Beginning today and for the next few weeks, you’ll hear Dr. Cornelis Venema speak on matters of a heavenly nature, that being the intermediate state and the resurrection of the body. These talks come from his Spring Evening class that he taught in 2015, titled “What Happens After I Die?” In today’s episode, Dr. Venema elaborates on what death means for the Christian and examines two erroneous views associated with the death of believers: annihilationism and soul sleep.

Beginning today and for the next few weeks, you’ll hear Dr. Cornelis Venema speak on matters of a heavenly nature, that being the intermediate state and the resurrection of the body. These talks come from his Spring Evening class that he taught in 2015, titled “What Happens After I Die?” In today’s episode, Dr. Venema elaborates on what death means for the Christian and examines two erroneous views associated with the death of believers: annihilationism and soul sleep.

The Intermediate State Pt. 1

In today’s episode, Dr. Beach wraps up his discussion on the Christian and free will by tackling the subject of Libertarian Free Will, a concept you’ll hear most commonly in Arminian circles.

In today’s episode, Dr. Beach wraps up his discussion on the Christian and free will by tackling the subject of Libertarian Free Will, a concept you’ll hear most commonly in Arminian circles.

Reformed Opposition to Libertarian Freedom

John Calvin

Last time Dr. Beach affirmed the Reformed teaching on free will, that Christians do indeed have free will, but a will that is only awakened and enabled by the grace of God to freely obey his will, not a will of our own volition, a will left in darkness. In our Reformed heritage, we love to reflect on the work of John Calvin, of course. So what did he think of free will? You may be surprised to learn that he affirms what Dr. Beach was talking about but that he was a little cautious in using the exact terminology of “free will.”

Last time Dr. Beach affirmed the Reformed teaching on free will, that Christians do indeed have free will, but a will that is only awakened and enabled by the grace of God to freely obey his will, not a will of our own volition, a will left in darkness. In our Reformed heritage, we love to reflect on the work of John Calvin, of course. So what did he think of free will? You may be surprised to learn that he affirms what Dr. Beach was talking about but that he was a little cautious in using the exact terminology of “free will.”

John Calvin's Cautions About Free Will

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Doctrinal and Ministerial Studies, begins to look carefully at the theological issue of free will by asking the simple question: Do Christians have free will?

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Doctrinal and Ministerial Studies, begins to look carefully at the theological issue of free will by asking the simple question: Do Christians have free will?

Do Christians Have Free Will?

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange concludes his series on church offices by looking at the Office of Deacon and the ministry of mercy.

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange concludes his series on church offices by looking at the Office of Deacon and the ministry of mercy.

The Office of Deacon

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange, continuing his series on church offices, elaborates on the role of the Elder in the church. What does it mean to be a ruling Elder or teaching Elder? What are his obligations and duties in this ordained office? Here’s Dr. Strange to answer these questions.

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange, continuing his series on church offices, elaborates on the role of the Elder in the church. What does it mean to be a ruling Elder or teaching Elder? What are his obligations and duties in this ordained office? Here’s Dr. Strange to answer these questions.

The Office of Elder

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange looks once again at the Office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament, tracing its history, especially in the eyes of the Reformers.

In today’s episode, Dr. Alan Strange looks once again at the Office of Minister of the Word and Sacrament, tracing its history, especially in the eyes of the Reformers.

Minister of the Word and Sacrament Pt 2

In today’s episode, we will look at a particular vocation where one is called to proclaim the Word of God, that of the Minister of the Word and Sacrament. Being in this vocation, they hold an office. Dr. Alan Strange takes us on a tour of this office, particularly in its distinction from the office of Ruling Elder, and in the weeks ahead, look more narrowly at the office of Elder and the office of Deacon.

In today’s episode, we will look at a particular vocation where one is called to proclaim the Word of God, that of the Minister of the Word and Sacrament. Being in this vocation, they hold an office. Dr. Alan Strange takes us on a tour of this office, particularly in its distinction from the office of Ruling Elder, and in the weeks ahead, look more narrowly at the office of Elder and the office of Deacon.

Minister of the Word and Sacrament Pt 1

In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema and Dr. Marcus Mininger continue their case for the cessation of revelatory gifts – speaking in tongues, prophecy, miraculous healings – by addressing an important question. If the revelatory gifts have ceased, how do we respond to fellow believers who claim to have them or have experienced speaking in tongues and miraculous signs? If Cessationism is true, how do we, as those who hold to Reformed convictions, not come across as if we’re somehow diminishing the work of the Spirit today?

In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema and Dr. Marcus Mininger continue their case for the cessation of revelatory gifts – speaking in tongues, prophecy, miraculous healings – by addressing an important question. If the revelatory gifts have ceased, how do we respond to fellow believers who claim to have them or have experienced speaking in tongues and miraculous signs? If Cessationism is true, how do we, as those who hold to Reformed convictions, not come across as if we’re somehow diminishing the work of the Spirit today?

Cessationism: Practical Suggestions

Today’s episode continues our series on Cessationism vs. Continuationism and the spiritual gifts with Dr. Cornelis Venema and Dr. Marcus Mininger. In our previous conversation, they laid out the context for this debate. You could probably guess that they’ve landed on a position: Today, we’ll hear the case for Cessationism and the ceasing of revelatory gifts.

Today’s episode continues our series on Cessationism vs. Continuationism and the spiritual gifts with Dr. Cornelis Venema and Dr. Marcus Mininger. In our previous conversation, they laid out the context for this debate. You could probably guess that they’ve landed on a position: Today, we’ll hear the case for Cessationism and the ceasing of revelatory gifts.

The Case for Cessationism

Join the faculty of Mid-America Reformed Seminary as they discuss everything from Reformed theology to cultural issues from a Reformed perspective.

Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Round Table

The faculty of Mid-America have been talking about the work of the church and its efforts to be "outward" facing, to be looking out in mission, and specifically what it means to contextualize the message: to speak concretely and clearly to people in categories that they know.    But in doing this, do we risk setting ourselves up to dumb down the gospel, to dumb down corporate worship, to do something that is somehow not fitting for the worship of the Triune God?   How can we navigate some of these waters? Joining once again around the table to elaborate on this are Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Rev. Andrew Compton, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Dr. Alan Strange.

The faculty of Mid-America have been talking about the work of the church and its efforts to be "outward" facing, to be looking out in mission, and specifically what it means to contextualize the message: to speak concretely and clearly to people in categories that they know.    But in doing this, do we risk setting ourselves up to dumb down the gospel, to dumb down corporate worship, to do something that is somehow not fitting for the worship of the Triune God?   How can we navigate some of these waters? Joining once again around the table to elaborate on this are Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Rev. Andrew Compton, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Dr. Alan Strange.

Outreach Part 3

Greg Bylsma

It is our pleasure to bring to you this special episode outside of our regular cycle of discussions with our Faculty. This past month we had 2nd and 3rd-year students arrive on campus before the second semester officially kicked off to take an intensive interim class. There's a new class offered each year, and this January happened to be one on Advanced Preaching, specifically on "Communicating God's Voice in Our Weakness." It's a class that seeks to teach advanced principles for communicating God's word with a primary focus upon the preached sermon. Here to elaborate more on that, and joining us here on campus to teach this interim class, is Rev. Greg Bylsma, an alumnus of 2005, and pastor of Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario.

It is our pleasure to bring to you this special episode outside of our regular cycle of discussions with our Faculty. This past month we had 2nd and 3rd-year students arrive on campus before the second semester officially kicked off to take an intensive interim class. There's a new class offered each year, and this January happened to be one on Advanced Preaching, specifically on "Communicating God's Voice in Our Weakness." It's a class that seeks to teach advanced principles for communicating God's word with a primary focus upon the preached sermon. Here to elaborate more on that, and joining us here on campus to teach this interim class, is Rev. Greg Bylsma, an alumnus of 2005, and pastor of Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario.

Rev. Greg Bylsma on Advanced Preaching

In our last episode our faculty spent time discussing the biblical backdrop to the question of being "outward-facing,", and they started talking about this idea of “contextualization” at the end. What a great thing to explore a little bit before looking more concretely at how pastors, elders, and church leaders can take concrete steps in helping churches to have this “outward” focus. First of all: “contextualization.” It’s a word that we can hear a lot, it can sometimes be a buzz word, and yet it’s a word that has some real value for what we’re thinking about here. Joining once again around the table are Rev. Andrew Compton, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Dr. Alan Strange.

In our last episode our faculty spent time discussing the biblical backdrop to the question of being "outward-facing,", and they started talking about this idea of “contextualization” at the end. What a great thing to explore a little bit before looking more concretely at how pastors, elders, and church leaders can take concrete steps in helping churches to have this “outward” focus. First of all: “contextualization.” It’s a word that we can hear a lot, it can sometimes be a buzz word, and yet it’s a word that has some real value for what we’re thinking about here. Joining once again around the table are Rev. Andrew Compton, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Dr. Alan Strange.

Outreach Part 2

We've been talking a lot about Natural Law in the past two episodes, and we've seen some of the limits of how some might appeal to Natural Law as though it would somehow be a silver bullet that would get everyone on the same page morally. Some of course would then respond and say "Well it's simple, we've got the Bible. Let's use the Bible to enact all of our laws here in North America or some other country." Let's have our professors respond to this. Joining us once again are Dr. Alan Strange, Rev. Andrew Compton, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Dr. Marcus Mininger.

We've been talking a lot about Natural Law in the past two episodes, and we've seen some of the limits of how some might appeal to Natural Law as though it would somehow be a silver bullet that would get everyone on the same page morally. Some of course would then respond and say "Well it's simple, we've got the Bible. Let's use the Bible to enact all of our laws here in North America or some other country." Let's have our professors respond to this. Joining us once again are Dr. Alan Strange, Rev. Andrew Compton, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Dr. Marcus Mininger.

Natural Law Part 3

Part 1 of Natural Law introduced the subject matter, but now we want to understand a little bit more about it, particularly how it functions in society. Once more at the Table in speaking order are Dr. Alan Strange, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Rev. Andrew Compton.

Part 1 of Natural Law introduced the subject matter, but now we want to understand a little bit more about it, particularly how it functions in society. Once more at the Table in speaking order are Dr. Alan Strange, Dr. J. Mark Beach, and Rev. Andrew Compton.

Natural Law Part 2

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy chapter 4, "Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." Something that has been a strength in Reformed churches is this focus on teaching – this focus on the public reading of Scripture, of exhortation – and yet, what can happen is that, often, we will focus so much on this that we detach it from the bigger picture of Scripture. Think of how it even relates to God's commission to Abraham in Genesis 12: "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'" Our Faculty on this Round Table podcast are talking about Outreach (part 1 of 3). Paul's instruction to Timothy (1 Tim. 4) is a good one, and yet it is ultimately in service to these very things in the blessing of Abraham, where all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Using that as a launchpad for our Faculty to join in, you'll hear in speaking order Rev. Mark Vander Hart (Prof of OT Studies), Dr. Alan Strange (Prof. of Apologetics and Church History), Rev. Andrew Compton (Prof. of OT Studies), and Dr. J. Mark Beach, Prof. of Doctrinal Studies).

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy chapter 4, "Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." Something that has been a strength in Reformed churches is this focus on teaching – this focus on the public reading of Scripture, of exhortation – and yet, what can happen is that, often, we will focus so much on this that we detach it from the bigger picture of Scripture. Think of how it even relates to God's commission to Abraham in <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=Genesis+12&amp;t=KJV" rel="KJV.Genesis.12 nofollow" target="_blank">Genesis 12</a>: "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'" Our Faculty on this Round Table podcast are talking about Outreach (part 1 of 3). Paul's instruction to Timothy (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/preSearch.cfm?Criteria=1Tim.+4&amp;t=KJV" rel="KJV.1Tim.4 nofollow" target="_blank">1 Tim. 4</a>) is a good one, and yet it is ultimately in service to these very things in the blessing of Abraham, where all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Using that as a launchpad for our Faculty to join in, you'll hear in speaking order Rev. Mark Vander Hart (Prof of OT Studies), Dr. Alan Strange (Prof. of Apologetics and Church History), Rev. Andrew Compton (Prof. of OT Studies), and Dr. J. Mark Beach, Prof. of Doctrinal Studies).

Outreach Part 1

Danny Patterson

We had the privilege of having Rev. Danny Patterson come to campus for a week, teaching a portion of the Introduction to Counselling course. He sat down with Rev. Andrew Compton, who teaches the Applied Counselling course here at Mid-America, and who also conducted this interview. Check it out.

We had the privilege of having Rev. Danny Patterson come to campus for a week, teaching a portion of the Introduction to Counselling course. He sat down with Rev. Andrew Compton, who teaches the Applied Counselling course here at Mid-America, and who also conducted this interview. Check it out.

Rev. Danny Patterson on Counselling

Dr. Beach and Rev. Compton have been talking about important books to read before Seminary. In this final episode, they round out this discussion on books by talking about various volumes of systematic theology and hermeneutics, or, biblical interpretation.

Dr. Beach and Rev. Compton have been talking about important books to read before Seminary. In this final episode, they round out this discussion on books by talking about various volumes of systematic theology and hermeneutics, or, biblical interpretation.

Important Systematic Theology and Hermeneutics Books to Read Before Seminary

In this brief episode, Dr. Beach continues the discussion on important books to read before seminary, this time directing prospective theology students to books on philosophy, modern theology, and the history of doctrine

In this brief episode, Dr. Beach continues the discussion on important books to read before seminary, this time directing prospective theology students to books on philosophy, modern theology, and the history of doctrine

Important Philosophy and History of Doctrine Books to Read Before Seminary

This week we begin a new trilogy of episodes about books. We’re a seminary ... you knew this was bound to happen. Dr. Beach and Rev. Compton sat down and traded their thoughts on books that prospective students - or students currently enrolled in seminary - should read.

This week we begin a new trilogy of episodes about books. We’re a seminary ... you knew this was bound to happen. Dr. Beach and Rev. Compton sat down and traded their thoughts on books that prospective students - or students currently enrolled in seminary - should read.

Important Books to Read Before Seminary

B.B. Warfield

In the last part of Warfield’s essay, he offers his thoughts on some remedies and solutions to counter the hidden dangers of theological studies, such as a communal life of worship and prayer in a seminary community. Dr. Beach and Dr. Venema take this up right here, on Round Table.   

In the last part of Warfield’s essay, he offers his thoughts on some remedies and solutions to counter the hidden dangers of theological studies, such as a communal life of worship and prayer in a seminary community. Dr. Beach and Dr. Venema take this up right here, on Round Table.

B.B. Warfield on Overcoming the Dangers of Theological Studies

Dr. J. Mark Beach and Dr. Cornelis Venema continue their discussion on B.B. Warfield’s essay on "The Religious Life of Theological Students," this time addressing the lurking dangers nearby that attend theological studies. 

Dr. J. Mark Beach and Dr. Cornelis Venema continue their discussion on B.B. Warfield’s essay on "The Religious Life of Theological Students," this time addressing the lurking dangers nearby that attend theological studies.

B.B. Warfield and the Dangers of Theological Studies

Dr. Beach and Dr. Venema sit down to analyze B.B. Warfield's address on "The Religious Life of Theological Students," keeping this first question in mind: Is the academic study of the Bible or theology a spiritually enriching experience? Is it a spiritual wasteland, or a spiritual oasis, which requires hard traveling but offers wonderful refreshment?

Dr. Beach and Dr. Venema sit down to analyze B.B. Warfield's address on "The Religious Life of Theological Students," keeping this first question in mind: Is the academic study of the Bible or theology a spiritually enriching experience? Is it a spiritual wasteland, or a spiritual oasis, which requires hard traveling but offers wonderful refreshment?

B.B. Warfield on Theological Studies and a Life of Piety

In this Round Table episode, you'll get to hear a conversation between Jared Luttjeboer and Dr. Alan Strange on his book, "Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ in the Westminster Standards."  Dr. Strange discusses the process of writing the book, the importance of the doctrine for seminary students, and believe it or not, how the imputation of the active obedience of Christ has anything to do with our current pandemic circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

In this Round Table episode, you'll get to hear a conversation between Jared Luttjeboer and Dr. Alan Strange on his book, "Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ in the Westminster Standards."  Dr. Strange discusses the process of writing the book, the importance of the doctrine for seminary students, and believe it or not, how the imputation of the active obedience of Christ has anything to do with our current pandemic circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

Dr. Strange, Imputation of Christ, and COVID-19

One thing we find in the New Testament is that there is an appeal to understanding the work of Christ through the Old Testament. In this Round Table, our professors will speak to this question of Christ in the Old Testament and how it is that they as pastors, preachers, seek to preach Christ in all of Scripture.

One thing we find in the New Testament is that there is an appeal to understanding the work of Christ through the Old Testament. In this Round Table, our professors will speak to this question of Christ in the Old Testament and how it is that they as pastors, preachers, seek to preach Christ in all of Scripture.

Christ and the Old Testament

In this episode of Round Table, our faculty discuss amongst each other the continuity of the gospel in the Old Testament, particularly thinking of the question: Is the God of the Old Testament truly the God of the New Testament?

In this episode of Round Table, our faculty discuss amongst each other the continuity of the gospel in the Old Testament, particularly thinking of the question: Is the God of the Old Testament truly the God of the New Testament?

The Doctrine of God and the Old Testament 

Join Rev. Andrew Compton, Rev. Mark Vander Hart, and Dr. J. Mark Beach as they explore a new three-part series on the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. In this episode, right off the bat, they address that infamous sermon preached a couple of years ago by a prominent evangelical pastor who stated that Christians need to "unhitch" from the Old Testament. Do we though?

Join Rev. Andrew Compton, Rev. Mark Vander Hart, and Dr. J. Mark Beach as they explore a new three-part series on the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. In this episode, right off the bat, they address that infamous sermon preached a couple of years ago by a prominent evangelical pastor who stated that Christians need to "unhitch" from the Old Testament. Do we though?

Christianity and the Old Testament 

Eric Watkins

For this episode of Round Table, Dr. J. Mark Beach had the opportunity to interview one of our newest Instructors, Dr. Erick Watkins, on the subject of liturgics and preaching.

For this episode of Round Table, Dr. J. Mark Beach had the opportunity to interview one of our newest Instructors, Dr. Erick Watkins, on the subject of liturgics and preaching.

Dr. Eric Watkins on Worship and Preaching

In our last episode, our faculty spent some time talking about Biblical Theology. What you’re going to hear from them today is how biblical studies are being practiced “out there,” in the academy, among non-Christians, among non-religious people.  There are many atheists who are engaged in doing biblical studies; they find it to be a fascinating corpus of literature as they study the Bible, and they’ve been doing so their whole career. There’s a lot of literature – magazines, journals, books – published by these individuals, and some of them are actually quite helpful and interesting, in spite of the significant areas of disagreement. But it goes to illustrate that there’s a large conversation going on in the world today about the Bible.  A good place to start is by imagining someone in a non-Christian university enrolled in a Biblical Studies program and asking yourself the question, “What will they end up doing?”  Taking part once again, in speaking order Associate Professor of Old Testament Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Assistant Professor of Old Testament Rev. Andrew Compton, and Associate Professor of New Testament Dr. Marcus Mininger

In our last episode, our faculty spent some time talking about Biblical Theology. What you’re going to hear from them today is how biblical studies are being practiced “out there,” in the academy, among non-Christians, among non-religious people.  There are many atheists who are engaged in doing biblical studies; they find it to be a fascinating corpus of literature as they study the Bible, and they’ve been doing so their whole career. There’s a lot of literature – magazines, journals, books – published by these individuals, and some of them are actually quite helpful and interesting, in spite of the significant areas of disagreement. But it goes to illustrate that there’s a large conversation going on in the world today about the Bible.  A good place to start is by imagining someone in a non-Christian university enrolled in a Biblical Studies program and asking yourself the question, “What will they end up doing?”  Taking part once again, in speaking order Associate Professor of Old Testament Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Assistant Professor of Old Testament Rev. Andrew Compton, and Associate Professor of New Testament Dr. Marcus Mininger

Biblical Studies: Engaging the Academy

As we continue our discussion on biblical studies, we now move into biblical studies courses that are taken by our students.  What does instruction at Mid-America look like, particularly in the classes in the biblical division? Taking part once again, in speaking order, are Assistant Professor of Old Testament Rev. Andrew Compton, Associate Professor of New Testament Dr. Marcus Mininger, and Associate Professor of Old Testament Rev. Mark Vander Hart. 

As we continue our discussion on biblical studies, we now move into biblical studies courses that are taken by our students.  What does instruction at Mid-America look like, particularly in the classes in the biblical division? Taking part once again, in speaking order, are Assistant Professor of Old Testament Rev. Andrew Compton, Associate Professor of New Testament Dr. Marcus Mininger, and Associate Professor of Old Testament Rev. Mark Vander Hart.

Biblical Studies: Instruction at Mid-America

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!