Reformed Forum
1,012 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 290 ratingsReformed Forum supports the church in presenting every person mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28) by providing Reformed theological resources to pastors, scholars, and anyone who desires to grow in their understanding of Scripture and the theology that faithfully summarizes its teachings.
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Episodes
Mark Sanders | Ministering to Those Affected by Sexual Sin
April 19, 2024 05:00 - 59 minutes - 41.6 MBWe welcome Mark Sanders, President of Harvest USA, for an enriching dialogue on confronting and healing from sexual brokenness within the church. As our society grapples with rapidly evolving norms around gender and sexuality, the church is called to respond with both theological depth and compassionate outreach. Harvest USA stands at the forefront of this mission, offering resources, discipleship, and education to equip believers to address these challenges through the lens of Reformed theo...
Chad Vegas and Jonathan Master | Training and Equipping Missionaries
April 12, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBChrist the Center is on the road as Camden Bucey speaks with two guest from the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Conference. This episode explores Reformed theology and its profound impact on missions. Camden is joined by Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church and founding board chairman of Radius International, along with Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to explore the vital relationship between theological education and ...
Summary of Christian Doctrine: Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Doctrine of the Church and the Means of Grace
April 09, 2024 11:46 - 1 hour - 30.3 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We continue our discussion of chapter XXIII, “The Doctrine of the Church and the Means of Grace.” In this episode, we get into various aspects of the church: the visible and invisible distinction, church discipline, and others.
Vos Group #87 — Deuteronomy and the Temptation of Jesus
April 05, 2024 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this installment of Vos Group, we turn to p. 336 of Vos’s book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, focusing on the temptations of Jesus Christ. This discussion ventures into the heart of Jesus’s wilderness temptations, offering a rich, theological analysis that challenges and enlightens. We consider the strategic use of Old Testament quotations by Jesus during his confrontation with Satan, underscoring the deep, theological significance of these moments. This episode not only unp...
Zack Groff and Scott Cook | The History of the PCA Standing Judicial Commission
March 29, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBReformed Forum exhibited at the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary conference in Greer, SC. This episode offers a deep dive into the Confessional Presbyterian Journal's latest issue, with a special focus on the 50th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the historical development of the PCA's Standing Judicial Commission (SJC). Camden Bucey brings together Rev. Zachary Groff, pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Scott Cook, visiting professor of apol...
Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Doctrine of the Church and the Means of Grace
March 27, 2024 12:14 - 46 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We begin a discussion of chapter XXIII, "The Doctrine of the Church and the Means of Grace." We'll spend a few episodes discussing this chapter to dig a little deeper into the nature of the church.
Tim Scheuers | Consciences and the Reformation
March 22, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBIn this enlightening episode, we discuss the nuances of conscience and confessional identity during the Reformation. Joined by Dr. Timothy Scheuers, we turn our attention to the transformative period of the 16th century, exploring how conscience acted not only as a catalyst for reform but also as a complex element influencing church unity, confessional standards, and the intricate relationship between church and state. The core of our discussion centers around Dr. Scheuer’s book, Conscien...
Summary of Christian Doctrine: Sanctification and Perseverance
March 19, 2024 16:48 - 1 hour - 30 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XXII, "Sanctification and Perseverance." After too long of a break from recording, Rob and Bob were able to sit down together to discuss God's work of sanctifying his people, the nature of good works, and how God's people persevere to the end.
A Devotional Guide to the Westminster Shorter Catechism
March 15, 2024 06:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this episode, we speak with William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller, the authors behind a new book, Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. These three pastors and theologians share their insights and experiences from their journey through the Westminster Shorter Catechism, offering listeners a unique opportunity to understand the profound theological truths encapsulated in this historic summary of faith. William Boek...
Missions and the Gospel of God: Romans 1:8–15 and the Power of Preaching
March 09, 2024 22:54 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBDr. James Cassidy speaks at the Reformed Forum pre-conference in advance of the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary 2024 Spring Theology Conference.
To the Ends of the Earth: The Great Commission and God's Plan for the Nations
March 09, 2024 22:10 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBCamden Bucey presents a biblical theology of the nations during the Reformed Forum pre-conference in advance of the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary 2024 Spring Theology Conference.
Life in the Negative World
March 08, 2024 06:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this episode, we welcome Aaron Renn, author of Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture, to explore the profound shifts in cultural attitudes towards Christianity and the broader implications for faith in the modern era. Renn, with a diverse background ranging from management and technology consulting as a Partner at Accenture, to urban policy as a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, and now a Senior Fellow at American Refo...
Strange, Willborn, Hart, and Cline — Panel Discussion on Empowered Witness
March 01, 2024 17:14 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBReformed Forum hosted an online symposium on February 29, 2024, featuring a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to explore the intersections of theology, history, and the contemporary challenges facing the church. This panel discussion featured Alan Strange’s insightful book, Empowered Witness (Crossway). The session examined Strange's exploration of the spirituality of the church doctrine, a pivotal biblical concept developed in the nineteenth century, and its relevance in today...
Owen Anderson — Old Princeton and Secularism
March 01, 2024 17:12 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBReformed Forum hosted an online symposium on February 29, 2024, featuring a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to explore the intersections of theology, history, and the contemporary challenges facing the church. In this session Owen Anderson explored the phenomenon of secularization, particularly focusing on the transformative changes that took place at Princeton Seminary and within Presbyterian education. Following Dr. Anderson's presentation, we entertained questions from vie...
Joseph Minich — Bulwarks of Unbelief
March 01, 2024 17:03 - 1 hour - 55 MBReformed Forum hosted an online symposium on February 29, 2024, featuring a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to explore the intersections of theology, history, and the contemporary challenges facing the church. In this session, Joseph Minich presented the primary thesis of his book, Bulwarks of Unbelief (Lexham Press), in which he argues that a felt absence of God, as experienced by the modern individual, offers a better explanation for the rise in atheism. Recent technologica...
Van Til Group #12 — The Christian View of Behavior
March 01, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBIn this installment of Van Til Group, we turn to the section of Defense of the Faith (pp. 69–72), which begins the chapter titled “The Christian Philosophy of Behavior.” This section outlines the Christian perspective on ethics, drawing from the Reformed confessions to emphasize that human actions, or behavior, should aim to glorify God. It presents a confessional scheme focusing on three key aspects: the highest good (summum bonum) that humans should strive for, the criterion for achieving ...
Genesis 33 — Reconciled with God and Man
February 28, 2024 06:00 - 39 minutes - 31 MBMoses brings us to the height of the conflict between Jacob and Esau. We look at the need to preserve the tension in the story while connecting it to the larger narrative. Here we learn how Jacob’s humility leads to a resolution of conflict. We see also the high point of the story — the building of the altar, as Jacob has reconciled with God and man.
Irony and the Presbyterian Church in America
February 23, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBIn this episode, we sit down with David Hall, Senior Pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs, GA, and a prolific author, to discuss his latest book, Irony and the Presbyterian Church in America: The First Fifty Years. Hall’s work, a historical and analytical exploration of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), offers a unique perspective on the denomination’s fifty-year journey since its inception in 1973. Through the lens of irony, reminiscent of Greek dramas, Hall examin...
Ephesians 2:1–10 — The Bad News (Part One)
February 21, 2024 06:00 - 36 minutes - 28.4 MBIn this episode, we consider the reality that mankind, apart from God’s glorious grace, is completely and totally lost in sin. Before Paul moves to extol the riches of God’s grace in Eph 2:4–10, he first digs down deep to expose the reality of sinful man’s helpless estate. The more we understand the depth of our sin, the more we will fall to our knees in wonder of God’s mercy in Christ. We must first reckon with the bad news before we bathe in the good news.
Understanding Family Worship
February 16, 2024 06:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBIn this episode, Camden Bucey engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Terry Johnson, Senior Minister of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia and the author of Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology, and Practice (Christian Focus). This book provides a timely perspective on family worship. Rev. Johnson reflects on his personal journey, starting with the birth of his first child, which sparked a deep commitment to family worship. Johnson emphasizes the nee...
Summary of Christian Doctrine: Justification, Part 2
February 14, 2024 16:53 - 57 minutes - 27.6 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XXI, “Justification.”
Psalm 18 — David's Profession of Righteousness
February 14, 2024 06:00 - 47 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode, we explain the meaning of David's profession of righteousness. How can David speak about himself as being without guilt, relative to God's law, when we know he was a sinner? If our salvation is by grace alone, then how can David say that God rewarded him for his righteousness by saving him from his enemies?
Town Hall Meeting (Livestreamed 2/9/24)
February 12, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBCamden Bucey and Ryan Noha cover a wide range of topics important to our community, including an in-depth review of the Reformed Academy’s progress, what we've accomplished, the valuable lessons we've learned, and what we have planned for the upcoming year, including new ideas and a proposed schedule. They also dive into our recent and upcoming events and meetups, sharing highlights from our trip to California, details about our visit to Arizona, thoughts about our upcoming symposia, our b...
Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old
February 09, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBIn this episode, we welcome Drs. Benjamin Gladd and G. K. Beale, co-editors of The Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker Academic) along with D. A. Carson and Andrew Naselli. We explore various theological and biblical topics, particularly focusing on the intricate relationship between the New Testament and the Old Testament. This conversation includes examining how New Testament writers drew upon and interpreted Old Testament texts, shedding light on the continuity...
Ephesians 1:18–23 — Paul's Prayer (Part Two)
February 07, 2024 06:00 - 40 minutes - 31 MBIn part two of Paul’s Prayer we return to consider Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers. Yes, Paul's burden is that the Ephesian believers would know the Lord. But what specifically does he pray for them? What specifically, in this passage, does he want them to know? Join us as we reflect on Paul's — and the Lord's — burden for his people.
In the Beginning: Considering the Historicity of Genesis 1 and 2
February 02, 2024 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBDr. Cornelis Van Dam joins us to speak about his book In the Beginning: Listening to Genesis 1 and 2, in which he argues that reading Genesis 1 and 2 as history is not only justified but necessary. Van Dam clarifies the different roles that ancient Near Eastern literature and scientific theories should play in our understanding of the Bible as he carefully deals with the exegetical details of the first two chapters of the Bible. He writes: The focus of this work is therefore not to give an ...
Summary of Christian Doctrine: Justification, Part 1
January 31, 2024 17:35 - 50 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XXI, “Justification.”
Vos Group #86 — The Lord's Temptation and Our Own
January 26, 2024 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this installment of our Vos Group, we turn to pp. 335–336 of Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to explore the uniquely messianic nature of these temptations, examining how Christ’s experiences differ significantly from human temptations. A key theme of this passage is the comparison of Christ’s temptation with Adam’s, emphasizing Christ’s role as the second Adam and the federal head encountering temptation. Vos warns against a moralizing interpretation of the temptations, instea...
Church Order and Parliamentary Procedure
January 19, 2024 06:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBJoin us on this week’s episode as we speak with Fred Greco, pastor of Christ Church in Katy, Texas. He is a trusted authority on parliamentary procedure and church polity and moderator of the PCA’s 50th General Assembly. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, alongside his wife, Deb, Fred’s academic journey in Classics and History from the University of Buffalo paved the way to a career in law after acquiring his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. As a corporate attorney speci...
Ephesians 1:15–18 — Paul's Prayer (Part One)
January 17, 2024 06:00 - 43 minutes - 32.7 MBIn part one of Paul’s Prayer, we will examine how the apostle Paul prays for the Spirit to be at work so that Christians can know God more. Paul’s thankfulness for the believers at Ephesus moves him to constant prayer that God would soften their hearts and open their eyes to hear and believe the gospel. This should be our burden in prayer: that we would know God more.
The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God
January 12, 2024 06:00 - 50 minutes - 35.2 MBWe welcome David Schrock to discuss his book, The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God, in which he presents a biblical theology that explores the theme of priesthood throughout the Bible. The book demonstrates that the concept of priesthood, starting with Adam in the Garden of Eden, is central to understanding God’s plan for humanity and the overarching narrative of Scripture. Schrock argues that Adam, as the first priest in the biblical narrative, sets a pattern for priesthood that echoes...
Genesis 32:13–32 — Wrestling with God
January 10, 2024 06:00 - 40 minutes - 33.2 MBJacob expects a conflict with Esau but instead ends up wrestling with an unknown assailant, who can clearly best him at any moment. But when that moment comes, Jacob will not release his hold until he receives a blessing. The content of that blessing points to the God who will not forsake Jacob and will fulfill his covenant promises.
The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People
January 05, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBJoin us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary. Camden Bucey engages Dr. Harmon in an exploration of his book, The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People, which explores the theme of servanthood across the biblical canon, offering insightful perspectives on this pervasive and significant motif. During the episode, Dr. Harmon surveys several key biblical figures identified as servants of th...
Highlights from 2023
December 29, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBSince 2008, we have been taking time around New Year’s Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year. We have several great clips lined up for you today. The Top Episodes of 2023 (by YouTube views) Dan Ragusa — Preterism and 2 Peter 3 (YouTube) Gray Sutanto and Cory Brock — A Theological Introduction to Neo-Calvinism (YouTube) Greg Beale — The New Testament Use of the Old Testament (YouTube) Carlton Wynne — Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (YouTube) ...
Because it's Christmas
December 23, 2023 14:41 - 44 minutes - 21.8 MBFor our Eighth Annual Christmas Special, Rob and Bob are here to bring you Christmas cheer with our annual Christmas silliness. This year we laugh about Christmas delicacies and the weird things we do at this season of the year ". . . because it's Christm
Natural Revelation, Religious Liberty, and the First Amendment
December 22, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBJoin us in this episode of Christ the Center, where host Camden Bucey engages in a free-flowing yet thoughtful discussion with Dr. Owen Anderson, philosopher and professor of religious studies at Arizona State University and pastor of Historic Christian Church in Phoenix. The conversation centers around the nuanced relationship between philosophy, religion, and the concept of free speech within academia and broader American culture. The episode explores the current state of freedom of spee...
Introduction to the Pentateuch / Year-End Update
December 15, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MBIn this episode, we're excited to unveil the inaugural lesson of our new series, exploring the profound depths of the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible. Under the able guidance of Dr. Mark Winder, we'll embark on an enlightening journey through six comprehensive, yet accessible, biblical-theological lessons, offering fresh insights into this foundational portion of Scripture. As we introduce this captivating course, join Ryan Noha and Camden Bucey for a reflective update on our ...
Summary of Christian Doctrine: Conversion: Repentance & Faith, Part 2
December 13, 2023 20:55 - 1 hour - 31.1 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XX, “Conversion: Repentance & Faith.” This week we continue our discussion how Berkhof addre
Vos Group #85 — The Temptation in the Wilderness
December 08, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 48.3 MBIn this installment of Vos Group, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 330–333 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos focuses on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, a pivotal event in the Gospels. Vos examines various interpretations and challenges to the historicity and objectivity of this event, discussing theories that view it as mythological or parabolic. He argues for its historical and objective reality, using scriptural refe...
The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church – Chapter 8
December 05, 2023 23:24 - 20 minutes - 10.8 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Bob returns to a reading of Geerhardus Vos’s 1903 book, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapter 8, “The Essence of the Kingdom continued: The Kingdom as a State of Bl
Discussing Jesus' Mediation, the Lord's Supper, and Flags in Worship
December 01, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBIn this episode, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy dive into a variety of topics answering questions submitted by listeners and viewers of the program. Topics covered range from theological discussions, such as the role of Jesus’ intercession for the elect and non-elect within the visible church, to historical and exegetical considerations, like the understanding of the Old Covenant as the Mosaic administration of the covenant of grace.
Covenant Theology and Cultural Engagement in the Thought of Meredith G. Kline
November 24, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBDr. Michael Beck joins us to speak about his book, Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary: A Dialectic Inquiry Concerning Meredith Kline and the Reformed Two-Kingdom Project (Wipf and Stock), which is a theological exploration of the ideas of Meredith Kline and their impact on the Reformed Two-Kingdom Project. The book provides a literature review of relevant works on the topic and highlights the broader universe of discourse in which this study exists. In the book and in this conversation, Dr....
Vos Group #84 — John the Baptist’s Testimony of Jesus
November 17, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this installment of Vos Group, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 322–329 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos discusses John’s testimony of Jesus after his baptism. The testimony of John the Baptist as depicted in the Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ unique divine nature and eternal preexistence, distinguishing him from all others in redemptive history. This underlines John’s role as the one preparing the way for Jesus, who fulf...
Robert Boyle, Christianity, and Science
November 10, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBIn the latest episode of Christ the Center, we explore the fascinating intersection of science, faith, and philosophy through the life and contributions of Robert Boyle, the seventeenth-century chemist often dubbed the father of modern chemistry. Our guest, Dr. Edward B. Davis, Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at Messiah University, shares his extensive knowledge on Boyle's experiments, the development of Boyle's Law, and the broader implications of Boyle's work on the relatio...
Psalm 5 — Christian Hatred
November 08, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 29.1 MBWhat is a Christian to do with the imprecatory Psalms? Are they to be read and sung today, and if so, with what understanding? Jim Cassidy talks about how to situate the Psalms within their redemptive-historical context, instead of reading them in the abstract.
Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion
November 03, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 51 MBAfter recording a course on the subject for Reformed Academy, Dr. Carlton Wynne comes to the podcast studio to discuss John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Topics covered include Calvin's theology, the right ordering of knowledge, general and special revelation, the effects of the fall on human reasoning, natural theology, and comparisons to the thought of Thomas Aquinas and Cornelius Van Til. Carlton also shares about his experience as a pastor-theologian and his talk on ma...
What is the Future of Israel? Part 2
November 01, 2023 19:03 - 1 hour - 34.1 MBThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their discussion of the future of Israel? With geopolitical affairs in the Middle East as they are currently and the end times speculations that arise and questions as to how Christians should think of the nation-state of Israel, we discuss the promises regarding the land of Israel, Israel as a nation, the promises to Abraham and his seed, that is Christ, and Romans 11.
What is the Future of Israel? Part 2
November 01, 2023 19:03This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their discussion of the future of Israel? With geopolitical affairs in the Middle East as they are currently and the end times speculations that arise and questions as to how Christians should think of the nation-state of Israel, we discuss the promises regarding the land of Israel, Israel as a nation, the promises to Abraham and his seed, that is Christ, and Romans 11.
1 Peter 1:1–2 and Elect Exiles | Reformed Forum Update
October 27, 2023 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBRyan Noha and Camden Bucey offer an update regarding several projects and initiatives at Reformed Forum including the launch of Kevin Chiarot’s course on 1 Peter. We include the first lesson of the course, which is available for free on reformedforum.org and on YouTube. In the first lesson, Dr. Chiarot teaches on the elect exiles Peter addresses in 1 Peter 1:1–2.
The Sources of J. Gresham Machen’s Theological Realism
October 26, 2023 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBDr. D. G. Hart lectured at the Reformed Forum Theology Conference held at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois on October 7, 2023. The conference theme was “100 Years of Christianity and Liberalism: J. Gresham Machen’s Theological Legacy.” The occasion was the one-hundredth anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism. Conference speakers Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and D. G. Hart took the opportunity to consider Machen’s...