rightly be called the architects of modernity. During the 1800s, these three men were foundational in providing secularism’s answers to three of life’s most important and unavoidable questions regarding our origins, our guilt, and our hope. Darwin’s theory of natural selection was the key to …

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On Reenchanting Humanity

Biblical anthropology (the doctrine of humanity) is the predominate theological battleground of our day. Owen Strachen's book is a great study on what Scripture has to say about mankind. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CROl1SlR5SAZLatB36U6n?si=Wsg0l7iYQJeLA0Hi-McI8Q In Relatione (relevant links) Eowyn’s Recommendation: The Parables of Jesus (see also: Little Pilgrim's Big Journey & The Kingdom of God Bible Storybook) Reenchanting Humanity The New …

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The Comfort of Conforming to Christ

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0famBOjfBzNWwgHepAuOV2?si=83cb36a7739c40c7 In the preface, Gordon says that he based this catechism upon the Heidelberg Catechism, which was approved in its final version in 1563 and was written by Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus (who were both in their twenties when they first wrote). While the Westminster Shorter Catechism is unrivaled for instructing in sound doctrine, …

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On Reading for Preaching

What are some reading habits for growing in preaching? Here's a couple of suggestions. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dxkE6H6dO0BltZ7lKdHDY?si=neKWU-A5TWSQz90Cz6NlvA In Relatione (relevant links) Eowyn’s Recommendation: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (consider also the BBC Radio Dramas) ESV Reader's Bible ( which also comes in a six-volume version) I'll do future episodes sharing resources for learning the original language (and there …

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Question 34: Since We Are Redeemed by Grace Alone, Through Christ Alone, Must We Still Do Good Works and Obey God’s Word?

Last week, we affirmed that the grace of Christ is not merely necessary for our justification but also for our sanctification. But while placing our trust in our good works would be a denial of Christ as our only Savior, His disciples must nevertheless still do good works. Indeed, we can largely make the same …

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Fighting the Sexual Revolution with Catechisms

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FabRPqTAWbQausFiITaQY?si=iKMfdMBFSjGtx6HCjR923w According to His long-term providence, God always uses heresy and false teaching to doctrinally sharpen His church. Don't get me wrong. Heresy and false teaching are always bad news, and we should by no means take joy or delight in them. However, when we are forced to face them (which will prove to be …

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On Reading Calvin’s Institutes

Have you ever considered reading John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion but don't know where to start? Today's episode is a guide to help you begin that journey. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PmHvUAXFlhOmSY0GBzwX1?si=GoCxltA0QpeNNlJp7ZczRA In Relatione (relevant links) Eowyn’s Recommendation: The Magician's Nephew (consider also the BBC Radio Dramas) Battle's translation | the current standard English translation Knowing God and Ourselves: …

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