Reformed Forum

Mark 1:14–45 — What Is the Gospel

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

There is a transition that occurs between the ministry of John the Baptist and the Ministry of Jesus. John begins to decrease, and Jesus begins to increase. The Lord Jesus teaches and shows what the gospel is by his words and actions. We see how Jesus himself is the subject matter of the good news—the gospel, and his words and actions reveal the nature of the kingdom.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Genesis 34 — Rape and Retribution

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Something significant is missing in Genesis 34 as we read one of the most shocking stories of Scripture. How do you preach Christ in a text where a violent act is met with severe retribution? Are Jacob’s sons exercising just judgment or personal revenge? Does this episode parallel the later conquest of Canaan? We seek to answer these questions and show how the ravages of sin can be undone; how the unclean can be made clean. There is good news for the Christian in this dreadful story.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Ephesians 2:11–19 — Brought Near in Christ

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Paul calls upon his readers to remember five realities of their former life: separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants, having no hope, and without God. But the glorious good news is “BUT NOW in Christ Jesus” those who were far off have been brought near. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has reconciled the repentant sinner to God, so that he is no longer a stranger, but a member of God’s household.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Government and Power of the Church, Part 3

Theology Simply Profound — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:24:05 +0000

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We continue our discussion of chapter XXIV, “The Government and Power of the Church.” In this episode, we talk about church power. What kind of church power or authority does the church of Jesus Christ have?

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Ephesians 2:4–10 — The Good News

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Although humanity is dead and lost in sin, with no way to merit favor with God, God is rich in mercy and loves his people with a great love. Those whom God loves are then saved only through the death, resurrection, ascension, and session of Jesus Christ. Believers then, through their union with Christ, are privileged to have died with him, been resurrected with him, and ascended with him to the heavenly places. This glorious news should humble us and lead us to worship and walk in holiness.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Mark 1:1–15 — The Beginning of the Gospel

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we introduce the Gospel of Mark. We also explore how Mark introduces us to the person of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Of special interest is the redemptive nature of the Gospel. This is shown by Mark’s high Christology (Jesus is God), John’s baptism, and Jesus’ successful resistance of Satan’s temptation.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Genesis 33 — Reconciled with God and Man

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Moses brings us to the height of the conflict between Jacob and Esau. We look at the need to preserve the tension in the story while connecting it to the larger narrative. Here we learn how Jacob’s humility leads to a resolution of conflict. We see also the high point of the story — the building of the altar, as Jacob has reconciled with God and man.

Participants: Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Psalm 18 — David’s Profession of Righteousness

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explain the meaning of David’s profession of righteousness. How can David speak about himself as being without guilt, relative to God’s law, when we know he was a sinner? If our salvation is by grace alone, then how can David say that God rewarded him for his righteousness by saving him from his enemies?

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Ephesians 1:18–23 — Paul’s Prayer (Part Two)

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In part two of Paul’s Prayer we return to consider Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers. Yes, Paul’s burden is that the Ephesian believers would know the Lord. But what specifically does he pray for them? What specifically, in this passage, does he want them to know? Join us as we reflect on Paul’s — and the Lord’s — burden for his people.

Participants: Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Ephesians 1:15–18 — Paul’s Prayer (Part One)

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In part one of Paul’s Prayer, we will examine how the apostle Paul prays for the Spirit to be at work so that Christians can know God more. Paul’s thankfulness for the believers at Ephesus moves him to constant prayer that God would soften their hearts and open their eyes to hear and believe the gospel. This should be our burden in prayer: that we would know God more.

Participants: Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Genesis 32:13–32 — Wrestling with God

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Jacob expects a conflict with Esau but instead ends up wrestling with an unknown assailant, who can clearly best him at any moment. But when that moment comes, Jacob will not release his hold until he receives a blessing. The content of that blessing points to the God who will not forsake Jacob and will fulfill his covenant promises.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Psalm 5 — Christian Hatred

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

What is a Christian to do with the imprecatory Psalms? Are they to be read and sung today, and if so, with what understanding? Jim Cassidy talks about how to situate the Psalms within their redemptive-historical context, instead of reading them in the abstract.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Reformed Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jonathan Master speaks about his book, Reformed Theology (P&R Publishing), which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos. Master provides a concise and accessible introduction to the historic and orthodox Christian tradition of Reformed theology. In this book, he emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the grace of salvation, while also demonstrating its biblical coherence and pastoral warmth. This resource is ideal for church leaders, study groups, and individuals who want a well-rounded overview of Reformed theology.

Jonathan Master is President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary near Greenville, South Carolina.

Chapters

00:07 Introduction
04:14 Update on Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
11:57 Reformed Theology
14:48 What Does It Mean to be Reformed?
24:52 Dr. Master’s Path to Becoming Reformed
28:49 The Intended Audience of the Book
32:48 The Role of Covenant Theology
41:01 Creeds and Confessions
45:13 Reformed Theology and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
49:54 The Reformed Motivation for Missions and Evangelism
54:03 Conclusion

Select Publications by Jonathan Master

A Question of Consensus: The Doctrine of Assurance After the Westminster Confession (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015)
The God We Worship, ed. (P&R Publications, 2016)
On Reforming Worship, ed. with David Hall (Covenant Publications, 2018)
Growing in Grace (Banner of Truth, 2020)

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master

Matthew 4:1-11 — The Testing and Temptation of the Son of God — Part One

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

This episode looks at the testing of Jesus that comes on the heels of his baptism. At his baptism, the Father declares “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Satan comes to test that claim. But God has his own purposes as Jesus is led into the wilderness to demonstrate that he is indeed who the father declared him to be.

Participants: Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder

Psalm 2 — A Biblical Conspiracy Theory

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Psalm 2 speaks of rebellious kings conspiring together against the Lord and his anointed. But the outcome of such conspiracies is clear. The Son will have the earth as his possession.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

The History of Presbyterianism and Evangelicalism

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Donald Fortson and Kenneth Stewart speak about their book, Reformed and Evangelical across Four Centuries (Eerdmans), in which they tell the story of the Presbyterian church in the United States, beginning with its British foundations and extending to its present-day expression in multiple American Presbyterian denominations. This account emphasizes the role of the evangelical movement in shaping various Presbyterian bodies in America, especially in the twentieth century amid increasing departures from traditional Calvinism, historic orthodoxy, and a focus on biblical authority. Particular attention is also given to crucial elements of diversity in the Presbyterian story, with increasing numbers of African American, Latino/a, and Korean American Presbyterians—among others—in the twenty-first century. Overall, this book will be a bountiful resource to anyone curious about what it means to be Presbyterian in the multidimensional American context, as well as to anyone looking to understand this piece of the larger history of Christianity in the United States.

Dr. Kenneth J. Stewart is Professor Emeritus of Theological Studies at Covenant College. He is a specialist in the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present with special interest in the development of the evangelical Protestant tradition. He has a growing interest in early Christianity and the transmission of doctrine from the early church forward to our time.

Dr. S. Donald Fortson III is Professor of Church History and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior to RTS, he served as Assistant Professor of Ministry and the Director of the DMin Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before his teaching career, Dr. Fortson was a pastor for nine years; he continues his pastoral ministry through teaching, preaching in local churches, and leadership in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Alan Strange is Professor of Church History and Theological Librarian at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. He served Providence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Glassboro, New Jersey, for over nine years before coming to Mid-America. He is an associate pastor at First Church (OPC) in South Holland, Illinois.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:03:15 The Idea for this Book
00:08:04 The Combination of Authors
00:14:07 Distinctive Features of the Book
00:26:44 The Relationship between Presbyterianism and Evangelicalism
00:35:43 The Missionary Impulse
00:41:38 Cultural Transformation
00:49:24 Modernism and Fundamentalism
00:57:05 Evangelical Marginalization and Church Union
01:08:40 Conclusion

Participants: Alan Strange, Camden Bucey, Kenneth J. Stewart, S. Donald Fortson III

Matthew 3:13–17 — To Fulfill All Righteousness

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The baptism of Jesus is a pivotal event in the life of Christ and in all of redemptive history. In this episode, we explore its significance, seek to answer the question of why Jesus would need to undergo a baptism of repentance, and examine some of the thematic elements of his baptism.

Participants: Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 13 — The Dead Son Lives

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Hosea 13 contains mostly words of rebuke and condemnation. But there is good news there as well. The Lord rebukes his son, Israel, whom he called out of Egypt, for the sin of covenantal faithlessness. They have gone after other gods. So thorough will God’s coming judgment be that it is likened to death. But he also offers a word of hope which contains the promise of life, as death itself will be defeated.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 12 — The Lord’s Indictment

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The Lord pronounces an indictment upon Israel and convicts her of her sins. He also calls her to repentance and to return to him. The coming judgment in exile reminds of Christ who was exile in death for us, that in him we might have life and restoration in the heavenly promised land.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 11 — Out of Egypt

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Hosea prophesied that God would call his son out of Egypt. Of course, that was long after the Exodus. But here in Chapter 11 the Exodus serves as a motif for God’s redeeming grace. It recalled the Exodus as a foreshadow of Israel’s restoration from exile. Unfortunately, the restoration fell short of the great expectation Israel had for the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs. The day when God called his Son out of Egypt would ultimately arrive in Christ, the true Son and faithful Israel of God. He was called out of Egypt after he fled there to escape Herod’s deadly grasp. And so we, in our union with Christ, are sons of the living God who have been redeemed and called out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of his Son.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 10 – The Fruitful Vine

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 26 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In Hosea 10 the prophet likens Israel to a vineyard and and garden – but not a very fruitful one. In fact, her covenants with the nations has given rise to terrible idolatry, which is spiritual adultery. She is faithless and therefore fruitless. But the judgment and curse God pronounced upon her would not finally fall upon her, but on him who is the true vine. And now as branches in that vine, we have redemption and the grace to bear good fruit.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 9 — Elect Exiles

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Hosea ministers in Israel between the time of the conquest of Canaan and the exile. In chapter nine of his prophecy, he tells of the coming judgment-exile of Israel into the land of the uncircumcised. But there is hope! God will preserve a remnant—elect exiles—for his own glory and as his chosen portion. For Christ was exiled in his death because of our sins, so that we who were once far off may be brought near by the blood. And now, in Christ, we are elect exiles called to conduct ourselves honorably in the midst of wicked and perverse generation.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 8 — When More Is Less

Proclaiming Christ — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Hosea brings a word of judgment upon Israel, threatening to send them into exile and judgment for their sin. Christ as the true and obedient Israel secures for his people the promised deliverance from sin’s guilt and power. Christ calls us therefore to exclusive fidelity to him.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 7 — The Love of God and the Stubbornness of Man

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Jim Cassidy shows us how Israel’s folly and sinfulness renders her incapable of obeying God. In order to obey the Lord, she needs the Lord to grant to her the very thing that she herself can not do. Hosea uses striking imagery to show us Israel’s rebellion, but equally striking and parallel imagery to show the Lord’s mercy and provision for redemption.

Hosea 6:4–11 — The Covenant Keeper

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 04:00:36 +0000

Jim Cassidy gives us a primer on covenant theology. As Israel, shaped by the law, becomes an analogy of Adam as Adam is in covenant with God in the garden, a pattern is seen between Adam and Israel. If Adam disobeys, he is exiled from the Garden, as is also the case with Israel. God, however, is the covenant keeper, providing redemption for his people in doing what they are unable to do.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 5 — The Righteous King: Condemned and Justified

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 15 May 2019 14:56:57 +0000

In Episode 75 we see that because of our sin imputed to Christ, he stood condemned under the wrath of God. But Christ’s resurrection is the Word of Grace—Christ’s vindication. Christ is condemned by the cross, but vindicated by the Spirit.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 4 — Knowledge of the True God

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 04:00:01 +0000

In Episode 68, Jim Cassidy takes us through Hosea 4, where we see that God is judging his people because of their lack of a knowledge of him. Scripture shows us that the love of God and the knowledge of God are not contrary to one another, but “sweetly comply” with one another.

Participants: Adam York, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 3 — Purchased by the Lord

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:00:05 +0000

In Episode 66, Jim Cassidy opens up Hosea 3, where God commands the prophet to buy his faithless wife back from slavery. This picture of redemption points to Jesus Christ, who alone can purchase for himself a rebellious, sinful, and adulterous people.

Participants: Adam York, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 2:14–23 — A New Exodus

Proclaiming Christ — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 04:00:06 +0000

Hosea points to Jesus, who, as the new and final Israel, does not remain under the power of death forever. But Christ is raised from the dead in the vindicating power of the Spirit. Christ is our exodus—the one delivered from bondage to sin and death! His deliverance is our deliverance. As those who have been delivered in and through Christ, we are called to forget the names of our false gods and remember the name of the Lord who has delivered us from our previous slavemaster.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Hosea 2:2–13 — Forgetting the Lord

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 04:00:03 +0000

The mercy that the Lord shows initially will be undone in judgment. But there is grace, restoration, and redemption for those who repent and trust in Christ.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins

Hosea 1:10–2:1 — A Great Multitude and Faithful Remnant

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:00:39 +0000

Hosea is made us of a series of cycles—of judgment and redemption. Here we begin looking at the first cycle of good news and redemption, as the prophet brings a word of good news.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

The Trinity, Language, and Human Behavior

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 04:00:14 +0000

Pierce Taylor Hibbs speaks about language and the Trinity. His book, The Trinity, Language, and Human Behavior: A Reformed Exposition of the Language Theory of Kenneth L. Pike is available in P&R Publishing’s Reformed Academic Dissertations series. Hibbs describes Kenneth Pike’s linguistic theory and compares it to the theology of Cornelius Van Til, demonstrating shared Trinitarian themes. Pierce Hibbs is the Assistant Director of the Theological English Department at Westminster Theological Seminary. He writes at piercetaylorhibbs.com.

Hosea 1:4–9 — Disobedient Children

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 30 May 2018 04:00:33 +0000

Israel was called God’s son—a status under threat here in Hosea—as graphically demonstrated in the naming of Hosea’s children. God’s pending divorce of Israel points to the only way for God’s elect to be saved. The warnings in Hosea are for God’s people today that we may examine ourselves to be sure we are in the faith.

Participants: Adam York, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins

Hosea 1:1–3 — The Faithful Bride

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 04:00:48 +0000

The Book of Hosea opens up with a shocking command as God tells the prophet to “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom.” Hosea’s wife, Gomer, will serve as both type and anti-type. Listen as the book of Hosea points to the faithful bridegroom and calls the Christian to be a faithful bride.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins

Introduction to Hosea: Now You Are the People of God

Proclaiming Christ — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 04:00:05 +0000

In Episode 38 of Proclaiming Christ, our newest panelist, Jim Cassidy, provides our listeners with a model of biblical interpretation through an introduction to the book of Hosea.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Mark Jenkins, Robert Arendale

Calvin as a Servant of the Word of God

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

In honor of John Calvin’s 500th anniversary, the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church held a pre-Assembly conference on the subject of John Calvin. The Rev. Dr. Richard B. Gaffin of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, spoke on Calvin’s soteriology. The Rev. Glen J. Clary, pastor of Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church, West Collingswood, New Jersey spoke on Calvin as a servant of the Word of God. Christ the Center had the privilege of welcoming Glen to the panel to discuss his lecture topic. Join us for an interesting discussion of Calvin’s theology of preaching touching on its authority, the presence of Christ, and worship. Christ the Center is listener supported. To read more about how you can help Reformed Forum cover the cost of producing this program, please visit http://reformedforum.org/support.

Bibliography

Calvin, John. Calvin: Theological Treatises. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1954.

—. Sermons on the Acts of the Apostles: Chapters 1-7. Edinburgh: Banner Of Truth Trust, 2008.

—. Sermons on Genesis: Chapters 1-11. Banner Of Truth Trust, 2009.

Lawson, Steven. The Expository Genius of John Calvin. Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2006.

Parker, Thomas. Calvin’s Preaching. 1st ed. Louisville Ky.: Westminster/J. Knox Press, 1992.

—. The Oracles of God: An Introduction to the Preaching of John Calvin. London [u.a.]: Lutterworth Press, 1947.

Preaching. Dyer Ind.: Mid-America Reformed Seminary, 1999.

Wallace, Ronald. Calvin’s Doctrine of the Word and Sacrament. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1957.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy

A Comparison of Rahnerian to Reformed Apologetics

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:10 +0000

Christ the Center discusses the theology of the influential Roman Catholic Karl Rahner. Rahner’s theology is a composite of Kantian, Hegelian and Heideggerian philosophies. The panel discusses these philosophic influences and compares Rahner’s approach to apologetics with a Reformed approach – particularly the system taught by Cornelius Van Til. This episode will prove useful not only for the philosophically-minded apologist but also for anyone interested in seeing the influence of one’s theological system upon apologetic methodology. The discussion may also help listeners to realize that much of modern Roman Catholic theology is quite different from that which was taught during the Reformation. This episode is brought to you in part by The Confessional Presbyterian, a journal for discussion of Presbyterian doctrine and practice. This discussion follows the structure of Camden Bucey’s recent paper entitled A Reformed Critique of the Role of Natural Law in Rahnerian Apologetics which won the 2009 Greene Prize in Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary. Ten years ago, Jeff Waddington won the same award for his paper Worldviews Collide: The Unapologetic Apologetic of Abraham Kuyper.

Bibliography

Kilby, Karen. Rahner: Theology and Philosophy. London; New York: Routledge, 2004.

Livingston, James C., Francis Schussler Fiorenza, Sarah Coakley, and James H., Jr. Evans. Modern Christian Thought: The Twentieth Century. 2nd ed. Fortress Press, 2006.

Marmion, Declan., and Mary E. Hines. The Cambridge Companion to Karl Rahner. Cambridge companions to religion. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Rahner, Karl. Foundations of Christian Faith: An Introduction to the Idea of Christianity. New York: Seabury Press, 1978.

Hearers of the Word. [New York: Herder and Herder, 1969.]

Spirit in the World. [New York: Herder and Herder, 1968.]

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Apologetics and Pastoral Ministry

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:00:15 +0000

Nick Batzig sat down with David Robertson pastor of St. Peters Free Church in Dundee, Scotland recently at Twin Lakes Fellowship where he lectured on Emergent Calvinism. David spoke with Nick about his book The Dawkins Letters: Challenging Atheist Myths. David has been actively debating Dawkins supporters throughout the UK and shares his experience. This is an interesting discussion about how apologetics hits the road. Later on, Nick asks David about Awakening: The Life and Ministry of Robert Murray McCheyne another excellent book detailing the life of the well-known minister. Archive.org

Participants: David Robertson, Nick Batzig

Scripture and Doctrine in the Church

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:00:14 +0000

Our doctrine of Scripture is extremely important and drives the discussion of practically all other topics. Since we hold Scripture to be our principium cognoscendi externum it is our rule by which we are to judge and interpret all other truth. There are, however, many issues surrounding the role of Scripture and our understanding of it, particularly as they relate to life in the church. The panel discusses issues such as dogmatism and multi-perspectivalism as they debate and engage these issues. This episode is brought to you in part by the Confessional Presbyterian.

Panel

Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Alexander, T. Desmond. From Eden to the New Jerusalem: Exploring God’s Plan for Life on Earth. Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2008.

Ambrosiaster. Commentaries on Romans and 1-2 Corinthians. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009.

Ancient Christian Doctrine Set. Ivp Academic, 2009.

Berg, M. Friends of Calvin. English ed. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2009.

Calvin, Jean. The Piety of John Calvin: A Collection of His Spiritual Prose, Poems, and Hymns. [New ed.]. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion 1541 French Edition. Eerdmans Pub Co, 2009.

Downes, Martin. Risking the Truth. Christian Focus, 2009.

Driscoll, Mark. Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Edgar, William, and K. Scott Oliphint. Christian Apologetics Past and Present: A Primary Source Reader. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Ferguson, Everett. Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries. Cambridge U.K. ; Grand Rapids Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2009.

Frame, John. The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. Phillipsburg N.J.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1987.

Hall, David. Calvin in the Public Square: Liberal Democracies, Rights, and Civil Liberties. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

Machen, J. Gresham. Christianity and Liberalism, New Ed. Eerdmans Pub Co, 2009.

Nettles, Tom. James Petigru Boyce: A Southern Baptist statesman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

Noll, Mark. The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009.

Oden, Thomas. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1998.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Peterson, David. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2009.

Poythress, Vern S. God-Centered Biblical Interpretation. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 1999.

Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

Symphonic Theology: The Validity of Multiple Perspectives in Theology. P & R Publishing, 2001.

The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2000. Understanding Dispensationalists. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1993.

Ryken, Philip Graham. Luke. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

Stellman, Jason. Dual Citizens: Worship and Life Between the Already and the Not Yet. Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2009.

Storms, C. Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God. Colorado Springs Colo.: NavPress, 2000.

Sweeney, Douglas. Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word: A Model of Faith and Thought. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Relationship of Philosophy to Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:00:30 +0000

The Christ the Center panel discussed the nature of philosophy and theology and how they relate to each other. Among the topics discussed were whether theology is a science and if so, whether is it a theoretical or practical science. The guys even tackled the question of what science is. Like the discussion about the simplicity of God, this is not for the faint of heart but is worth pondering. Remember this, at the end of the day, theology is the science of living blessedly to God.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington

New Testament Textual Criticism in the 21st Century

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:00:19 +0000

Daniel B. Wallace discusses the challenges facing New Testament textual criticism in the 21st century. Join us for this interesting discussion of this fascinating discipline. Many listeners will be familiar with Dr. Wallace from his introductory textbook and his textbook on intermediate Greek grammar. Dr. Wallace is the senior New Testament editor of the NET Bible and coeditor of the NET-Nestle Greek-English diglot. He has also founded The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, an institute with the initial purpose to preserve Scripture by taking digital photographs of all known Greek New Testament manuscripts.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Daniel B. Wallace, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig

A Life in the Preaching Ministry

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:00:02 +0000

We had the pleasure to discuss the preaching ministry with noted Scottish minister Eric Alexander. Rev. Alexander has spent his adult life serving Jesus Christ, in His Church, as a minister of His Word having been ordained as a minister in the Church of Scotland for over fifty years. Rev. Alexander shares his wisdom regarding the preaching ministry. This episode is brought to you in part by the Confessional Presbyterian Journal. Rev. Alexander studied at the University of Glasgow, graduating Master of Arts in 1954 and Bachelor of Divinity in 1958. Thereafter he spent 4 years as an Assistant at St David’s Knightswood Chuch in the West end of Glasgow. In 1961 he was married to Greta Connell and they have a daughter and a son. It was in 1962 that he was called to the parish of Loudoun East Church, in the Covenanting district of Ayrshire, in the village of Newmilns. After 15 years there, in 1977, he was aware of God’s call to the city centre church of St George’s Tron, in Glasgow, where he served as senior minister for 20 years, until his retirement in 1997. During these 20 years, large congregations, of all ages, gathered, both morning and evening, to listen to expository sermons from both Old and New Testaments. From the Eric Alexander website:

As the years have passed and the world has changed, he has grown ever more convinced of the urgent priority of summoning the church to the Apostolic priority expressed by the Apostles themselves in Acts 6v4; “We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. “

Participants: Camden Bucey, Eric Alexander, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Reformed Worship

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:00:31 +0000

Nick Batzig sat down with Jon Payne at the Twin Lakes Fellowship to talk about the subject of Reformed Worship. Jon deals with the various aspects of this topic in his newest release, In The Splendor of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century. Dr. Jon D. Payne is minister of Grace Presbyterian Church in Douglasville, Ga. Dr. Payne has been serving as minister of Grace Presbyterian Church since June 2003 and is currently serving as Chair of the Northwest Georgia Presbytery’s Credentials Committee. In addition, Dr. Payne is a Visiting Lecturer at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Dr. Payne is the author of John Owen on the Lord’s Supper (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth, 2004), Systematic Expository Preaching: A Historical and Biblical Analysis Demonstrating its Benefits for Both Congregation and Pastor (Doctoral thesis, RTS Jackson, Spring 2004), and the subject of this episode, In The Splendor of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century (White Hall, WV; Tolle Lege Press, 2008).

Bibliography

Payne, Jon D. In The Splendor Of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century. First. Tolle Lege Press, 2008.

—. John Owen on the Lord’s Supper. Edinburgh; Carlisle Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 2004.

Participants: Jon Payne, Nick Batzig

The Song of David’s Son

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 May 2009 05:00:49 +0000

We are pleased to welcome Iain D Campbell to speak about a covenantal approach to interpreting the Song of Solomon. Dr. Campbell wrote a wonderful article in the Spring 2000 issue of the Westminster Theological Journal on the subject and he brings his insights to the panel. In addition to his article, Iain D has written several books including Doctrine of Sin, The Gospel According to Ruth, Heroes and Heretics, On the First Day of the Week, Opening up Exodus, and The Seven Wonders of the World: The Gospel in the Storyline of the Bible.

Bibliography

Bird, Michael. Introducing Paul: The Man, His mission and His Message. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2008.

Clowney, Edmund P., and Dennis E. Johnson. Heralds of the King: Christ-Centered Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Dever, Mark. Proclaiming a Cross-Centered Theology. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Edgar, William. Christian Apologetics Past and Present: a Primary Source Reader. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Ellis, Carl. S.O.S., Saving Our Sons: Confronting the Lure of Islam with Truth, Faith & Courage. 1st ed. NY [i.e. New York] NY: Imani Books, 2007.

Ferguson, Everett. Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries. Cambridge U.K.; Grand Rapids Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2009.

Gamble, Richard. The Whole Counsel of God. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

George, Timothy. J. I. Packer and the Evangelical Future: The Impact of His Life and Thought. Baker Academic, 2009.

Hauerwas, Stanley. A Cross-Shattered Church: Reclaiming the Theological Heart of Preaching. Grand Rapids MI: Brazos, 2009.

Horton, Michael. The Gospel-Driven Life Being Good News People in a Bad News World. Baker Pub Group, 2009.

Keller, Timothy. Counterfeit Gods. E P Dutton, 2009.

Lloyd-Jones, David. The Gospel in Genesis: From Fig Leaves to Faith. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Marshall, Walter. Gospel Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union with Christ. Eugene Oregon: Wipf & Stock Pub., 2005.

Mohler, R. The Disappearance of God: Dangerous Beliefs in the New Spiritual Openness. 1st ed. Colorado Springs Colo.: Multnomah Books, 2009.

Peterson, David. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2009.

Plantinga, Alvin. Warranted Christian Belief. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

Trueman, Carl. Histories and Fallacies Problems Faced in the Writing of History. Crossway Books, 2009.

VanDrunen, David. Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Wright, R. No Place for Sovereignty: What’s Wrong With Freewill Theism. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Iain Campbell, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The God Who Is

Christ the Center — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:52 +0000

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Douglas Kelly to speak about his Systematic Theology, Volume 1. Nick Batzig caught up with Dr. Kelly at the recent Twin Lakes Fellowship near Jackson, MS for this fascinating discussion. Dr. Kelly is the author of many written works including, If God Already Knows, Why Pray?, Preachers with Power: Four Stalwarts of the South, New Life in the Wasteland, Creation and Change, and The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World.

Participants: Douglas Kelly, Nick Batzig

Christless Christianity

Christ the Center — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:00:10 +0000

Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California and host of the White Horse Inn radio program joins Christ the Center to discuss his book Christless Christianity. The group covers several topics including the state of the American church, approaches to culture, and confessionalism. Listen in on a fascinating discussion.
Archive.org

Panel

Michael Horton
Lane Keister
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Links

Bibliography

Horton, Michael Scott. Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church. Grand Rapids, Mich.: BakerBooks, 2008.

Smith, Christian. American Evangelicalism: Embattled and Thriving. 1st ed. University Of Chicago Press, 1998.

Future Directions in the Sociology of Religion Social Forces 86, no. 4 (2008): 1561-1589.

Theorizing Religious Effects among American Adolescents Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 42, no. 1 (2003): 17-30.

Smith, Christian, and Melinda Lundquist. Denton. Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

Tchividjian, Tullian. Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Multnomah Books, 2009.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Lane Keister, Michael Horton

The Unfolding of Biblical Eschatology

Christ the Center — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:00:35 +0000

Did you know that the last things come first? If that sounds confusing, then you are in for a treat as the Christ the Center panel interviews Dr. R. Fowler White and Dr. Keith Mathison, president, and dean respectively, of the brand new Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies. We learn about this new educational endeavor of Dr. R. C. Sproul’s Ligonier Ministries. Additionally, we discuss eschatological perspectives from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on Dr. Mathison’s new book From Age to Age. Dr. White is the editor or contributor to several books, including Whatever Happened to the Reformation? Dr. Mathison is a prolific author who has written, among many titles, When Shall These Things Be? and Given for You. Listeners will want to listen carefully to this episode in order to ascertain whether Dr. Mathison is an optimistic amillennialist or a pessimistic postmillennialist.

Panel

R. Fowler White
Keith Mathison
Lane Kiester
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Hoekema, Anthony A. The Bible and the Future. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1979.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and R. Fowler White. Whatever Happened to the Reformation? Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R, 2001.

Mathison, Keith A. From Age to Age: The Unfolding of Biblical Eschatology. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

—. Postmillennialism: An Eschatology of Hope. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 1999.

Riddlebarger, Kim. A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times. Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leicester, England: Baker Books; Inter-Varsity Press, 2003.

Venema, Cornelis P., and Sinclair B. Ferguson. The Promise of the Future. Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 2000.

White, R. Fowler. Making Sense of Rev 20:1-10? Harold Hoehner Versus Recapitulation Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. 37, no. 4 (1994): 539.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Keith Mathison, Lane Keister, R. Fowler White

Geerhardus Vos

Christ the Center — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:00:26 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had a fascinating conversation with Rev. Danny Olinger, general secretary for the Committee on Christian Education for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and editor of The Geerhardus Vos Anthology, about all things Vos. Rev. Olinger gives the listener a brief biographical sketch of the life and ministry of Vos and gets to the heart of Vos’ contribution to Reformed theology: Biblical theology of a Reformed and orthodox variety. Several key aspects of Vos’ work are explained, including the expression “eschatology precedes soteriology.” By the end of the discussion, listeners will understand the importance of Vos for a proper grasp of Reformed theology in general.

Panel

Danny E. Olinger
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bond, Douglas. The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co.

Clowney, Edmund P., and Dennis E. Johnson. Heralds of the King: Christ-Centered Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Duncan, J. Ligon. Does Grace Grow Best in Winter? Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co.

Fitzpatrick, Elyse, and Dennis E. Johnson. Counsel from the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

McCartney, Dan G. James. Baker Academic, 2009.

Venema, Cornelis P., and Sinclair B. Ferguson. The Promise of the Future. Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 2000.

Vos, Geerhardus. Biblical Theology. New Ed. Banner of Truth, 1975.

—. Grace and Glory: Sermons Preached in the Chapel of Princeton Theological Seminary. Grand Rapids Mich.: The Reformed Press, 1922.

—. Pauline Eschatology. P & R Publishing, 1979.

—. The Eschatology of the Old Testament. P & R Publishing, 2001.

Vos, Geerhardus, and Richard B., Jr. Gaffin. Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation: The Shorter Writings of Geerhardus Vos. P & R Publishing, 2001.

Vos, Geerhardus, and Danny E. Olinger. A Geerhardus Vos Anthology: Biblical and Theological Insights Alphabetically Arranged. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2005.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Puritan Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:00:03 +0000

Rev. James O’Brien, pastor of Reedy River PCA, joins with the Christ the Center panel for a discussion of all things Puritan. Rev. O’Brien shares his wisdom gained from years of reading and wrestling with various Puritan authors. He highlights how the Puritans should be read, who should be read, and why they should be read. This is an episode you will not want to miss.

Panel

James T. O’Brien
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Participants: Camden Bucey, James T. O'Brien, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Church Fathers

Christ the Center — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:00:35 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of recently interviewing Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin, professor of church history and Biblical spirituality at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, about the importance of studying the early church fathers and reading them as the Protestant Reformers did. Dr. Haykin notes that Evangelicals are not known for their familiarity with the church fathers as they are often seen as the provenance of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox scholars and theologians. However, this is not true, for instance, the Reformers widely read the fathers as senior conversation partners in the interpretation of Scripture and in the exposition of theology. John Calvin, for instance, quoted from such fathers as the great Augustine and learned some of his preaching method from John Chrysostom. The contemporary church owes a deep debt of gratitude to the early church fathers, who wrestled with such significant matters as the doctrine of the Trinity, the two natures of Christ, and the full deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Dr. Haykin notes that, unlike Scripture, the fathers are not inerrant and so must be read and thought over with discernment. Dr. Haykin is also a respected Jonathan Edwards scholar and has written or edited numerous articles and books, including: The Christian Lover, The Advent of Evangelicalism, Jonathan Edwards: The Holy Spirit in Revival, The Revived Puritan: The Spirituality of George Whitefield, The Spirit of God: The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century, and the five-volume British Particular Baptists. This is a must-hear interview that will only deepen one’s theological understanding of the Reformed faith. Archive.org

Panel

Michael Haykin
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Haykin, Michael A. G. The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers. Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2009.

—. Jonathan Edwards: The Holy Spirit in Revival. Evangelical Press, 2005.

—. The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality. Darlington, England; Webster, NY: Evangelical Press, 2007.

—. The Revived Puritan: the Spirituality of George Whitefield. Joshua Press, 2000.

—. The Spirit of God: The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century. Brill Academic Publishers, 1994.

Haykin, Michael A. G., Kenneth J. Stewart, and Timothy. George. The Advent of Evangelicalism: Exploring Historical Continuities. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2008.

Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. New York: Harper, 1959.

Letham, Robert. The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship. P & R Publishing, 2005.

Pelikan, Jaroslav. The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition. University Of Chicago Press, 1975.

Wilken, Robert Louis. The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig