Shows / MarsCast

MarsCast
Join the faculty of Mid-America Reformed Seminary as they discuss everything from theology to cultural issues from a Reformed perspective. *The opinions presented in each episode are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seminary.*
Episodes
MarsCast213. Teaching Theology Through Fiction
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…
MarsCast212. How to Help Your Pastor Observe the Sabbath
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…
MarsCast211. The Importance of Reading for Pastors
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…
MarsCast210. The Practice of Mutual Censure
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…
MarsCast209. John Calvin's Institutes: The Necessity of Scripture
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…
MarsCast208. John Calvin's Institutes: Knowing God
Welcome to 2024 and the newly renamed MARSCAST podcast from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. You may be wondering about the new name: The Seminary podcast enters…
MarsCast207. John Calvin and the Institutes: A Guide to True Godliness
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…
MarsCast206. Beyond Forgiveness: Reflecting on the Unpardonable Sin
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…
MarsCast205. The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Matthew
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…
MarsCast204. The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit: An Introduction
In this episode, Jared speaks with Reverend Nick Lamme, a 2007 Mid-America alumnus and OPC pastor, about the complex biblical concept of "blasphemy against the…
MarsCast203. The Legacy of Q&A 80 in the Heidelberg Catechism
In this episode, Dr. Venema wraps up our series on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 80 by reflecting on the ongoing legacy and relevancy of Q&A 80 for today and…
MarsCast202. Sacrifice or Sacrament? Q&A 80's Critique of the Mass
In this episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema provides an in-depth examination of Question and Answer 80 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on its critique of the…
MarsCast201. The Origin of Q&A 80 in the Heidelberg Catechism
In this episode, we kick off a three-part series on Question and Answer 80 in the Heidelberg Catechism. Led by President of Mid-America, Dr. Cornelis Venema…
MarsCast200. The Rise and Spread of Islam
In this episode, Dr. Strange concludes this segment on church history by looking at the rise of Islam, its spread, and its impact on the development of Europe…
MarsCast199. The Fall of Rome and the Rise of the Germanic Kingdoms
In this episode, we explore one of the most transformative periods in European history - the fall of Rome in the 5th century AD and the subsequent rise of new…
MarsCast198. The Church of the Seven Councils
In this episode, Dr. Strange examines the Second and Third Council of Constantinople, which sought to affirm Christ's divine and human natures, and the Second…
MarsCast197. Monasticism
In this episode of our ongoing Church History series, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the topic of monasticism. He traces its origins, explaining why Protestants…
MarsCast196. The Ordo Salutis
In this episode, Dr. Beach examines the ordo salutis, which refers to the logical sequence or order of the various elements involved in the process of…
MarsCast195. The Historia Salutis
In this episode, Dr. Beach looks at the historia salutis, the overarching narrative of salvation history that unfolds throughout the Bible. By examining the…
MarsCast194. The Pactum Salutis
In this episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach explores the pactum salutis, also known as the covenant of redemption. This refers to the agreement made between the Father…
MarsCast193. What Do We Do With Christian Nationalism?
In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange concludes his series on Christian Nationalism by offering final critiques of Stephen Wolfe's book, addressing how we…
MarsCast192. What's Wrong With Christian Nationalism?
Stephen Wolfe's book The Case for Christian Nationalism has sparked intense debate. In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange carefully analyzes Wolfe's arguments…
MarsCast191. Christian Nationalism: Important Terms
In this episode, Dr. Strange continues his assessment of Christian Nationalism, exploring definitions of essential terms, such as (obviously) "nationalism,"…
MarsCast190. Christian Nationalism: An Introduction
In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange briefly introduces the controversial ideology known today as Christian Nationalism. He shares his overall assessment of the…
MarsCast189. Pastoral Visitation: The Sick and Dying
In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema concludes his three-part series on pastoral visitation by exploring the role pastors and elders play in providing solace…
MarsCast188. Pastoral Visitation: Troubled Youth
In today's episode, Rev. Paul Ipema continues his three-part series on effective pastoral visitation. Having already covered visitation with the elderly in our…
MarsCast187. Pastoral Visitation: The Elderly
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema begins a new three-part series on pastoral visitation, visiting three different groups of congregants and how pastors, and…
MarsCast186. Corporate Chaplaincy
In today’s episode, we hand the reins over to Dr. Andrew Compton, who will guide us through an insightful conversation with Mid-America alumnus Rev. Tim…
MarsCast185. What Can A Pope Teach Us About Pastoral Care?
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema takes us through the life and contributions of Pope Gregory the Great, a revered figure in Christian history, painting a…
MarsCast184. What Can Church History Teach Us About Pastoral Care?
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema, Assistant Professor of Ministerial Studies, gives us an overview of the connection between Church history and the practice…
MarsCast183. Assurance and the Fruit of Salvation
In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema concludes his series on assurance of salvation by examining the topic of the fruit of salvation and whether it can…
MarsCast182. Assurance of Salvation and the Testimony of the Holy Spirit
In today's episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema delves into the second ground of assurance of salvation as outlined in the Canons of Dort, exploring the profound…
MarsCast181. Assurance of Salvation and the Gospel Promises
Welcome back to Mid-America Reformed Seminary's Round Table podcast. After a rejuvenating month-long hiatus, we are thrilled to be back, eager to bring you…
MarsCast180. Priests, Popes, and Monks
In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the world of early Christianity, uncovering the origins of the papacy, the role of the clergy, and the…
MarsCast179. The Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon
In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange joins us as we delve into the rich history of early Christianity and explore the intricacies of two significant ecumenical…
MarsCast178. Augustine Part II
In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange discusses one of the most influential works in Christian history: The City of God by Augustine of Hippo. Dr. Strange explores…
MarsCast177. Augustine Part I
In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange revisits church history, this time discussing the life and work of Augustine of Hippo, one of the most prominent church…
MarsCast176. Healthcare Chaplaincy
In this episode, Rev. Andrew Compton sits down with Rev. Phil Tjoelker (an alum of Mid-America) to discuss the important role of healthcare chaplaincy. Rev…
MarsCast175. Prison Chaplaincy
In today's episode, we're joined by two individuals with a wealth of experience in the challenging and rewarding world of prison ministry: Our very own…
MarsCast174. Introduction to Chaplaincy
Today's episode is all about chaplaincy - a profession that dates back centuries and plays a vital role in many institutions and communities today. Joining us…
MarsCast173. Family Visitation: The How
Having addressed what family visitation is in the context of the church last time, in this episode, Rev. Paul Ipema will be exploring the dos and don'ts of…
MarsCast172. Family Visitation: The Why
Today, we will be discussing an important topic in the realm of pastoral care - family visitation. As a pastor, one of the many responsibilities is to care for…
MarsCast171. Abuse and the Church: Responding
Abuse is a painful and complex reality that affects many people in and outside the church. How can we, as Christians, respond to abuse in a way that honors God…
MarsCast170. Abuse and the Church: Recognizing
In today’s episode, Danny Patterson and Andrew Compton continue discussing the theme of abuse and the church. Today, they’ll be exploring some common forms of…
MarsCast169. Abuse and the Church: An Introduction
In today’s episode, we begin a sensitive and challenging topic that has affected many individuals and communities: abuse and the church. Rev. Andrew Compton is…
MarsCast168. Predestination and the Love of God
In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, responds to the objection: If God is all-loving and all-powerful, then…
MarsCast167. Predestination and the Justice of God
In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, begins a two-part series on predestination and issues that some…
MarsCast166. Ambrose of Milan
In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and legacy of Ambrose of Milan, a prominent bishop and theologian of the early Christian Church…
MarsCast165. John Chrysostom
In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and teachings of one of the most prominent figures in early Christianity: John Chrysostom. Often…
MarsCast164. The First Council of Constantinople
In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange, Professor of Church History, describes the famous first Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 that brought a decisive…
MarsCast163. The Cappadocian Fathers
In today's episode, Dr. Strange returns to his series on the early church to describe the Cappadocian Fathers, a trio of mighty men of God who continued…
MarsCast162. The Doctrine of Divine Impassibility
In today's episode, we're excited to have Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, dive into divine impassibility, a doctrine that has been a point…
MarsCast161. The Doctrine of Divine Immutability
In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, looks at divine immutability, which pertains to the nature of God's unchanging…
MarsCast160. Christ as the Fulfillment of Wisdom
In today’s episode, Rev. Andrew Compton and Rev. Mark Vander Hart will discuss how Christ is the fulfillment of wisdom, exploring what it means for Christ to…
MarsCast159. Introduction to Wisdom
In today’s episode, Rev. Andrew Compton joins Rev. Mark Vander Hart for a two-part series on Wisdom and the Proverbs. Today, our Old Testament Professors give…
MarsCast158. The Gospel for a Post-Roe Society: The Church's Response
In today’s episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Alan Strange conclude their series on the gospel for a post-roe society by responding to the world’s reaction to the…
MarsCast157. The Gospel for a Post-Roe Society: The Ancient Near East and Abortion
In today’s episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Alan Strange look into what the ancient near east, particularly ancient Israel, thought about abortion and infanticide…
MarsCast156. The Gospel for a Post-Roe Society: Scripture and Abortion
In today’s episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Strange examine the gospel for a post-Roe society, taking some time now to explore what Scripture says about abortion.
MarsCast155. The Gospel for a Post-Roe Society: Roe and the Christian
In today’s episode, Rev. Andrew Compton and Dr. Alan Strange reflect on a critical cultural, political, and religious piece in our day and age. That of the…
MarsCast154. Reclaiming the Cure of Souls
In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema of Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary elaborates on what he means by “Reclaiming the Cure of Souls in an Age of Pastoral…