This podcast is a ministry of Evergreen Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information on Evergreen Presbyterian Church visit our website at evergreenpca.com. If you are in the Beaverton area, join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30am.
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This episode is the supplemental material referenced in Part 2 of the "Images of Christ and the Second Commandment" series. In this Sunday school recording, Pastor Adam Parker traces the history of images in the church from the early fathers through the Iconoclast controversy of the 8th century. He examines how the church's original opposition to images gradually gave way as paganism entered the church, and walks through the theological arguments on both sides leading up to the Second Council of...
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole continue a two-part series on making images of Jesus. In this second episode, they approach the topic theologically and historically. Drawing on Deuteronomy 4 and the 754 AD Council of Hieria, they argue that any depiction of Christ forces the artist into one of two ancient heresies: Nestorianism or monophysitism. They also address The Chosen and why the Reformed opposition to images is not a Reformation novelty, but a recovery of the position held by the ea...
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole begin a two-part series on making images of Jesus. In this first episode, they approach the topic pastorally, sharing their own backgrounds with images of Christ in film, art, and church settings, and exploring why even well-intentioned depictions fall short. They discuss what the Westminster Larger Catechism teaches about the sins forbidden in the Second Commandment and make the case that images of Christ offer little practical benefit while training the mi...
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole delve into the life and impact of Peter Martyr Vermigli, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure of the Reformation. They trace his journey from a Roman Catholic priest in Italy to a staunch Protestant reformer, highlighting his significant contributions to Reformed theology on the Lord's Supper and his monumental commentary on Romans. The episode also touches on a personal translation project of Vermigli's works.
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole discuss the complicated family dynamics of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. They explore the rivalry between the sisters and their desperate attempts to earn Jacob's love through childbearing, drawing connections to Paul's teaching in Romans about works versus grace. They offer encouragement to parents who recognize dysfunction in their own homes, reminding listeners that God faithfully raises up covenant children even from imperfect families. Matthew's evening serm...
In this episode, Adam Parker and Matthew Poole are joined by Seth Miller, church planter at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Post Falls, Idaho. They discuss the upcoming particularization service for Immanuel and what it looks like for a mission work to transition into a particular church within the PCA. The conversation covers the biblical and practical necessity of ruling elders, the providential growth of the congregation in Idaho, and the joy of "passing the baton" from a temporary session to...
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole discuss the biblical doctrine of God's providence and why it matters for everyday life. They define providence as God both preserving and governing all of creation. Adam and Matthew explain how believing in God's sovereignty and goodness provides peace and comfort even when we can't understand His purposes. They discuss how providence differs from mere foreknowledge, address common objections, and emphasize that trusting God's character is essential for find...
In this episode, Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole discuss Evergreen's newly developed Strategic Faith Plan presented to the congregation in January 2026. They walk through the church's core purpose (to glorify God and make Him known), vision (a mature, multiplying faith community), and mission (bring, build, and send). Adam and Matthew explain the five strategic priorities for the coming year. They also address common questions about the plan, including concerns about busyness vs. depth, Ne...
This episode delves into the profound biblical concept of intimacy in marriage, moving beyond common misconceptions to reveal its multifaceted nature. Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole outline five essential areas: spiritual, mental, emotional, recreational, and physical intimacy. They provide actionable strategies and heartfelt encouragement for couples to cultivate deeper connection, address challenges, and strengthen their 'one-flesh' relationship through intentional effort in all aspects of their shared life.
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole discuss the challenges of navigating church expectations during significant cultural events, such as the recent assassination of a prominent Christian figure. They discuss the dangers of demanding pastors address specific topics from the pulpit, emphasizing the importance of trusting Scripture to minister to congregants' needs. Grounded in biblical principles, they highlight the true marks of a faithful church (preaching the Word, administering sacraments, a...
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole address the conflict in marriage. They discuss how to address sin, differences, and external stressors with grace, offering practical strategies for resolving conflicts in a way that builds unity rather than division.
Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole discuss the vital role of communication in marriage, grounded in biblical principles. They address barriers such as self-centeredness and busyness, sharing practical, grace-filled strategies for fostering open, honest, and loving communication. Whether you're married, engaged, or seeking stronger relationships, this episode offers insights to deepen communication.
In this episode, Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole turn to Ephesians 5 to discuss a Biblical understanding of marriage, moving beyond cultural myths to focus on its God-given purpose.
In this episode, Pastors Adam Parker and Matthew Poole critique cultural perspectives on marriage in light of Scripture. Join them for a thoughtful discussion that sets the stage for a deeper look at the biblical institution of marriage in the episodes to come.
After a long hiatus, we are excited to return with Season 2 of the Evergreen Beaverton Podcast. In this episode, ruling elder Mike Barnes joins teaching elders Adam Parker and Matthew Poole to share their insights and experiences as they reflect on this year's general assembly.
Adam and Matthew discuss the historical events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD, arguing that these events fulfill Jesus' predictions in Matthew 23:37-24:35. They explore the political climate, the horrors of the Roman siege, and various interpretations of the "abomination of desolation," emphasizing the need for contemporary Christians to understand these prophecies as historically realized rather than future events. The discussion highlights the theological implications for understanding God's judgment and the imminent return of Christ.
On this episode, Adam and Matthew interview Benjamin Flores, who is a member of Evergreen. Benjamin has a deep passion to see average church members realize their own calling to be faithful and speak of Jesus. It is tempting to believe that evangelism can and should really only be done by church officers, but Benjamin is eager to help all members to be eager, prayerful, and actively looking for opportunities to share the gospel with others.
Technology inevitably has an impact on the way we think and relate to others. Decades into our own experiments with computers and the internet, researchers have begun to gather data on what that technology is doing to us. Anecdotally, we know that the internet is changing how we relate, how we speak, and how we work. As Christians, then, what are we willing to do to make sure that our minds our sharp, and our children are ready to use their minds to glorify God? On this episode, Adam, Matthew, T...
On this episode, Adam and Matthew welcome a former classmate and admissions director from seminary, Step Morgan, to take part in a conversation about the benefits and limitations of a seminary education.
Adam and Matthew are joined by Travis Koch as they dip their toes into a discussion of modern confusion over personal identity. They contrast more popular notions of identity with what the Bible has to say.
Adam and Matthew welcome Erik Haralson, Micah Meeuwsen, and Travis Koch to discuss family worship. The group conversation today allows an opportunity for us to check in with a variety of men from a variety of familes to ask the question: how do you do family worship? What does it look like in your homes? What would you say to someone who feels they are falling behind or failing at practicing family worship? A wide ranging discussion on the importance of doing our best to shepherd our families....
Episode 13 is a full table! Adam and Matthew welcome two guests: Travis Koch and Micah Meeuwsen. Today's episode is a follow-up to this past week's sermon by Pastor Parker on Matthew 15:1-20 ( "True Defilement" ). In this round-table conversation the crew further discuss the subject of the Christian conscience and what is really meant by "Christian Liberty."
Today Adam and Matthew invite Headmaster Travis Koch to the podcast to talk about St. Stephen's Academy and Classical Christian Education in general. Interesting conversation ensues ranging from the history of St. Stephen's all the way to the purpose of education and the place of Artificial Intelligence in education.
Alex Chung joins us to discuss Christians and the cinematic arts. Adam takes the opportunity to nerd out quite a bit on a favorite hobby. The discussion ranges from Christian movies, to whether time travel movies are really about regret or the need to atone. Alex is an assistant professor of cinematic arts at George Fox University. He has degrees from Columbia University and the University of Southern California.
In this episode, Adam gives the low-down on Michael Kruger's latest book Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church . What is spiritual abuse? How can churches avoid having bully pastors? https://amzn.to/3WQZPck
Adam and Matthew discuss the overall educational ministries at Evergreen and the biblical motivations we have for doing education outside of the regular worship services of the church. Is there biblical justification for something like Sunday School? Why do we give men instruction apart from the women, or "age segregate" the church for some specific activities like Bible studies? Adam and Matthew discuss both of those things this week.
On this episode, Adam gives an overview of the book The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale, and offers some reflections on lessons the book may have for the church today. Note: This episode has some discussion that relates to physical characteristics of sex - nothing obscene, but perhaps more explicit than you might be comfortable with small children hearing.
What is "revival"? Is there a healthy way of thinking about revival that can be discerned from Scripture or from church history? How should we think about modern claims that revivals are taking place? Adam and Matthew are joined by David Hopkins once again to discuss these timely issues.
This week, Matthew and Adam interview Evergreen's Associate Pastor Emeritus, David Hopkins. David shares about his call to become a missionary, his history with Evergreen, and we discuss his adventures in the Alaskan wilderness among other things.
Adam and Matthew discuss the subject of worship from the perspective of church history. Why should we care how Christians worshipped 500 years ago? 1000 years ago? 1900 years ago? How did we get some of the traditions and patterns that we've inherited, and where did they come from?
