The conversation also explores the modern relevance of Whitaker’s work—especially amid contemporary debates over authority, tradition, and ecumenism. Leinbach reflects on how advances in historical and textual scholarship have confirmed many of the Reformers’ arguments, while Rome’s own positions have shifted over time. Whitaker’s insistence on the perspicuity of Scripture, the singular infallibility of God’s Word, and the Spirit’s inward testimony offers not only apologetic clarity but deep pastoral comfort. This episode invites listeners to recover confidence in Scripture as God’s clear and sufficient means of revealing Christ to his people.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 01:08 William Whitaker’s A Disputation on Holy Scripture
• 07:25 Leinbach’s Transition from History to Machine Learning
• 18:10 Whitaker’s Polemical Approach
• 22:03 The Canon of Scripture
• 25:50 The Perspicuity of Scripture
• 28:29 Biblical Authority
• 32:02 The Testimony of the Holy Spirit
• 35:27 Ecumenical Dialogue Yesterday and Today
• 48:10 Future Works
• 52:25 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Josiah Leinbach

This discussion is part of Reformed Forum’s broader effort to offer conversational commentaries on formative Reformed texts—books that have formed us as pastors and theologians. Bucey and Mininger highlight why Resurrection and Redemption remains so enduringly fruitful: It teaches the church to think biblically about salvation, not as a static transaction, but as participation in the resurrected life of Christ. The result is theology that serves the pulpit, strengthens assurance, and orients the Christian life toward the hope of glory already secured in the risen Lord.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:01:56 International Cohorts and Reading Guides
• 00:10:31 Encountering Resurrection and Redemption
• 00:16:15 The Title and Purpose of the Book
• 00:26:18 The Discipline of Biblical Theology
• 00:32:56 Paul as Theologian
• 00:51:23 Redemptive-Historical Epochs
• 00:59:44 The Occasional Nature of Paul’s Writings
• 01:08:27 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Marcus Mininger

This episode invites us to look beyond caricatures of Southern Presbyterianism and see a pastor who was shaped by his Huguenot and Scottish heritage, attentive to the spiritual well-being of the marginalized, and unwavering in his conviction that the church must be governed by Scripture and formed by a robust federal theology. Girardeau’s story not only expands our understanding of American Presbyterian history—it encourages believers today to pursue ministry marked by doctrinal fidelity, Christ-centered preaching, and sacrificial love.

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Chapters

• 00:16 Introduction
• 03:28 Introducing John L. Girardeau
• 24:49 French Huguenot Background
• 31:48 Academic Abilities
• 42:29 Girardeau’s Relation to the Church After the War
• 49:44 Significant Motions and Statements
• 56:05 Opposition to Segregation at the 1874 General Assembly
• 1:00:19 Influence upon Southern Presbyterianism
• 1:05:19 The Battle over Evolution
• 1:11:21 Works by Girardeau
• 1:21:59 Conclusion

Links

• Biographical sketch on Girardeau

Participants: C. N. Willborn, Camden Bucey

The episode also celebrates significant ministry milestones: thousands of students served through Reformed Academy, international reading cohorts across six continents, new books published, and the largest theology conference in Reformed Forum’s history. Framed by the theme “Growing Together into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15–16), this highlights episode not only looks back with gratitude but looks forward with confidence—inviting listeners to partner in the ongoing work of theological education for the church worldwide.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:00:57 Looking Forward to 2026
• 00:01:38 Growing Together into Christ
• 00:04:26 Top 10 Episodes of 2025
• 00:05:05 Greg Beale | The Use of the Old Testament in Colossians (YouTube)
• 00:08:59 Van Til Group #15 — A Critique of Mathison’s Toward a Reformed Apologetics (YouTube)
• 00:19:44 Robert Letham | The Holy Spirit (YouTube)
• 00:23:57 David Saxton | Biblical Meditation: God’s Battle Plan for the Mind (YouTube)
• 00:29:04 William Dennison | Van Til and the Problem of Evil (YouTube)
• 00:34:28 Danny Olinger | Meredith G. Kline’s Biblical-Theological Reading of the Book of Revelation (YouTube)
• 00:45:06 Marcus Mininger | Redemptive-Historical Interpretation (YouTube)
• 00:51:14 Vos Group #99 — Millennial Views and Modern Theories of the Kingdom (YouTube)
• 00:59:37 Marcus Mininger | Impossible to Be Restored? Temptation and Warning in the Epistle of Hebrews (YouTube)
• 01:14:02 J. Brandon Burks | The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials (YouTube)
• 01:19:38 Conclusion

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Danny Olinger, David Saxton, Greg Beale, J. Brandon Burks, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton, Marcus Mininger, Robert Letham

More seriously, friends, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. Thank you for listening to Theology Simply Profound. We very much appreciate your ongoing support.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

The discussion turns to the weighty task of confessional subscription—its history, responsibilities, and the risks of revision. With pastoral clarity and historical attentiveness, the hosts encourage churches and teachers to handle their confessions with both gratitude and vigilance. The episode concludes with a look at the ongoing mission of Reformed Academy and the resources being developed to strengthen the church in catechesis and confessional fidelity.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Setting the Scene in Austin
• 03:14 Why Catechesis Matters Today
• 09:12 Personal Histories with the Westminster Standards
• 16:47 Man’s Chief End and the God-Centered Life
• 20:44 Covenant Theology in the Catechism
• 26:22 Guarding the Glory of God in Reformed Theology
• 31:48 Confessional Revision: History, Risks, and Responsibilities
• 57:47 Looking Ahead: Resources and the Mission of Reformed Academy

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton

The episode also unpacks how righteousness relates organically to the coming of God’s kingdom: it is concurrent with God’s reign, a gift worked by the Spirit, and graciously rewarded for Christ’s sake. Camden and Lane draw out the pastoral comfort that Christ—who possesses unlimited dominion—reigns not only from heaven but also within the hearts of His people. This kingdom reality transforms daily obedience into worship, participation in God’s redemptive purposes, and hopeful anticipation of our final inheritance in Him.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 08:49 Righteousness Is God-Centered
• 16:42 Living Before the Face of God
• 28:03 The Kingdom of God and Righteousness
• 32:45 Participating in the Kingdom
• 40:52 Righteousness and God’s Sovereign Rule
• 43:55 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Together they explore key biblical passages (Psalm 51, Psalm 38, 2 Corinthians 7, Luke 3), the Reformed confessions, unhealthy distortions of penance, and the pastoral challenge of helping people see repentance not as a terror but as a mercy. Repentance doesn’t merely involve feeling guilty—it involves embracing Christ, turning from sin, and tasting the joy that accompanies renewal. They also discuss what a repentant church culture looks like: a community marked by humility, honesty, grace, and a shared approach to the Lord’s Table as those who come on equal footing—sinners saved by a gracious Redeemer.

Harrison Perkins (PhD, Queen’s University Belfast; MDiv, Westminster Seminary California) is the pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He is the author of Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Press 2024), Catholicity and the Covenant of Works (Oxford University Press, 2020), Righteous by Design: Covenantal Merit and Adam’s Original Integrity (2024), Created for Communion with God: The Promise of Genesis 1–2 (Lexham Press, 2025), and a number of popular and academic articles. He regularly writes articles for Heidelblog and Modern Reformation.

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Chapters

• 0:00:07 Introduction
• 0:10:03 Background to the Book
• 0:16:22 Reframing Our Understanding of Repentance
• 0:20:39 The Joy of Repentance
• 0:24:35 The Reformed Confessions on Repentance
• 0:37:17 Psalms 38 and 143
• 0:43:26 Bearing Fruit in Keeping with Repentance
• 0:48:15 Distinguishing Fruits of Repentance from Acts of Penance
• 0:53:28 Illustrations of Repentance
• 1:00:41 Exodus 24, Covenant, and the Repentant Community
• 1:06:45 Hope for Readers of This Book
• 1:12:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Harrison Perkins

This series begins with two volumes—Jim Cassidy’s The Book of Job: Suffering unto Glory and Dan Ragusa’s Exploring 2 Peter: The Promise and the Path—each drawn from Reformed Academy courses. Designed for adult Sunday schools and small groups, these studies help readers encounter Christ in every book of Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that all Scripture testifies to the sufferings and glories of Christ, these studies move beyond mere grammatical-historical observation to unfold the redemptive unity of God’s Word.

Together, these books and their free companion courses mark the beginning of Reformed Forum’s long-term plan: to produce faithful, Christ-centered studies for all sixty-six books of the Bible—so that the church may mature in Christ through the Word.

The Book of Job: Suffering unto Glory (Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies)

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Cassidy, James J. New paperback.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Word & Deed
• 01:18 Introduction
• 03:59 Our Plan for Reformed Academy
• 11:42 Writing the Books
• 18:26 Themes in Job
• 25:49 Themes in 2 Peter
• 29:27 The Importance of Studying the Bible Redemptive-Historically
• 42:21 The Relevance of Redemptive-History
• 43:58 The Textual Divisions of Job
• 49:57 How to Get the Books
• 52:24 Other New and Forthcoming Books
• 57:27 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Ragusa, Jim Cassidy, Ryan Noha

Van Dixhoorn explains why the Westminster Confession should be seen as “a document with compromises, not a compromise document,” how its chapters differ in tone and theological armor, and what this teaches us about confessional fidelity today. The conversation also explores doctrinal preaching—how to preach theology without losing the text—and why confessions must unite rather than constantly be rewritten.

With warmth and clarity, Dr. Van Dixhoorn reminds us that Reformed unity is not built on uniformity, but on the shared pursuit of truth before the face of God.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Word & Deed Ministry
• 01:18 At the Reformation and Worship Conference
• 04:10 Introducing Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn and the Westminster Assembly
• 06:00 Consensus, Collaboration, and Compromise in the Assembly
• 09:30 The Process of Drafting the Westminster Standards
• 12:00 Respectful Debate and the Spirit of the Divines
• 19:30 Comparing the Westminster and Heidelberg Traditions
• 25:30 Confessional Revision, Study Committees, and Doctrinal Reports
• 33:00 Doctrinal Preaching: From Text to Theology
• 40:50 The Joy of Teaching and Ongoing Research on the Divines

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Van Dixhoorn

Tipton and Bucey trace how this Johannine vision lifts believers from the shadowy worship of the old covenant to true, eschatological worship “in spirit and in truth.” Faith beholds Christ even now, anticipating the beatific vision. In contrast to philosophical or impersonal notions of truth, Vos insists that truth is personal, Trinitarian, and heavenly—rooted in the self-revealing God. Thus, saving faith is not blind trust but an intimate, knowing participation in the life of the risen Christ, a foretaste of the age to come.

New Book by Lane Tipton: Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Van Til

We are pleased to announce the release of an important new book, Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Van Til by Lane Tipton. This is the first in a scheduled eight-part series of books on Van Til that correspond to our Fellowship in Reformed Apologetics.

Dr. Tipton has taught eight video courses that work through the entire range of Van Til’s theology and apologetics. Each of the courses is available for free through Reformed Academy and on YouTube. And now you can get the first book in the series.

If you order by November 30, 2025 and you can get the second book in the series, The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til for only $4.99!

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 01:44 New Book: Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til
• 11:11 Faith in the Gospel of John
• 16:19 Defining Truth According to the Son
• 26:49 Heaven and the Truth
• 29:44 The Typological Dimension of Truth
• 34:32 Faith as the Human Relation to Truth
• 37:35 Faith Anticipates the Glorified Christ
• 40:56 Faith, Unbelief, and Knowledge
• 44:25 Faith and Beholding the Lord
• 46:48 Scripture and the Truth
• 52:00 The Need for More Redemptive-Historical Study in John
• 57:40 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

They discuss Greenville’s pastoral training mission, the seminary’s remarkable 92% long-term ministry retention rate, and why theological integrity in vows, confessional subscription, and seminary education is essential for the health of Christ’s church. Master insists that doctrine is not a straitjacket—it’s the lifeblood of the church’s joy, sincerity, and freedom in Christ.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Conference Setting
• 02:00 Introducing Dr. Jonathan Master and Greenville Seminary
• 04:10 Doctrine Before Life: Machen’s Insight
• 08:30 Theological Integrity and Confessional Fidelity
• 12:40 Training Pastors for a Lifetime of Ministry
• 17:00 Why Christianity Is Irreducibly Doctrinal
• 21:15 Confessions as Gifts, Not Straitjackets
• 25:00 Doctrine That Shapes Life and Love
• 29:30 Seminary Education and Church Health
• 33:45 Closing Reflections on Faithful Ministry

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement
• 06:27 Origins of the Book and Rediscovery of Kline’s Revelation Paper
• 11:19 Kline’s Covenant Drama: Creation to Consummation
• 20:55 Understanding Recapitulation in Revelation
• 26:24 The Deeper Conflict: The Woman, the Dragon, and the Church
• 31:18 The Church Imperfect and Perfected in Glory
• 34:25 The Armageddon Paradigm and Covenant Mount
• 37:51 Christ and His Church-Bride: Theological and Pastoral Heart
• 48:13 The New Jerusalem and the Covenant of Grace
• 53:09 Suffering, Sanctification, and the Bride’s Purification
• 57:07 Babylon vs. the Bride: The Church’s Pilgrim Calling
• 01:01:02 Christ Reigns Now: Hope for the Pilgrim Church
• 01:04:29 Closing, Resources, and Final Reflections

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger

It’s a pleasure to participate in this panel discussion revisiting Danny Olinger’s important biography, Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian. The book provides not only a theological account of Vos’s thought but also a rich portrait of his life—his family background, scholarly development, and ecclesiastical commitments.

What I want to do is highlight one particularly suggestive episode early in Vos’s life, and propose that it raises a larger question: Was Geerhardus Vos a Neo-Calvinist? Or should we consider him something else—perhaps a theological cousin to Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck, but not one of their direct heirs?

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant revival of interest in Herman Bavinck. Since the first volume of his Reformed Dogmatics was published in English in 2003, Bavinck has increasingly been received as a major voice in Reformed theology. This renewed attention has contributed to a broader resurgence of interest in Neo-Calvinism particularly among younger scholars who find Kuyper and Bavinck’s vision of cultural engagement and common grace compelling.

But where does that leave Vos?

Certainly, Vos was deeply connected to Bavinck. Olinger’s biography gives ample attention to their friendship and overlapping theological instincts. But Vos’s story also takes a decisively different turn—especially in one moment that deserves attention.

In 1886, Abraham Kuyper extended an unusual offer to the 24-year-old Vos: a professorship at the Free University of Amsterdam. Kuyper was impressed by Vos’s academic brilliance, particularly his published rebuttal of higher critical views in The Mosaic Origin of the Pentateuchal Codes. But Kuyper also saw Vos as symbolically important. As the son of Jan Vos and nephew of Henricus Beuker—both respected figures among the Seceders—Geerhardus represented a potential bridge between Kuyper’s Doleantie movement and the older Seceder (Afscheiding) churches.

But Vos declined the offer. And the reasons are telling.

The pivotal figure here is Jan Vos, Geerhardus’s father, a deeply pious minister in the Seceder tradition. Jan was not impressed by Kuyper’s vision of “cultural Calvinism.” He worried that Kuyper’s program risked exposing the church to the same secularizing influences that had already eroded the established Dutch Reformed Church. Kuyper’s enthusiasm for engaging politics, journalism, and higher education was, for Jan, a red flag—a sign of potential spiritual vulnerability.

Moreover, Jan Vos was uneasy with the scientific and philosophical language that characterized the Free University. His theological instincts were shaped more by experiential piety than by academic confidence.

Instead of taking up the chair at the Free University, Vos accepted a call to teach at the Theological School in Grand Rapids, a modest and even sectarian context compared to Amsterdam.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what Geerhardus himself believed during this early period, it’s clear that Jan Vos was not a Neo-Calvinist. His ecclesiastical instincts emphasized confessional fidelity, spiritual separation, and doctrinal clarity. He viewed Kuyper’s cultural ambitions with deep suspicion. To the extent that Jan’s outlook shaped Geerhardus during this formative moment, Vos’s early posture appears more reserved, more church-centered, and far less invested in the transformational agenda of Neo-Calvinism.

This raises another question: To what extent was Vos, over the course of his career, invested in the pursuit of earthly cultural renewal at all? Consider his more mature biblical-theological work on the Psalms, developed in the early twentieth century—precisely when figures like Woodrow Wilson were articulating bold visions of Christian political engagement. Kuyper’s Neo-Calvinism was one version of this impulse; Wilsonian idealism was another. But Vos’s reading of the Psalter points in a very different direction.

For Vos, the Psalms articulate a fundamentally theocentric and heavenly-minded eschatology. They are the voice of a pilgrim people, longing not for cultural triumph in the present age, but for the consummation of God’s redemptive promises. His eschatology, also clearly evident in his sermon “Heavenly Mindedness” based on Hebrews 11:9–10, centers not on the transformation of earthly institutions but on the unfolding drama of special grace—on God’s redemptive acts in history, culminating in the new creation.

In that light, Vos’s biblical theology may not only stand apart from Kuyper’s Neo-Calvinism. It may function, at points, as a quiet protest against some of its core assumptions. Kuyper summoned Christians to reclaim “every square inch” of culture. Vos summoned Christians to lift their eyes to the heavenly Mt. Zion. That is a different kind of theological vision.

This also sharpens the contrast with Herman Bavinck. While Bavinck remained embedded in the Dutch context and clearly shared Kuyper’s cultural concerns—albeit in a more balanced way—Vos became increasingly defined by his American Presbyterian identity. His formation at Princeton, his deep commitment to the Westminster Standards, and his pastoral sensibilities all point to a different theological center of gravity.

And this raises one final factor: Did Vos’s American context itself shape the direction of his theology? It’s worth asking whether Vos’s distance—both geographic and ecclesiastical—from the Dutch scene allowed his theological instincts to develop along lines less bound to Neo-Calvinist assumptions. America offered a different set of challenges: a religious landscape marked by denominational pluralism, revivalism, and a strong emphasis on ecclesiastical identity and confessional clarity. In that environment, Vos’s redemptive-historical method and his emphasis on the pilgrim identity of the church may have emerged not only from his exegesis but from his context.

So, I ask again: Was Vos a Neo-Calvinist? Or does he belong to another trajectory—one shaped by different theological commitments and a different cultural situation altogether? And more provocatively: If Bavinck is undergoing a renaissance among younger Reformed thinkers today, is it time to rediscover Vos—not simply as a biblical theologian, but as a distinctively American Presbyterian theologian? What might Vos’s covenantal, redemptive-historical, and heavenly-minded theology offer to a generation eager to engage the culture but uncertain of the church’s identity within it?

From discussions of Scott Aniol’s lecture on music that accords with sound doctrine to Wynne’s reflections on doctrinal immutability, the episode reminds us that worship is not mere performance—it’s the embodied response of the redeemed to the unchanging God. The conversation concludes with reflections on confessional fidelity, the training of pastors, and the importance of cultivating a love for Reformed unity grounded in truth.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 02:47 Introduction to the Reformation and Worship Conference
• 03:58 The Conference’s Heritage, Accessibility, and Scholarship
• 05:09 The Worship at the Conference (Hymns and Psalms)
• 06:32 A Variety of Conference Sessions and Speakers
• 07:21 Discussion of Scott Aniol’s Session on Music and Worship
• 08:14 Music that Accords with Sound Doctrine (Titus 2)
• 11:39 The Importance of Tune and Singability in Hymns
• 14:46 The Pastor’s Role in Music and the Worship Service as a Cohesive Unit
• 20:13 Carlton Wynne’s Breakout: Why the Church Must Maintain Fixed Truth
• 22:31 Why Truth Must Be Maintained (Confessionalism)
• 24:06 The Connection Between Fixed Truth and Faithful Worship
• 27:01 The Fixed Self in Christ and Eternal Life
• 30:00 Counsel from Dr. Godfrey: Be Reformed Unashamedly
• 31:07 Teaching the Westminster Standards to New Members
• 33:55 Using Confessions to Filter Music for Worship
• 37:34 Organizing Theology around the Westminster Confession of Faith
• 41:00 Teaching Redemption Accomplished vs. Redemption Applied
• 43:40 The Importance of the Regulative Principle of Worship
• 47:22 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Marc Harrington

From Pentecost to Paul’s missionary journeys, from household baptisms to soaring prison epistles, this episode traces the redemptive-historical unfolding of God’s Word. Robertson explains why biblical theology is the vital “nerve system” connecting exegesis and doctrine, how Paul’s letters fall into three key phases, and why every New Testament book points us to the hope of Christ’s return.

Whether you’re a pastor, student, or simply longing to see Christ in all of Scripture, this conversation will encourage you to persevere in faith, proclaim the Gospel with confidence, and live with expectant hope of His coming.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 07:02 Describing Biblical Theology
• 10:37 The Book of Acts
• 12:25 The Inclusion of the Gentiles
• 21:02 The Historical Progression of Paul’s Letters
• 26:14 Paul’s Eschatology
• 32:51 Deep Theology and Practical Application
• 35:47 The Expectation of Christ’s Return
• 41:35 The Original Apostolic Witnesses
• 52:27 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, O. Palmer Robertson

Christ’s miracles reveal the omnipotent power of God in redemptive form—beneficent and gracious acts for the good of sinners. These miracles elicit trust not because of any magical quality in faith itself, but because they manifest the glory and compassion of the Redeemer who speaks them into being. Faith, then, is the Spirit-given response of the regenerate heart—a resting and receiving upon the miracle-working Christ who is both the author and perfecter of our faith.

In contrast to modern distortions that treat faith as self-empowerment, Vos directs us to the true object of faith—Christ alone. Faith is entirely dependent on divine omnipotence and grace. It is the instrument by which we are united to Christ and brought to maturity in him, sustained by the same omnipotent power that once stilled the storm and raised the dead.

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• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:32 Faith and the Kingdom
• 10:13 Faith Is the Corresponding Response to God’s Power
• 12:26 Miracles Are Beneficent and Elicit Trust
• 16:57 The Power of the Word
• 22:59 The Elements of Saving Faith
• 29:12 Unbelief
• 34:24 Preaching Christ without Doctrine
• 37:01 The Offense of Unbelief
• 41:36 The Vocabulary of Faith
• 50:30 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Dr. Hall shares his journey into Reformed worship, highlighting how worship flows from every doctrinal locus—Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, and beyond. The discussion encourages believers to treasure reverence, resist shallow entertainment-driven services, and see worship as the very heart of discipleship.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:49 Confessing Unchanging Truth
• 13:55 Dr. Hall’s Background
• 20:46 Dr. Wynne’s Background
• 25:41 The Regulative Principle of Worship
• 33:56 Worship Offering a Sanctifying Influence
• 42:09 Trends in Worship Practices
• 46:44 The Directory for Public Worship
• 52:25 The Influence of the Wider Culture on the Church
• 59:19 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, David W. Hall

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder

In this episode we welcome Dr. D. Blair Smith, President and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC and author of Reformed Confessionalism (P&R Publishing). We explore the theological, pastoral, and spiritual value of the Reformed confessions—not as artifacts of a bygone era, but as living instruments for the Church’s health and faithfulness.

From the Church Fathers to the Westminster Assembly, Dr. Smith draws out the continuity and vitality of confessional Christianity, highlighting how confessions serve as tools for Christian formation, doctrinal clarity, and ecclesial identity.

Topics include:

• Why every church is a “confessing church”—whether it admits it or not
• The relationship between Scripture and subordinate standards
• How confessions function pastorally and devotionally
• The dangers of doctrinal minimalism in the modern church
• How Reformed confessions express catholicity, not sectarianism
• Encouragement for pastors and churches seeking to recover confessional depth

Whether you’re a church leader, seminarian, or thoughtful layperson, this episode offers a compelling case for embracing confessionalism as a rich, living tradition that grounds the Church in biblical truth and historic continuity.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 05:21 Writing This Book
• 08:06 The Confessing Church
• 13:32 Promoting Unity
• 19:59 The Relationship between Confessions and Systematic Theologies
• 26:19 Challenges Facing Confessional Churches Today
• 31:50 For the Entire Church
• 36:02 Examples of How the Confessions Guide the Church
• 42:40 The Usefulness of Confessions for Church Planting and Revitalization
• 49:26 Conclusion

Participants: Blair Smith, Camden Bucey

Drawing from pastoral experience and theological insight, Cruse explains how the Beatitudes call Christians to a counterintuitive life: one of meekness, mourning, mercy, and spiritual hunger. Yet far from being burdensome, this vision of kingdom living flows from the grace already secured in Christ. The conversation also touches on inaugurated eschatology, Christian distinctiveness in the culture, and how the Beatitudes equip believers to live faithfully as pilgrims between two ages.

Listeners will be encouraged to see the Beatitudes not just as commands, but as Christ-centered comfort—anchoring our present obedience in a certain future hope.

Don’t forget to register for the Reformed Forum Theology Conference on September 27, 2025: reformedforum.org/conference

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Chapters

• 0:00 Word & Deed
• 2:19 Introduction
• 9:35 The Heart of the Beatitudes
• 15:08 The Present Needs and the Applicability of the Beatitudes
• 18:24 It Begins with Blessings Not Commands
• 21:52 Christ Has Lived the Beatitudes
• 26:58 The Future Orientation of the Beatitudes
• 31:32 Pursuing Holiness
• 34:32 Struggling with the Beatitudes
• 41:02 Driving in the UK
• 44:15 Being Salt and Light
• 50:04 Resources on the Sermon on the Mount
• 54:15 Upcoming Projects
• 59:11 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse

This conversation highlights Vos’s thoroughly theocentric vision—where creation, redemption, and faith all center upon the glory of God. Dr. Tipton unpacks how this framework distinguishes Reformed theology from other traditions, and how the kingdom manifests historically through the power of the Holy Spirit. The discussion further shows how Vos integrates covenant, kingdom, and eschatology, pointing us to our inheritance in Christ and the glory of God as our ultimate portion.

Whether you are a pastor, student, or thoughtful layperson, this episode will help you see more clearly how Vos unites themes of covenant and kingdom in a way that sharpens our understanding of Christ and strengthens our hope in his coming reign.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Word and Deed
• 2:19 Introduction
• 7:29 Vos on the Doctrine of the Covenant
• 20:10 Jesus’ Use of the Term “the Kingdom of God”
• 30:15 Power Is Central to the Kingdom of God
• 33:36 The Role of the Spirit in the Kingdom
• 48:36 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder

We discuss what the original audience was tempted to do, why returning to the old covenant to be right with God is impossible, and how this passage should shape pastoral ministry today. Along the way, Dr. Mininger helps listeners see how the “impossibility” language of Hebrews 6 is not a spiritual dead-end but a serious exhortation rooted in the once-for-all nature of Christ’s redemptive work.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to understand or teach Hebrews 6, this conversation offers clarity, theological depth, and pastoral wisdom.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:02:22 Impossible to Be Restored?
• 00:06:52 What Drew Dr. Mininger to this Subject
• 00:11:49 Starting in a New Field
• 00:17:28 Placing These Difficult Passages in Context
• 00:23:54 The Nature of the Temptation of the Original Audience
• 00:56:06 Relating the Warning Passages to the Application of Redemption
• 01:05:06 The Pastoral Application of These Passages
• 01:13:13 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Marcus Mininger

Bahnsen is the founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a private wealth management firm managing more than $4.5 billion in client assets. David is the author of Crisis of Responsibility: Our Cultural Addiction to Blame and How You Can Cure It, The Case for Dividend Growth: Investing in a Post-Crisis World, and There’s No Free Lunch, 250 Economic Truths.

Mark Van Drunen works in finance and is a ruling elder at Redeemer PCA in Hudson, Ohio. He serves on the Reformed Forum Board of Directors.

Together, they explore how a robustly Reformed view of vocation challenges the sacred–secular divide, recovers the dignity of labor, and reorients our understanding of productivity and flourishing. Drawing from Genesis 1, Reformed anthropology, and the legacy of Kuyper, Bahnsen argues that work is not a mere means to consumption or status, but an essential expression of our identity as image-bearers of God.

The discussion also addresses pressing contemporary questions—from the pitfalls of “work–life balance” and “follow your passion” mantras, to the theological problems with universal basic income and the cultural obsession with consumption. Listeners will be encouraged to see their daily labor as an act of worship, anticipating the greater work of the new creation secured in Christ.

This is a conversation at the intersection of theology, economics, and discipleship—aimed at helping Christians recover a biblically grounded vision for work that fosters maturity in Christ and glorifies God in every sphere of life.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Reformed Forum Conference Early Bird Rate
• 01:53 Introduction
• 08:18 Work Is Not a Curse
• 11:22 Working in Heaven?
• 17:10 The Meaning of the Title, Full-Time
• 21:57 Making Money and Gaining
• 24:49 Glorifying God at Work
• 28:10 The Bible and Economics
• 36:55 Universal Basic Income
• 41:11 Following Your Passion
• 47:39 Work and the Pulpit
• 51:03 Don’t Waste Your Life
• 55:12 If You Don’t Find Joy at Work
• 58:34 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Bahnsen, Mark Van Drunen

Along the way, they engage with historical-critical objections, consider the role of John the Baptist, reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ parables, and highlight the religious nature of the kingdom as forgiveness, communion with God, and eternal life in Christ. This discussion not only brings clarity to Vos’s redemptive-historical vision but also deepens our understanding of Christ’s reign now and in the age to come.

As the Vos Group nears completion of Biblical Theology, Camden and Lane also share exciting news about what’s next: a new series through Vos’s The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church.

Register now for our upcoming Theology Conference.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 10:26 The Two-Sided Conception of the Kingdom
• 26:43 The Kingdom of God within You
• 31:18 The Arrival of the Present Kingdom
• 37:44 The Parables of the Kingdom
• 47:37 The Gradual Progression of the Kingdom
• 54:47 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

This year’s theme—The Things Concerning Himself: Christ in All the Scriptures—will explore how the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals Christ as the sum and substance of God’s covenantal plan. Camden and Jim walk through each of the planned addresses, reflecting on why Christ is not an “added-on” figure to the Old Testament, but its very heart from the beginning. Along the way, they share personal ministry stories, insights on biblical theology, and a taste of the fellowship that makes these gatherings so special.

Join us September 27, 2025 at Lakeland Church in Gurnee, Illinois, for an edifying day of teaching, conversation, and fellowship. Come early for the Friday night pre-conference at Primo’s Italian Steakhouse. Registration is now open, with early-bird rates through September 1, 2025. Learn more and reserve your spot at reformedforum.org/conference.

Whether you are a pastor, student, or serious layperson, this conference will help you see more clearly how all of Scripture points to Christ—and how that transforms our understanding, devotion, and service to him.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:02:45 Basic Info on RF25
• 00:11:07 Greenville Summer Seminar
• 00:23:54 The Seed of Abraham
• 00:38:44 The Lamb of God
• 00:53:10 More Discussion of the Conference
• 00:56:21 Scholars Fellowship
• 01:03:44 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy

Dr. Dennison offers a deeply personal and theological meditation on Van Til’s conviction that God himself is the only sufficient theodicy. We explore how the mystery of evil cannot be unraveled by philosophical speculation or evidentialist reasoning, but only understood through the revelation of the triune God in Scripture. The conversation moves from Van Til’s early insights as a seminary student to the contemporary relevance of his critique of autonomy, his rejection of theistic rationalism, and his insistence on beginning all thinking with the self-attesting Christ of Scripture.

Along the way, Dr. Dennison shares biographical reflections on Van Til, his own pedagogical experiences in teaching apologetics, and the pastoral importance of grounding theological inquiry in the redemptive narrative of Scripture rather than speculative philosophy. This episode is a must for those who desire to think confessionally and presuppositionally about one of the most difficult questions in theology.

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Chapters

• [0:00:07] Introduction
• [0:05:04] Background to the Project
• [0:16:55] The Historical and Biographical Context of Van Til’s Student Paper
• [0:22:55] Van Til’s Main Point
• [0:28:21] God Is His Own Defense
• [0:35:26] Van Til and Plantinga’s Free Will Defense
• [0:41:59] The Fourfold Estate of Man
• [0:54:42] Van Til’s Critique of Kant
• [0:58:40] Treating Theodicy as a Fundamentally Religious Matter
• [1:08:45] Conclusion

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton

Drawing extensively from the Puritans and Scripture, Saxton defines biblical meditation as the intentional, sustained, and spiritual reflection on God’s Word. Unlike Eastern or mystical forms of meditation that promote mental emptying, biblical meditation involves filling the mind with divine truth, leading to spiritual transformation and godly living. The book is structured thematically, beginning with the importance of meditation, contrasting it with unbiblical forms, and moving through practical guidance on how to meditate—whether occasional or deliberate. It outlines occasions for meditation, offers advice on selecting subjects, and highlights both the benefits and the spiritual enemies of the practice. Saxton concludes with pastoral encouragement to begin and persist in this vital spiritual discipline.

Rev. Saxton is pastor of Cambridge Bible Church in Cambridge, Ohio.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Mid-America Center for Missions and Evangelism Conference
• 01:41 Introduction
• 06:06 The Background to This Book
• 10:08 Distinguishing Meditation from Prayer
• 14:58 Why the Practice of Meditation Has Been Lost
• 18:12 Retraining Our Minds to Delight in the Right Things
• 21:44 God’s Battle Plan for the Mind
• 25:22 Meditation as Essential to Spiritual Vitality
• 29:08 Practical Expectations
• 33:47 Steps to Beginning Effective Meditation
• 36:52 Occasional and Deliberate Meditation
• 42:37 Satan Especially Opposes Meditation
• 48:44 The Powerful Benefit of Meditation
• 53:15 The Spiritual Benefits of Meditation
• 59:10 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Saxton

Drawing from the structure and literary artistry of the Psalm, VanDrunen explores its unifying themes and situates it within the broader redemptive narrative. He highlights how the psalmist’s experience of exile and longing resonates with believers today who sojourn in a world that is not their home. The conversation weaves together biblical theology, practical piety, and reflections on theological pedagogy—particularly the enduring influence of Dr. Robert Strimple.

This episode offers rich insight into the Christian life shaped by the Word of God amid affliction, anticipation, and hope.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Mid-America Reformed Seminary CME Conference
• 01:41 Introduction
• 02:50 Westminster Seminary California Update
• 06:40 Remembering Dr. Robert Strimple
• 15:39 The Story Behind the Book
• 24:30 The Literary Features of Psalm 119
• 29:16 The Historical Context of the Psalm
• 36:24 The Theme of Obedience
• 57:05 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, David VanDrunen

Dr. Waters organizes the book in three movements:

1. Biblical Revelation (Part I). Seven chapters trace “the people of God” from creation and Eden through Abraham, Moses, the prophets, Christ and the apostles, showing that God has always had one covenant people that reaches its eschatological maturity in the new-covenant church.
2. Doctrinal Construction (Part II). Waters treats the classic loci of ecclesiology: the church’s four attributes (one, holy, catholic, apostolic); its marks (pure preaching, right sacraments, biblical discipline); its government (Christ the king, officers and courts); its worship (word, sacraments, prayer, Lord’s Day); its life (gifts and discipline); and its mission (“gathering and perfecting the saints” until Christ returns) .
3. Truth for Life and Mission (Part III). A final chapter applies the doctrine to church-state relations, defending a robust spirituality of the church and principled religious liberty.

The conclusion distills the argument into seven theses that function as a theological checksum. Throughout, Waters interlaces biblical exegesis, historical theology and confessional sources (especially the Westminster Standards). The result is both an academic survey and a pastoral manifesto aimed at equipping the church for faithful witness today.

The conversation explores the essential identity and mission of the church, the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and what is distinctly new through Christ’s redemptive work. Waters outlines the seven theses of his book, offering clarity on ecclesiology for today’s church, particularly in light of confusion over polity, worship, and the church’s relation to the state.

This episode is an invitation to recover a robust, Reformed understanding of the church’s nature and calling, rooted in Scripture and developed in the tradition of historic confessions.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Mid-America Reformed Seminary CME Conference
• 01:30 Introduction
• 03:20 The Story Behind the Book
• 06:54 The Emphasis of this Book
• 10:43 The Need for Ecclesiology Today
• 15:33 The Seven Theses of the Book
• 18:54 The Continuity of God’s People in the Old and New Testaments
• 22:02 What Is New in the NT through Christ
• 28:02 The Mission of the Church
• 33:56 The Relation of Scripture to Polity
• 38:00 Worship
• 43:32 Ministering in Word and Deed
• 47:28 The Church and the State
• 52:26 The Spirituality of the Church
• 56:27 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters

Tipton and Bucey analyze Vos’s critique of these systems, highlighting the theological implications of denying either the inaugurated or consummated dimensions of the kingdom. They also discuss the resurrection, the second coming of Christ, and the theological coherence of amillennialism within the Reformed tradition. In the course of the discussion, they reflect on the life and teaching of Dr. Robert B. Strimple, affirming his Christ-centered theological pedagogy and lasting influence.

Listeners will find this episode a robust and thought-provoking engagement with biblical theology, eschatology, and Reformed orthodoxy.

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Chapters

• [00:00] Mid-America Reformed Seminary Center for Missions and Evangelism Conference
• [01:30] Introduction
• [02:45] Remembering Dr. Robert Strimple
• [09:03] The Two-Stage Kingdom
• [20:32] Albert Schweitzer and Ultra-Eschatology
• [25:30] Postmillennialism and Gradualism
• [33:42] Measuring the Kingdom’s Advance
• [38:58] Vos on Premillennialism
• [48:32] Premillennialism and the Westminster Standards
• [58:45] Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Together, Drs. Bucey, Tipton and Wynne explore key critiques Mathison levels against Van Til, especially the claims of epistemological idealism and the so-called “omniscience requirement” for true knowledge. The panel addresses these concerns with thoughtful care, highlighting Van Til’s emphasis on covenantal epistemology, the distinction between psychological and ethical knowledge, and the non-neutrality of unbelieving thought.

The episode also tackles Mathison’s treatment of common grace and the antithesis—core concepts in Van Til’s apologetic system. Does Van Til teach that unbelievers attain true knowledge by way of common grace? What is the actual function of common grace in a fallen world? And how does Van Til preserve the absolute ethical antithesis between belief and unbelief without denying shared external reality or meaningful engagement?

This is a clarifying and edifying conversation for anyone interested in Reformed theology, presuppositional apologetics, or the legacy of Cornelius Van Til.

Mentioned Resources

• Keith Mathison, Toward a Reformed Apologetics
• Cornelius Van Til, The Defense of the Faith
• Cornelius Van Til, Common Grace and the Gospel
• Follow-up blog post by Dr. Mathison

Topics Covered

• Epistemological holism and the “omniscience thesis”
• Idealist influence and Van Til’s use of borrowed terminology
• The meaning of “true knowledge” in covenantal context
• The image of God, suppression of truth, and natural revelation
• Common grace and its relationship to knowledge and antithesis
• The continuing relevance of Van Til’s apologetic method

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Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:56 – Upcoming General Assembly
• 03:45 – Overview of Keith Mathison’s Book and Blog Response
• 05:06 – Main Concerns: Common Grace, Antithesis, and Epistemology
• 07:12 – Van Til’s Doctrine of Knowledge and Ethical Implications
• 09:13 – Response to Mathison’s Critique and Blog Post
• 12:34 – The ‘Omniscience Thesis’ in Dr. Mathison’s Reading
• 17:18 – Clarifying True Knowledge in Van Til’s View
• 23:04 – Idealism, Epistemological Holism, and Formal Influence
• 28:36 – Borrowed Capital vs. Replanting from Idealism
• 33:13 – Ethical Antithesis and Knowledge Suppression
• 42:12 – Common Grace: Misunderstanding and Clarification
• 47:13 – Van Til’s View: Knowledge Precedes Common Grace
• 54:11 – True Knowledge and the Ethical Rebellion of Man
• 59:28 – Common Grace and Inconsistent Suppression
• 66:10 – Antithesis in Every Sphere of Life
• 69:55 – Common Grace Doesn’t Suspend Total Depravity
• 71:48 – Looking Ahead to Reconstructed Theistic Proofs

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton

How should Reformed churches approach the selection of psalms and hymns for corporate worship? In this video, Camden Bucey offers a rich, pastoral, and practical guide for choosing music that reflects the theological and liturgical shape of a service. Drawing on years of ministry experience, Camden explains how to align musical selections with Scripture texts, sermon themes, and the redemptive-historical movement of the liturgy.

This talk goes beyond personal preference or musical taste. Learn how thoughtful hymnody and psalmody can serve the worship of the triune God by reinforcing Scripture, guiding the congregation’s response, and cultivating reverence, joy, and theological depth.

Key Topics

• Theological principles guiding music selection
• Aligning songs with the sermon text and liturgical moment
• Balancing musical accessibility with doctrinal richness
• The role of repetition, variety, and congregational familiarity
• The emotional and redemptive-historical flow of a worship service
• Special considerations for sacraments, transitions, and unique services

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Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction and Context
• 01:15 – Why Song Selection Matters in Reformed Worship
• 02:45 – Letting the Sermon Text Guide the Service
• 05:23 – Matching Music with Liturgical Placement
• 07:16 – Knowing Your Congregation and Musicians
• 09:18 – The Role of Records and Repetition
• 13:28 – Attention to Tune, Tempo, and Emotional Tone
• 17:45 – Maintaining a Redemptive-Historical Flow of Worship
• 21:05 – Strategic Placement: The Post-Sermon Hymn
• 23:14 – Special Elements and Transitions
• 28:36 – Conclusion: Cohesive Worship for the Glory of God

Participants: Camden Bucey

Listeners will discover how the structure of Israel’s camp reflects Edenic hope and eschatological promise, how Numbers addresses the roles of prophet, priest, and king, and why the priestly blessing and Balaam’s oracles form theological bookends to this journey toward the Promised Land. Dr. Morales also shares personal reflections from his ten-year labor on the commentary, emphasizing the pastoral power and redemptive-historical depth of this often-overlooked book.

Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or serious Bible reader, this conversation will reinvigorate your love for the Pentateuch and deepen your grasp of how all Scripture points us to Christ.

Resources Mentioned

• Numbers Volumes 1 & 2 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary)
• Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?
• Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption

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Chapters

• 01:10 Introduction
• 03:22 Update About Current Projects
• 05:55 The Experience of Working on This Project for 10 Years
• 12:39 The Camp Metaphor
• 19:02 God Dwelling in the Midst of His People
• 23:53 Grumbling and Rebellion
• 28:47 The Orientation of God’s People
• 34:40 The New Generation
• 43:19 The Close of the Book
• 45:12 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Michael Morales

In this final installment of our introductory series on Eastern Orthodoxy for Reformed Christians, Camden Bucey explores Orthodox worship and sacramental theology through a Reformed lens. This episode provides a careful and charitable overview of Eastern Orthodox liturgical practices, including the Divine Liturgy, veneration of icons, and the centrality of the Eucharist.

What makes Eastern Orthodox worship distinct? Why are icons and incense used? What theological principles undergird these practices? Camden discusses the symbolism of Eastern Orthodox worship while also addressing key doctrinal differences—especially concerning the second commandment, the regulative principle, and the doctrine of salvation.

Whether you’re a Reformed believer curious about the traditions of the East or seeking to understand why some are drawn to Orthodoxy’s mystery and aesthetic, this episode offers insight, clarity, and biblical reflection.

Series

• Part 1 (The Church and Scripture)
• Part 2 (The Doctrine of God and Salvation)
• Part 3 (Worship and the Sacraments)

Watch on YouTube

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:26 – Worship and the Sacraments in Eastern Orthodoxy
• 01:49 – Theology of Liturgy and Participation
• 04:14 – Worship as Theology in Action
• 05:36 – Icons, Veneration, and the Second Commandment
• 10:02 – The Eucharist
• 14:09 – Reverence and Symbolism
• 15:33 – Prayers for the Dead
• 16:44 – Summary of Theological Differences
• 18:10 – Final Reflections

Participants: Camden Bucey

Leonardo De Chirico is a pastor of a Reformed evangelical church in Rome, a scholar of Roman Catholic theology, and a leader in the Reformanda Initiative, which seeks to equip evangelical engagement with Roman Catholicism. Mark Gilbert serves as a chaplain in Sydney, Australia, and leads the ministry Certainty for Eternity, which focuses on evangelism among those from Roman Catholic backgrounds. Both men bring rich theological and pastoral insight to bear on the question of unity in Christ.

The conversation traces the origins of the creed, its Trinitarian framework, and the implications of confessing shared historical truths while diverging in doctrinal substance—especially concerning Christology, the church, and salvation. Leonardo and Mark also share personal insights from their ministries engaging Roman Catholics, underscoring the need for unity rooted in biblical truth rather than institutional alignment or superficial consensus.

This episode invites thoughtful reflection on what true Christian unity looks like in light of Scripture, and how the creeds function as faithful, yet insufficient, summaries apart from a Reformed understanding of the gospel.

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Chapters

• 01:11 Introduction
• 04:03 Background to the Book
• 11:27 Can We Have Meaningful Unity with Roman Catholics?
• 17:31 Unity in Truth
• 25:32 The Trinitarian Theology of the Creed
• 29:31 The Christology of the Creed
• 38:16 The Scope and Usefulness of the Nicene Creed
• 44:31 The Work of Christ
• 51:50 Pursuing Christian Unity
• 57:55 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Leonardo De Chirico, Mark Gilbert

The conversation addresses the enduring importance of prayer in the public ministry of the church. Dr. Master discusses why pastors must be both God’s mouthpiece to the people through preaching and the people’s mouthpiece to God through prayer. The episode includes a full episode of Dead Presbyterian Society, in which Master offers a deep and moving treatment of Miller’s work—highlighting frequent faults in public prayer, the characteristics of excellent prayer, and the secret devotional habits that sustain it.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, seminarian, or thoughtful church member, this episode is a call to recover the dignity, order, and spiritual power of public prayer in Reformed worship.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:04:53 Introducing Dead Presbyterians Society
• 00:21:22 Dead Presbyterians Society, Episode 5
• 00:47:28 The Relative Lack of Attention Given to Public Prayer
• 01:01:44 How to Grow in Public Prayer
• 01:06:05 Reading Books to Help Think More Biblically
• 01:08:30 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

In this second installment of our introductory series on Eastern Orthodoxy, Camden Bucey considers key theological distinctions and points of contact between Eastern Orthodox and Reformed theology. This episode focuses on the doctrine of God and the nature of salvation. We examine the shared commitment to Nicene Trinitarianism, while highlighting distinct emphases in Eastern and Western Trinitarian formulations.

The discussion also explores the Eastern Orthodox concept of the essence-energies distinction, theosis (deification), and the centrality of Christ’s incarnation and resurrection in their soteriology. Crucially, we contrast the Reformed doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone with the synergistic model of salvation found in Eastern Orthodoxy, raising important questions about assurance, divine simplicity, and the relationship between justification and sanctification.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:29 – The Holy Trinity in Eastern Orthodoxy
• 03:32 – The Filioque Controversy
• 07:51 – Essence-Energies Distinction
• 12:46 – Theosis and Deification
• 18:54 – Justification and Forensic Categories
• 26:10 – Synergism vs. Monergism
• 31:11 – Assurance and Pastoral Implications
• 34:21 – Summary and Preview of Part 3

Watch Part 1

Participants: Camden Bucey

Together, we discuss

• the kingdom as God’s sovereign reign vs. a redemptive realm,
• how the Reformed categories regnum essentiale, regnum personale, and regnum spirituale frame our understanding,
• the significance of Matthew’s phrase “kingdom of heaven,”
• the kingdom’s embodiment in the incarnate Christ and its expression in the church,
• the dangers of under- or over-realized eschatologies.

This episode offers rich theological insight and practical clarity for pastors, students, and anyone seeking to understand the kingdom according to Scripture and sound Reformed theology.

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Chapters

• 01:11 Introduction
• 01:44 Theological Topics in Romans
• 06:03 The Kingdom of God in the Gospels
• 12:59 Important Distinctions
• 24:58 Jesus’ Sense of the Kingdom in the Gospels
• 31:51 The Kingdom and the Church
• 36:25 Avoiding Under- and Over-Realized Eschatologies
• 40:34 Matthew and the Kingdom of Heaven
• 53:10 The Kingdom and Worship on the Lord’s Day
• 58:25 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

The conversation clarifies the Reformed understanding of the threefold use of the law and addresses common misconceptions surrounding legalism and antinomianism. Stephen offers a pastoral and theologically rich vision for delighting in the law as a gracious guide for believers—one rooted in God’s character and purpose for humanity. The trio also touches on civil use of the law, the Sabbath, and the broader cultural and political implications of God’s moral order.

This episode is a refreshing call to recover a joyful obedience to God’s commandments—not as a means of earning salvation, but as the grateful response of those saved by grace and empowered by the Spirit.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:10:32 Coming to this Project
• 00:18:40 The Choice of the Subtitle
• 00:20:39 The Law/Gospel Distinction
• 00:33:11 The Ceremonial, Civil, and Moral Law
• 00:39:29 God’s Law and the State
• 00:47:08 The Fourth Commandment and the State
• 00:51:44 The Spirit’s Working in Providing The Will and Ability to Obey
• 01:07:31 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Stephen Spinnenweber

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Dr. Perkins offers historical and systematic clarity on the oft-debated notion of merit in the covenant of works, contrasting Reformed and Roman Catholic anthropologies. He also unpacks the pastoral dimensions of humanity’s creation for communion with God, showing how Genesis 1–2 serves not merely as a record of origins, but as a divine love letter calling God’s people into eternal fellowship.

Whether you’re a pastor, scholar, or thoughtful layperson, this episode provides deep insight into how theology—rooted in Scripture and the Reformed tradition—shapes our understanding of God, humanity, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:09:06 The Origin of Each Book
• 00:18:03 Genesis 1–2 Draws Us into Communion with God
• 00:20:58 The Theme of Beauty
• 00:24:39 Original Righteousness
• 00:32:34 Natural Man’s Ability
• 00:47:00 Concupiscence
• 00:56:01 Concepts of Merit
• 01:07:18 Communion with Other Image Bearers
• 01:15:22 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Harrison Perkins

Join us for this special introductory livestream where Dr. Camden Bucey offers an accessible first look at Eastern Orthodoxy from a Reformed theological perspective. This session represents only the beginning of our exploration into this tradition. Drawing from leading introductory texts—including works by Andrew Louth, Timothy Ware, Anthony Coniaris, and Frederica Mathewes-Green—Camden guides us through the fundamental themes and distinctives of Eastern Orthodox theology and practice.

In this initial presentation, we’ll examine key doctrines such as Scripture, the Church, the Trinity, and theosis, while also considering the underlying assumptions that shape Orthodox spirituality. What distinguishes Orthodoxy from Protestantism—not just in its answers, but in the questions it asks?

This introductory session is designed for:

• Reformed Christians seeking to understand the profound theological differences between Orthodox and Reformed interpretations of Scripture
• Those wanting to recognize how Eastern Orthodoxy’s foundational assumptions and hermeneutical approaches diverge significantly from Reformed convictions
• Viewers interested in discerning the substantial distinctions in how these traditions approach authority, salvation, and worship
• Those who desire to strengthen their grasp of Reformed theology by understanding a tradition that takes significantly different paths on core doctrines

This livestream serves as an entry point for further exploration. Future sessions will explore these complex theological matters in greater detail. Join us for this engaging first exploration.

Chapters

• 09:54 Introduction and Livestream Overview
• 11:41 Reformed Forum Conference
• 15:51 Why Study Eastern Orthodoxy from a Reformed Perspective
• 18:10 Survey of Key Introductory Eastern Orthodox Books
• 20:56 Historical Overview and the Great Schism
• 27:55 Scripture and Tradition in Eastern Orthodoxy
• 34:17 The Reformed View of Scripture’s Authority
• 34:46 Doctrine of the Church and Councils
• 43:06 Communion of the Saints and Veneration of Saints
• 54:19 Unity and Diversity in the Church

Participants: Camden Bucey

Together, they explore the theological context of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, uncovering how speculative theology and reliance on so-called “spectral evidence” reflected a deeper deviation from Scripture’s clarity and sufficiency. Dr. Burks outlines the influence of figures such as William Perkins, Cotton Mather, and Richard Baxter, while also shedding light on how the distinction between God’s secret and revealed will was tragically misunderstood.

The conversation goes beyond history, offering timely insights into contemporary fascination with mysticism, the spiritual dangers of neglecting the ordinary means of grace, and the need for biblically grounded theology in facing spiritual warfare today. They conclude by considering the value of a redemptive-historical and confessional framework in pastoral ministry and theological education.

Links

• Debunking the “Moldy Bread Theory”
• The Haunted Cosmos podcast

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 02:11 Academic Background and Church Planting in Kentucky
• 07:36 Van Til’s Theology of Christian Education
• 09:39 The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials
• 15:04 Speculative Theology
• 18:03 Williams Perkins’ Theology as a Basis
• 24:00 Covenants with the Devil
• 26:14 Devil’s Marks and Their Significance
• 29:52 Exploring the Explosion of Accusations in 1692
• 33:39 Debunking the Moldy Bread Theory
• 35:29 The Influence of Samuel Parris
• 39:21 The Dangers of Speculative Theology
• 44:26 Balancing Awareness of the Spiritual Realm
• 50:33 Misunderstandings of the Salem Witch Trials
• 53:35 Further Reading and Resources on the Trials
• 58:07 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Brandon Burks

Chapters

• 00:00 – Opening and Introductions
• 01:20 – Recap of GRN Conference in Florida
• 03:40 – Preview of the 2025 Reformed Forum Theology Conference
• 05:55 – New Course: Defending Our Hope – An Introduction to Christian Apologetics
• 10:38 – Q&A Segment: Orthodoxy, Liberty of Conscience, and Theosis
• 12:40 – Discussion of Podcast Episode with Kurt Vetterli and Florian Weicken
• 17:32 – In-depth Reflection on Ulrich Zwingli’s Doctrine of the Lord’s Supper
• 27:29 – Final Questions and Wrap-up

Further Reading

• Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by John T. McNeill. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960.
• Calvin, John. Short Treatise on the Holy Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Translated by Henry Beveridge. Originally published 1541. Available in various reprint editions.
• Gerrish, B. A. Grace and Gratitude: The Eucharistic Theology of John Calvin. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
• Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology. Vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
• Old, Hughes Oliphant. The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1975.
• Packer, J. I. “Calvin the Theologian.” In Honouring the People of God: Collected Shorter Writings, vol. 4, 77–92. Carlisle, PA: P&R Publishing, 2013.
• Potter, G. R. Zwingli. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
• Stephens, W. P. The Theology of Huldrych Zwingli. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986.
• Zwingli, Ulrich. On the Lord’s Supper (1526). In Zwingli and Bullinger, edited and translated by G. W. Bromiley, 176ff. Library of Christian Classics. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1953.

We begin with a guided historical survey of the Reformation in Zürich and Basel, highlighting key figures such as Huldrych Zwingli, Johannes Oecolampadius, and Heinrich Bullinger. From the Affair of the Sausages to the formation of the Second Helvetic Confession, we explore how these cities shaped the theology, worship, and church life of the broader Reformed tradition.

Turning to the present, Kurt and Florian share about their ministries in Switzerland today—what gospel ministry looks like in a post-Christian context, the challenges and encouragements they experience, and how the Reformation heritage still speaks into their work.

We conclude with a call to pray for the Reformed churches in Switzerland and to consider how listeners might support or participate in this important kingdom work.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:50 The Historical Context of the Swiss Reformation
• 21:01 Challenges Facing Confessional Swiss Churches Today
• 24:21 The Legacy of Zwingli in Zürich
• 30:33 The Reformation in Basel
• 39:25 Heinrich Bullinger in Zürich
• 44:25 The Second Helvetic Confession
• 47:45 The Loss of the Reformation in Switzerland
• 52:52 The Swiss Church’s Present Needs
• 57:16 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Florian Weicken, Kurt Vetterli

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale