Christ the Center revisited with Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, about the significance of Pentecost for redemptive history and the life of the church. Drawing from his book Perspectives on Pentecost and his “Acts and Paul” lecture notes, Dr. Gaffin explained the place of Pentecost as the culmination of that complex of events surrounding the person and work of Jesus Christ which includes his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. Pentecost, then, occurs as part of the accomplishment of redemption and is therefore unrepeatable although its significance and effects reverberate throughout the Christian life. This is a rich biblical theological discussion that will repay frequent rehearsals.
episode photo by knowhimonline
Books by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of talking with Dr. Tim Witmer, professor of practical theology, coordinator of the PT department, and supervisor of the mentored ministry program at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as well as pastor of Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Upper Darby, PA, about his new book, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church (P&R). The discussion revolved around the importance of formal and informal shepherding in the church by pastors and elders (and assisted by deacons) so that all members of a congregation are cared for. The book and the related courses at WTS stem from Dr. Witmer’s doctoral work at Reformed Theological Seminary and his extensive church planting and revitalization experience. This program demonstrates that sound doctrine produces sound practice.
Is pastoral ministry about the pastor studying and learning in order to better teach his congregation or is the ministry primarily about doing, that is, caring for the sheep in very practical, tangible ways? Christ the Center tackles what we see as a false dichotomy as the panel talks about how the pastor’s study affects the practical aspects of ministry.
Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey discuss several new and forthcoming books and interact with Brit Hume’s recent comments. Recently on FoxNews, Hume offered Tiger Woods advice in the form of the redemption and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.
Continuing the Christ the Center New Year tradition, Jeff and Camden play highlight clips from 2009.
Christ the Center was pleased to speak with David B. McWilliams about his commentary on Galatians. Pastor McWilliams has been the Senior Pastor at Covenant for most of the last 20 years. David’s passions are Christ centered preaching, applying theology to the life of the church, and shepherding people. Join us for a great discussion on Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
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Christ the Center recently interviewed Rev. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer PCA in Manhattan, about his most recent book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters. The panel discussed the nature of sin as idolatry and how such things as money, sex, and power, vie for God’s rightful place in the human heart. Pastor Keller provided powerful insights into the nature of idolatry and how the human heart really is deceitful. This was a very fruitful discussion.
While celebrating the 100th episode, Jeff, Jim, Camden and friends engage in an open forum. The conversation begins with a discussion of Westminster Theological Seminary and admissions, then quickly charts a course to “punchy” territory. Listen to the participants debate the issues of what it means to be “Reformed” and the eschatology of credo-baptism.
The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of conversing with Dr. David VanDrunen, the Robert B. Strimple professor of systematic theology and ethics at Westminster Seminary in California, about his new book published by Crossway entitled Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions. The panel talked about the rise in the importance of bioethics with the advances in contemporary medical technology and procedures. Dr. VanDrunen stressed the necessity of Scripture and godly wisdom (as seen, for instance, in Proverbs) in dealing with these matters. The challenges of “beginning of life” (abortion, in-vitro fertilization) and “end of life” (euthanasia, physician assisted suicide) issues were discussed at length. Especially helpful was the brief discussion about the difference between actively seeking to end someone’s life and withholding heroic measures, with particular attention paid to the question of withholding nutrition. This is a thoughtful and very practical episode. Read the rest of this entry »
Dr. Vern Sheridan Poythress returns to Christ the Center to discuss his latest book In the Beginning was the Word: Language: A God-Centered Approach to Language published by Crossway. The panel discusses Dr. Poythress’s multi-perspectival approach to Biblical studies and theology and specifically the trinitarian basis for language and the meaning of language. Contrary to evolutionary theory, language is not merely a humanly constructed reality but is a gift from God. The panel also considers the unique problems about how modernism and postmodernism view language
