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Reformed Forum

Reformed 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.

Older episodes

601Trinity, Processions, and Missions: Gaining Clarity in the Current DebateFor the last couple of weeks, many people have been discussing the doctrine of the Trinity, especially as various theologians have linked a doctrine of complementarianism to the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son. This relationship has been characterized by some as an eternal relationship of authority and submission or by others as an eternal subordination of the Son. In this episode, we address the current controversy by looking at the eternal relationship among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three persons are one God, equal in power and glory. Their essential relationship entails no relationship of authority, subordination, or submission. They are related by an irreversible taxis: the Father is unbegotten, the Son is begotten of the Father, and the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Theologians often call this the immanent or ontological Trinity. Yet, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit freely will to create, and eventually to redeem a people unto himself. This free, yet still eternal agreement, to redeem is known as the pactum salutis or Covenant of Redemption. This is an economic relationship that involves willful submission. The persons of the Godhead espouse different roles for the accomplishment of redemption. Theologians often call this the economic Trinity. How does divine ontology relate to the economy? Listen to this important discussion as we establish important doctrinal categories en route to a genuine advancement of the conversation. After listening to this discussion, please consider two previous episodes of Christ the Center that deal with similar issues: Christ the Center episode 245, Eternal Generation of the Son Christ the Center episode 295, The Aseity of the Son Catch up on the entire discussion by consulting Adam Parker’s omnibus post. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton1 hr 2 min
602Dispensationalism – Part 8In episode 32, your hosts Rob and Bob, continue their discussion about Dispensationalism. In picking up our discussion of Dispensational Theology once again, we discuss “The Dispensation of Grace” a.k.a. The Church Age. Specifically, the subject of Replacement Theology. What is Replacement Theology? Why is the Dispensation of Grace also known as the Church Age? How does the church relate to Israel of old? Why do Dispensationalists fear Covenantal & Reformed Theology? Why do Dispensationalists think that Covenant & Reformed folk are anti-semitic? We’ll discuss these and other related questions in this episode of Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo49 min
603Charles Hodge and the Spirituality of the ChurchDr. Alan Strange is professor of church history and apologetics at Mid-America Reformed Seminary and associate pastor of New Covenant Community Church in Joliet, Illinois. Dr. Strange sits with us to speak about the great American Presbyterian, Charles Hodge, and his contribution to the Doctrine of the Church. Hodge was a proponent of the doctrine known as the Spirituality of the Church. While many Reformed theologians are familiar with the name of the doctrine, its permutations are many. Dr. Strange details the history of the doctrine through several controversies of which Charles Hodge was involved. By understanding this history, we learn many important practical lessons for the Church today. Participants: Alan Strange, Camden Bucey1 hr 3 min
604The Life and Ministry of J. C. RyleToday we welcome Iain H. Murray to the program to discuss his new biography, J. C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone. In 1957, Rev. Murray co-founded the Banner of Truth Trust. Ryle (1816–1900) was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool. He was an ardent defender of Evangelicalism in the face of opposition on several fronts, including the growing Anglo-Catholic movement within his own ecclesiastical context. J. C. Ryle had a gift for clear communication to the working class, and his legacy of exhortation and evangelism continues to speak volumes today. Participants: Camden Bucey, Iain Murray, Jeff Waddington44 min
605A New Perspective on ArminiusDr. Keith Stanglin joins us to speak about the theology of Jacobus Arminius. Arminius was a Dutch theologian who served as a professor of theology at the University of Leiden. Many Calvinists will be familiar with his name as well as some version of his theological views. But are those views accurate? Today we discuss Arminius’s actual views as opposed to those of Arminians and semi-Pelagians or merely the caricatures that have been leveled against him through the generations. Many listeners will gain a new perspective on Arminius. Dr. Stanglin is associate professor at Austin Graduate School of Theology and has written extensively on the subject. Books and Articles by Keith Stanglin Published Books: The Reformation to the Modern Church: A Reader in Christian Theology Reconsidering Arminius: Beyond the Reformed and Wesleyan Divide Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace The Missing Public Disputations of Jacob Arminius Arminius, Arminianism, and Europe Arminius on the Assurance of Salvation: The Context, Roots, and Shape of the Leiden Debate Scholarly Articles: “Methodological Musings on Historiography (A Rejoinder),” Church History and Religious Culture 92 (2012): 121–9. “The New Perspective on Arminius: Notes on a Historiographical Shift,” Reformation & Renaissance Review 11/3 (2009): 295–310. “S. M. Baugh and the Meaning of Foreknowledge: Another Look,” Trinity Journal 26 (2005): 19–31. Popular-Level Articles: “‘Baptism in the Sea’: An Invitation to Typological Interpretation,” Leaven 21/2 (2013): 70–4. “Knowledge: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” Salt, Leaven, and Light (April 26, 2012): 1–3. “‘Faith Comes from What is Heard’: The Reformers on the Ministry of the Word and the Holy Spirit,”Leaven 12/3 (2004): 161–6. Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy, Keith Stanglin1 hr 4 min
606Vos Group #28 — The DecalogueWe continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 128–131 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider once again the function of the law and the Decalogue. Why was the law given? How does it function in the life of Israel, the redeemed typological son? God graciously gave a typological kingdom to his people, and they were commanded to obey the Lord in order to retain this kingdom. But how are we to understand this obedience? Is it a new covenant of works? Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss Israel’s relationship to the law during the Mosaic period of revelation. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton44 min
607Dispensationalism – Part 9In episode 33, your hosts Rob and Bob, continue their discussion about Dispensationalism. On this episode we discuss the very important topic of the Rapture. What is the Rapture? Why is the Rapture so very important to contemporary Dispensationalists? Is the Rapture found in the Bible? If so, why don’t Reformed and Covenantal Christians believe in the Rapture like Dispensationalists? Or do we? In this longer than typical episode (sorry about that), we’ll discuss these and other related questions in this episode of Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo1 hr 10 min
608Pilgrims in a Foreign LandThe people of God presently live in between grace and glory. We look back upon the finished work of Jesus Christ while also looking forward to his return, our resurrection, and the consummation of the New Heavens and New Earth. Speaking of the faithful, the author of the epistle to the Hebrews writes, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (Heb 11:13). While we live in the world, we do not ultimately belong in this world. We are citizens of heaven striving to enter our final rest. In this episode, we explore the biblical pilgrim motif and its application for the Christian life. Further Reading Darryl G. Hart and John R. Muether, Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism Danny E. Olinger and David K. Thompson, editors, History for a Pilgrim People: The Historical Writings of Charles G. Dennison Geerhardus Vos, The Pauline Eschatology _____, Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached in the Chapel of Princeton Theological Seminary _____, The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews _____, Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 5 Franciscus Junius, The Mosaic Polity _____, A Treatise on True Theology Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jeff Waddington49 min
609Dispensationalism – Part 10In episode 34, your hosts Rob and Bob, continue their discussion about Dispensational Theology. In this episode we discuss the topic of the Tribulation. What is the Tribulation? Why the Tribulation? What’s its purpose? What is going to happen during the Tribulation? Is it Biblical? Why is the Book of Daniel highlighted so much in this conversation? Is it really meant to interpret the Book of Revelation? That sounds backwards to Reformed ears. In yet another longer than typical episode (sorry but there’s a lot to talk about), we’ll discuss these and other related questions in this episode of Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo1 hr 5 min
610DispensationalismDispensationalism is a system of doctrine that views human history as divided into distinct eras (or dispensations). In each of these dispensations, God provides a unique test to humanity. Repeatedly, they fail these tests and receive the judgment requisite to each dispensation. We welcome Rob McKenzie and Bob Tarullo from Westminster OPC in Indian Head Park, Illinois. Rev. Tarullo serves as pastor of Westminster OPC and Mr. McKenzie serves as an elder. Together, they have produced an extended audio series on dispensationalism for their Theology Simply Profound podcast. Listen as we introduce the history and salient features of this system of doctrine. Be sure to keep listening immediately after our recording ends for a bonus episode of Theology Simply Profound on the Dispensation of Promise. Participants: Camden Bucey, Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo1 hr 19 min
611Dispensationalism – Part 11In episode 35, your hosts Rob, Bob, and Melodie, continue their discussion about Dispensational Theology. In this episode we discuss the Dispensation of the Kingdom a.k.a the Millennium. What is the Dispensation of the Kingdom? What is the millennium? What does Revelation 20 have to say about this? Broadly speaking, how does Dispensationalism understand the Book of Revelation and chapter 20 in particular? And, how would we understand these things? We’ll discuss these and other related questions in this episode of Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo52 min
612The Synod of Dort’s Deliverance on the SabbathWe speak with Daniel R. Hyde. Rev. Hyde is pastor of Oceanside URC in Oceanside, California. He has written an article examining the Synod of Dort’s doctrine of the Sabbath, titled “Regulae de Observatione Sabbathi: The Synod of Dort’s (1618–19) Deliverance on the Sabbath.” Originally written for The Puritan Reformed Journal, you can now find it on pages 173–184 of The Confessional Presbyterian Journal, Issue 12 (2016). Books by Danny Hyde Welcome to a Reformed Church (Christ the Center, 116) Why Believe in God? Jesus Loves the Little Children (Christ the Center, 228) In Defense of the Descent: A Response to Contemporary Critics Books on the Sabbath Non-Sabbatarian Position: Sunday by Willy Rordorf (Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster Press, 1968). This is a fantastic resource on the patristic doctrine and observance of the Lord’s Day. From Sabbath to Lord’s Day: A Biblical, Historical and Theological Investigation, ed. D. A. Carson (Wipf & Stock Pub, 2000). Richard Bauckham’s articles in this volume are excellent. Sabbatarian Position: The Confessional Presbyterian Journal, Issue 12 (2016) Calvin and the Sabbath by Richard Gaffin (Mentor, 1998). Gaffin’s positive defense of the Sabbath is superb. The True Doctrine of the Sabbath by Nicholas Bownde (Reformation Heritage, 2015). Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Hyde, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy1 hr 1 min
613Dispensationalism – Part 12In episode 36, your hosts Rob and Bob continue to discuss Dispensational Theology. In this episode, the Dispensation of the Kingdom. This is part 2 of our discussion of the Millennium. In Dispensationalism, what is the purpose of the Millennium? If Christ is not currently seated as a King, how does God rule today or does he? Why does the Temple have to be rebuilt? And what will actually happen in the Temple? According to Dispensationalists, will there be animal sacrifices? And, what does the prophet Ezekiel have to do with all of this? We’ll discuss these and other related questions in this episode of Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo55 min
614Genesis 9:18–29 — The Sin of Noah and the Tents of ShemIn this episode we discuss Noah and Adam, the sin of Noah, and the redemptive-historical significance of the oracles which Noah pronounces regarding his three sons. Participants: Adam York, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins, Robert Arendale52 min
615The Mosaic Covenant as a Republication of the Adamic CovenantLane Tipton speaks about the report of the Committee to Study Republication of the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The report describes the impetus of the committee’s work: The 81st General Assembly, in response to an overture from the Presbytery of the Northwest, elected a study committee “to examine and give advice as to whether and in what particular senses the concept of the Mosaic Covenant as a republication of the Adamic Covenant is consistent with the doctrinal system taught in the confessional standards of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.” The men who were elected to this committee are Messrs. Bryan D. Estelle, Benjamin W. Swinburnson (Secretary), Lane G. Tipton, A. Craig Troxel (Chairman), and Chad V. Van Dixhoorn. For an overview of the General Assembly, read D. G. Hart’s report, “2016 General Assembly: Nothing Out of the Ordinary.” Related Resources Lane Tipton, Pneumatology and Adam Lane Tipton, Pneumatology and Moses Lane Tipton, Theological Implications of Pneumatology: Q&A Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton58 min
616Dispensationalism – Part 13In episode 37, your hosts Rob and Bob bring their discussion of Dispensational Theology to a close. In this closing episode, we discuss the Dispensation of the Kingdom again. This time in order to understand what life in the dispensational kingdom would be like (beyond the sacrifices, that is). This is part 3 of our discussion of the Millennium. In Dispensationalism, what would “kingdom-life” be like? Will character of the dispensational kingdom be one of “almost” perfect peace so that it could be said that the lion and lamb really lie down together? If so, why does mankind end up failing the dispensational tests by the end of the 1000 years. And how does Satan’s release from the 1000 year bondage fit into all of this? Besides all this, what’s up with Jesus’ parables. Are they for Christians today or just for those in the kingdom of heaven? We’ll discuss these and other related questions in this episode of Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo47 min
617A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New TestamentDr. Michael J. Kruger speaks with us about A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament. This volume introduces each New Testament book in the context of the whole canon of Scripture, helping a wide range of readers with a rich, redemptive-historical guide to each book. Dr. Kruger is President and Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his M.Div. from Westminster Seminary California, and his Ph.D. from New College, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He is the author of three books on the issue of canon, Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books (Crossway, 2012), The Early Text of the New Testament (Oxford, 2012; edited with Charles Hill), and The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate. In addition to his faculty duties, he currently serves part-time as the Pastor of Teaching at Uptown Christ Covenant Church in downtown Charlotte. Dr. Kruger has spoken on Christ the Center episodes 217 and 283, and his wife, Melissa Kruger, has spoken on episodes 276, 297, and 301. Links Romans Bible study video series Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Michael Kruger46 min
618The Olivet DiscourseEpisode 38 deals with Jesus’ teachings to his disciples in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 commonly called the Olivet Discourse. Your hosts, Rob and Bob, following up on their series considering Dispensationalism and jump right into a familiar, but often times misunderstood portion of God’s word. Why is this passage so important to Dispensationalists? Why is their approach to it inadequate? What is Jesus talking about? Why is the Temple so central to Jesus teaching here? And why would the disciples be concerned about the Temple? Why would the destruction of the Temple be so devastating to the disciples? When would these things take place and how does this affect Christians today? How do Reformed folk understand this passage as a whole? We will discuss these and other questions today on Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. Thank you, Pamela York, for the use of your beautiful jazzy rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” We encourage our listeners to check out her website and consider purchasing some of her music. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo42 min
619Genesis 10 — The Table of NationsIn this episode we discuss the canonical, biblical theological, and historical significance of the genealogy of Genesis 10. We also discuss the challenges and problems of how to preach genealogical passages. Participants: Adam York, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins, Robert Arendale45 min
620Walking with Jesus through His WordWe welcome Dr. Dennis E. Johnson to speak about Christ as the substance and goal of all of Scripture. Dr. Johnson serves as Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California and Associate Pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Escondido. In this conversation, he leads us through his book Walking with Jesus through His Word: Discovering Christ in All the Scriptures (P&R, 2015), which shares Christ’s own lesson that he is the key to interpreting the Old as well as the New Testament. Other books by Dennis Johnson Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures Philippians (Reformed Expository Commentary) Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption Participants: Camden Bucey, Dennis Johnson1 hr 1 min
621Righteous LotIn Episode 39 we discuss Righteous Lot, the nephew of Abraham. Your hosts, Rob and Bob, consider another portion of Genesis. This one dealing with the biblical character of Lot. Is Lot meant to be used as an example of how not to live your life He lived in the wrong place, he didn’t raise his children right, and his wife leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. But, listening ears want to know, was Lot really such a bad guy? How many people today live like Lot? Can Lot in some way be used as an example to inspire us? We will discuss these and other questions today on Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace. Music credit: pamelayork.com. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo46 min
622Vos Group #29 — The Prologue and First Commandment of the DecalogueWe continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 131–135 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider the world-wide application of the Decalogue, its prologue, and the first commandment. God has a special relationship with his covenant people. The prologue of to the Decalogue underscores this fact. God’s word delivered to Moses on Mt. Sinai is not an abstract list of technical laws. It is a word given to the recipients of God’s covenantal love to remind them of their communion bond and to move them toward greater fidelity. While the Decalogue was given specifically to Israel, it applies to the entire world. Listen as we unpack these rich themes and be sure to interact in the comments section. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton42 min
623When Did Christianity Begin?In Episode 40 we discuss whether or not Christianity had a beginning. Your hosts, Rob and Bob, discuss Christianity and the those who think it had a beginning, had a start, and that Jesus did not exist. How will we handle certain questions about where Christianity came from and how we know this? We also consider a variety of different biblical figures within the context of wondering how these ancient people knew about God and to what extent they knew God. Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Abraham, and what about Job and his friends? How did they know God so well and yet miss the point so much? We will discuss these and other questions today on Theology Simply Profound. Theology Simply Profound is a podcast of Westminster Presbyterian Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving the western suburbs of Chicago, where God powerfully speaks through his means of grace Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo55 min
624Genesis 11 — City of Man, City of GodIn this episode we discuss the gathering in Genesis 11 to build a city and tower for the name of man. This chapter provides many themes that will be explored throughout the rest of Scripture as the historical enmity develops between the city of man and the city of God. Participants: Adam York, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins, Robert Arendale52 min

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