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In this episode, Jonathan Brooks and Alex Lott begin a three-part series responding to a video by Cameron Riker, who argues that Matthew 16 supports the Roman Catholic claim to papal authority. While acknowledging Riker’s sincerity and catechetical background, Jonathan and Alex take a close look at what the text actually says—starting with the foundational question Jesus asks His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?"

They explore the historical and theological weight of Peter’s confession, discuss the significance of the title “Son of Man,” and contrast biblical teaching with popular but flawed interpretations of eschatology and ecclesiology. This first episode lays the groundwork by focusing on Christ as the center of the passage—before engaging with the Catholic claims.

Along the way, they reference early Christian commentary and Reformed exegesis, including:

• John Calvin’s Commentary on Matthew 16:
  https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom32/calcom32.ii.lii.html
• John Chrysostom’s Homily on Matthew 16:
  https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/200154.htm

Responding to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG9YvkNqg6E&t=1959s

Key Topics:

• What Jesus meant by “Son of Man”
• The significance of Peter’s confession
• Why this passage is Christ-centered, not Peter-centered
• Problems with reading Matthew 16 through a Roman Catholic lens
• The Berean model of testing claims against Scripture

Scripture Explored:

• Matthew 16:13–20
• Daniel 7
• Matthew 28:18–20
• Luke 24 (Road to Emmaus)

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Weighed in the Balance returns with a critical response to Cameron Rieker’s so-called “insuperable” argument against Protestantism. Rieker claims that without an infallible magisterium (i.e., the Roman Catholic Church), all of Protestantism collapses under the weight of interpretive chaos. But is that actually true?

In this episode, we walk through:

• The heart of Rieker’s claim: “Who gets to use the rule of faith?”
• A biblical and confessional answer from the Reformed tradition.
• A close reading of Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
• Why Cameron’s three so-called Protestant “options” don’t even acknowledge the historic Reformed view.
• How church authority works in Presbyterian polity without collapsing into either chaos or papal infallibility.

Whether you're Reformed, Catholic, or just curious, this episode offers clarity on how Protestants think about the Church, authority, and the Scriptures.

Referenced texts:

• Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapters 25 & 31
• Ephesians 4:1–16
• 1 Corinthians 12:27–31
• Acts 15

Find Cameron's original video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG9YvkNqg6E&t=1959s

Let us know your thoughts below—but please keep the conversation respectful and charitable.

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In this episode, I respond to Joe Heschmeyer’s recent presentation of what he sees as the best and worst arguments made against the Catholic Church. As a Presbyterian pastor, my goal isn’t to attack but to engage—graciously, clearly, and with a heart for truth. I hope this video helps Protestants think more carefully about how we represent our convictions, and helps Catholics better understand where we’re coming from.

▶️ You can watch Joe’s original video here!

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
I welcome dialogue from Catholics, Protestants, and anyone interested in these important theological discussions. Feel free to comment below—but please keep it respectful and charitable.

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Thank you for watching. May Christ be glorified as we seek His truth together.
Soli Deo Gloria.

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