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Perspectives on Pentecost

Camden Bucey — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:54 +0000

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.

Counseling Difficult Cases

Camden Bucey — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:46 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of conversing with Dr. George Scipione, professor of pastoral theology and director of the Biblical Counseling Institute at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA about the necessity of pastoral counseling that is biblical. Specifically, discussion was had about hard cases calling for both learning and practical wisdom. Among the many issues raised was the importance of counseling and a proper ecclesiology. Clearly the conversation scratched the surface of this important issue.

Theological Prayer

Camden Bucey — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:00:56 +0000

The panel discusses the relationship of theology to prayer by focusing on Colossians. Jim, Nick, and Camden explore Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae and think about the relationship of theology to prayer. Paul’s prayers, especially in the book of Colossians, provide a wonderful example for all believers whether they pray to the Lord in public and private worship.

The Christian Lover

Camden Bucey — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:00:48 +0000

Michael Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaks about his book The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers. In the book Haykin collects letters from one or both parties in twelve significant relationships from church history including Luther, Calvin as well as lesser-known figures.

Shepherding Ministry

Camden Bucey — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:00:57 +0000

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.

The Task of the Preacher

Camden Bucey — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:04 +0000

John Currie, Lecturer in Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, discusses the challenges involved and the task of preaching. Rev. Currie is also Director of Alumni Relations and Educational Advancement at Westminster and formerly pastored Cornerstone Orthodox Presbtyerian Church in Ambler, PA. This episode retains much value for the listeners of sermons as well. The task of the preacher and the characteristics of a faithful sermon are things every believer ought to be familiar with.

episode photo provided by itspaulkelly

Caspar Olevianus and the Apostle’s Creed

Camden Bucey — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:24 +0000

R. Scott Clark visits Christ the Center again to speak about Caspar Olevianus’ An Exposition of the Apostle’s Creed. Dr. Clark is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is the author and editor of several books and is also the host of Office Hours.

Books

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Meet the Puritans

Camden Bucey — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:00:40 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Joel Beeke to discuss Meet the Puritans, which he wrote with Randall J. Pederson. This volume is a wonderful collection of short biographies as well as a guide to modern reprints of many Puritan theologians. Dr. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode.

Pastoral Ministry: Learning or Doing?

Camden Bucey — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:00:07 +0000

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.

Avatar

Camden Bucey — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:15 +0000

The Reformed Media Review crew discusses Avatar, the much anticipated movie from James Cameron. Not only a visually stunning and action-packed film, Avatar makes several important statements and invokes many interesting themes that we engage from a reformed perspective.

Listener Co-Hosts

Camden Bucey — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:30 +0000

As we continue our celebration of the new year, we speak with listeners on our first listener co-host show.

Highlights from 2009

Camden Bucey — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:00:21 +0000

Continuing the Christ the Center New Year tradition, Jeff and Camden play highlight clips from 2009.

Galatians

Camden Bucey — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:00:58 +0000

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.

Counterfeit Gods

Camden Bucey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:06 +0000

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.

The 100th Episode

Camden Bucey — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:00:53 +0000

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.

Bioethics

Camden Bucey — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:25 +0000

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.

A God-Centered Approach to Language

Camden Bucey — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:00:12 +0000

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

Christian Essentialism

Camden Bucey — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:37 +0000

K. Scott Oliphint returns to Christ the Center to discuss God’s attributes. Understanding God as He is related to creation is no doubt a complicated task. Traditionally, theologians have spoken of God’s attributes using the communicable/incommunicable distinction. While this remains a helpful distinction, Oliphint presents another distinction more closely tied to covenantal theology. Dr. Oliphint is Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Westmister Theological Seminary and is the author of Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology.

Credo-Baptism During the Reformation

Camden Bucey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:20 +0000

When approaching the question of credo-baptism during the Reformation, James Dolezal argues for viewing three distinct categories: Anabaptists, general baptists, and particular baptists. The theological differences between these groups are as great as the differences among all forms of paedo-baptism. As such, it is important to trace these three groups separately throughout the Reformation. This informative discussion chronicles this history and concludes with a friendly debate on the issue of credo-baptism from a covenantal position. For credo- and paedo-baptists alike, this discussion will be both engaging and insightful.

Bibliography

Belyea, G. “Origins of the Particular Baptists.” Themelios. 32, no. 3 (2007): 40-67.

Klaassen, Walter. Anabaptism in Outline: Selected Primary Sources. Kitchener Ont. Scottdale Pa.: Herald Press, 1981.

Renihan, James. True Confessions: Baptist Documents in the Reformed Family. Owensboro Ky.: RBAP, 2004.

White, B. The English Baptists of the Seventeenth Century. London: Baptist Historical Society, 1983.

Other Formats

Sacrifices and Festivals in the Old Testament

Camden Bucey — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:17 +0000

The old Christ the Center crew met with Dr. Ben Shaw, associate professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in one of those Carolinas, to converse about the Christological basis of the Old Testament sacrifices and festivals. It was a fascinating and enriching discussion about biblical hermeneutics and biblical theology, typology and eschatology, and the forward looking nature of Old Testament religion. Old Testament saints while saved in the same way as New Testament saints, lived with a sense of incompleteness and longing that would only be fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ.