Andrew is back!!! The podcast is always much more fun with Andrew along, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. We talk in this episode about the necessity of church membership. Does the bible call Christians to be members of a local church, or is that an optional thing? And what is "membership?" Oh, and what is a "local church?" We both believe that the bible calls Christians to be members of a local church and we get into why we believe that to be the case. 

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036 Why church membership? Jesus Calls His Sheep To Be Members of a Local Church

Another driving episode, sorry for any road noise or such. I am a cessationist, which many people are not today. Thought it would be helpful to explain what that is.

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035 What is cessationism? Why I am a cessationist.

A brief description of what "reformed" means as well as a bit of discussion on what covenant theology is. I was driving to work, so had no notes, pardon any rambling or stupidity :-).

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034 What is Reformed?

Josh discusses pictures of Jesus. According to the 2nd commandment we ought to have no graven images of God. According to other passages, like Deuteronomy 4 we ought not to make any likeness of God. Why do many Christians today have no problem with pictures of Jesus if they believe He is God? 
Protestant evangelical churches today seem to take more of a Lutheran position on this as well as on public worship in general (normative vs regulative principle). Josh presents a position on images from the Reformed and Presbyterian point of view. 
An example of the Reformed position from the Heidelberg Catechism:
96. What does God require in the second Commandment?
That we in no wise make any image of God,1 nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded us in His Word.2
1 Deut 4:15-19. Isa 40:18, 25. Rom 1:22-24. Acts 17:29. 2 1 Sam 15:23. Deut 12:30-32. Matt  15:9. * Deut 4:23, 24. * John 4:24.
97. May we not make any image at all?
God may not and cannot be imaged in any way; as for creatures, though they may indeed be imaged, yet God forbids the making or keeping any likeness of them, either to worship them, or to serve God by them.1
1 Exod 23:24, 25. Exod 34:13,14. Deut 7:5. Deut 12:3. Deut 16:22. 2 Kgs 18:4. * John 1:18.
98. But may not pictures be tolerated in churches as books for the people?
No, for we should not be wiser than God, who will not have His people taught by dumb idols,1  but by the lively preaching of His word.2
1 Jer 10:8. Hab 2:18,19. 2 2 Pet 1:19. 2 Tim 3:16,17. * Rom 10:17.

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033 Pictures of Jesus - Yea or nay?

An interview with my brother in law, Nathan Cedarland. He is pastoring down in Puerto Escondido. He and his family moved down there around summer 2020. We talk about what he is doing, and get into some rambling on education and the three spheres of authority (church, state, family).
You will hear of a school project he is working on, please consider praying for and/or donating to this project if it is something that God has given you an interest in. Also, they could use teachers.
Some links below:
The school: globaleducationministries.org
Newsletter is available here: impactmexico.org
The family blog: cedarlandia.com
Nathan's Book: www.amazon.com/Mark-Evanlor-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B09ZTB82DZ

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032 Nathan Cedarland Interview - Ministry in Mexico

Josh talks about why he became a paedobaptist. Apologies for the rambling, hope it is useful!

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031 Why I Am a Paedobaptist

Why is it so hard to know what is true today? Josh talks about seeking God's truth and offers some thoughts on where to start as you try to discern what is true and false in today's crazy world.
Sovereign Nations - https://sovereignnations.com/
New Discourses - https://newdiscourses.com/


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030 Truth in a Crazy World

Andrew and Josh discuss singing and mask wearing in 2020. This was released very very late, sorry. Hopefully it is an interesting discussion. 

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029 No Singing and Wear Masks - Says the Governor

Andrew and Josh discuss the four levels of tyranny described by the Magdeberg Confession of 1550, a summary of which can be found here: https://www.intoyourhandsllc.com/blog/84.
We hope you find our discussion helpful as you think through these things with those around you. We don't intend to tell you what to do, only to let you in on where we are at to help round out your thinking. These are difficult things to work through for most of us, as we never really were forced to consider them in our relatively free society until the lockdowns shut down churches, workplaces, gatherings, etc. 
We broke the discussion into two parts, the first on these levels, and the second on a discussion of singing and masks. We will release the second part as soon as we can get it edited!

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028 Four Levels of Tyranny and How to Respond - Part Three - Mandates and the Christian in the USA

Andrew and Josh work through what it means to submit to authority especially in light of those in authority doing things that may be overstepping their bounds. We don't quite get to specifics yet, but address more how to think about obedience and submission, where authority comes from, a closer look at Romans 13 and who the authority there is, and finally get a bit into some helpful levels that we will get deeper into next time. We hope it was helpful, and ask for any feedback or questions to be sent to podcast@practicallytheologians.org.

Links to things mentioned:


 104. Question. "What does God require in the fifth commandment?" Answer. "That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline, and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings, since it is God's will to govern us by their hand."
 Lex Rex by Rutherford free from Monergism.com
  The Biblical Distinction between Rendering to Caesar and Resisting Tyranny: A Restoration of Martin Luther’s Genuine Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms
  A chart with those levels we talk about.
  The Lutheran Way of Resistance and the American Revolution


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027 Part Two - Mandates and the Christian in the USA

Mask mandates. Churches not allowed to meet. Businesses shut down. Andrew and Josh discuss authority and what the Christian response to many of the orders coming down from governors should be. What is lawful authority? What about truth? These are difficult issues and we want to make it clear here that we are only two friends discussing these things; we are not representing our churches; we are not trying to be dogmatic; we are only trying to work it out. We hope to be helpful in giving the listener a perspective that might lend toward being more compassionate toward those with whom you disagree. We all have different ways of coming at things, and sometimes we have to disagree at the end of the day even as we leave the discussion as friends and brothers or sisters in the faith. Due to time constraints we had to leave this at a cliff-hanger, but will come back as soon as we can find time to continue the discussion. Hope you find it helpful. As always, we'd love feedback at podcast@practicallytheologians.org.

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026 Mandates and the Christian in the USA

Josh interviews Nicki on Exclusive Psalmody. This may be a view that many Christians today do not know much about, and in fact may even recoil from. We discuss how Nicki came to this position and touch on some of the arguments for it. We also discuss what this looks like in the worship service. Our aim is not to try to convince anyone of this position, at least not Josh’s aim (since I am not EP), but rather to try to increase understanding among Christian Brothers in an area of disagreement. Hope it is helpful!
Below are some of the resources Nicki mentioned in the interview:
Why We Sing Psalms
Christ in the Psalms
What About Instruments in Worship?
Why No Instruments?

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025 An Interview With Nicki Regarding Exclusive Psalmody

Family worship. What is it? Why should we do it? How do you do it? We discuss some thoughts we each have on the subject, as well as some of the things we do at home. We hope the discussion benefits you as much as it did us! See the shownotes below for the materials we spoke about. Send us an email with any questions or comments at podcast@practicallytheologians.org. Take care!

 Jon’s series on family worship on YouTube

 Joel Beeke on family worship

  John Patton’s autobiography, for sale at Reformation Heritage books

  The New City Catechism

  The Westminster Shorter Catechism

  Luther on Prayer



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024 Family Worship

Josh throws together a quick update on what's happening with the lockdown in Washington state, and also talks a bit about definitions. What is a vulnerable person? Who defines what it means to be human?
Here is the short post Josh wrote regarding the vulnerable:
A short, quickly written observation. So forgive any incomplete arguments and bear with me! And if clarification is needed I’d be happy to address.
As I was sipping my coffee this morning, thinking about the current state of society amid this whole panic over a virus, I decided I would write something that has been on my mind for the last few days regarding the “vulnerable” (not “scare” quotes, just labeling as a label). I keep thinking about the  inconsistency of politicians, news sources, and individuals who support the murder of unborn children and then claim to care about the “vulnerable” among us. What I have been thinking is how they are being allowed to define “vulnerable” based on something other than how I would define it.
Those who rebel against God by supporting the murder of babies get around that charge by redifining what a baby is.  They redefine what it means to be a human being. They get to choose when that baby becomes a person. And so, those among us who are truly vulnerable, those who are grey with wisdom, those who have underlying health issues, and babies; are all at risk of someday losing the “vulnerable” label when those who define what it means to be a human decide to define the vulnerable right out of society.
God defines what it means to be human. Male and female He created them, after His image and very good. All who bear His image are human beings, and because we bear His image are worthy of being treated with respect by one another. Jesus Christ, God incarnate, gives us the supreme example of protecting the vulnerable. All humans face certain death, we all share in this ultimate vulnerability. Not only that but we should all face the terrible judgment of God for our rebellion against Him. But Jesus came to bear the curse for His people, and death now has lost its sting for those who believe that Jesus came, died, and rose again to bring resurrection life!
As we weather a storm that may or may not be all media hype and social media fueled panic (why a run on TP?), be encouraged that you face certain death. Be encouraged because death is the most fearful thing we face and there is an answer to its sting, the work of Jesus the Christ. And treat the vulnerable well knowing we are bearing the image of God who treated His people with amazing grace in Christ. And when people throw out these terms let’s think about what they mean by them. Maybe that will present an opening to talk about Jesus with them, who knows?

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023 Quick Update During Odd Times

We discuss some of the lessons we learned while preaching this year. Ranging from trying to utilize illustrations to creating a memorable main idea, it was a fun discussion and we hope you enjoy!

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022 Homiletics: A Discussion on Lessons Learned Preaching This Year

Today we discuss apologetics.  We have broken our talk into two parts, catch episode one on our page!
Presuppositional apologetics is our preferred method, and so that is what we cover in this episode. Some of the questions we discuss are:
What are apologetics?  What is the point?  How should we engage others with the gospel?
Hope you enjoy!
Oh yeah, links to some resources you all might enjoy:
CMFNOW.ORG: Greg Bahnsen Stuff
Book: Rosaria Butterfield on Hospitality
Book: Always be Ready by Bahnsen
Youtube: Rosaria Butterfield: Loving the Stranger: Awakening & Hospitality
Gordon Clark Book: Religion, Reason, and Revelation

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021 Apologetics Part 2

Today we discuss apologetics.  We have broken our talk into two parts, catch episode two on our page!  
Presuppositional apologetics is our preferred method, and so that is what we cover in this episode. Some of the questions we discuss are:

 What are apologetics? 
 What is the point? 
  How should we engage others with the gospel?

Hope you enjoy!
Oh yeah, links to some resources you all might enjoy:
CMFNOW.ORG: Greg Bahnsen Stuff
Book: Rosaria Butterfield on Hospitality
Book: Always be Ready by Bahnsen
Youtube: Rosaria Butterfield: Loving the Stranger: Awakening & Hospitality
Gordon Clark Book: Religion, Reason, and Revelation

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020 Apologetics Part 1

Today we work through Psalm 131 in an attempt to not only explain what an exegetical idea is, per the book Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson, but also show you how we work toward one (although imperfectly). This is to hopefully provide you also with another way to help study Scripture, as  trying to get to what the author is saying as the subject/complement of a passage tends to focus one in on a truth in the passage under which the particulars of that passage can be organized. Anyway, we hope it is useful and interesting, but if not we at least had fun talking!  Leave us feedback if you'd like, or suggestions for future episodes, at podcast@practicallytheologians.org.

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019 The Exegetical Idea - We Work Through One

A message preached by Josh recently from the book of Ruth.  In 2:18-3:5 Ruth brings back a bounty of grain to Naomi and they are excited to learn that Boaz, the generous benefactor, is a redeemer for the family. But is Naomi seeing Boaz as simply a solution to her earthly woes, or is she seeing a great provision for redemption brought about by Yahweh? We will consider Naomi's scheme and what this great little book is teaching us to help us understand what God has to say to us here in Ruth. Here is my main idea from the text, "when your heart is bitter consider the loving-kindness of the Lord, for by it He patiently leads us to repentance."

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018 Ruth 2:18-3:5 - Bitterness and Kindness

Josh and Andrew discuss Matthew 18:20 and how to utilize good interpretive skills.  So often we take these verses that we are used to quoting out of context simply because we know the verse so well but forget the context.  We hope to show why understanding context is important and why this verse is not a good proof-text for the church being wherever there are 2 or more believers present.  And if you have any feedback for us please let us know at podcast@practicallytheologians.org.  Thanks for listening! 

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