CLF Conversations

7 Shared Values: Reformed Theology

Episode Summary

There are certain words in the church world that can make a room go quiet. Words like sovereignty. Or election. Or the phrase, “Let’s talk about Reformed theology.” Some people lean in. Some people lean back. Some people immediately assume this is about arguing Calvin vs. Arminius on the internet at 2 a.m. But what if Reformed theology isn’t about winning debates… What if it’s about seeing a bigger God, a humbler people, and a gospel that leaves no room for boasting—only worship? Today, we’re starting a new series on the shared values of Sovereign Grace Churches, and we’re beginning where everything begins: With God—His glory, His grace, and His sovereign purposes in redemption.

Episode Notes

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this episode of CLF Conversations, Perry and Pastor Dave begin a new series on the shared values of Sovereign Grace Churches by exploring the foundation of them all: Reformed theology.

Rather than treating Reformed theology as a system to debate, the conversation presents it as a lens through which Scripture reveals an all-glorious, triune God—one who sovereignly works all things according to His will and displays His glory most clearly through the redemption of sinners.

Drawing from Romans 11, Ephesians 1, John 17, and Romans 9, the hosts discuss how God’s sovereign grace in salvation humbles the believer, removes all grounds for boasting, and fills the church with gratitude, confidence, and awe. Salvation is not rooted in human initiative but in God’s eternal purpose to magnify His grace.

This episode emphasizes that Reformed theology is not cold or abstract—it is deeply pastoral. It leads to worship, fuels mission, strengthens assurance, and produces a people eager to proclaim the gospel to all, trusting God to save according to His perfect will.

🌍 Key Topics Covered

• What Reformed theology really means—and what it doesn’t
• God as the source and end of all things (Romans 11:36)
• God’s sovereign will in history and salvation
• Election as a display of grace, not favoritism
• The relationship between God’s glory and human redemption
• Why sovereignty produces humility, not pride
• Assurance rooted in God’s unchanging purpose
• Worship and mission flowing from grace
• Why theology shapes how a church lives together

💬 Discussion Highlights

• Reformed theology begins with God, not man.
• God’s glory and our salvation are never in competition.
• Grace humbles us because it leaves no room for boasting.
• Sovereignty strengthens assurance by anchoring salvation in God’s will.
• Election magnifies mercy, not merit.
• A big God produces bold worship and confident evangelism.
• Theology is meant to lead us to praise, not pride.
• The gospel advances because God is sovereign, not in spite of it.

📖 Scripture References

God’s Glory and Sovereignty

• Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things.”
• Ephesians 1:11 – God works all things according to His will

Grace and Election

• Ephesians 1:3–6 – Chosen to the praise of His glorious grace
• Romans 9:11 – Salvation rooted in God’s purpose, not human effort

Redemption and Worship

• John 17:1–26 – God glorified through the redemption of His people
• 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – No boasting except in the Lord

📌 Takeaway Questions

• How does a bigger view of God reshape my worship?
• Where am I tempted to take credit for what God alone has done?
• How does God’s sovereignty bring comfort rather than fear?
• Does my understanding of grace lead me to humility and gratitude?
• How might a deeper confidence in God’s saving work shape the way I share the gospel?

🔗 Stay Connected

Subscribe to CLF Conversations wherever you listen to podcasts.
Follow Covenant Life Fellowship and visit clfroseburg.com for sermons, resources, and opportunities to grow together in Christ as we explore the shared values that shape our life as a church.

If this episode made you realize that your salvation is more secure than your Wi-Fi connection—
great.

And if the sovereignty of God still feels mysterious,
remember this:
It’s not meant to shrink your faith—
it’s meant to steady it.

As Always, Worship. Fellowship. Grow. & Serve.

Thanks for joining us for CLF Conversations where we grow in Christ… one conversation at a time.