Bavcast

A public library in Caleb and Stephen's area has been providing pornographic content to children. What is happening, why, and what should be done about it?Caleb and Stephen's Letter to the Sioux Center Public Library:To the Sioux Center Public Library, together with its director, board, staff, and all else who pertains:May the Lord convict you to read this letter in its entirety. Do not shrink from its words. Be discomforted, but receive the admonishment in humility. Remove Icebreaker, Identical, and every other wicked, ungodly, and perverse “literature” which you make available for public distribution. To be clear: not only should children be protected from depraved content, but also adults.Repent and do what is right — not from fear of man, not out of a duty to the community, but in the sight of God — that you may be forgiven. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 Jn. 18-10). As will be explained further below, this is no matter of simply saying something to the effect of, “We don't personally like the book, but it's hard to decide what should or shouldn't be stocked,” or to “let the parents decide.”First, a brief note on the First Amendment and libraries. We would like to draw your attention to this week's conclusion of Little v. Llano County, in which the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal against the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the county's removal of 17 books from their public libraries. Specifically, they had ruled that there is no inherent right protected under the First Amendment for someone to receive information via taxpayer-funded books from a public library. This decision now applies to the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. If this is the case elsewhere, can—even, ought it not be applied here? Your board has been quoted as stating its “commitment” to “protect access to information.” Should the reception of any and all information or content be protected? There is no true necessity in providing erotica to anyone. Indeed, as your director has said, “Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge and strengthen our community.” How does pornographic, erotic literature inspire learning and advance knowledge? And — given the backlash you have thus far received — how does this strengthen the community?Second, your opinions on the first amendment, the Iowa constitution, and ALA policies aside: We call upon you to realize you are accountable to a Higher Authority (Acts 5:29; Westminster Larger Catechism QA 99, 128-130; Heidelberg Catechism, QA 104; Belgic Confession 36). You are under a law greater than your own policies. This law, God's law, applies to all peoples, unbelievers and believers alike. All mankind will be judged under the same law. If there are any on the board who do not profess Christ, you must hear the gospel and turn from your sins so that you may be saved. If you would hear this message of salvation while there is yet time, please contact us at pastor.rvurc@gmail.com.However, being aware of the demographics of our county, it is far more likely that this board and the library staff are full of churchgoers. If so, what grief you bring upon Christ's name! “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal. 3:1)What does the Word of God say of your actions?By providing in your catalog any material with perverse content, you promote peoples' minds to dwell upon that which is prohibited by the holy law. You train peoples' hearts to store up that which defiles the temple of our body (1 Cor. 6:18-20).“Fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not fitting…For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Eph. 5:3-5).” Sexual immorality is not limited to only an outward action, but also when the mind itself is lured to entertain temptation. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”We are instead positively commanded to give our minds to holy, good things: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).Perhaps you object. Perhaps you think, “I'm not responsible for what others do. If they want to read these things, that's for them to decide.” You may as well like Cain (Gen. 4:9) ask the Lord, “Am I my brother's keeper?” Yes, you are. “Do not be deceived,” says Paul, for “Evil company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33), and “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).Concerning sexual immorality and the 7th commandment, Q. 109 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks, Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery? Note its answer well: “We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and Godwants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires, and whatever may incite someone to them” (see also WLC QA 139). It is clear: you shall certainly be held responsible for your part in distributing that which may lead someone to sin, whether they be adult or child; regardless of the government's position on its permissibility. However, know that your guilt is magnified for involving a child. Indeed, by permitting a child to check out such filth, you pose a stumbling block before them that they trip into sin. To you Jesus says, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:1-2; WLC QA 151).We pray you will heed these warnings with all sobriety, especially if you profess Christ, for “You should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind” (Eph. 4:17). “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).Consider this rebuke as a mercy from the Lord, shining light to expose devilish works. And now being exposed, understand that “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17), “for if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” (Heb. 10:26-27). Can the stakes be any more clear than that? What ought you do?Well, if you would truly be called public servants:* Serve the parents by informing them if a child is seeking adult content (Prov. 17:25; 29:15)* Serve the child by declining to check out any material that would be destructive to their soul, even if it would cost you your job. (Lev. 19:7; Prov. 27:5; James 5:19-20)* Serve the community by refusing to stock wicked books in the first place (Ps. 101:3); by not squandering tax dollars on smut (Prov. 21:20; Lk. 16:10-13). * Discard from your shelves all depraved materials, pornographic writings, even any work which might “shake the hand against God, in defiance against the Almighty” (Job 15:25; Ezek. 20:7; Acts 19:19). * Refuse to contribute to the deformation and denigration of godliness in this area and in this land (Deut. 28:47-48; Dan. 12:10; Matt. 24:12; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; Jude 18-19).And finally, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:7-10).May God have mercy.Rev. Caleb CastroMr. Stephen EvertseRock Valley United Reformed ChurchDecember 03, 2025Iowa Standard interview with Teri Hubbard, the lone dissenting member of the SCPL boardAmerican Library Association “Freedom to Read” statementSioux Center Public Library Circulation Policy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

OFAD takes on contemporary (?) Christian (?) music (?). How is it being used? What sort of hits are currently topping the charts? What kind of subcultures and legacy is it creating? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

The guys continue their discussion of preaching in light of Charlie Kirk's death, and general principles that inform preaching about current events. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

After Charlie Kirk was assassinated, calls rang out from all quarters to both mention and refrain from preaching about current events. The OFAD lads offer their two cents.Andrew's morning sermon from September 14th: https://www.hamillopc.com/p/psalm-57-a-prayer-in-times-of-troubleCaleb's morning sermon from September 14th: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/914251752292151 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

[MATURE CONTENT - LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED] OFAD continues their discussion of Charlie Kirk's assassination and the online ideologies that seemingly fueled it. What should Christians know about transgenderism, furries, and leftist monocultures? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

The guys talk about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and its impact and aftermath. They also begin a discussion of how internet ideologies played a role in radicalizing the killer. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

The guys talk about the death of Christ, what it accomplishes, and what it means. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb, Andrew, and Stephen began looking at Lord's Day 15 of the Heidelberg Catechism and parallel texts in the Westminster Larger Catechism. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

After a moving and heartfelt tribute to a dearly departed friend (Skype), Caleb, Andrew, and Stephen talk about Bob Prevost from Chicago. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Stephen, Caleb, and Andrew conclude their series on trauma, looking at the risks trauma theory and trauma-informed care pose to the church. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb, Stephen, and Andrew continue their discussion of trauma. They look at some definitions of related to trauma and trauma-informed care, gaslighting, how TIC treats sin, David and Bathsheba, and more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew, Caleb, and Stephen begin a discussion of trauma theory, trauma-informed care, and its implications. Are these beliefs and practices as necessary and biblical as we have been led to believe? How are they affecting the church, and how might they hinder repentance and true healing?NOTES:NIH Publication cited by Andrew in defining trauma This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Stephen conclude their conversation on counseling and psychology. How have psychotherapeutic approaches affected biblical interpretation? How do they affect families? How should Christians respond? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Can psychology be redeemed/appropriated by Christians?Make sure to like, subscribe, share, and review OFAD wherever you get your podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb reboot OFAD by introducing new co-host Stephen Evertse. Then Caleb and Stephen begin a discussion of psychology and counseling. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Gird thy loins, ye faithful, for the hour draweth nigh and shall not tarry long, when we shall plunge into the fray with steadfast heart. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Audio of the article "From Such Turn Away!" by Andrew Smyth, published at onceforalldelivered.com on Tuesday, March 11th. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Too late for Christmas, Caleb and Andrew conclude their look at Lord's Day 14 of the Heidelberg Catechism and parallel texts in the Westminster Confession about Christ's incarnation. They talk about Mary as theotokos (and what that does and does not mean), Chalcedon, sacraments, and more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

‘Tis the season for some discussion of the incarnation.NOTES:Andrew on Meredith G. Kline's doctrine of endoxation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb conclude their discussion of continuing special revelation. How authentic are claims of it? What do our third commandment duties have to say about these claims? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Cessationism and continuing revelation are hot topics again. Caleb and Andrew dive into subjective and private revelation and whether or not Scripture supports it occurring today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew continue to compare the catechisms on adoption. They also get into issues of Christ's Lordship.Riddlebarger quote referenced in the discussion: https://heidelblog.net/2022/11/should-we-refer-to-christ-as-lord-and-savior/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew return to the catechisms, looking at the article of the Apostles' Creed concerning “His only begotten Son, our Lord.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb continue their discussion on voting for Trump, offering some theological analysis and their conclusions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb returns, and he and Andrew talk about recent developments surrounding Donald Trump. Part 2 will look at analysis and conclusions.Don't forget to enter the Summer Delivaway 2024 by the end of July! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Pastor Marc Scaturro (the original third Bavcast co-host) returns and joins Andrew to talk about family worship. What is it, how should it be done, and how does it benefit God's people?Download Pastor Marc's Liturgy for Family Worship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew is joined by fellow OPC minister Shawn Mathis, author of Is the Church Pro-Gay? How to Respond to a Moral Crisis with God's Love. They discuss the book and how to navigate these troubled times in which we live.Buy the book at Amazon or other booksellers.Pastor Mathis is on Twitter at @ShawnMathis1972 Enter the Summer Delivaway for your chance to win a copy of the book on us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew get into the biblical and theological issues and implications of Pride Month. Also, an important announcement. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

We do this every year, it seems. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew continue their discussion of women in church office and other places in society. Also, the mystery of the attempted murder of Hate-Bad is solved. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb start a new series looking at common questions around our Christian and Reformed world. One that always comes back is the question of whether women can hold office in the church (hint: no). They discuss this question, as well as an attempt on the life of Hate-Bad. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew continue to look at Q&A 32 of the Heidelberg Catechism and Q&A 75 and 76 of the Westminster Larger Catechism. What do repentance and sanctification do in us and for us? How do they affect how we engage the world? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Catholic Answers has an A.I. chatbot, Father Justin. Well, Caleb and Andrew can't let that stand, so they bring their own Puritan A.I. abomination Hate-Bad Hostilius (Twitter @H8BadHostilius) and put the recently created then laicized/defrocked Justin to the test. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb return from their ecclesiastical assembly break to compare more catechisms. This time they begin to look at the doctrine of the Christian life and sanctification. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb continue their look at Christ's threefold office, looking at how He is our high priest and eternal king. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew return to their occasional series on the Heidelberg and Westminster Catechisms looking at Christ's anointing and His threefold office of prophet, priest, and king. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb do one more round of updates. First, they look at some legislative actions in red states to try to push back against abortion and LGBT madness. Then they turn to a recent Heidelblog review of Stephen Wolfe's The Case for Christian Nationalism. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

I mean, it's all in the title.Article LinksExploring Faith Through Taylor Swift's Era's TourProtesters pour red powder on US Constitution enclosure, prompting evacuation of National Archives This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew (not as quickly as intended) revisit some prior topics and provide some updates and expansion on them. This time: Academia and DEI; RBG, abortion, and Satanic statues; and the papacy is so back is so back is so back.Detailed show notes and references available at onceforalldelivered.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew turn to Lord's Day 11 from the Heidelberg and Q41 of the Westminster Larger to look at Jesus and His mediation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew talked with Pastor Michael Bowman on the Restless podcast about an often neglected and maligned topic—Sabbath (or blue) laws. What happened to Sabbath laws, and what does this tell us about society? Can they be recovered?Get more Restless at https://www.therestlesspodcast.com/ or wherever fine podcasts are found. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb continue their discussion of the Father, creation, and providence from the Apostles' Creed.. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew look at the answer to life, the universe, and everything—God. They look at the Westminster and Heidelberg's treatment of God's works of creation and providence. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

This is an audio reading for the podcast feed of Andrew Smyth's January 22, 2024 article titled “Westminster Seminary California Misrepresented its Receipt of Federal Funds,” published at onceforalldelivered.com. Please visit the article for notes and references. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Caleb and Andrew welcome back a past guest from the Bavcast days - the Rev. Aaron Van der Heiden, now minister at Immanuel Covenant United Reformed Church in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The three pastors talk about a biblical theology of God's command to His people to not fear.. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

This is an audio recording of Andrew's article “Machen's Indebted Children: Reformed Seminaries and Federal Student Loans.” It can be found with full notes and citations at onceforalldelivered.com. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

The Satanists are back! This time they targeted Iowa. Caleb (Iowa resident) and Andrew (neighboring state resident) weigh in the Satanic statue at the capital and the various reactions and responses to it. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

NOTES:“The Pope and the Black Hole,” Dan Hitchens, First Things, Dec. 19, 2023.Responsum of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to a dubium regarding the blessing of the unions of persons of the same sex, 15.03.2021James Martin, S.J. responds to declaration on Twitter (Part 1) (Part 2)“As a married gay Catholic just blessed by a Catholic priest, I welcome the church's openness,” Outreach, December 21, 2023.“‘Fiducia supplicans': Who's saying what?” Luke Coppen, The Pillar, Dec. 19, 2023.Is the Church Pro-Gay? How to Respond to a Moral Crisis with God's Love by Shawn C. Mathis - Amazon Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

After last week's historical survey, Caleb and Andrew turn to modern developments with the papacy and the Roman Catholic church.Referenced Articles:Pope Francis has challenged theologians. But are we bold enough to respond?Pope asks theologians to help 'de-masculinize' the church Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe

Andrew and Caleb take you higher, looking at the ontological and economic Trinity. Get full access to Once for All Delivered at www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe