615 episodes

"Reformed Thinking" is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of biblical teachings and theological questions, influenced by the abundant heritage of Reformed theology and Puritan writings. Whether exploring weighty Bible passages or dissecting influential Reformed books and articles, our goal is to offer insights that not only cultivate intellectual expansion but also, and more crucially, spiritual edification. Join us as we traverse the depths of scripture and Reformed thought, aiming to enlighten and broaden your faith sojourn. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support

Reformed Thinking Edison Wu

    • Religion & Spirituality

"Reformed Thinking" is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of biblical teachings and theological questions, influenced by the abundant heritage of Reformed theology and Puritan writings. Whether exploring weighty Bible passages or dissecting influential Reformed books and articles, our goal is to offer insights that not only cultivate intellectual expansion but also, and more crucially, spiritual edification. Join us as we traverse the depths of scripture and Reformed thought, aiming to enlighten and broaden your faith sojourn. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edison-wu/support

    Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume - Romans 8

    Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume - Romans 8

    Henry accentuates the profound comfort and assurance extended to believers. He sees Romans 8 as a "gospel charter," affirming the immense privileges of true believers and giving multiple grounds for joy and peace through faith. Henry divides the chapter into three parts: the specific privileges of Christians (verses 1–28), the support of these privileges in predestination (verses 29–30), and Paul's triumphant declaration for all saints (verses 31-end). Moreover, Henry asserts the consequence of "there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). While believers struggle with sin, union with Christ ensures they are free from condemnation. They are not merely forgiven; through Christ’s satisfaction of the law, they are aligned with God’s pleasure. True believers are portrayed by walking according to the Spirit rather than the flesh, meaning a life governed by spiritual objectives rather than earthly desires. Furthermore, the inadequacy of the Mosaic law to remove guilt or empower righteousness is contradicted with the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," which supplies the merit and grace decisive for sanctification. Christ’s sacrificial condemnation of sin enables believers' justification and sanctification: His righteousness is imputed to them, satisfying the law's demands, while the Spirit advances righteous living. In addition, Henry delves into differentiating whether one lives according to the flesh or the Spirit. Spiritual-mindedness leads to life and peace, while carnal-mindedness leads to spiritual and ultimate death. The indwelling Spirit, exemplifying Christ's attributes, indicates true belonging to Him, urging a life governed by the Spirit. Further, Henry highlights believers' deep gift of life and the Spirit's metamorphic work. Though mortal, the Spirit guarantees eternal life and glorification. Christ is positioned as the first-born among many brethren, preeminent in the family of believers. Besides, Henry discusses the odyssey through suffering towards future glory. Creation, subjected to vanity due to man’s sin, eagerly awaits the revelation of God's children and its liberation. This hope is central to believers' anticipated adoption and redemption, a future glorification surpassing present sufferings. Additionally, the intercession of the Holy Spirit assures prayer alignment with God's will, guaranteeing that all circumstances eventually contribute to the believers’ good. This represents God’s sovereignty and the unbreakable "golden chain" of salvation: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. Lastly, Paul’s triumphant declaration, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" summarizes the boundless protection and victory believers have in Christ. Secured by God’s ultimate love through Christ’s sacrifice and ongoing intercession, no earthly or spiritual power can sever this eternal bond.

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    • 57 min
    What is Framing Bias?

    What is Framing Bias?

    Framing bias presents a serious challenge to theological interpretation, threatening the purity and accuracy of doctrinal teachings within the church. By subtly influencing how information is perceived and perceived, framing bias can lead to misinterpretations that deviate from the true meaning of Scripture. In Reformed Theology, which upholds the regulation of Sola Scriptura, it is urgent to recognize and address framing bias to ensure that all teachings remain faithful to the authority of God's Word. The Reformed tradition grants prosperous tools to combat framing bias, including rigorous exegesis, historical awareness, systematic theology, and practical applications in teaching and preaching.

    Moreover, rigorous exegesis, grounded in the original languages and historical context of the biblical text, provides a bedrock for accurate interpretation free from contemporary distortions. Historical theology broadens this process by tracing doctrinal growths and correcting past biases, providing valuable lessons for maintaining doctrinal integrity today. Systematic theology further ensures consistency and coherence in realizing biblical doctrines, preventing selective intensity that can lead to biased interpretations. Practical applications, such as expository preaching and adherence to confessional specifications, reinforce these efforts by promoting a global and balanced way to teaching and preaching.

    Furthermore, educating pastors and theologians about the dangers of framing bias, advancing community engagement, and carrying out mentorship and discipleship programs are fundamental for equipping church leaders and members to figure out and resist biases. These strategies collectively uphold the truth of Scripture and promote theological integrity within the church. By integrating these practices, the Reformed tradition not only safeguards against framing bias but also strengthens the church's obligation to the truth of God's Word.

    In brief, focusing on framing bias is decisive for preserving the doctrinal purity and faithfulness of Reformed Theology. Through a multifaceted path that includes education, rigorous exegesis, historical and systematic theology, and practical applications, the church can ensure that its teachings remain aligned with the authority of Scripture. This ongoing vigilance against framing bias is imperative for backing a more vivid and more accurate comprehension of God's Word, leading to the overall health and vigor of the Christian faith community.

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    • 36 min
    By the Fall and Revolt of Adam the Whole Human Race Was Delivered to the Curse, and Degenerated from Its Original Condition by John Calvin

    By the Fall and Revolt of Adam the Whole Human Race Was Delivered to the Curse, and Degenerated from Its Original Condition by John Calvin

    Calvin indicates the paramount weight of self-knowledge, deeming ignorance of oneself more disgraceful than ignorance of everyday matters. He assesses philosophers who promote self-knowledge to instill personal excellence, leading to vanity and pride. Instead, Calvin favors a humbling, encyclopedic self-understanding. He outlines two key aspects of true self-knowledge: First, by contemplating on the gifts bestowed by God during creation and those He continues to supply, individuals can perceive the potential greatness of human nature if it had remained unblemished. This consideration advises people that everything they possess is granted by God, cultivating reliance on Him and resisting pride or self-sufficiency. Second, Calvin maintains humanity's current wicked state since Adam's fall, which should dismantle any confidence or boasting, evoking humility and shame. Recognizing that humans were created in God's image to elevate minds towards virtue and eternal life should affect individuals to strive for blessed immortality. In addition, Calvin points out true self-examination, urging adherence to divine truth, which disheartens assurance in one’s abilities and stimulates humility. This involves knowing our limitations, stripping us of grounds for boasting and leading to submission. He acknowledges the allure of a more flattering perspective that focuses on virtues rather than shortcomings, noting the human mind's inclination towards self-admiration. Calvin notices that even when individuals credit God, they often retain grounds for self-confidence and boasting. He comments teachings that flatter pride, warning they are deceptive and destructive, feeding dangerous self-reliance and self-deception. Relying on oneself leads to a lack of true intelligence and virtue, causing persistent errors until downfall. Listening to teachers who reiterate good qualities without fomenting true self-knowledge plunges individuals into ignorance. True self-awareness, according to Calvin, requires recognizing our insufficiency and submitting to divine guidance, avoiding self-delusion and pride. Lastly, Calvin deviates human and divine perspectives on self-knowledge. Traditional wisdom and divine revelation both stress its concern, but human self-knowledge often forwards certainty in intelligence and virtue. In disagreement, divine self-knowledge uncovers thorough inadequacy, leading to despondency and recognition of dependence on divine grace. Meditating on humanity's original dignity should galvanize a pursuit of goodness and justice but often underlines the fall from grace, leading to humility and a longing for restoration.

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    • 24 min
    What was the Hellenistic Culture?

    What was the Hellenistic Culture?

    The Hellenistic culture, with its thorough influence on language, philosophy, and religious practices, played an essential role in shaping the New Testament world and the early Christian church. From the widespread use of Koine Greek, which facilitated the dissemination of the Gospel, to the contact with Hellenistic philosophies and religious syncretism, early Christians competently cruised and utilized their cultural context to enunciate and defend their faith. This historical coaction reiterates the providential orchestration of God, as seen through the Reformed theological lens, where God's sovereignty is manifest in the unfolding of history to achieve His redemptive ambitions.

    Moreover, interpreting the impact of Hellenistic culture enhances our understanding of the New Testament and the early Christian movement. It discloses how early Christians used the intellectual and cultural tools of their time to communicate the transformational message of Christ effectively. The theological and ethical teachings of the New Testament, set against the scrim of Hellenistic thought, repeat the distinctiveness and appeal of the Christian faith in a pluralistic society. Furthermore, the development of Christian doctrine and the organization of early Christian communities were somewhat influenced by the structures and ideas prevalent in the Hellenistic world.

    Lastly, for contemporary Reformed theology, the study of Hellenistic culture is not simply a collegiate exercise but a vital component of knowing the historical context of Scripture. It enhances our ability to interpret and apply biblical truths faithfully and consistently. This commitment with historical context aligns with the Reformed gravity on the sufficiency of Scripture and the need of learning its tradition to grasp its full meaning. In brief, the intersection of Hellenistic culture and early Christianity exemplifies how God uses historical and cultural contexts to further His sovereign aspirations, encouraging us to thoughtfully interlock with our own cultural milieu in the mission of the Gospel.

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    • 38 min
    What is the Doctrine of Limited Atonement?

    What is the Doctrine of Limited Atonement?

    The doctrine of limited atonement, firmly anchored in Reformed theology, presents a fascinating and coherent knowledge of Christ's atoning work. By emphasizing that Christ’s sacrifice was specifically intended for the elect, this doctrine accentuates the effectiveness and particularity of His redemption. Historical developments, from Augustine’s early formulations to the decisive statements of the Synod of Dort, affirm the consistent affirmation of limited atonement within the Reformed tradition. Biblically, key passages such as John 10:15, John 17, Ephesians 5:25, Romans 8:32-33, and Acts 20:28 assert the targeted nature of Christ’s atonement, while the interpretation of terms like "world" and "all" reinforces this perspective. Theologically, limited atonement is integral to the Calvinist framework, ensuring coherence with doctrines of election, grace, and perseverance.

    Furthermore, the practical associations of this doctrine are thorough, showing the believer's assurance of salvation, motivating evangelistic efforts, advancing worship, and advancing humility and gratitude. It assures that Christ’s atonement is not hardly a potential provision but a definite accomplishment, securing the salvation of the elect. This assurance transforms how believers live out their faith, face trials, and connect in ministry. The criticisms from Arminian and Amyraldian perspectives, while substantial, are met with prosperous responses that maintain biblical devotion and theological consistency, highlighting the limitations of universal atonement and affirming the unified intent of the Triune God in salvation.

    Lastly, in adopting limited atonement, believers agree with the sovereign grace of God and the intentionality of Christ’s redemptive work. This doctrine not only aligns with the sweeping Reformed theological system but also provides an infrastructure for a dynamic, assured, and grateful Christian life. As such, limited atonement exists as a testament to God’s resolute and effective plan of salvation, suggesting weighty awarenesses into the nature of Christ’s sacrifice and its suggestions for the church and individual believers.

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    • 33 min
    What is Belief Bias?

    What is Belief Bias?

    Belief bias poses a notable confrontation to the faithful interpretation and application of Scripture within the Christian church. However, Reformed Theology supplies vigorous tools to answer this bias through its gravity on the doctrines of Sola Scriptura and total depravity. By recognizing the inherent flaws in human cognition due to sin, believers are called to rely wholly on the authority of Scripture and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. Historical case studies from the Reformation and the formulation of the Westminster Confession of Faith demonstrate the strength of returning to biblical authority to correct doctrinal errors and mitigate belief bias. These principles have practical suggestions for the church today, fostering a disciplined approach to Bible study, expository preaching, communal discernment, and theological education. By cultivating a community committed to rigorous commitment with Scripture and continual reformation in light of God’s Word, the church can guard against the distortions of personal and cultural biases. This engagement not only enhances doctrinal purity but also promotes unity, spiritual advancement, and a stronger intuitiveness of divine truth. In adhering to these Reformed standards, the church ensures that its beliefs and practices remain anchored in the infallible truth of Scripture, enabling believers to live faithfully and effectively witness to the world. Through humility, reliance on God’s grace, and a steadfast assurance to biblical authority, the church can traverse the intricacies of contemporary life while remaining true to its constitutional convictions. This access repeats the lasting applicability and life-changing weight of Reformed Theology in promoting a potent, resilient, and doctrinally sound faith community dedicated to the glory of God.

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    • 52 min

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