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 Learn

Old Testament roots of baptism in ritual washings

Why circumcision points to regeneration, not baptism

The relationship between baptism and confession of faith

How baptism connects with church membership and prudence

Baptism’s pastoral role in assurance and sanctification

⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Introduction
1:00 – Welcome Dr. James Renihan & IRBS On The Road
2:50 – Goals of the baptism seminar
9:00 – Baptism in the Old Testament: washings & priestly consecration
13:00 – Why New Covenant baptism is one washing
19:00 – Circumcision and regeneration in the New Testament
21:00 – Timothy’s baptism and confession of faith
25:00 – Credobaptism vs. “adult baptism”
27:00 – Baptism, church membership, and prudence with children
34:00 – Baptism as pastoral encouragement for believers
37:00 – IRBS On The Road 2025–26: Sola Scriptura & the Trinity

🔗 Resources & Links

Visit: [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]

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Contact Broken Wharfe

• Tweet us @Brokenwharfe
• Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe
• Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe
• Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com

Thanks 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 Today

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• Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com

Thanks 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 Podcast
00:42 Introducing Dr. Brandon Rhea
01:56 Dr. Rhea's Journey with Spurgeon
07:36 Spurgeon's Victorian Context
15:56 Spurgeon's Theology of the Sabbath
21:15 Spurgeon's Commitment to Sound Doctrine
30:20 The Importance of Gathering for Worship
36:25 Spurgeon's Conversion Story
39:16 Reflections on Worship During COVID
42:25 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

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Contact Broken Wharfe

• Tweet us @Brokenwharfe
• Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe
• Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe
• Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com

Thanks for listening!