Life at the Corner

Today Pastor Nate is joined by Greg Wilbur in order to discuss his new book: Soli Deo Gloria: The Life & Legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. Nate explores how Bach shaped Greg Wilbur's own understanding of the role of church musician along with some distinctives of originality, craftsmanship and the importance of having music intentionally written for the worship of the church. This conversation and book will help to show how Christians of all trades—from musicians to plumbers—can do all things to the glory of God alone. Purchase a copy of Soli Deo Gloria: https://hymnworks.com/product/soli-deo-gloria/

Today on the podcast, Pastor Nate examines one of the biggest dangers in the Christian life: Spiritual sleepiness. Along the way we'll describe this hazard, look at steps to take toward Spiritual renewal, and ponder some questions for self-examination as we seek to hold fast to Christ. If you've felt yourself slowly drifting away from the Lord and becoming disinterested in the things of the Spirit this week's episode is a must listen for you.

Today Pastor Nate reflects on the ways that God pours out His grace through what we call Christian fellowship. This means of grace is more than just social time or chitchatting but is grounded in our fellowship with the Father. Ultimately, we see that our life is bound up together with God's people because we are all bound up together in Christ.

In today's episode, Pastor Nate brings his two-part series on burial and cremation to a close. With conviction and compassion, he explores a vast array of biblical examples and norms providing thoughtful guidance on this deeply personal question. 

Responding to a question that he has received many times, Pastor Nate begins a two-part series on the topic of burial, cremation, and what to do at the end of this earthly life. Before we are able to properly address the thorny practical matters of this topic, Pastor Nate begins by laying the theological foundations, drawing from Scripture as well as from the Westminster Shorter Catechism question 37.

How do we apply our faith as we engage with news and ideas of all kinds? Pastor Nate seeks to do that today as he finds himself at the intersection of life and faith. Listen in as he briefly reflects on three very different subjects: the passing of Lou Holtz, the practice of reading, and the proposed genetic causes of sin.

This week, Pastor Nate speaks to the spiritual discipline of journaling and how it has benefited him in his spiritual life. We get into seven reasons that journaling can be an effective tool for communing with the Lord and deepening your own prayer and bible reading.

How does God use suffering in our lives? How do we make sense of the ups and downs in our own trials? Today Pastor Nate interviews Jason Helopoulos, a member of his "band of brothers." Join us as they explore those very questions and how Rev. Helopoulos' has answered them in his battle with cancer.   Show Notes: Jason Helopoulos is a pastor of University Reformed Church Ben Sasse's letter  Christopher Ash Psalms commentary

In our first episode of 2026, Nate reflects on five of his favorite Christian literature/theology reads from last year.  Recommended books: Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord by Dr. Michael Morales The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson One With the Lord by Sam Allbery Grounded in Heaven by Michael Allen The Mystery of God's Providence by John Flavel   Other books mentioned: The Whole Christ by Sinclair Fergusson Remembering Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime  by Matthew McCullough Heaven on Earth: What the Bible Teaches Us about the Life to Come by Derek Thomas

Today, Pastor Nate goes to the mail bag and answers a question from a listener about church discipline. In today's episode, you'll learn what church discipline is, how it works, and why it's important. 

Pastor Nate meditates on the history of Psalm 136 and its use by the people of Israel all the way up through the night of Jesus' capture and interrogation.

In light of the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Pastor Nate takes time to explore lessons from the history of the Reformation, focusing especially on the man God used to spark the Reformation, Martin Luther.  

Today, Pastor Nate finishes this short series on friendship, speaking on the characteristics of true friendship and how it surpasses mere companionship.

Today, Pastor Nate distinguishes between companionship and friendship and talks about the necessity of having real friends. Having many acquaintances doesn't necessarily mean you have the kind of deep friendship that the Bible recommends so highly. Join us for Part 1 of this two-part series on friendship.

Today, Pastor Nate shares some of the history of this incredible pioneer missionary to the Native Americans in the 18th century.

In light of Erika Kirk's recent expression of forgiveness at Charlie Kirk's Memorial Service, Pastor Nate takes time on today's podcast to explore the nature of true forgiveness. He also wrestles with hard questions like, "Are we obligated in every circumstance to forgive those who have sinned against us?" and "Does forgiveness wipe out all the consequences for our sin?"  If you want to read on the subject of forgiveness, here are a few resources he highly recommends: What Does it Mean to Forgive? by Ligonier Ministries The Problem of Forgiveness by R.C. Sproul Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns

Pastor Nate examines the apostle Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:9-11. Why does Paul ask God for love primarily and put "knowledge" and "discernment" as almost secondary requests? What is the significance of growing in love? Join us today for this reflection on the nature of love and the Christian life.  

Pastor Nate returns to examine the New Testament evidence in favor of infant baptism and to answer a few common Baptist critiques. If you have not listened to Part 1, we highly recommend listening to it first as the argument in this episode depends on the foundation laid in the prior one.

In response to many queries, Pastor Nate embarks on a two part series on infant baptism. Today, he begins the journey by explaining the Old Testament covenantal background for the practice of infant baptism.  

Have you ever been hurt in the church? Today, Megan Hill joins Pastor Nate on the podcast to talk about how to respond to church hurt.   Megan Hill is a pastor's daughter and a pastor's wife. She is the managing editor for The Gospel Coalition and a prolific author. In this episode, she and Nate talk about her book, Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts.

Today, Pastor Nate talks about what it means to be a prophet, priest, and king for your household. If you have questions about how to lead and guide your family, today's episode is for you. Pastor Nate references Joel Beeke's book, How to Lead Your Family: A Guide for Men Wanting to be More. You can find it on Amazon.

Welcome to Season 3! We are thrilled to be back with you again. Today, Pastor Nate takes us on a whirlwind tour of highlights from season's two topics and hits a few of the books he dipped into over the summer.    He referenced: Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age by Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa. Five Pioneer Missionaries The Last Green Valley: A Novel by Mark Sullivan Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel by Matt Smethurst The Shorter Catechism Illustrated: From Church History and Biography by John Whitecross  

Today Pastor Nate speaks about the heavenly adoption: how God turned his enemies into his children.

Today, Pastor Nate invites Greg Wilbur, Chief Musician and Worship Director at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, to sit down to talk about the arts. They consider how God's character and creation work together, how to categorize 'good art,' and how the Bible aids Christians in thinking through matters of beauty and art in various forms.   A few books mentioned in today's episode: Francis Schaeffer's Art and the Bible Philip Ryken's Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts Gene Veith's State of the Arts: From Bezalel to Mapplethorpe

Today, Pastor Nate discusses the most hotly debated phrase in the Apostle's Creed, "He descended into hell." Bringing history, the Bible, and hermenutics together, Pastor Nate sheds light on this throny issue. 

Today, Pastor Nate talks about the real Puritans—not the gloomy, joy-hating ones that are often portrayed to us—but the faithful, joy-filled Christians that they were. Nate explains their historical context and draws a portrait of what they were really like.   Here are Pastor Nate's book recommendations from this episode: John Owen's The Death of Death J.I. Packer's A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life Leland Ryken's Worldly Saints: The Puritans as They Really Were Joel Beeke and Michael Reeve 's Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans

It is the month of May, a time for graduating—for leaving behind an old life and moving into a new one. As such, it is a time also to be encouraged and strengthened for the new things coming, and encouragement and strengthening is what Pastor Nate offers on today's episode.

Today, Pastor Nate speaks on why gossip is so appealing and so easy to fall into. Gossip in a church quickly divides a congregation, and today's episode brings to light the deception of this sin so it can more easily be identified and rejected.

Today, Pastor Nate turns his attention to dating. Drawing on a biblical portrait of the godly man and woman, he offers common sense wisdom for Christians searching for a spouse.  If you found today's podcast helpful, please share with family, friends, and on social media platforms. As always, we love hearing from you. Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. 

Today Pastor Nate addresses fasting—a spiritual discipline that gets little publicity. He answers some objections and explores a few biblical examples that show us why we too might fast. One of the resources Nate mentioned was Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney. You can find his book here.

We often encounter situations requiring great care to navigate well, and it is easy to seek worldly wisdom as we work through them. But we are called to seek the wisdom from above. Today, Pastor Nate explores the nature and character of this wisdom.

Today, Pastor Nate welcomes Mr. James Goddard and Miss Anneke Seely on the podcast to talk about the importance of compassion in the work of caring for each other in the body of Christ.  Anneke is a graduate of New College Franklin and has a Master's in counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. James is also a graduate of New College Franklin and has a Master's in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO.  Two books that were referenced and recommended on today's podcast were Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp and What Grieving People Wish You Knew About What Helps (and What Really Hurts) by Nancy Guthrie.

Today, Pastor Nate explores a very interesting comment that Vice President JD Vance recently made about the Trump administration's immigration policy and the ancient Christian teaching of ordo amoris.  For background on today's podcast, check out the resources below:   See this Associated Press article See this Gospel Coalition article by Dr. John Fesko.

Today, Pastor Nate explores the Christian practice of hospitality. Leaning heavily on the biblical revelation and church history, he shows why hospitality is central to the church's gospel witness. With compelling practical advice on how to use your home, organize your schedule, and budget your monies for living out the welcome of God through the Christian practice of hospitality. 

Pastors Nate and Sebastian join again to talk about Neo-Calvinism; they discuss some of its founders, history, distinctives, and practical implications. If you didn't listen to the previous episode, it provides some context going into today's conversation. Here are links to three of Bavinck's books that Sebastian recommended if you want to delve into Neo-Calvinism: Bavinck: A Critical Biography, The Wonderful Works of God, and The Sacrifice of Praise.

Today, Pastor Sebastian Bjernegård of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church joins Pastor Nate to talk about Calvinism. They elaborate on the famous 5 points and clarify some common misconceptions and errors surrounding those doctrines. They will return next week to talk about Neo-Calvinism.

Today, Pastor Nate goes to the mailbag and answers a question from a listener. The question concerns how a Christian should think the spiritual realm. Touching on the subject of angels and demons, Pastor Nate offers three foundational points for thinking and responding biblically to the reality of the spiritual realm. 

This is part 2 of Pastor Nate's conversation with Brittain and Nathaniel. They finish talking about covenant theology throughout Scripture and move to some applications: What difference does it make to us that we have a covenantal God? Stay tuned for their answers. Brittain is the associate minister at Reformation Covenant Church in Oregan City, OR. Nathaniel is the associate pastor at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale, CA. Both interned at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church several years ago before going on to seminary. For more resources on covenant theology, here are three books Pastor Nate recommends: Covenants Made Simple, The Christ of the Covenants, and What is Covenant Theology?

Pastor Nate interviews two pastor friends, Rev. Brittain Brewer and Rev. Nathaniel Vroom, about covenant theology. Today, they give a brief overview of what covenant is, how it works, and how the biblical story is held together by covenant.  Brittain is the associate minister at Reformation Covenant Church in Oregan City, OR. Nathaniel is the associate pastor at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale, CA. Both men were interns at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN, several years ago before going on to seminary and entering pastoral ministry. 

As you enter the new year, you might be thinking about your spiritual disciplines. One of the most important disciplines is Bible reading, but it is no ordinary book and so we should not read it in an ordinary way. Today, Pastor Nate talks about what we should remember and seek after when we read God's Word.

It's the last week of the year, and in this last episode of 2024, Pastor Nate answers a question he has gotten over the recent weeks about how we ought to live in 2025. There are a lot of unknowns, both good and bad, coming all of our ways, so Pastor Nate lays out the "5 'R's"—some principles for preparing for the year and living faithfully through it.

Today, Pastor Nate draws our attention to the meaning of Christmas by going back to primordial clash at the beginning of redemptive history. Reminding us that the peace Christmas promises comes on the other side of a cosmic war. 

Counselors and psychologists tell us depression often peaks during the holiday season. So today, Pastor Nate offers some consolation and practical advice on how to deal with depression during the holidays.

Today, Pastors Nate and Jonathan continue their conversation about church membership, and they address some real-world complexities, like: How many church events should I attend? and How should I handle a disagreement with my pastor when I am a member? Jonathan is an OPC pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and Nate met during their doctoral studies and became fast friends. Jonathan has authored several books, including the one that he and Nate talk about today: Church Membership, which you can find on Amazon. He writes regularly for TGC, Reformation21, and other ministries.

Today Pastor Nate brings Rev. Jonathan Cruse on to Life at the Corner to talk about the biblical ground for church membership.   Jonathan is an OPC pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and Nate met during their doctoral studies and became fast friends. Jonathan has authored several books, including the one that he and Nate talk about today: Church Membership, which you can find on Amazon. He writes regularly for TGC, Reformation21, and other ministries.

Pastor Nate meditates on the apostle Paul's admonition to "give thanks in all circumstances" and speaks about how that is possible when a person's life is full of heartbreak.

Today, Pastor Nate talks about one of his favorite Scripture passages and explores the meaning behind one of the boldest requests in the Bible.

Today, Pastor Nate wraps up last week's conversation by giving four principles by which we can identify a type in Scripture, with examples to elaborate on this hermeneutic. He draws extensively on an article by Dr. Currid, entitled: "The Recognition and Use of Typology in Preaching." For other books on reading your Bible typologically, see...

Today Pastor Nate takes a look at hermeneutics and specifically at "types and shadows." A listener asked him to explain what they are and how we can know what things in the Bible are actually types. In part 1, Pastor Nate briefly gives a defense and explanation of reading Scripture through the lens of 'types.'

Today, Pastor Shurden touches on college football, the World Series, fire pits, Reformation Day reading, and why Martin Luther may have nailed his famous 95 theses on All Hallows Eve in 1517.