Captivate & Conform
Captivate & Conform is a weekly podcast of Cedar Crest BFC that discusses theology, Christian living, missions, and more from a reformed, baptistic perspective. We seek to have conversations that captivate every thought and conform every affection to the beauty and lordship of Jesus Christ.
🇺🇸 AMERICA250: A Christian Heritage | Dan Waterman (VIDEO EPISODE)
From the rigorous theological wrestling around separating from the crown to the “Indispensable Man” of George Washington who declared that the highest glory of a Patriot is the “character of Christian,” the soil that the American Experiment sprouted from is undeniably Christian.
On this in-depth conversation with special guest Dan Waterman, he sets the historical record straight on the biblical justification for the American Revolution, the faith of our founders, and the Christian ideals set forth in our founding.
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“Best Of” Past 150 Episodes
In honor of Captivate and Conform’s 150th episode, we reflect on some of our favorite episodes.
Degrees of Sin (Part 2), November 22, 2023 (Jess Miller)Ask Dr. Farnham, December 20, 2023 (Dr. Mark Farnham)Law-Keepers & Spirit-Walkers, March 6, 2024 (Cliff Boone)Biblical Counseling (Part 2), April 3, 2024 (Scott Allen)Karmic Christianity, May 26, 2025 (E.D. Burns)---
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“Bright Hope” for Tomorrow | Jen Davies & Dave Block
Bright Hope is a pregnancy support center in the Lehigh Valley that Cedar Crest partners with.
Jen Davies (Interim CEO) and Dave Block (Communications and Development Manager) share the heart behind Bright Hope and current challenges the ministry faces in a pro-choice state like Pennsylvania.
BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN
Grab a bottle on Sunday mornings from one of the cribs, fill it with your donation, and return it by Father’s Day (June 21). Or give online here.
Sign up to receive prayer requests.
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How to Live a Christ-Centered Life | Mark Crocco
Mark Crocco, Director of The Rephidim Project, shares what it means to live a Christ-centered life.
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Takeaways From the 143rd BFC Conference | Randy Grossman
Randy Grossman, longtime BFC pastor and moderator of BFC conference, joins the show to recap the noteworthy items of the 143rd BFC Conference.
Making Room on the Millennium
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Happy Belated Earth Day! | Cliff Boone and Paul Younger
In this special “Earth Day” episode, Cliff Boone and Paul Younger, both Christians serious about caring for creation, discuss how believers are called to be good stewards of all God’s given us—including the world we inhabit.
Further listening: “The Christian and Creation”
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Culture Roundup: Trump Commits Sacrilege, OnlyFans Owner Dies at 43, and the Chicago Bulls Punish Christian Speech
Pastor Chris and Pastor Jason respond to some of the biggest headlines on this edition of “Culture Roundup.”
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A Theology of Gender: Roles in Society
Pastor Chris and Pastor Jason conclude our ”Theology of Gender” series by discussing God’s design for men and women in society.
While Scripture does not address this topic directly, guiding principles—such as the gender roles established in Genesis and the broader biblical pattern—help inform how men and women can honor God in the public square.
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Sermon Rewind: Law and Gospel (Cliff Boone)
The modern church is confused by relationship between God’s law and his gospel. Many Christians view them as opposites, with the former rendered obsolete by the latter.
But a right understanding of how they harmonize paints a clearer picture of the Christian life, the saving message in Scripture, and the God we serve.
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What’s So Good About Good Friday?
As we prepare our hearts for Good Friday, Pastor Jason explains what makes it so good: Christ’s obedience to the Father, Christ’s atonement for our sin, and Christ’s purchase of our salvation.
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Just War Theory | Dan Waterman
As the Iran war continues, Christians should pause before reacting and consider: (1) what makes a war just, and (2) how to wage war justly once engaged. Dan Waterman helps us think through these questions.
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In Memory of Tealson Herrlin
With the sudden passing of one of our members, Tealson Herrlin, Captivate & Conform is pausing the release of our episodes as we lament the loss of a son and brother.
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A Theology of Gender: Roles in the Church
Gender roles in the church is the type of stuff that splits entire denominations. In a culture that prizes personal calling above all, it’s no surprise that boundaries are often crossed at the expense of biblical faithfulness.
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Marriage Conference Panel Q&A | LIVE SHOW
A panel was posed questions on marriage, parenting, and singleness at the recent conference, Marriage: Faithfulness in a Fallen World. Here are their responses.
Panelists included Dr. Jim Newheiser, Scott Allen, and Jason and Jennifer Hoy.
Watch here.
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Answering the Big Questions | Dr. Mark Farnham
Dr. Mark Farnham joins the show to tackle the big questions, including evolution, AI, and the problem of evil and suffering.
For more information and answers to these topics, register for Answering the Big Questions conference on March 7, 2026 in Ephrata, PA.
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A Theology of Gender: Precious in God’s Sight
Pastors Chris and Jason continue their discussion of complementarianism in the home, turning to women’s roles.
They address cultural misconceptions about work and children and call husbands and wives to embrace God’s design for the household—not because either spouse is particularly worthy but because God is pleased by it.
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Learn...
A Theology of Gender: Roles in the Home
Pastor Chris and Pastor Jason continue unpacking a biblical theology of gender, focusing on complementarian roles in the home. They also answer questions submitted by the audience on singleness and infertility.
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The Promises and Perils of Digital Technology | Dr. Mark Farnham
This special episode features the closing session given by Dr. Mark Farnham at Christian Ethics in a Post-Christian World. He urges biblical prudence, wisdom, and moderation when it comes to engaging with the digital world that inundates us.
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Marriage: Faithfulness in a Fallen World | Dr. Jim Newheiser
Special guest Dr. Jim Newheiser joins the show to give a preview into what he’ll be teaching on at our upcoming conference Marriage: Faithfulness in a Fallen World (February 28, 2026).
Register for the conference.
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A Theology of Gender: Examining Genesis
Modern culture seeks to erase distinctions between men and women, seen in trends like transgenderism and terms such as “birthing people.” While most evangelicals reject these ideas and affirm God’s creation of male and female, many churches stop short of addressing God-designed roles.
Pastor Chris and Pastor Jason return to Genesis to explore a biblical theology of gender roles rooted in creation, not cultural trends.
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Welcome, Pastor Cam!
Get to know Cameron Webb, the new Assistant Pastor over Student Ministry.
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See You in 2026!
We’re taking a break until 2026! Have a merry Christmas and see you next year 🎆
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A Health Update | Pastor Jules
For the past several months Pastor Jules has been suffering from somewhat of a mystery ailment (although the doctors’ original hypothesis was correct from the start) that left him practically immobile and in chronic pain.
In this episode, he takes time to bring our listeners up to speed on this health event and the lessons God has taught him along the way.
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Revisiting the First Thanksgiving | Dan Waterman
Whether the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean, New England’s winter, or rampant starvation and disease, the Pilgrims endured extreme trials and yet epitomized Paul’s command to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18).
On this special episode, Dan Waterman revisits the “First Thanksgiving,” recounting the Pilgrims’ miraculous story and reflecting on their unwavering gratitude to God.
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Christian Education: Faith and Formation | David Miller
It is becoming increasingly difficult for students and teachers alike to maintain exclusive Christian convictions within the pluralistic environment of the public school system.
David Miller, Head of School at Lehigh Christian Academy, joins the show to explain how we’ve arrived at this present state in our schools and how the “alternative option” of Christian private education is really a return to the roots of American education.
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Render to Caesar: The Role of the State
The state’s role in God’s world is to promote the good and punish evil. The Christian is to pray for and submit to their government, but also disobey if necessary.
BFC Principles for Living
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The Transcultural Nature of Christianity | Dr. Donald Fairbairn (w/ The Missions Podcast)
In this special episode, we partnered with The Missions Podcast to interview Dr. Donald Fairbairn on the transcultural nature of Christianity represented by The Nicene Creed.
Dr. Fairbairn also takes time to share his personal testimony, particularly on growing up almost completely deaf.
Watch this episode.
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The Proverbs 31 Husband | Scott Allen
Scott Allen observes 10 takeaways from Proverbs 31, a passage famously applied to wives, on what makes a godly husband.
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Dignity Beyond Accomplishment | Dr. Justin Hawkins
In his lecture at this year’s Equipping Believers Conference (Christian Ethics in a Post-Christian World), Dr. Justin Hawkins spoke on bioethics specifically applied to people with cognitive disabilities.
In a stirring presentation, he argues that a culture which dignifies persons who contribute neither “merit“ nor “efficiency” to society must be built on a Christian theology.
Watch “Dignity Beyond Accomplishment” here.
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Ask Dr. Fairbairn (VIDEO EPISODE)
Dr. Donald Fairbairn is a distinguished professor in Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During GO Conference, he sat down with Outreach Pastor Nathan Trommler to answer questions from the audience on a variety of subjects: the Trinity, early church practices and beliefs, and how to distinguish a false teaching from a heresy.
Watch this episode.
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What’s Happening in Africa? | LIVE SHOW
During GO Conference we hosted a panel of current and former missionaries in Africa. Drawing from their collective experience and knowledge, they share about what God is doing on the continent.
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Lessons Learned After 27 Years of Homeschooling | Beth Stobbe
Pastor Chris’ mother-in-law Beth Stobbe joins the show for a special occasion—she recently finished 27 years of homeschooling! Beth shares some lessons learned along the way.
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A Cause to Be Hopeful? 2025 State of Theology in US
Pastor Chris and Pastor Jason break down Ligonier’s 2025 State of Theology, a survey of 3,000 US evangelicals on their theological beliefs.
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Pastoral Reflections on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
A full week later, Pastor Chris reflects on the public murder of Charlie Kirk and offers key takeaways Christians should have on the tragedy.
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The Nicene Creed: Why It Still Matters
This year marks the 1,700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church that produced what we call The Nicene Creed.
This creed will act as the focal point of the upcoming Global Outreach Conference, Missio Dei: Nicaea and the Triune God’s Mission to the World. Director of Outreach Nathan Trommler explains why this ancient declaration still deeply matters for the contemporary believer and how it equips us to better engage with the Great Commission.
2025 Global Outreach Conference Signup (October 5-12)
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The Life and Legacy of Glenn Felty (VIDEO EPISODE)
Glenn Felty served as a pastor at Cedar Crest BFC for 15 years. Even in retirement, he stayed active in the church as a regular teacher and lay elder until the Lord called him home this past June.
In this special episode, five of Glenn’s friends and family members join the show to share more about who this man of God was and the legacy he leaves behind.
Watch this episode.
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Is God’s Grace Irresistible?
If anything can be learned from the history of mankind, it’s that our ardent resistance of God’s grace is relentless.
So how do Calvinists still hold to the doctrine of Irresistible Grace? Pastor Chris unpacks the reasoning and nuance behind this reformed belief, which is the “I” in TULIP.
Previous C&C episodes on TULIP:
T - Total Depravity (Part 1, Part 2)U - Unconditional ElectionL - Limited AtonementI - Irresistible GraceP - Perseverance of the Saints---
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The Purpose and Power of Prayer | Rick Whitmire
Much is made of prayer in the Christian walk, and rightfully so. But with that being said, much is also made of prayer that is unhelpful or even downright unbiblical.
With the help of guest and elder Rick Whitmire, we take a step back to reexamine the purpose, practice, and power of prayer.
Resource Recommendations
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller
Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson
Scripture-Saturated and Spirit-Empowered Prayer | Core Value 3 | Pastor Jason Hoy
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Sermon Rewind: The Ultimate Epitaph (Glenn Felty)
What would you like on your tombstone once you have left this world? Glenn Felty begins his sermon with this provocative question and asks us to consider a man named Enoch for the answer.
Be on the lookout for a full tribute episode to the life and legacy of Glenn Felty (1942 - 2025), former pastor of Cedar Crest.
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When a Child Dies, Do They Go to Heaven?
The death of a child is perhaps the hardest trial a person can ever face. This grief is often compounded with a question almost too difficult to ask: “Is my child in heaven?”
As we’ll discuss, the three constants that should inform a Christian’s thinking on this matter are 1) no one is innocent, 2) no person is ever saved apart from God’s grace, and 3) the Judge of the earth will always do what is right.
Resource Recommendations
Safe in the Arms of God by John MacArthur
The Salvation...
