Reformed Forum » Podcasts

The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament

Camden Bucey — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:30 +0000

Scholars disagree on the relationship between portions of the Old Testament and similar ancient Near Eastern accounts. Many believe Moses simply plagiarized material from existing literature. In this episode, we welcome Dr. John Currid to speak about his book Against the Gods: The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament. In this book, Dr. Currid questions the higher critical trend by highlighting the highly polemical nature of Moses’ writings. From the Genesis creation account to the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, Currid shows how the biblical author’s continually emphasized the futility of paganism in contrast with the unparalleled worldview of the Hebrews.

Dr. Currid is the Carl MacMurray Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. Prior to coming to RTS, he served as Associate Professor of Religion at Grove City College, as Byington Hebrew Teaching Fellow at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and as a member of the faculty at Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Currid serves as Project Director of Bethsaida Excavations Project in Israel (1995-present). He lectures and preaches in many countries including Russia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil.

Genesis 2:4-7 — Creation Expanded

Adam York — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:41:30 +0000

In this episode of Proclaiming Christ we address the issue of whether there are two different creation accounts: one in chapter 1 and another in chapter 2. We discuss the covenant name of God which is introduced in chapter 2. We also reflect on the repeated use of the phrase “these are the generations of” which first appears in chapter 2 and provides a way of dividing the rest of the book. We also consider the description of the creation of man in chapter 2.

Jonathan Edwards on Adam Before the Fall

Camden Bucey — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:54 +0000

The Christ the Center panel gather for an informal discussion about Jonathan Edwards and his treatment of the question of how Adam, who was created in righteousness and holiness and knowledge could ever fall into sin. Historically this has been a problematic issue and proves to be a challenge even to Edwards. Jeff Waddington has written a dissertation on Edwards’ anthropology as it pertains to apologetics, and one of the chapters deals specifically with this matter. Listen as we discuss this difficult issue.

Book 2, Chapter 2, Sections 14-20 – Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will

Camden Bucey — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:18 +0000

Sections 14-20

14. The power of the intellect, secondly, with regard to the arts. Particular gifts in this respect conferred on individuals, and attesting the grace of God.

15. The rise of this knowledge of things terrestrial, first, that we may see how human nature, notwithstanding of its fall, is still adorned by God with excellent endowments.

16. Use of this knowledge continued. Secondly, that we may see that these endowments bestowed on individuals are intended for the common benefit of mankind. They are sometimes conferred even on the wicked.

17. Some portion of human nature still left. This, whatever be the amount of it, should be ascribed entirely to the divine indulgence. Reason of this. Examples.

18. Second part of the discussion, namely, that which relates to the power of the human intellect in regard to things celestial. These reducible to three heads, namely, divine knowledge, adoption, and will. The blindness of man in regard to these proved and thus tested by a simile.

19. Proved, moreover, by passages of Scripture, showing, 1. That the sons of Adam are endued with some light, but not enough to enable them to comprehend God. Reasons.

20. Adoption not from nature, but from our heavenly Father, being sealed in the elect by the Spirit of regeneration. Obvious from many passages of Scripture, that, previous to regeneration, the human intellect is altogether unable to comprehend the things relating to regeneration. This fully proved. First argument. Second argument. Third argument.

Approaches to Christology

Camden Bucey — Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:39 +0000

Christology is at the heart of the gospel for it is the study of the God-man, the savior of sinners. In this episode, Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey speak about several fundamental doctrines of Christology and uncover a number of different approaches to its questions. As they describe formulations of theologians such as Karl Barth and Karl Rahner, Jim and Camden expose how alterations to the basic doctrines of Christology have drastic implications for soteriology.

Book News and Notes

Camden Bucey — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:45 +0000

Camden Bucey and David Owen Filson speak about several new books, and journal, and one interesting out-of-print title.

Genesis 1:28-2:3 — The Creation Mandate and Sabbath Rest

Adam York — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:40:38 +0000

In this episode of Proclaiming Christ we discuss the creation mandate given to Adam and the promise of Sabbath rest. We invite your comments and questions.

Aspects of Presbyterian Government

Camden Bucey — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:22 +0000

For this in-house episode, we speak about different aspects of presbyterian government. While church polity may seem like a tedious and perhaps arbitrary task, Scripture lays out a structure for how Christ chooses to rule his church in the present age. Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, and Jeff Waddington speak about offices in the church and key features of presbyterianism such as plurality, parity, and connectedness in light of several key biblical texts.

A Review of The Theology of Augustine by Matthew Levering

Camden Bucey — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:31 +0000

David Filson reviews Matthew Levering’s recent book, The Theology of Augustine: An Introductory Guide to His Most Important Works. For thoughtful students of Church History and Historical Theology, who may find the sheer bulk of Augustine’s corpus daunting, and don’t know quite where to begin, this accessible, substantive, and crisply written volume offers a historically contextual and theologically analytical guided tour of seven of St. Augustine’s key treatises (On Christian Doctrine, Answer to Faustus, a Manichean, Homilies on the First Epistle of John, On the Predestination of the Saints, Confessions, City of God, and On the Trinity). Throughout, Levering reveals things, such as the nature of Augustine’s Trinitarian theology, hermeneutic of continuity between the OT and NT, and a properly ordered and graciously expressed Christian love.

Genesis 1:14-28 – The Next Three Creation Days

Adam York — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:41:31 +0000

In this episode of Proclaiming Christ we discuss days 4-6 of the creation account in Genesis 1. We continue the discussion of light and darkness in creation as it pertains to the fourth day, the kingdom of God in creation, and the creation of humanity in the image of God.

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an

Camden Bucey — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:36 +0000

Today we welcome Dr. James R. White to the program to speak about his book What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an. In the book, Dr. White presents Islamic beliefs about Christ, salvation, the Trinity, the afterlife, and other important topics. White shows how the sacred text of Islam differs from the teachings of the Bible in order to help Christians engage in open, honest discussions with Muslims.

Dr. White is the Director of Alpha & Omega Ministries and is an active apologist and debater. He is the author of several books, including The Forgotten Trinity and The Potter’s Freedom.

The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World

Camden Bucey — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:48 +0000

Today we welcome Melissa Kruger to the program to speak about her book The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World published by Christian Focus. Melissa is on staff in women’s ministry at Uptown Church (PCA) in Charlotte, NC, a mom to three kids and the wife of Dr. Michael Kruger, President and Professor of NT at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte.

A Review of The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault

Camden Bucey — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:08 +0000

Jonathan Brack reviews The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault and published by Solid Ground Christian Books. This is a helpful treatment of historic Reformed credo-baptist arguments.

Genesis 1:1-13 – The First Three Creation Days

Adam York — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:25:14 +0000

In this episode we discuss verses 3-13 of Genesis 1: the first three creation days. We discuss the covenantal character of creation, the theological dimensions of these days, God’s dominion and interpretive prerogative in naming and ordering the days. We also look at the significance of those things which are the focus of each day: light, the separation of the waters above and below, the separation of the seas and try land, the creation of vegetation, and many other things. We welcome your questions and feedback in the comments.

Bavinck on Marriage and the Family

Camden Bucey — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:28 +0000

Nelson Kloosterman speaks about Herman Bavinck’s theology of marriage and the family. Kloosterman recently translated Bavinck’s book The Christian Family. Though he wrote in early 20th century Netherlands, Bavinck’s book is relevant for the present day. In distinction from so many contemporary works, Bavinck establishes a theology of marriage and the family that can be applied to the manifold challenges facing families in the present day.

Dr. Kloosterman is Executive Director of Worldview Resources, International and works as a translator of important theological works. Listen as he unfolds Bavinck’s doctrine of sin and redemptive-historical focus as they pertain to God’s design for the family and society as a whole.

The Persecution of the Early Church

Charles Williams — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:00:42 +0000

In the fourth episode of Faith of our Fathers, Jonathan Brack and Charles Williams provide an overview of the shape, extent, and intensity of the Roman Empire's persecution of the … Read more→

A Review of Popologetics by Ted Turnau

Camden Bucey — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:20 +0000

Jonathan Brack reviews Popologetics: Popular Culture in Christian Perspective by Ted Turnau, a book on apologetics in the midst of pop culture.

The Plan of Salvation

Camden Bucey — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:59 +0000

Rev. Dr. Lane Tipton walks us through the soteriological taxonomy offered by B.B. Warfield in his book The Plan of Salvation. In the book, Warfield asks a series of questions designed to distinguish biblically-consistent Christianity from other accounts of salvation. Who saves? How? And on what basis? As Dr. Tipton rehearses and adds to Warfield’s argument, we come to see how Calvinism is distinguished from paganism, Catholicism, Lutheranism, and all forms of Arminianism.

Dr. Tipton is Associate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

The Early Church and Judaism

Jonathan Brack — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:29 +0000

In the third episode of Faith of our Fathers, Jonathan Brack and Charles Williams explore the growing tensions and eventual separation between Judaism and Christianity in the first century—explaining how Christianity came to be seen no longer as simply another sect of Judaism, and how this separation led Christians to fall into the crosshairs of the Roman Empire.

A Review of Bound Together by Chris Brauns

Camden Bucey — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:27 +0000

Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy review Chris Brauns’ book Bound Together: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices published by Zondervan. This book is a welcome and accessible introduction to the biblical conception of corporate solidarity. Brauns introduces the “principle of the rope” to explain how humans are connected with one another, a fundamental concept at the heart of both the doctrine of sin and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:1-2 – The Doctrine of God in Creation

Adam York — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:52 +0000

In this episode we discuss the first two verses of Genesis 1. The episode focuses on the centrality of God in creation. We begin by discussing some interpretive assumptions involved in reading this passage. We also consider: the distinctiveness of the God of the Bible over against the pagan myths, God’s sovereignty and freedom in creation, creation ex nihilo, the creation of the invisible heavens and the visible earth, the initial formlessness of creation, and the work of God’s Spirit, and many other things.

Francis Schaeffer’s Christian Spirituality

Reformed Forum — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:37 +0000

We welcome William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, to the program to reflect upon Francis Schaeffer’s life and thought. Dr. Edgar focuses on Schaeffer’s Christian spirituality in Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality, a unique and welcome addition to the literature on Schaeffer. Having spent time with Schaeffer at L’Abri in Switzerland and having been deeply influenced by Schaeffer’s ministry, Dr. Edgar’s book brings a warm tone to a rich and insightful treatment of the Christian life.

A Review of Schaeffer on the Christian Life by William Edgar

Camden Bucey — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:30 +0000

Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy speak about William Edgar’s book Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality published by Crossway. William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, draws from his extensive personal experience with Francis Schaeffer to offer a portrait of the theoretical and practical sides of Schaeffer’s approach to the Christian life.

Introducing Genesis

Adam York — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:11 +0000

In today’s episode, the Proclaiming Christ panel considers an introduction to the book of Genesis. Among the topics discussed are: the absolute, supernatural work of God in Creation, the way in which creation looks forward toward ultimate, eschatological glory of God, and the way in which the Genesis account challenges various forms of unbelief. We also consider resources for the study of Genesis. We welcome you to listen along as we discuss matters foundational to the study and preaching of this wonderful book.

Regeneration in John 3

Camden Bucey — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:16:09 +0000

On the heels of our previous discussion with Rev. Dr. Scott Wright, the panel discusses the doctrine of regeneration by looking to Jesus’ teaching in John 3. Adam York, Deryck Barson, and Camden Bucey look at features of regeneration pertaining to both the accomplishment and the application of redemption. Through the lenses of God’s typological son, the nation of Israel, and the eschatological son, Jesus Christ, the panel situates God’s regenerating work within his overall plan of salvation.

An Approach to Church History

Jonathan Brack — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:34 +0000

In the second episode, Jonathan Brack and Charles Williams discuss how to begin studying church history, and provide a bird’s-eye view of the first six centuries of Christianity.

Logic: A God-Centered Approach

Jared Oliphint — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:00:52 +0000

Dr. Vern Poythress speaks about his new book, Logic: A God-Centered Approach to the Foundation of Western Thought. Discussion centers around the relationship between God and logic, the relationship between logical form and its content, and a Christian approach to modal concepts like possibility and necessity. Dr. Poythress is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

You can find a free sample from his book, Logic, here. Other eBooks by Dr. Poythress are available at frame-poythress.org.

Family-Integrated Churches

Camden Bucey — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:46 +0000

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Sam Waldron to speak about the family-integrated church movement, which seeks to recover a biblical understanding of the family, especially in its relationship to the local church. You can read more about the movement from The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches. Dr. Waldron explains several features of the movement, critically examining several strengths and shortcomings in light of Scripture. He has written on the subject before.

Dr. Waldron is Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur’s Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response.

Book 2, Chapter 2, Sections 9-13 – Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will

Camden Bucey — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:00:34 +0000

Sections

9. The language of the ancient writers on the subject of Free Will is, with the exception of that of Augustine, almost unintelligible. Still they set little or no value on human virtue, and ascribe the praise of all goodness to the Holy Spirit.

10. The last part of the chapter, containing a simple statement of the true doctrine. The fundamental principle is, that man first begins to profit in the knowledge of himself when he becomes sensible of his ruined condition. This confirmed, 1. by passages of Scripture.

11. Confirmed, 2. by the testimony of ancient theologians.

12. The foundation being laid, to show how far the power both of the intellect and will now extends, it is maintained in general, and in conformity with the views of Augustine and the Schoolmen, that the natural endowments of man are corrupted, and the supernatural almost entirely lost. A separate consideration of the powers of the Intellect and the Will. Some general considerations, 1. The intellect possesses some powers of perception. Still it labours under a twofold defect.

13. Man’s intelligence extends both to things terrestrial and celestial. The power of the intellect in regard to the knowledge of things terrestrial. First, with regard to matters of civil polity.

14. The power of the intellect, secondly, with regard to the arts. Particular gifts in this respect conferred on individuals, and attesting the grace of God.

Sermon Delivery

Adam York — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:00:59 +0000

In this episode of Proclaiming Christ the panel considers sermon delivery. We discuss things like: whether to use a manuscript or not, sermon application, resources, and things not to do while preaching. Please join us by listening along. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, and comments.

Calvin’s Company of Pastors

Reformed Forum — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:03 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Scott Manetsch to the program to speak about Reformed pastoral ministry and his book Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609, which is published by Oxford University Press. Dr. Manetsch is Professor of Church History at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his scholarly expertise is in the area of late medieval and Reformation history, with particular interest in Calvin and French Protestantism, Theodore Beza, sixteenth-century Geneva, church discipline, and pastoral ministry in the Reformation era. Listen to this fascinating discussion of pastoral life in late 16th and early 17th century Geneva.

A Christian Introduction to History

Reformed Forum — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:24 +0000

In this inaugural episode of Faith of Our Fathers, Charles Williams and Jonathan Brack discuss a Christian approach to studying history. They seek to explore the basic question: What value is there in studying history, and in particular, church history?

Preparing to Preach

Adam York — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:00:38 +0000

In this week’s episode we discuss sermon preparation. As the panel considers the kind of work that must go on before a preacher is ready to preach, we discuss things like: the importance of prayer; the reading, re-reading and meditation on Scripture, the importance of the original languages. We also briefly discuss whether all preaching should be consecutive expository (lectio continua) or whether there is a place for timely, topical-textual sermons. Please join us by listening along and we invite you to share your thoughts, questions, and comments.

Johannes Oecolampadius

Reformed Forum — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:00:39 +0000

Dr. Diane Poythress joins us to speak about the important German reformer Johannes Oecolampadius. Though Oecolampadius’ influence was extraordinary, many English-speaking historians and theologians are not familiar with his life and work. Dr. Poythress introduces us to Oecolampadius and his great significance for the present day. Dr. Poythress’ dissertation, “Johannes Oecolampadius’ Exposition of Isaiah, Chapters 36-37,” is one of the only lengthy treatments of Oecolampadius in English. She has also written an excellent book on him titled, Reformer of Basel: The Life, Thought, and Influence of Johannes Oecolampadius, published by Reformation Heritage Books.

Presuppositions for Preaching

Adam York — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:00:44 +0000

On this episode of Proclaiming Christ we talk about presuppositions that underlie the sermon preparation process. In particular, we deal with presuppositions which govern the proper reading and interpretation of Scripture while preparing to preach. We welcome your feedback!

Regeneration and Redemptive-History

Reformed Forum — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:51:47 +0000

In this episode of Christ the Center, Rev. Dr. Scott R. Wright develops a redemptive-historical understanding of the doctrine of regeneration. Rev. Wright is senior pastor of Redeemer Church (PCA) in Hudson, Ohio. His dissertation, “Regeneration and Redemptive History,” is a thoroughgoing treatment of regeneration in the tradition of Geerhardus Vos. Often, regeneration is treated statically, without reference to biblical eschatology and the categories of historia and ordo salutis. This can lead to serious problems in systematic theology, such as positing essentially different modes of salvation between the testaments. Wright reorients the discussion along biblical categories and brings a fresh approach to the study of this important Reformed doctrine.

Jonathan Edwards’s Theology: A Reinterpretation

Reformed Forum — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:00:20 +0000

An interview with Kyle Strobel regarding his recently released Jonathan Edwards’s Theology: A Reinterpretation.

Kingdoms Apart: Engaging the Two Kingdoms Perspective

Reformed Forum — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:50:59 +0000

Jim Cassidy speaks about Kingdoms Apart: Engaging the Two Kingdoms Perspective, edited by Ryan C. McIlhenny. In this collection of essays, Neo-Calvinist scholars address issues on which they differ with R2K advocates, such as the nature and extent of Christ’s kingdom, the idea of Christian culture, cosmic redemption, the cultural mandate, natural law, and common grace.

The Reorganization of Princeton Seminary

Reformed Forum — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:25 +0000

The reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary was a key event in the American Presbyterian modernist-fundamentalist controversy of the early 20th century. The seminary was governed by a board of directors, who oversaw the academic aspects of the seminary, and a separate board of trustees who oversaw the remaining aspects of the organization. Seeking to resolve the growing tension between factions within the seminary, the General Assembly moved to reorganize the seminary in a fashion that was understood as shifting the majority of governing power in favor of the modernist agenda.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Darryl G. Hart back to the program to speak about this event and its significance for American Presbyterianism. Dr. Hart’s article on the subject, “The Reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary and the Exhaustion of American Presbyterianism” is published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal Vol. 8, 2012. Hart has also authored, co-authored, or edited several books on this era of church history including Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism, Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America, and The Selected Shorter Writings of J. Gresham Machen. Dr. Hart is Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Christ the Spiritual Sun

Reformed Forum — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:00:19 +0000

Jonathan Edwards preached “Christ the Spiritual Sun” in May 1739. It was based on Malachi 4:1-2. The doctrine of the sermon was “that the same spiritual Sun, whose beams are most comfortable and beneficial to believers, will burn and destroy unbelievers.” Edwards unpacked the sermon in four heads, showing that Christ was the spiritual Sun of the world; showing what might be represented by the beams of the Sun; showing how the beams of the Sun will be most pleasant and profitable to believers; and how these same beams will destroy the wicked.