The Reformed Rookie Podcast

This bible study episode explores the complex relationship between Israel and the Church, challenging the misconception that unconditional support for the modern state of Israel is mandated by biblical prophecy. Pastor Anthony Uvenio meticulously defines "Israel" throughout scripture – as a personal name (Jacob), tribal name (Jacob's descendants), national name (those delivered from Egypt), splintered kingdom (Judah a...

This podcast episode delves into Titus chapter 2, verses 1-10, exploring Paul's instructions for various groups within the church: older men and women, younger men and women, and bondservants. Pastor Anthony Uvenio emphasizes the importance of self-control, good works, and sound doctrine, highlighting how God's grace brings salvation and empowers godly living. A Bible study method using "P" words (Pray, Peruse, P...

Pastor Anthony Uvenio of the Reformed Rookie podcast delves into Titus 1:15, exploring the contrast between inner and outer purity. He discusses the dangers of false teachers who rely on self-righteousness and human commandments, contrasting this with the true purity found only through faith in Christ and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Key themes include the nature of "defilement," the importance of sound doctr...

The students in the apologetics club at Our Savior New American School made this apologetics presentation, based on the book "The Story of Reality," explored the Christian worldview through five key components: God, Man, Jesus, the Cross, and the Resurrection.

The presentation used real-world examples and analogies to address common objections and highlight the importance of truth in understanding reality. Speakers presen...

This sermon explores the profound implications of God as Father, contrasting the Old Testament's metaphorical usage with Jesus' intimate and direct address. Pastor Anthony Uvenio uses Ephesians 1:3-14 as a scriptural foundation, connecting God's adoption of Christians to the historical plight of orphaned children, particularly referencing Charles Loring Brace's "Orphan Train." The sermon emphasizes the rad...

Unpacking Ephesians 1:3: A Deep Dive into Spiritual BlessingsEphesians 1:3 – "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." This seemingly simple verse holds a wealth of theological richness, as explored in a recent Reformed Rookie Podcast discussion. This blog post unpacks the key themes and insights from that engaging conversat...

This podcast episode delves into Titus 1:7-16, focusing on Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the challenges of establishing order and sound doctrine in the Cretan church. The discussion highlights the prevalence of false teaching, including "Jewish myths" and genealogies, which distracted from the core Gospel message. Pastor Anthony Uvenio contrasts the importance of scripture-based faith with the dangers of huma...

This Reformed Rookie podcast episode delves into Titus 1:7-16, exploring the qualifications for elders and the challenges faced by Titus in Crete. The discussion centers on Epimenides' quote about Cretans being liars, and how this reflects the cultural context Titus faced. Pastor Anthony Uvenio analyzes the nature of sharp rebuke as commanded by Paul, contrasting it with a gentle approach. He differentiates between essential doctri...

This Reformed Rookie podcast episode delves into the dangers of false teaching, drawing heavily from Paul's letters to Titus and Timothy. Pastor Anthony discusses the characteristics of false teachers—insubordination, deceit, empty talk, and greed—and their destructive impact on families and the church. He explores specific heresies prevalent in the early church, including Gnosticism and Judaizing legalism, contrasting them with th...

This Reformed Rookie podcast episode delves into Titus 1:9, exploring the qualifications and responsibilities of church elders. The discussion centers on the crucial importance of elders holding firm to the trustworthy Word of God (πιστις - *pistis*), emphasizing not just intellectual understanding but also practical application in their lives and ministry. Elders must be characterized by sound doctrine, accurately teaching and app...

This podcast delves into the qualifications of elders (overseers, bishops) as outlined in Titus 1, emphasizing character over intellect and the importance of a godly home life. The discussion explores the scriptural requirements, including marital status (debating whether being married is mandatory), the pastoral gift as an ordained office, and the elder's role in shepherding, teaching, and even healing. Pastor Anthony Uvenio e...

Challenging Evolutionary Theory: A Biblical PerspectiveThe recent Reformed Rookie podcast tackled the contentious issue of evolution vs. creation, presenting a compelling case for a literal interpretation of Genesis. The discussion highlighted several key arguments against macroevolution, emphasizing the limitations of current evolutionary theory and the overwhelming evidence supporting special creation.Key takeaways from the podca...

The Biblical Blueprint for Church Leadership: Examining Titus and the Qualifications of EldersThis study delves into a discussion on church leadership, drawing heavily from the biblical text of Titus, and exploring the crucial qualifications for elders within a church structure. The conversation touches upon ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church, and challenges contemporary approaches to church governance.The Task of Titus and t...

This sermon centers on Philippians 2:1-11, exploring the concept of *kenosis* and its implications for Christian humility. Pastor Anthony Uvenio refutes misinterpretations of *kenosis* that lead to self-exaltation and the pursuit of unearned status, contrasting Jesus's radical humility and sacrifice with humanity's tendency to usurp God's glory, as exemplified by Xavier Alvarez's false claim to the Congressional Med...

This sermon centers on Philippians 2:1-11, exploring the radical humility of Jesus Christ as the antithesis of humanity's inherent self-seeking nature. Pastor Anthony Uvenio contrasts Jesus's voluntary "emptying" (kenosis) – not a divestment of deity, but a self-limiting act of love – with examples of human pride, such as Xavier Alvarez's false claim to the Congressional Medal of Honor and the narratives of the Garden of Eden and t...

This study delves into Titus 1-4, focusing on Paul's instructions to Titus regarding establishing church order in Crete. The discussion highlights the qualifications of elders (Titus 1:5-9), the need to combat false teachers and maintain sound doctrine, and the importance of adhering to God's established order within the church. Pastor Anthony described the historical context of Crete, including Paul's visit and the pot...