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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
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- 1369Van Til Group #10 — Man’s Knowledge of the WorldCarlton Wynne, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey turn to pp. 58–63 of Cornelius Van Til’s The Defense of the Faith to discuss the Christian theory of knowledge. In this section, Van Til speaks of man’s knowledge of the world. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 08:29 Review Up to This Point 12:59 Man’s Knowledge of God and of His Environment 19:29 Human Knowledge Is Entirely Dependent upon God 22:29 Theology Proper and the Image of God 33:27 Types of Knowledge of God 41:29 Human Knowledge Can Be True though Never Comprehensive 43:39 Realism and Anti-Realism 52:39 The Mysterious Depth Dimension to All Human Knowledge 56:09 The Full Bucket 58:52 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton
- 1370Paul the Disciple in ActsAdam York speaks about discipleship in the book of Acts. As the church “beholds” the resurrected–ascended Christ by the proclamation of the apostolic word, it is empowered to bear witness to Christ even unto death, placing the world on trial while the church itself is tried by this world. Rev. York is pastor of Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 09:21 Discipleship in Acts 25:04 Stephen as Model Disciple 32:22 Paul as Model Disciple 39:45 Did Luke Get the Ending of Acts Wrong? 50:48 Conclusion Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey
- 1371[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] IntroductionThis is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support.
- 1372Assurance of FaithThis week Rob and Bob take a moment to discuss some basic issues and concerns of the doctrine of assurance of faith. Participants: Rob McKenzie
- 1373Presbyterians, Assemblies, and SemicolonsBrad Isbell joins Jim Cassidy, Ryan Noha, and Camden Bucey to preview the PCA General Assembly and its 50th Anniversary Celebration. After speaking about ecumenical relations and several overtures, the group gets into a “riveting” discussion regarding a semicolon in Westminster Confession of Faith 31.4. Mr. Isbell is a ruling elder at Covenant PCA in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Along with @Wresbyterian, he hosts Presbycast. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:08:53 Reformed Forum 2023 Conference 00:09:52 PCA General Assembly 00:13:12 Ecumenical Relationships 00:18:10 More in the PCA 00:27:31 Overtures and Humble Petitions to the Civil Magistrate 00:43:05 Westminster Confession of Faith 31.4 00:51:52 Analyzing the Semicolon in WCF 31.4 00:58:36 Events at the PCA General Assembly 01:02:21 Conclusion Participants: Brad Isbell, Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Ryan Noha
- 1374[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 1This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of _God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ_ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate](https://reformedforum.org/donate) to provide your support.
- 1375Summary of Christian Doctrine: The States of Christ, Part 1This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15, “The States of Christ,” is where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. This episode we discuss Christ’s state of humiliation. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1376Matthew 4:1-11 — The Testing and Temptation of the Son of God — Part OneThis episode looks at the testing of Jesus that comes on the heels of his baptism. At his baptism, the Father declares “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Satan comes to test that claim. But God has his own purposes as Jesus is led into the wilderness to demonstrate that he is indeed who the father declared him to be. Participants: Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder
- 1377Van Til Group #11 — Sin and Its CurseCarlton Wynne, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey turn to pp. 63–67 of Cornelius Van Til’s The Defense of the Faith to discuss the Christian theory of knowledge. In this section, Van Til speaks of the effects of sin and its curse upon human knowledge. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:05:07 The Effects of Sin 00:21:08 God Is Self-Sufficient and Self-Complete 00:37:24 Aspects of Non-Christian Thought 00:48:40 The Contradiction of a Developing Absolute 00:56:57 Three Types of Consciousness 00:58:49 Kuyper and Common Grace 01:03:23 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton
- 1378[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 2–3This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support.
- 1379Artificial Intelligence in Scholarship and Pastoral Ministry: An Exploration of Possibilities and PerilsJoin us as we explore the increasingly overlapping spheres of artificial intelligence (AI) and pastoral ministry. Our discussion uncovers both the promising opportunities and the intricate challenges presented by this cross-disciplinary synthesis, offering listeners a space for thoughtful reflection and critical analysis. We begin by considering the ways in which AI could influence scholarly and pastoral work, discussing its potential to revolutionize sermon preparation, theological interpretation, and pastoral responsibilities. From enhancing exegesis through computational analysis to automated pastoral care systems, the conversation paints a picture of a possible future in which technology and theology are closely entwined. However, the integration of AI into such deeply human and nuanced fields raises a multitude of ethical and philosophical concerns. Can an artificial system genuinely contribute to a process so rooted in personal insight and spirituality? Would reliance on AI for intellectual tasks promote laziness or engender a culture of plagiarism within the realm of theological scholarship? Furthermore, we ponder the risk of losing the essence of pastoral care—the human touch—in the wake of automated systems. We invite you to join a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of the role AI could play in scholarship and pastoral ministry. For those curious about the intersection of technology, faith, and ethics, this discussion offers a chance to engage with a deeply fascinating and increasingly relevant topic. Chapters 00:07 Thinking about Artificial Intelligence 01:17 Jim’s Course on John 1–10 07:17 Thinking about Artificial Intelligence 13:58 A Laymen’s Understanding of How Large Language Models Work 20:55 Ethical Issues with the Use of AI in Scholarship and Ministry 27:15 How AI Relates to Current Publishing Practices 32:11 The Use of Research Assistants in Scholarship 35:25 Situating AI amongst Other Tools 41:45 AI in Ministry 46:59 AI and Psychology 54:57 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 1380Christianity and Liberalism: ChristOn the 100th anniversary of the publication of Christianity and Liberalism, we consider J. Gresham Machen’s critique of the liberal theological perspective on Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the traditional, orthodox Christian view. Machen argues that liberal theology often misrepresents Christ as a mere teacher of righteousness and neglects his divine aspects and teachings. He counters that Christ is not merely an example, but the very object of Christian faith. He also challenges liberal theologians’ struggle to reconcile Jesus’s sinlessness with their evolutionary worldview and argues against a deistic view of God, advocating instead for theism which allows for both God’s works of creation and providence. Machen discusses the issue of miracles in relation to Christian faith, asserting that one cannot selectively believe in parts of Christ’s life, such as dismissing the virgin birth. Ultimately, Machen invites the reader to believe upon Christ as portrayed in Scripture. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 04:15 Reflecting on Machen and the Doctrine of Christ 10:47 Machen’s Writing Style 19:02 The Messianic Self-Consciousness 24:07 Modern Christologoy 32:16 Jesus Is Not a Mere Example but the Object of Faith 38:23 Miracles and the Supernatural Kingdom 44:41 Addressing Perennial Errors 48:40 Pastoral Considerations 56:34 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton
- 1381Standing against Tyranny: The Life and Legacy of Arthur PerkinsBrian DeJong speaks about his biography of Arthur Franklin Perkins, a Presbyterian minister serving in Merrill, Wisconsin in the 1920s and 1930s. For his bold stand for truth, and against error and unbelief, Perkins was persecuted and prosecuted by his own Presbytery. Leaving the PCUSA in 1936, he became a constituting member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the convener and first moderator of its Presbytery of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. After suffering a nervous breakdown, he died on December 29, 1936. This is his tragic and triumphant story about standing against tyranny in his day and age. Links Purchase the book on Amazon Watch the promotional video for the book Standing against Tyranny Conference videos Brian DeJong, “A History of Presbyterianism in Wisconsin” (Christ the Center episode 788) Chapters 00:07 Introduction 03:08 Resources on Machen 06:24 Presbyterians in Wisconsin 13:00 Introduction to Arthur Perkins 19:00 Crescent Lake Bible Camp 24:35 The Nature of Church Power 30:02 Correspondence with Machen 33:52 Community Presbyterian Church in Merrill, Wisconsin 37:16 Perkins’ Health and Eventual Death 43:09 How to Get a Copy 47:50 Conclusion Participants: Brian DeJong, Camden Bucey
- 1382[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 4This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support. Q. 4. What is God? A. God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.
- 1383Summary of Christian Doctrine: The States of Christ, Part 2This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. Chapter 15, “The States of Christ,” is where Berkhof considers Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation. In this episode, they finish their discussion of Christ’s humiliation including the credal phrase, “descended into hell,” and discuss Christ’s exaltation. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1384Reformed TheologyDr. Jonathan Master speaks about his book, Reformed Theology (P&R Publishing), which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos. Master provides a concise and accessible introduction to the historic and orthodox Christian tradition of Reformed theology. In this book, he emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the grace of salvation, while also demonstrating its biblical coherence and pastoral warmth. This resource is ideal for church leaders, study groups, and individuals who want a well-rounded overview of Reformed theology. Jonathan Master is President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary near Greenville, South Carolina. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 04:14 Update on Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary 11:57 Reformed Theology 14:48 What Does It Mean to be Reformed? 24:52 Dr. Master’s Path to Becoming Reformed 28:49 The Intended Audience of the Book 32:48 The Role of Covenant Theology 41:01 Creeds and Confessions 45:13 Reformed Theology and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit 49:54 The Reformed Motivation for Missions and Evangelism 54:03 Conclusion Links Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Theology on the Go podcast The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Carl Trueman, The Creedal Imperative Select Publications by Jonathan Master A Question of Consensus: The Doctrine of Assurance After the Westminster Confession (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015) The God We Worship, ed. (P&R Publications, 2016) On Reforming Worship, ed. with David Hall (Covenant Publications, 2018) Growing in Grace (Banner of Truth, 2020) Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master
- 1385[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 5This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support. Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one? A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
- 1386John Knox and Pastoral TheologySean Morris joins us to speak about the pastoral theology of John Knox. Known as the thunderous voice of the Scottish Reformation, Knox is a towering figure whose impact still reverberates within the walls of churches around the globe. This episode focuses on Knox’s profound commitment to conforming worship to Scripture, a principle that shaped not only the religious landscape of his own time but also the worship practices of numerous Protestant traditions today. Knox’s time in Geneva led to a transformative moment in the history of the Scottish Reformation. He didn’t just carry back Calvin’s teachings to Scotland, he translated them into a national scale, bringing about the establishment of a new Protestant and Reformed Church of Scotland. Today, Knox is known as the “Father of Presbyterianism,” a title acknowledging his impact despite the strong influences he drew from Calvin. However, this journey was not without its obstacles and disappointments, notably with the Scottish First Book of Discipline. Mr. Morris elaborates on several of Knox’s frustrations, particularly with the position of superintendents, and the eventual triumphs and compromises he had to navigate while reforming the Scottish Church. We also consider Knox’s experience with the “worship wars” in Frankfurt, and how his commitment to the regulative principle of worship evolved. At its core, this principle is an application of sola scriptura to worship, seeking only to require in worship that which is commanded in Scripture. Knox’s conviction here, despite the challenges, deeply influenced the trajectory of Presbyterianism. Mr. Morris sheds light on Knox’s pastoral theology, opening our eyes to the complexities of historical and current worship practices. Tune in as we navigate this exciting journey into the past, appreciating the influences that continue to shape the contemporary Christian landscape. Sean Morris is Associate Minister of Covenant PCA in Oak Ridge, TN andAcademic Dean of BRITE (Blue Ridge Institute for Theological Education) in Roanoke, VA. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:03:07 PCA General Assembly Highlights 00:12:57 John Knox and Presbyterianism 00:21:26 Exclusive Psalmody and Psalm Tunes 00:25:06 John Knox’s Biography and Church Context 00:32:19 Knox and Calvin 00:36:40 Toward a Regulative Principle of Worship 00:46:25 Knox and the Lord’s Supper 00:52:26 The Pastoral Work of the Session 00:59:24 Suggested Reading 01:05:21 Presbygirl Paparazzi 01:10:15 Conclusion Suggested Reading Jane Dawson, John Knox Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology Knox Film Documentary Donald MacLeod, Therefore the Truth I Speak: Scottish Theology 1500–1700 The Works of John Knox, Banner of Truth The First Book of Discipline The Second Book of Discipline Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Sean Morris
- 1387[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 6This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support. Q. 6. How many persons are there in the godhead? A. There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
- 1388Vos Group #81 — Revelation Connected with John the BaptistWe turn to pp. 311–314 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with John the Baptist. In this section, we are reminded of the importance of being methodologically self-conscious in our biblical theology. Vos provides valuable insights into John the Baptist’s mission and his place in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation. Through an exposition of Matthew 11:2-15, we explore Jesus’ correction of mistaken views and his explanation of John’s significance as “more than a prophet” as well as Vos’ biblical theology, emphasizing the redemptive event as preceding the interpretive word. Whether you’re a biblical scholar or simply interested in the history of special revelation, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of John the Baptist’s role in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:01:32 Join Our New Online Community 00:07:37 New Course Available on Van Til and Barth 00:16:10 Vos, John the Baptist, and Methodological Considerations 00:23:32 Baldensperger and the History of Religions School 00:29:04 John the Baptist in Luke 1 00:36:54 Baldensperger’s View of Luke 1–3 00:44:45 The Christian Philosophy of History 00:50:14 John the Baptist in Matthew 11:2–15 00:57:46 John and Impending Judgment 01:01:45 John Living under the Old Covenant 01:05:46 Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ 01:18:16 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
- 1389[Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism] Q/A 7This is an audio podcast of "Introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism," taught by Dr. James J. Cassidy. Videos of each lesson including Spanish and Chinese subtitles are available for free online at reformedforum.org. Dr. Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God's Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). If you're excited about this theology and want to enable people around the world to watch and listen to these free resources, please visit https://reformedforum.org/donate to provide your support. Q. 7. What are the decrees of God? A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
- 1390Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Offices of ChristThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. In chapter 16, “The Offices of Christ,” we delve into the topic of the threefold offices of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 1391Introduction and the Prologue (Chapter 1)This lesson is part of the course, The Gospel of John: A Study in the Truth (Chapters 1–10), taught by James J. Cassidy. This course is an overview of the Gospel of John. It is geared toward adults and could be used in a Sunday school class or in a Bible study. As an overview, the course will leave most details uncovered. However, its purpose is to give students key themes in John’s Gospel (e.g., truth) which will help them in their interpretation of the book as a whole. In addition, the material is intended to be edifying, showing the centrality of Christ in all of Scripture. With this course, students will—by God’s grace—be made to grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is and what he came to do. This, in turn, will equip students to share Christ more clearly and effectively with others. Jim Cassidy is the pastor of South Austin Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2014 from Westminster Theological Seminary with the Ph.D in systematic theology writing on the theology of Karl Barth. He is the author of God’s Time For Us: Barth on the Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ (Lexham Press). View the course and its accompanying materials at https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-gospel-of-john-a-study-in-the-truth-chapters-1-10/
- 1392The Character of ChristIn this episode, we speak with Jonathan Landry Cruse, author of The Character of Christ, a thought-provoking book that explores the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit. Join us as we consider the profound concepts of love, joy, and peace, and discover how Jesus embodies these virtues and offers them to us. Cruse shares insights into the true source of joy, practical strategies for cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Christ’s love. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that will inspire and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Rev. Cruse is Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Other Books by Jonathan Landry Cruse What Happens When We Worship The Christian’s True Identity Hymns of Devotion Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:02:14 Background on Jonathan Landry Cruse 00:09:35 Books and Hymns by the Author 00:12:28 The Beginnings of This Book 00:15:29 This Is Not a How-To Book but a “He-Did” Book 00:22:48 Godly Characteristics as Facets of a Diamond 00:34:25 The Role of the Affections 00:38:03 The Source of True Joy 00:43:35 Peace as Reconciliation 00:50:37 Cultivating Fruitfulness in the Christian Life 00:53:59 The Fruit of Self-Control 00:59:59 How to Approach This Book 01:03:50 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse
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