The Broken Wharfe Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Stephane Simonnin and Oliver Allmand-Smith to explore the extraordinary story of William Tyndale and his groundbreaking English translation of the New Testament. Published in 1526, Tyndale's work defied the religious authorities of his day and forever changed the course of the English language, the Christian faith, and Western civilization.Topics covered:Who was William Tyndale and what drove him?Learning Greek and Hebrew in 16th-century EnglandFleeing to Germany to translate and print the New TestamentThe role of English merchants in smuggling BiblesWhy the Church feared the Bible in EnglishTyndale's translation choices: "congregation" vs. "church"The lasting legacy of 1526 for Protestantism and Bible translationTimestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:00 - Meet Stephane Simonnin4:12 - Tyndale's Life & Biographical Background8:29 - What Prepared Tyndale for His Great Work?13:00 - The Impact of Tyndale's English New Testament14:26 - Why Translating the Bible into English Was So Dangerous18:22 - Why Were Authorities So Opposed to the Bible in English?19:58 - What People Discovered (and Didn't Find) in the New Testament20:49 - Parallels Between Tyndale's Era and Christ's Ministry22:11 - Reformation, Not Revolution: Going Back to the Bible26:00 - Was Tyndale a Separatist? His Translation Choices28:30 - The Tension Between Personal Bible Reading & Preaching32:32 - The Logistics: Merchants, Printers & Smuggling Bibles36:47 - Tyndale's Romantic Zeal & the Plowboy Quote40:52 - Tyndale's Legacy 500 Years On41:08 - The 1689 Confession on Scripture in the Vulgar Tongue44:14 - A Catholic Cardinal's View of the Reformation45:49 - Closing Thoughts & Farewell🔔 Follow us for more content💬 Share your thoughts in the comments🌐 Visit brokenwharfe.comSend us Fan MailContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

In this episode, Jerry Slate joins the podcast to discuss his new book "Reforming World Missions: Recovering a Biblical and Confessional Missiology".In the work of world missions, those who send missionaries are just as essential as those who are sent. William Carey famously described missionaries as those who descend into an unexplored pit, while those who support them “hold the ropes.” But if we are to hold the ropes well, we must also know the ropes. Sending churches and cross-cultural church planters alike must be grounded in a missiology that is biblically sound and confessionally robust.Jerry's book was written to equip churches and missionaries with exactly that kind of theological clarity. Our conversation explores:• Why confessional theology matters for missions• The responsibility of sending churches• The relationship between church planting and the Great Commission• The free offer of the gospel to all nations• What faithful missionary preparation should look like todayAs the Canons of Dort remind us:“Moreover, it is the promise of the gospel that whoever believes in Christ crucified shall not perish but have eternal life. This promise, together with the command to repent and believe, ought to be announced and declared without differentiation or discrimination to all nations and people, to whom God in his good pleasure sends the gospel.” (Canons of Dort, Second Head of Doctrine, Article 5)May God be pleased to raise up many biblically qualified missionaries who are sent well, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.If you found this helpful, subscribe for more conversations on theology, church history, and the life of the local church.Get "Reforming World Missions" at Broken Wharfe [brokenwharfe.com] or visit this link - [https://brokenwharfe.com/product/reforming-world-missions-recovering-a-biblical-and-confessional-missiology/]To learn more about Jerry Slate, Berean Baptist Church, or the Southeastern Association:www.berean1689church.orgsermonaudio.com/broadcasters/berean1689church/https://sacbaptists.org/For inquiries on how to receive the Harvest Field Prayer Guide, send an email to:contact@berean1689church.org Send a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

EP44 Why We Worship: Reclaiming the Glory of Gathered Worship - Ft. Oliver Allmand SmithIn this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John Mark is joined by Oliver Allmand Smith to discuss his new book, Gathered for Glory: Why We Worship. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the 'why' behind worship and its theological basis from a pastoral Reformed perspective. They explore key themes such as the purpose, necessity, and essence of worship, emphasizing its Trinitarian nature. The discussion also touches on practical aspects of gathered worship, its significance for believers and their children, and the dangers of undermining worship in contemporary evangelical churches. The episode aims to offer insightful reflections for Reformed and confessional churches to deepen their understanding and practice of worship.Gathered for Glory: Why We Worship is available at [brokenwharfe.com].Send a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John-Mark sits down with Dr. James Renihan to explore the Old and New Testament foundations of baptism. Drawing from his teaching series, IRBS On The Road, Dr. Renihan explains how ritual washings in the Old Covenant point forward to believer’s baptism, why circumcision is fulfilled in regeneration—not baptism—and how baptism serves as a pastoral help to Christians.Whether you’re Baptist, paedobaptist, or simply wrestling with the theology of baptism, this conversation provides clarity, encouragement, and a strong biblical framework.📖 What You’ll LearnOld Testament roots of baptism in ritual washingsWhy circumcision points to regeneration, not baptismThe relationship between baptism and confession of faithHow baptism connects with church membership and prudenceBaptism’s pastoral role in assurance and sanctification⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Introduction1:00 – Welcome Dr. James Renihan & IRBS On The Road2:50 – Goals of the baptism seminar9:00 – Baptism in the Old Testament: washings & priestly consecration13:00 – Why New Covenant baptism is one washing19:00 – Circumcision and regeneration in the New Testament21:00 – Timothy’s baptism and confession of faith25:00 – Credobaptism vs. “adult baptism”27:00 – Baptism, church membership, and prudence with children34:00 – Baptism as pastoral encouragement for believers37:00 – IRBS On The Road 2025–26: Sola Scriptura & the Trinity🔗 Resources & LinksVisit: [brokenwharfe.com] for historical reprints, covenant theology resources, and more.Book highlight: Nehemiah Coxe on Covenant Theology with John Owen on Hebrews 8, newly available - Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ [brokenwharfe.com/bookshop]Invite Dr. Renihan or Dr. Scheiderer to your church through IRBS On The Road: [irbs.org] Send a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

In this second part of our series on C. H. Spurgeon, host John Mark is joined again by Dr. Brandon Rhea to explore the major controversies, trials, and enduring legacy of the “Prince of Preachers.” Building on the previous discussion of Spurgeon’s life and theology of the Sabbath, Dr. Rhea surveys the defining battles Spurgeon faced—hypercalvinism, slavery, baptismal regeneration, sabbatarianism, and the infamous Downgrade Controversy.Dr. Rhea explains how Spurgeon’s unwavering convictions about the authority of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ, and the necessity of doctrinal integrity often came at great personal cost—fractured friendships, public censure, physical illness, and emotional strain. Yet, through suffering, Spurgeon held fast to the truth, refusing to compromise for the sake of pragmatism or popularity. The conversation draws out enduring lessons for today’s church on the need for confessional clarity, the costliness of faithfulness, the centrality of sound doctrine in interchurch fellowship, and the hope believers have in Christ amid trials.Brandon Rhea is author of Spurgeon’s Forgotten Sabbatarianism: The Fourth Commandment in the Life and Theology of the Prince of Preachers—available at [brokenwharfe.com/bookshop].00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:52 Recap of Part One & Episode Overview 02:00 Spurgeon’s Major Controversies 07:59 Slavery & Public Backlash 10:08 Baptismal Regeneration Dispute 12:25 Sabbath Controversies in Scotland 15:20 The Downgrade Controversy 20:45 Doctrinal Clarity in Church Partnerships 27:01 The Cost of Standing for Truth 32:55 Spurgeon’s Theology of Suffering 37:53 Susannah Spurgeon’s Suffering & Support 40:38 Lessons for the Church TodaySend a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, host John Mark is joined by Dr. Brandon Rhea to discuss C. H. Spurgeon's life, ministry, and theology of the Sabbath. Dr. Rhea, a pastor and scholar, shares insights into Spurgeon's Victorian context, confessional theology, personal life, and ministry challenges. He delves into Spurgeon's emphasis on the Christian Sabbath, his strong convictions about God's law, and his dedication to a high doctrine of Christian worship on the Sabbath Day. The conversation also touches upon contemporary lessons from Spurgeon's ministry, highlighting the importance of maintaining doctrinal clarity, the need for corporate worship, confessions of faith and faithfulness to Jesus Christ despite the many temptations to prioritize pragmatic success over obedience to the Lord.Brandon Rhea is author of "Spurgeon's Forgotten Sabbatarianism: The Fourth Commandment in the Life and Theology of the Prince of Preachers" - available on sale today !00:00 Welcome to the Broken Wharfe Podcast00:42 Introducing Dr. Brandon Rhea01:56 Dr. Rhea's Journey with Spurgeon07:36 Spurgeon's Victorian Context15:56 Spurgeon's Theology of the Sabbath21:15 Spurgeon's Commitment to Sound Doctrine30:20 The Importance of Gathering for Worship36:25 Spurgeon's Conversion Story39:16 Reflections on Worship During COVID42:25 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode PreviewSend a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John Mark is joined by Texas pastors Aaron Wright and Wilson Marsh. They discuss Christian liberty as outlined in chapter 21 of the Baptist Confession of Faith. Their discussion covers its implications for worship, the limitations imposed by man-made doctrines, and the freedom believers have under God's law. They emphasize the difference between moral and positive law, the proper observance of the Christian Sabbath, and the importance of adhering to scriptural commands while avoiding legalism. The episode also addresses practical concerns such as alcohol consumption, balancing Christian freedom with sensitivity towards individuals with weaker consciences, and the pivotal role of doctrines and confessions in guiding church practices.Send a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

Christian Liberty & The Second London Confession: Insights with Aaron Wright & Wilson Marsh | The Broken Wharfe PodcastIn this episode, John Mark delves into the doctrine of Christian Liberty as framed in Chapter 21 of the Second London Confession with special guests, Aaron Wright and Wilson Marsh. They explore misconceptions around Christian liberty, particularly the focus on trivial liberties versus the more profound freedom from sin and the dominion of Satan that Christ has purchased for believers. The conversation touches on the differences in Christian liberty experienced under the Old and New Covenants and addresses common issues faced by believers today. Additionally, both guests share prayer requests regarding their respective church ministries in Houston and Wichita Falls, emphasizing gospel work and church growth. This episode offers a deep dive into the core essence of Christian liberty and its significance in the life of a believer.00:00 Introduction to Christian Liberty00:53 Welcome to the Broken Wharfe Podcast01:08 Meet the Guests: Aaron Wright and Wilson Marsh01:27 Aaron Wright's Background and Ministry03:15 Wilson Marsh's Background and Ministry05:32 The State of Reformed Churches in Texas07:30 Understanding Texas: Culture and Geography10:33 Discussion on Christian Liberty23:28 Understanding Christian Liberty23:52 Roman Catholic Influence in New Orleans25:09 The Doctrine of Peace with God26:50 Living According to Doctrine28:00 Evangelical Perspectives on Liberty31:52 The Role of Good Works in Salvation34:09 Access to God Through Christ36:57 Children's Books and Theological Concepts41:15 Prayer Requests and Church Updates45:15 Final Thoughts and FarewellSend a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

Join Oliver Allmand-Smith, a teacher at Trinity Grace Church, as he dives into the intricacies of the Covenant of Works. He explores its profound implications for humanity's relationship with God, highlighting Adam's headship and the stark contrasts between grace and covenant. The conversation expands to the roles of angels and the significance of original sin versus Christ's obedience. Rich historical insights and theological reflections make this discussion essential for anyone seeking to understand Reformed theology today.

Listen in to this segment on the foundation of the doctrine of divine impassibility - from the audiobook edition of "God without Passions: The Majesty of God's Unshakeable Perfection". To listen to the audiobook, you can view it on Audible or view the Print Edition.Send a textContact Broken WharfeTweet us @BrokenwharfeFind us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!