Reformed Forum
Reformed ForumReformed 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
See more
theology that faithfully summarizes its teachings.
Older episodes
- 265Theology and Ministry in Light of Union with ChristIn this episode, we welcome Dr. J. Todd Billings to speak about the doctrine of union with Christ and its implications for all of theology and ministry. Dr. Billings has written a new book on the subject, titled Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church, published by Baker. Dr. J. Todd Billings is Associate Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. An ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, he received his M.Div. from Fuller Seminary and his Th.D. from Harvard. His first book, Calvin, Participation, and the Gift: The Activity of Believers in Union With Christ (Oxford, 2007) won a 2009 Templeton Award for Theological Promise, awarded internationally for the best first books of scholars in theology and religious studies. He is also author of The Word of God for the People of God: An Entryway to the Theological Interpretation of Scripture (Eerdmans, 2010), and Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church (Baker Academic, 2011), winner of an “Award of Merit in Theology and Ethics” in the Christianity Today Book Awards, 2012. Dr. Billings has published articles in a variety of journals, including Modern Theology, Harvard Theological Review, Missiology, and International Journal of Systematic Theology, as well as periodicals such as Christianity Today, The Christian Century, and Sojourners. He has lectured at seminaries and universities around the world, and has been awarded grants from the Association of Theological Schools and the Wabash Center for his research. Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Todd Billings, Jared Oliphint, Nick Batzig
- 266How Jesus Runs the ChurchOn this program we welcome Guy Prentiss Waters to speak about his book How Jesus Runs the Church. The doctrine of the church is critically important for the Christian life, but often lags behind in received attention. Dr. Waters brings us back to the Scriptural foundation that shows us how Jesus Christ actively reigns in and through his body. Dr. Waters is Associate Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (B.A.), Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Duke University (Ph.D.). He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America and is the author of Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul. Dr. Waters previously visited Christ the Center to speak about N.T. Wright’s doctrine of justification. You may listen to the entire two-part conversation (part 1 and part 2). Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters, Jeff Waddington, Mark A. Winder
- 267Baptism, Covenant, and ElectionRichard B. Gaffin, Jr. and Lane G. Tipton analyze arguments for credo-baptism and discuss Reformed views of covenant and election. Many Reformed Baptists will be quick to differentiate themselves from dispensationalists. They favor a covenantal hermeneutic that seeks to take into account the redemptive-historical features of Scripture. For this reason, many confessing credo-baptists argue that the Old Covenant administration has yielded several features to the New. For instance, many Reformed Baptists argue that circumcision, the Old Covenant sign of membership, was given to physical seed, but water baptism, the New Covenant sign of membership, should only be given to spiritual seed. Moreover, the covenant included unregenerate members in its previous administration, but all people know the Lord in the New Covenant. Drs. Gaffin and Tipton analyze these and other arguments for credo-baptism. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Lane G. Tipton, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
- 268Christ in the Old TestamentOn this episode we welcome Nancy Guthrie back to the program to speak about Christ in the Old Testament. Nancy has written the latest in her series on the subject titled The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books, which is the center of our discussion. Nancy is a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, speaks at conferences worldwide, and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Covenant Theological Seminary. Nancy and her husband David have ministered to countless couples who have lost a child, and they continue to provide resources through retreats and Nancy’s autobiographical books on the subject such as Holding Onto Hope: A Pathway Through Suffering to the Heart of God. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Nancy Guthrie
- 269The Word of God and InerrancyGabe Fluhrer joins the panel to speak about inerrancy. The subject continues to be an issue of perennial importance. Gabe has edited a wonderful book on the subject with contributions from many well-recognized scholars and pastors. The contributions are taken from addresses at the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, organized each year by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Participants: Camden Bucey, Gabe Fluhrer, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy
- 270The Gospel and its ImplicationsCamden Bucey, Jonathan Brack, and Dan Adams speak about the gospel from the steps of the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church. Reformed Forum was delighted to be invited to the annual Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, which is organized by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Sinclair Ferguson, Ligon Duncan, Liam Goligher, Harry Reeder, and Rick Phillips contributed to the important theme The Gospel: What? Why? How? This year, the Alliance considered the message and the method of the gospel. What makes the gospel a source of such abounding joy? What is the bad news, to which the gospel is the remedy? What is the power with which the gospel brings salvation? How is the cross the very center of the gospel? What was the distinct gospel message that Jesus preached, and how do we preach it today? How do pastors and churches take up the gospel ministry of reconciliation, of which we read in the Bible? On this episode, the panel spends time discussing many of these questions while exploring the implications of the good news of Jesus Christ for all of life. Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Adams, Jonathan Brack
- 271Speaking about the GospelThe gospel has become a hot topic in the evangelical world, and for that all Christians should be thankful. But conversation about the gospel is only fruitful in so far as we understand it biblically. In this episode, Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey discuss the categories Reformed theologians often use to describe the gospel – using Paul’s lesson in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 as a foundation. Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8 ESV) Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 272Why Baptize Children?Rev. Daniel Hyde, pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in Oceanside, CA builds a case for paedobaptism. Hyde has written Jesus Loves the Little Children: Why We Baptize Children, an excellent book treating the biblical, theological, and historical aspects of the subject. Join us for this insightful discussion. Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Hyde, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy
- 273Celebrity, Authority, and Authenticity in the ChurchDr. Carl Trueman joins us once again for an exciting conversation of issues in the contemporary church. Today, we discuss Dr. Trueman’s latest book Fools Rush in Where Monkeys Fear to Tread (P&R Publishing), a collection of essays originally appearing at Reformation21.org. Dr. Trueman leads us in a critical look at at the contemporary church with his characteristic wit and historical sensitivity. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman
- 274Trinitarian Personality in the Theologies of Barth and RahnerIn this in-house episode, Camden Bucey leads a discussion on Trinitarian personality in the theologies of Karl Barth and Karl Rahner. Though the theologians approach the subject from different traditions, both theologies converge at several key points. The panel discusses the issues surrounding the traditional immanent/economic distinction and God’s relationship to creation before moving to Cornelius Van Til’s method for navigating common Trinitarian errors. In addition to the main discussion, the panel begins the episode with a discussion of several new books including the forthcoming Kingdom through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
- 275The Theology and Preaching of Jonathan EdwardsThe Christ the Center panel discusses a forthcoming new podcast entitled East of Eden: Discussions in the Biblical and Systematic Theology of Jonathan Edwards, which should appear, Lord willing, this summer. The panel for this podcast will include Rev. Nick Batzig, Rev. David Filson, and Rev. Jeff Waddington, along with an occasional visit from Dr. Craig Biehl. The goal of this new venture is to delve into the sermons as well as the other parts of Edwards’ voluminous literary corpus. Specifically we seek to demonstrate the interrelated nature of Edwards’ biblical and systematic theology, his use of the Puritan plain style sermon form, his development of typology, and his practical application. The CTC panel briefly discusses Edwards’ Trinitarian theology to round out the discussion. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
- 276Writing Christian FictionJeremiah W. Montgomery is the pastor of Resurrection Orthodox Presbyterian Church in State College, Pennsylvania. Rev. Montgomery joins us to speak about writing Christian fiction. Montgomery has written The Dark Faith, which is the first book in The Dark Harvest trilogy and published by P&R Publishing. In light of this book, Montgomery shares his insights into the fantasy genre and its usefulness for the exploration and communication of Christian themes. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jeremiah Montgomery, Jim Cassidy
- 277Did God Really Say?David B. Garner, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, visits the studio to speak about the doctrine of Scripture. Dr. Garner has edited an excellent collection of essays titled Did God Really Say?: Affirming the Truthfulness and Trustworthiness of Scripture. Many of the contributions for this book were originally lectures delivered at the 2011 PCA General Assembly. Join us for this fascinating discussion on an important subject. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Garner, Jared Oliphint
- 278By Good and Necessary ConsequenceThe Westminster Confession of Faith 1.6 says, “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men.” In this episode, Ryan McGraw joins us to speak about his book By Good and Necessary Consequence, which addresses the subject of making right deductions from Scripture. This book is published by Reformation Heritage Books as part of their series Explorations in Reformed Confessional Theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Ryan McGraw
- 279Inerrancy and WorldviewDr. Vern Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary, speaks about his book Inerrancy and Worldview: Answering Challenges to the Bible (Crossway). In this important book, Dr. Poythress provides a worldview-based defense of inerrancy by demonstrating the influence various worldviews have on views of the Bible. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Vern Poythress
- 280The Regulative Principle of WorshipDr. Darryl G. Hart speaks about a key feature to Reformed worship, the regulative principle. Generally speaking, the principle seeks to allow worship to be governed strictly by the Word of God. Dr. Hart is Visiting Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI and has written several books such as A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State and Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. He has also co-authored a number of other books with John Muether, including With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Jeff Waddington
- 281Divine ImpassibilityThe Christ the Center panel meets with Rev. Dr. James Dolezal to discuss the much maligned doctrine of divine impassibility. Beginning with a look at Westminster Confession of Faith 2.1, that “There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions…” the panel looks at the biblical basis and importance of understanding, affirming, and developing a proper use of this doctrine that God does not have passions. Often taken to be a denial of, for instance, God’s love, it is shown that the truth is to the contrary. As simple and as pure act, God is love in the fullest sense without fluctuation or change which is the human lot. This discussion offers much food for thought. Dr. Dolezal is the author of God Without Parts: Divine Simplicity and the Metaphysics of God’s Absoluteness, which he spoke about on Christ the Center episode 185. Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington
- 282Machen During World War IThe Christ the Center panel met with Dr. Barry Waugh, editor of the recent publication Letters from the Front: J. Gresham Machen’s Correspondence from World War I, about the fascinating topic of Machen’s service as a YMCA secretary near the frontlines of action in France during WWI. Dr. Waugh discussed the content of some of the letters, Machen’s reasons for service, how Machen sought to situate himself in the midst of French culture, his desire to serve as a faithful gospel minister, and the discussion concluded with consideration of some of the legacy of Machen’s wartime service. Participants: Barry Waugh, Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 283Deuteronomy and Christology in the Gospel of MatthewChrist the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Brandon Crowe to speak about the themes in his book The Obedient Son: Deuteronomy and Christology in the Gospel of Matthew. The book is a published edition of Dr. Crowe’s dissertation written at the University of Edinburgh. It spans several key biblical themes, including sonship, God’s fatherly love, election, and obedience. Dr. Crowe is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he teaches the core course on the gospels. Participants: Brandon Crowe, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Nick Batzig
- 284Nature and ScriptureIn 1946, the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary published a symposium on the doctrine of Scipture titled The Infallible Word. Cornelius Van Til’s contribution, an essay titled “Nature and Scripture,” is an important work describing the relationship of general and special revelation. In this episode, Dr. K. Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Westminster, expounds on this essay and connects it to contemporary issues in philosophy and theological methodology. Links Download a PDF of Van Til’s essay. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, K. Scott Oliphint
- 285The Theology of John Bunyan’s Holy WarThe Rev. Dr. Robert McKelvey unfolds the theology of one of John Bunyan’s classic allegories, The Holy War. Rev. McKelvey is Pastor of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Windber, PA and has written a book on Bunyan titled Histories That Mansoul and Her Wars Anatomize: The Drama of Redemption in John Bunyan’s Holy War. In unpacking Bunyan’s allegory, McKelvey describes the Lord’s glorious plan of redemption and consummation that unfolds in Scripture. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Robert J. McKelvey
- 286Preaching and Sermon PreparationWe take a break from our regular format to enjoy a relaxed open forum. Nonetheless, the panel quickly focuses on the subject of preaching and sermon preparation. We ask questions such as when do you read commentaries? Should you work with secondary sources from the start or wrestle with the text on your own for a while? Should we have a preference for preaching extemporaneously or using notes or a manuscript? Along with thoughtful give-and-take from the contributors, these questions comprise a fruitful conversation. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
- 287Dualities in Epistemology, Eschatology, and CitizenshipIt is often helpful to employ distinctions in theological discussions. Other times, entire philosophical systems are based on two ultimate and opposing forces. In this episode, the panel parses through several theological distinctions—seeking to show when they may be considered proper dualities, and where they may move beyond the teaching of Scripture. Listen to this fluid conversation that touches on the antithesis, epistemology, two-age eschatology, and heavenly vs. earthly citizenship. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy
- 288Nature/Grace DualismDr. Lane G. Tipton, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, addresses the Roman Catholic teaching of nature/grace dualism and a variety of its uses. Nature/grace dualism undergirds much of how the Catholic church thinks through issues of anthropology, epistemology, and even cultural engagement. Listen to this insightful interview that touches upon theological methodology, apologetics, and even generic two-kingdom theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton
Get the Pray app
Keep listening to Reformed Forum on your phone, and pick up where you left off.
