In this episode, we'll be continuing our discussion on the preterist interpretation of the book of Hebrews. Last time, we looked at some evidence from Hebrews related to the persecution of Christians and how that might suggest the book was written before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. Today, we're going to dig deeper into the tex…

This session of our 2024 Fall Evening Class focuses on examining the call of Ezekiel as a "priestly prophet" in chapters 2-3 of the Book of Ezekiel. Dr. Andrew Compton explores several key segments of Ezekiel's calling, including the "I am sending you" speech (Chapter 2:1-8), a vision of a scroll containing words of lamentation that Ezekiel has to …

This first session of our 2024 Fall Evening Class introduces Chapter 1 of the Book of Ezekiel, focusing on the theme of God's glory. Dr. Andrew Compton explains how Ezekiel's opening chapter presents a dramatic vision of God's glory appearing to the prophet during the Babylonian exile in 593 BC. The vision includes extraordinary imagery: four creat…

In this episode, Dr. Marcus Mininger, Professor of New Testament Studies, looks at the world of biblical interpretation, specifically examining preterist interpretations of the book of Hebrews. His discussion centers around a key question that has intrigued scholars for centuries: Was the Book of Hebrews written before or after the destruction of t…

On this episode of Marscast, host Jared Luttjeboer welcomes back Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies, Rev. Mark Vander Hart, to explore one of the most significant accounts in Genesis: The flood narrative of chapters 6-9. They dive (no pun intended) into the theological and interpretive debate between global and local flood perspectives, ex…

In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with Rev. Mark Vander Hart, emeritus professor of Old Testament Studies, to explore the complex topic of creation from a Reformed perspective. Rev. Vander Hart provides a comprehensive overview of various interpretations of the Genesis creation account within Reformed theology, from Augustine to mode…

In this episode, Dr. Beach continues to explore Book 3 of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on a topic that's often misunderstood: The relationship between faith and repentance. Many Christians wonder: Do we need to clean up our act before coming to God? Does our repentance earn us forgiveness? Calvin is helpful here. He provi…

In today's episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's thoughts on the role of the Holy Spirit in uniting believers to Christ through faith. He touches on the necessity of being "in Christ" to receive salvation's benefits, the nature of true faith as a firm knowledge of God's benevolence, and the struggle between faith and doubt in the believer's lif…

In this episode, Dr. Beach looks at the concluding chapters of Book 2 of The Institutes of the Christian Religion, where Calvin examines the work of Christ as our Redeemer. He'll unpack Calvin's discussion of Christ's three offices - Prophet, Priest, and King - and how these roles relate to our salvation. He'll also explore Calvin's insights on Chr…

We're diving deep once again into John Calvin's monumental work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on the end of Book 2. Joining us to unpack these theological insights is Dr. J. Mark Beach, utilizing his commentary on the Institutes, Piety's Wisdom. In this episode, we'll explore Calvin's understanding of Christ as the mediator betwee…

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton examines the intersection of fantasy writing and theological themes with OPC Pastor Rev. Jeremiah Montgomery. As the author of The Dark Harvest trilogy, Montgomery discusses his journey into writing fiction with a distinctively theological flavor. We explore his approach to storytelling, the influence of his r…

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton and Rob McKenzie continue their conversation on Rob's book "Seeker's Progress," exploring how storytelling can effectively convey theological truths, make them memorable, and address common faith questions. They'll touch on the challenges of publishing Christian fiction and the importance of encouraging Christ…

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the "Theology Simply Profound" podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book "Seekers Progress," a modern take on John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," that ad…

In this episode, Dr. Venema concludes this series on the Holy Spirit by looking at the doctrine of sanctification and the role of the Holy Spirit. He discusses the biblical and theological understanding of sanctification as an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit rather than a "second blessing" or higher level of Christian experience. Dr. Venema emphasi…

In today's episode, Dr. Venema will explore the controversial topic of spiritual gifts in the modern church, focusing on prophecy, speaking in tongues, and healing. He'll present a cessationist perspective, arguing that certain foundational gifts have ceased with the closure of the biblical canon while emphasizing the continued presence of the Holy…

In today's episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema explores the identity, deity, and distinct personhood of the Holy Spirit - the third person of the Trinity. He unpacks the various names used for the Holy Spirit in Scripture, examines attributes that confirm the Spirit's deity, and discusses the Spirit's role in creation and redemption. He'll also touch on t…

Join us live from the Mid America Veterans Museum as I host our museum curator, Marcia Higgins, and museum historian, Jim Higgins to talk about our ever evolving veterans stories. In this episode you will hear an in depth accounting of recently uncovered updates to the story of Joseph McNamee, World War II Marine which can only be described as sere…

This episode explores John Calvin's perspective on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments as outlined in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, focusing on Book Two, Chapters 9-11.Dr. J. Mark Beach looks at Calvin's view of law and gospel, explaining how Calvin sees both continuity and differences between the testaments. Key points …

In this episode, Dr. Beach explores John Calvin's teachings on how fallen humanity can find redemption in Christ according to Book 2, Chapter 6 of his famous work The Institutes of the Christian Religion.Calvin argues that true knowledge of God is useless without also having faith in Him as our Redeemer through Christ. He explains how the Old Testa…

In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores John Calvin's views on human nature and free will as presented in Book II, Chapters 2-3 of his influential work Institutes of the Christian Religion.Calvin grapples with the difficult question of human freedom in light of the Fall and original sin. He warns against the perils of complacency if we deny hum…

In today's episode, Dr. Beach looks once again at John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. Specifically, he'll be looking at Book 2, where Calvin lays out his doctrine of total depravity and fallenness after Adam's sin. Calvin didn't mince words when it came to describing the utter corruption and inability of human beings apart from God'…

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange joins the podcast again to discuss the development of the doctrine of justification, particularly in the medieval period. He explains how Augustine recovered key aspects of Paul's teaching on justification being by grace alone while still viewing it as an ongoing process of being "made righteous" rather than a punc…

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange continues the discussion on medieval church history. The conversation focuses on the major church councils and influential theologians from the Middle Ages. Dr. Strange begins by distinguishing the first seven ecumenical councils, which are recognized across Christian traditions, from the subsequent medieval counci…

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange discusses scholasticism and mysticism in the medieval era of church history. He provides an in-depth look at scholasticism, explaining its origins in the monas-tic schools of the 9th and 10th centuries and how it contributed to the rise of universities in the 12th and 13th centuries. He analyzes the strengths and p…

In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange explores the complex relationship between Christianity and Islam, examining whether the Islamic faith served as a "check" on defective Christian practice in the medieval era. He then dives into the Crusades - the series of religious wars waged by European Christians against Muslims in the medieval period, providing…

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema concludes his series on catechism preaching by highlighting the advantages of preaching from the catechism. He'll explain how the catechism's simplicity and clarity make it an accessible resource for systematically teaching core Christian doctrines to congregants of all ages. He'll also share insights from his ow…

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 n…

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 p…

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.Par Rev. Paul Ipema

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 purpos…

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 …

In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach looks once again at John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, this time examining his writing on the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. While the natural world around us gives glimpses of God's eternal power and divine nature, Scripture provides the clearest, most complete revelation of who He truly is…

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton concludes his series on teaching theology through fiction by engaging with author Richard Coffeen, a PCA pastor serving in the Chicago metropolitan area. Coffeen has penned an intriguing science fiction novel that, much like the works of Brian Godawa, blends narrative storytelling with Christian apologetics. H…

In today's episode, Dr. Compton sits down with Brian Godawa, celebrated novelist and author. Their conversation dives into Godawa's creative process in narrative storytelling and his unique approach of intertwining apologetics and a defense of the Christian faith, particularly in the gripping tale he wrote called Cruel Logic about a psychopathic ph…

In today's episode, Dr. Andrew Compton introduces a rather fascinating topic that will carry us over into the next couple of weeks: Teaching and defending the Christian faith through fiction. In this first episode, Dr. Compton gives us an overview of how the concept of story is presented to us in Scripture, followed by the value of storytelling and…

Join us on the Dog Tag Podcast as we host Corporal Bobby Christopher, United States Marines. Bobby is a combat veteran and current president of the Mid America Veterans Museum formerly named the Saint Charles County Veterans Museum. Bobby walks us through his military and combat experiences as a 0352 TOW (tube launched optically tracked wire guided…

After graduating from St. Louis University with a degree in Business, he joined the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Tactical Fighter Wing for a 6-year stint as a weapons mechanic. Joe has traveled several interesting, exciting, and successful career paths in his life including leader and bass player for the rhythm and blues rock and soul horn b…

Could pastors be some of the most prominent Sabbath-breakers?In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema asks, "How can we encourage pastors to honor the Lord's will in observing the Sabbath?" How can congregations create a culture that supports their leader's need for rejuvenation rather than burnout? Tune in as Rev. Ipema brings practical wisdom to this …

In a chapel sermon, Rev. Chris Barnard of Grace OPC in Hanover Park, IL, expounds on Exodus 16:1-12. He connects this passage about God providing manna to the Israelites to the account in John 6, where Jesus feeds the five thousand. Drawing parallels between the two stories, Rev. Barnard highlights how they both point to Jesus as the true bread fro…

In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema considers the responsibility of the pastor to read – a responsibility to not only feed his own spirit but also an activity that allows him to take what he's read to nourish his own congregation. So, whether you're a faithful parishioner or a devoted shepherd, listen carefully to Rev. Ipema as he describes how rea…

In this chapel message, Dr. R. Andrew Compton looks at the words of Isaiah 42:1-4, exploring the role and impact of the Servant of the Lord. Through a careful examination of the text, Dr. Compton sheds light on how this Servant, the Messiah, brings both the power of God's Word and the comforting balm of His compassion to a world desperately in need…

You may be unfamiliar with the concept of mutual censure in the church. We're referring to the practice of open comments shared between leadership for the purpose of accountability and strengthening that leadership. Joining the podcast and beginning a new series on habits in pastoral ministry is Rev. Paul Ipema, Assistant Professor of Ministerial S…

Is the Bible really God's Word? In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach continues to explore John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion and his uncompromising view of Scripture. Dr. Beach will help us see through Calvin's eyes why we can fully trust the absolute authority of God's Word and how a right view of Scripture fuels vibrant spirituality…

In his chapel message, Dr. Alan Strange explores Hebrews 12:1-3. He expands on the theme of persevering and how the Lord urges us to cast aside hindrances and continue the race, keep our eyes on Jesus, follow Him in faith, and develop fortitude in times of distress.Par Alan Strange

In this inaugural episode of 2024, Dr. Beach enters part 2 of a series he started on John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. In this episode, he briefly summarizes Calvin's main purpose and approach in the opening chapters of the Institutes: to show that all people have a knowledge of God through creation and conscience and, therefore, …

We were pleased to welcome Mr. Andy Iversen to our inaugural chapel of the new year. Andy serves as the Professor for our Greek Language studies and is currently a PhD student at Wheaton College. In this chapel message, he reflects on Romans 8:1-4, reminding the seminary community of who they are in their union with Christ.…

In this final episode of the year of our Lord, 2023, Dr. Beach begins a multi-episode journey of taking us through the seminal work of John Calvin and his Institutes of the Christian Religion. He starts with part 1 to whet your appetite for when he picks it up again in February after we take a break in January. In this inaugural episode, he provide…

In this final episode on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Nick Lamme takes us through the implications for the Church today regarding identifying false teachers and provides encouragement, warning, and exhortation for Christians wrestling with this difficult passage. He concludes by reflecting on how understanding this sin should shape pastor…

In this episode, Rev. Nick Lamme examines the meaning of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in Matthew chapter 12. Specifically, he looks at verses 22-32, considering the larger context surrounding this passage. Rev. Lamme then analyzes Jesus's statement about this egregious sin, exploring who Jesus was addressing and why He made this warning at tha…