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theology that faithfully summarizes its teachings.
Older episodes
- 289The Eternal Generation of the SonOn this episode, we discuss the eternal generation of the Son of God within the context of Trinitarian theology and church history. The subject of the Son’s relationship to the Father is no less important today than it was during the Council of Nicea in 325. Nonetheless, several evangelical scholars have rejected the doctrine. Listen as we discuss what the doctrine means, its importance, and the theological consequences for rejecting it. Links Kevin Giles, The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian Theology Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy
- 290John Flavel and Union with ChristRev. William R. Edwards speaks about John Flavel and union with Christ. Edwards has written an article titled “John Flavel on the Priority of Union with Christ: Further Historical Perspective on the Structure of Reformed Soteriology” in Volume 74 (2012) of the Westminster Theological Journal. In the article, Edwards demonstrates several interesting 17th c. formulations of the doctrine of union with Christ. In doing so, Edwards brings his findings into present discussion on the subject. Rev. Edwards graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1999 and went into Reformed University Fellowship where he became the campus minister of University of Georgia. Rev. Edwards is church planter at Mercy Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Forest, Virginia, which is just outside of Lynchburg. Links The Method of Grace, John Flavel free from Google Books The Works of John Flavel William R. Edwards – “John Flavel on the Priority of Union with Christ” Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, William R. Edwards
- 291Dynamics of Church PlantingChurch planting is one way the Lord expands his kingdom on earth. Christ called his disciples to go forth and make disciples of men, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Faithful discipleship is connected with the local church. That point has been debated in and of itself, but the proper means of church planting has been a much more contentious subject. In this episode, Andrew Moody and Eric Watkins work through several dynamics of church planting. Rev. Moody serves as Evangelist at San Antonio Reformed Church in San Antonio, Texas, and Rev. Watkins is Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida. Both Eric and Andrew bring experience to this interesting discussion on planting Reformed churches. Participants: Andrew Moody, Camden Bucey, Eric Watkins, Jim Cassidy
- 292Creeds and Confessions in the Contemporary ChurchOn this episode, we welcome Rev. Dr. Carl R. Trueman to discuss the important role of creeds and confessions in the church through his book The Creedal Imperative. Dr. Trueman is the Paul Woolley Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary and Pastor of Cornerstone Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Ambler, PA. Dr. Trueman brings his critical thought and historic sensitivity to this important plea to many conservative evangelicals. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jared Oliphint
- 293English Puritan TheologyChrist the Center is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Mark Jones to the program to speak about puritan theology. With Joel Beeke, Mark has co-authored an exciting new book from Reformed Heritage Books titled A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life. Mark is the minister of Faith Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Mark’s Ph.D. is from Leiden Universiteit (Oct. 2009) and his doctoral dissertation was entitled, “Why Heaven Kissed Earth: The Christology of the Puritan Reformed Orthodox theologian, Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680).” Join us for a stimulating discussion regarding several features of English Puritan theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy, Mark Jones, Nick Batzig
- 294The Headship of ChristThe Christ the Center panel had the privilege of discoursing with the Rev. Dr. Craig Troxel about ecclesiology, especially as it is grounded in the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Troxel is pastor of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, IL. The discussion focused on the threefold office of Christ (munus triplex Christi) as prophet, priest, and king and how that connects with the doctrine, worship, and government of the church. The group also considered the relationship of the church to the kingdom of God and the church and mission. Links Ministerial Training Institute (MTI) of the OPC John R. Muether and Danny E. Olinger, eds., Confident of Better Things A. Craig Troxel, What is Man? Stuart Robinson, The Church of God as an Essential Element of the Gospel James Bannerman, The Church of Christ (Volume 1, Volume 2) Participants: A. Craig Troxel, Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 295The TransfigurationIn this episode, we study the Transfiguration, the event in which Jesus was transformed on the mountain before Peter, James, and John. In the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah accompany Jesus as a great cloud appeared and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” As we look into the accounts of the event in the synoptic gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36), we explore the Old Testament context out of which the Transfiguration develops and the consummation to which it points. In short, the Transfiguration is a proleptic revelation of Christ’s consummate resurrection glory. Matthew 17:1-13 says, And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:1-13, English Standard Version) Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig
- 296Eschatology and the Christian LifeEschatology is a complicated word. Usually, it is associated with apocalyptic events yet to occur in the Middle East. In this episode, we seek to broaden this limited conception of eschatology to include even the present applicability of Christ’s death and resurrection and the inevitable destination of his bride, the Church. Christians have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a hope that has a bearing even on the Christian’s present life circumstances. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 297Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms in Dutch TheologyDr. Nelson Kloosterman returns to Christ the Center to speak about natural law and two kingdom theology in early 21st century Dutch thought. Dr. Kloosterman is Executive Director of Worldview Resources International, while he also labors in translating great Dutch theological works into English. In this discussion, Dr. Kloosterman speaks about his arguments found in Kingdoms Apart, edited by Ryan C. McIlhenny and published by P&R Publishing. Dr. Kloosterman’s essay, “Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms in the Thought of Herman Bavinck” seeks to explain Bavinck’s position in light of recent criticisms. In addition, Kloosterman speaks about his translations of two articles on the two kingdoms by S. G. de Graaf, an important early 21st c. Dutch theologian. Listeners may also be interested to hear Dr. Kloosterman speak about many different related subjects in our Christ and Culture series. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nelson Kloosterman
- 298God’s Love Throughout the Biblical StoryNeil Tolsma speaks about the unfolding of God’s love through history on this episode of Christ the Center. Rev. Tolsma is a retired minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church who served congregations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In this discussion, we explore the great riches of divine love as Rev. Tolsma has described it in his book This is Love: Tracing the Love of God Throughout the Biblical Story. Though there are many books on the subject of God’s love, this book distinguishes itself through its deep biblical-theological and pastoral foundations, while remaining accessible to a wide variety of readers. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Neil Tolsma, Nick Batzig
- 299Presbyterian and Reformed Churches: A Global HistoryIn this episode, we review James E. McGoldrick’s Presbyterian and Reformed Churches: A Global History published by Reformation Heritage Books. Publisher’s Description: In 1905, Westminster Press published History of the Presbyterian Churches of the World by church historian Richard Clark Reed (1851–1925). Reed’s book, intended as a textbook for college and seminary students, covered the history of churches that subscribed to Presbyterian polity from the New Testament era to the beginning of the twentieth century. Based on Reed’s original work as well as an unpublished manuscript by Presbyterian historian Thomas Hugh Spence Jr. (1899–1986), Presbyterian and Reformed Churches: A Global History picks up the story of Presbyterian and Reformed churches where the earlier works left off. In this volume, James McGoldrick revises and updates Reed’s and Spence’s original, historically relevant works, continuing the survey to the twenty-first century. Each chapter traces the history of Presbyterian and Reformed churches in individual nations and regions around the globe. The author covers the major events, leaders, and institutions influencing Presbyterian and Reformed church history in a readable style that is ideally suited for classroom study as well as for independent reading. A list of suggested additional readings concludes each chapter. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 300Anthony Burgess on the LawWe welcome Rev. Dr. Steve Casselli to speak about Anthony Burgess on the law. Rev. Casselli is pastor of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tampa, FL. Steve worked in campus ministry at the University of Michigan and served as pastoral intern at Park Cities Presbyterian, Dallas, Texas and Bucks Central Presbyterian in Pennsylvania. Rev. Casselli graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia with a PhD in 2007. His dissertation, titled Anthony Burgess’ “Vindiciae Legis” and the “Fable of Unprofitable Scholasticism:” A case study in the reappraisal of seventeenth century Reformed Scholasticism, is planned to be published by Reformation Heritage Books. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Mark Jones, Steve Casselli
- 301Lay Down This WorldJazz pianist Pamela York speaks about her new album, Lay Down This World: Hymns and Spirituals. Pamela discusses the tracks on the album, the relationship of traditional structure to creativity, and worship. The album is available for download through iTunes and Amazon. Compact discs can be ordered through CD Baby. You can listen to a previous discussion we had with Pamela or find out more information about her, including upcoming concerts, at pamelayork.com. Participants: Camden Bucey, Pamela York
- 302An Interview with Desiring GodAt a recent trip to Milwaukee for the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, Camden Bucey and Jared Oliphint caught up with David Mathis and Jonathan Parnell of Desiring God Ministries. They spoke about a number of issues related to Desiring God’s ministry, including new media and finding theological heroes. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Mathis, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Parnell
- 303Lifted: Experiencing the Resurrection LifeIn this episode, we review Sam Allberry’s Lifted: Experiencing the Resurrection Life published by P&R Publishing. Publisher’s Description: For many people the resurrection is a nice thing to believe in; a handy subject to return to at Easter time or when discussing apologetics. Otherwise we treat it as an event that happened long ago and far away—a “happy ending” to the gospel, after the darkness of the cross. But Sam Allberry shows us that the resurrection is far more than a mere event. It isn’t just for Easter, it has overwhelmingly positive implications for our lives every day. The resurrection gives us real assurance of forgiveness and salvation, power to live new and transformed lives, and hope for life after death. Our lives are now different; we have been lifted. Read and be transformed by the real significance of the resurrection. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 304Justification Sola FideWe are pleased to welcome back to the program Dr. Lane G. Tipton, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Tipton was recently inaugurated to the Charles Krahe Chair of Systematic Theology and delivered an inaugural address titled, “Biblical Theology and the Westminster Standards Revisited: Union with Christ and Justification Sola Fide.” As he walks us through his inaugural lecture, Dr. Tipton addresses the relationship of justification to faith and union with Christ and then turns to interact with the distinction Louis Berkhof made between objective and subjective or active and passive justification. In short, Tipton demonstrates that union with Christ by faith is also antecedent to the declaration of righteousness, which is based on the imputed righteousness of Christ. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
- 305Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman CatholicismR. C. Sproul, Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism published by Reformation Trust, 130 pages, hardcover. Publisher’s Description: In recent years, some evangelical Protestant leaders have signed statements pledging themselves to joint social action with Roman Catholics. Others have refused to participate, declaring that, in their view, the statements went too far, touching on the gospel, which remains a point of disagreement between Protestants and Roman Catholics. Many evangelical Christians have found themselves confused by the different directions taken by their leaders. In Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism, Dr. R.C. Sproul takes his stand for the cardinal doctrines of Protestantism in opposition to the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. Sproul, a passionate defender of the gospel of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, cites the historic statements of the Protestant Reformers and the Roman Catholic authorities, then references modern doctrinal statements to show that the Roman Catholic Church has not altered its official positions. In light of this continuing gap, he writes, efforts by some in the evangelical camp to find common ground with Rome on matters at the heart of the gospel are nothing short of untrue to biblical teaching. In Sproul’s estimation, the Reformation remains relevant. Are We Together? is a clarion call to evangelicals to stand firm for the gospel, the precious good news of salvation as it is set forth in Scripture alone. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 306Ministerial FellowshipOn this episode, Rev. David Brack speaks about ministerial fellowship and a ministry of discipleship in the local church. Rev. Brack is pastor of Christ Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Amarillo, TX. By God’s grace, David has had many years of fruitful service in Amarillo. Through the faithful service of many people, Christ Covenant has become a center of ministerial fellowship and discipleship. Listen to Rev. Brack discuss this special ministry and recount portions of its history. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Brack, Jonathan Brack
- 307Kingdom through CovenantJonathan Brack reviews Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum. Jonathan has also written a review of the book for Reformation21.org. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Brack
- 308The Life and Ministry of B.B. WarfieldIn this episode, Jim Cassidy and Mark Winder catch up with John Muether to talk about his forthcoming book on the life of B.B. Warfield, the great old Princeton theologian. We cover various topics including the lion of Princeton’s take on evolution, his care for his wife, his doctrine of Scripture, and his position on the Confession of 1902. We wrap up with drawing practical lessons from his life we can apply today. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, John Muether, Mark A. Winder
- 309Proclaiming ChristMark Winder and Adam York introduce Proclaiming Christ, a newly reformatted program on preaching, exegesis, and biblical theology. Rev. Winder is pastor of Wolf River Presbyterian Church in Collierville, Tennessee and Rev. York is pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church in Kingwood, Texas. Through this program, we seek to benefit the church by offering rich discussions directly about biblical texts. Join us as we speak about this exciting new program. Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder
- 310The Trinitarian Controversy in Early Modern EnglandDr. Paul Lim, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, and Affiliate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, speaks about his book Mystery Unveiled: The Crisis of the Trinity in Early Modern England. The book is published by Oxford University Press and features two related issues. In a historically sensitive way, Dr. Lim deals with the role of mystery in dealing with the nature of who God is (ie, Trinitarian) and the nature of the doctrine of sola Scriptura. The historical context is the 1500s-late 1600s in England and Lim concentrates on the rise of Socianism and the debates between anti-trinitarians (Paul Best and John Biddle) and trinitarians (Francis Cheynell and John Owen). Related to this discussion is concern for church councils and the powers of bishops and the influence of Platonic philosophy. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Paul Lim
- 311Highlights from 2012We begin the New Year with a look at some of our best clips from 2012. Listen to the full episodes of the clips we’ve chosen to include by using the following links: Ep. 215, Andrew Hoffecker Ep. 217, Michael Kruger Ep. 223, Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Ep. 228, Danny Hyde Ep. 233, David Garner Ep. 240, K. Scott Oliphint Ep. 248, Carl Trueman Ep. 250, A. Craig Troxel Ep. 254, Neil Tolsma Ep. 259, John Muether Participants: A. Craig Troxel, Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Danny Hyde, David Garner, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, John Muether, K. Scott Oliphint, Michael Kruger, Neil Tolsma, Richard B. Gaffin Jr., W. Andrew Hoffecker
- 312The Westminster Theological Journal, Fall 2012In this episode Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy discuss the Fall 2012 issue of the Westminster Theological Journal. Of special interest is the article by Jim Scott on Machen and Edwin Rian’s book, The Presbyterian Conflict. Nathan Shannon’s piece on Van Til’s understanding of evidences in the apologetic task and Vern Poythress’ review of Kevin Vanhoozer’s book Remythologizing Theology are also highlighted. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
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