Join us for a fascinating conversation on biblical imagery. Dr. Michael Seufert, pastor of Mission OPC in St. Paul, Minnesota, and author of the dissertation Of Beasts and Men: A Study of Genesis 49 in Light of Iconography, Metaphor, and Animal Studies, guides us through the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern hero culture and its implications for understanding Scripture.

We explore Genesis 49, Jacob’s poetic blessing, and its striking use of animal metaphors, unpacking themes of violence, power, and divine faithfulness. Dr. Seufert highlights the ambivalence in biblical heroism, contrasting the lion-like strength of Judah with the paradoxical power of the Lamb in Revelation.

Dan Svendsen, pastor of First OPC in South Holland, Illinois, also provides his perspective as a preacher immersed in the narratives of 1 Samuel. Together, we examine how the stories of David and Judah resonate with biblical themes of leadership, humility, and redemption, offering additional depth and richness to our understanding of hero culture in the Bible.

With insights into the cultural, theological, and practical applications of these themes, we discuss how the church today can embrace the counterintuitive way of weakness modeled by Christ. This collaborative discussion bridges rigorous scholarship and pastoral application, offering profound encouragement for the Christian life.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:10:04 Michael Seufert’s Academic Journey
• 00:25:47 Understanding Hero Culture in Scripture
• 00:35:43 The Wilderness of Empire and Violence
• 00:38:58 Animal Imagery in Biblical Power Dynamics
• 00:41:29 The Complexity of Judah’s Legacy
• 00:48:20 Lessons from Jacob and David
• 00:59:16 Embracing Christ’s Path to Victory
• 01:09:23 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Svendsen, Michael Seufert

In this lively Friday afternoon livestream recorded on January 17, 2025, Camden Bucey and a panel of guests discuss upcoming events, including Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Confessional Conference, themed “The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work.” The panel includes Pat Daly (Greenville Seminary), Stephen Spinnenweber (Westminster PCA, Jacksonville), Ryan Noha (Reformed Forum), and Carlton Wynne (Westminster PCA, Atlanta; Reformed Theological Seminary, Atlanta).

They preview the conference’s lineup, including talks on pastoral calling, ministry, and the broader applications of confessional theology.

Camden and Ryan highlight upcoming Reformed Forum events in Oklahoma City and California, offering opportunities to engage in robust theological discussions and fellowship.

Stephen shares insights from his current sermon series on the Book of Numbers, uncovering its rich ecclesiological and redemptive themes. The panel also reflects on the challenges of preaching through difficult books and the joy of revealing Christ in all of Scripture.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Live Stream and Panel
• 03:00 Greenville Conference Overview
• 08:07 The Unique Community of the Greenville Conference
• 10:02 Carlton Wynne’s Insights on Pastoral Calling
• 15:54 Exploring the Nature of Pastoral Ministry
• 18:07 Upcoming Events and Future Plans
• 24:56 Fellowship and Worship Opportunities
• 26:45 Upcoming Conferences and Events
• 28:26 Memorable Experiences and Connections
• 30:11 Exploring Historical Figures and Their Impact
• 31:36 Engaging with Contemporary Discussions
• 33:08 Critiques and Insights on Apologetics
• 37:39 Theological Frameworks in Apologetics
• 41:09 Preaching Through Challenging Texts
• 42:00 Insights on the Book of Numbers
• 48:37 Exploring the Book of Numbers
• 50:12 The Impact of Preaching on Congregation
• 51:41 Challenges in Old Testament Preaching
• 54:15 The Aaronic Benediction and Its Significance
• 56:23 Resources for Preaching and Teaching
• 58:17 Introduction to Stephen’s Book
• 01:01:01 Understanding the Law of God
• 01:03:51 The Three Uses of the Law
• 01:06:12 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Pat Daly, Ryan Noha, Stephen Spinnenweber

In this episode we welcome back Dr. G. K. Beale, professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Dallas, to discuss Paul’s use of the Old Testament in his letter to the church in Colossae. Dr. Beale has written an insightful commentary on Colossians and Philemon in which he highlights the theological depth and practical application of these epistles, focusing on the Old Testament allusions in Colossians and their relevance to Paul’s message of Christ’s supremacy and the believer’s union with Him.

The conversation explores the nature of Paul’s argument against syncretistic false teaching, the significance of Christ as the true temple, and the practical implications of Paul’s exhortations for the church today. Dr. Beale also shares his method for identifying Old Testament allusions and discusses the relationship between Ephesians and Colossians.

This episode is a rich resource for pastors, teachers, and students interested in biblical theology, exegesis, and the practical application of Scripture.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 04:36 AI in NT Studies
• 13:10 Reformed Forum Seminary in Oklahoma City
• 15:37 Introduction to Colossians
• 21:27 Quotations and Allusions
• 25:15 The Nature of the Colossian Heresy
• 29:12 The Relationship between Colossians and Ephesians
• 32:05 Old Testament Allusions in Colossians
• 53:12 Initiation into and Maturity in Christ
• 55:19 The Elemental Principles of the World
• 58:46 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Greg Beale

This special year-end episode highlights the top 10 most-viewed episodes and webinars from 2024. We work through key moments from discussions on Reformed theology and history.

These clips showcase rich theological discussions spanning topics from biblical interpretation and church history to contemporary cultural challenges facing Reformed Christians. This annual highlight episode continues a tradition dating back to the show’s founding in 2008, offering listeners both a recap of the year’s most impactful conversations and an invitation to explore the full episodes in greater depth.

The episode serves as both a celebration of Reformed Forum’s mission to support the church in presenting every person mature in Christ and a reminder of our commitment to providing free Reformed theological resources worldwide.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:04:14 Adonis Vidu — Exploring the Doctrine of Inseparable Operations
• 00:11:17 Aaron Renn — Life in the Negative World
• 00:15:15 Harrison Perkins — Exploring Covenant Theology among the Theological Disciplines
• 00:24:11 Van Til Group #13 — Roman Catholic and Evangelical Views of Sin and Human Consciousness
• 00:34:09 Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert — Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”
• 00:41:49 Greg Beale — Union with the Resurrected Christ
• 00:48:15 David Hall — Irony and the PCA
• 00:52:13 Cornelis Van Dam — Considering the Historicity of Genesis 1 and 2
• 00:55:21 Greg Beale and Ben Gladd — Dictionary of the NT Use of the OT
• 00:57:41 Alan Strange, Darryl Hart, Nick Willborn, and Timon Cline — Politics, Culture, and the Spiritual Mission of the Church
• 01:11:49 Conclusion

Participants: Aaron Renn, Adonis Vidu, Alan Strange, Benjamin Gladd, C. N. Willborn, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Cornelis Van Dam, Darryl G. Hart, Greg Beale, Harrison Perkins, Iain Wright, Lane G. Tipton, Timon Cline, Yannick Imbert

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Ryan Swale, pastor of Immanuel URC in Jordan, Ontario, to discuss his dissertation, The Imprecatory Pastor: A Practical Theology of the Imprecatory Psalms. Swale challenges the church today to reconsider the often-overlooked imprecatory psalms, which call for divine justice upon enemies. He argues that these psalms are not only permissible for Christians to use but are essential for pastoral ministry. Grounded in the character of God and rooted in biblical promises, Swale shows how these prayers for justice play a vital role in counseling, preaching, prayer, and worship.

Swale explains the theological foundations of imprecatory psalms, demonstrating how both the Old and New Testaments affirm their use. He also explores practical applications for pastors, including how imprecatory psalms can be employed in “liturgical warfare,” apologetics, and pastoral counseling. Swale urges pastors to embrace these psalms as a powerful means of confronting evil and injustice, ultimately leading the church in glorifying God’s justice.

Join us as we explore the biblical and pastoral importance of imprecatory psalms and their role in faithfully navigating a fallen world. Learn more about the powerful place of imprecatory psalms in Christian life and ministry.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 05:13 Choosing the Imprecatory Psalms as a DMin Dissertation Topic
• 11:25 What Is an Imprecatory Psalm?
• 14:17 Imprecations in Light of Genesis 3:15
• 23:03 Imprecatory Psalms and the New Testament
• 38:27 Imprecatory Psalms in Corporate Worship
• 45:30 The Judgment of God upon Christ for His People
• 48:21 Psalms for the Age of Rage
• 53:44 Suggestions for Beginning to Use the Imprecatory Psalms
• 57:43 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Swale

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

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

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

In this episode, we welcome Drs. Benjamin Gladd and G. K. Beale, co-editors of The Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker Academic) along with D. A. Carson and Andrew Naselli. We explore various theological and biblical topics, particularly focusing on the intricate relationship between the New Testament and the Old Testament. This conversation includes examining how New Testament writers drew upon and interpreted Old Testament texts, shedding light on the continuity and development of biblical themes across the testaments. The episode illuminates the complex intertextuality present in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding these connections for a more comprehensive grasp of Christian theology.

Additionally, the dialogue touches upon various methods and challenges in biblical scholarship, including the interpretation of biblical allusions and the significance of these allusions in understanding the New Testament’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and typologies. Drs. Gladd and Beale’s expertise provides a rich, nuanced perspective on these subjects, making the episode particularly valuable for those interested in deepening their understanding of biblical theology and the hermeneutical principles underlying the study of Scripture.

Links

• G. K. Beale on the Expected Universalization of the Old Testament Land Promises

Chapters

• 0:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 0:57 – New Testament Use of the Old Testament
• 2:17 – Current Projects and Articles
• 4:38 – The Study Bible Project
• 13:54 – Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
• 18:00 – Evangelical Perspective and Competing Works
• 20:00 – Biblical Intertextuality and Hermeneutics
• 43:04 – Practical Applications for Pastors and Students
• 51:11 – Future of Biblical Theology and Studies
• 1:03:33 – Conclusion and Resources

Participants: Benjamin Gladd, Camden Bucey, Greg Beale

Dr. Cornelis Van Dam joins us to speak about his book In the Beginning: Listening to Genesis 1 and 2, in which he argues that reading Genesis 1 and 2 as history is not only justified but necessary. Van Dam clarifies the different roles that ancient Near Eastern literature and scientific theories should play in our understanding of the Bible as he carefully deals with the exegetical details of the first two chapters of the Bible. He writes:

The focus of this work is therefore not to give an all-around commentary and explanation of every verse in Genesis 1 and 2, but to listen to Scripture in order to find out what God is revealing to us about the historicity of the beginning chapters of Genesis. Concentrating on listening to what Scripture actually says brings with it the realization that the reader of the Word has a relatively modest place. The one who listens to Scripture acknowledges that the Word, not the reader, determines the meaning of the text (p. 9).

Dr. Van Dam is an Old Testament scholar, who has served with distinction as a professor of Old Testament at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary from 1981 to 2011. He holds degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, Knox College at the University of Toronto, and the Theological University of Kampen. Over his career, he has made significant contributions to Old Testament scholarship, with a special focus on the Pentateuch. He is the author of notable works including In the Beginning: Listening to Genesis 1 and 2, The Elder, and The Deacon. These publications reflect his commitment to exploring not merely themes in biblical studies but also their implications for Christian doctrine and practice.

Dr. Van Dam was honored in 2011 with a Festschrift titled Living Waters from Ancient Springs: Essays in Honor of Cornelis Van Dam. This volume, featuring contributions from notable scholars such as Hans Boersma and Al Wolters, is a testament to his significant impact on theological scholarship and his enduring legacy in biblical studies.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:10 The Impetus for this Book
• 09:36 The Impact of the Enlightenment
• 12:34 Christian Presuppositions about Science and the Bible
• 17:47 The Purpose of Scripture and Nature of Its Language
• 23:10 The Length of Days at Creation
• 30:00 The Role of Extra-biblical Evidence
• 35:20 Cosmology and Phenomenology
• 39:35 The Framework View
• 45:08 The Seventh Day
• 47:09 What Does It Matter?
• 52:07 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Cornelis Van Dam, Ryan Noha

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

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary. Camden Bucey engages Dr. Harmon in an exploration of his book, The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People, which explores the theme of servanthood across the biblical canon, offering insightful perspectives on this pervasive and significant motif​​.

During the episode, Dr. Harmon surveys several key biblical figures identified as servants of the Lord, including Adam, Moses, Joshua, David, and Jesus. The conversation also touches upon the New Testament, specifically Paul’s self-identification with the servant of the Lord described in Isaiah. Dr. Harmon elucidates how Paul, and by extension, the Christian church, embody this servant role through Christ’s indwelling, thereby continuing the mission of revealing God’s glory to the ends of the earth​​.

This episode promises to offer listeners profound insights into the biblical concept of servanthood and its implications for understanding both the Old and New Testaments, as well as its relevance for the Christian life today.

Links

• Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration
• The Various and Sundry Podcast
• Biblical Theology Briefing Podcast

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:03:08 Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake
• 00:05:25 New Testament Studies and Biblical Theology
• 00:13:23 The Story Behind the Book
• 00:18:47 Ancient and Contemporary Conceptions of Servants and Slaves
• 00:23:49 The Tendency to Reject Servitude
• 00:27:41 Adam as Servant of the Lord
• 00:32:21 Moses as Servant of the Lord
• 00:36:22 Joshua as Servant of the Lord
• 00:42:34 David as Servant of the Lord
• 00:45:50 Isaiah as Servant of the Lord
• 00:49:58 The Apostles and the Contemporary Church as Servants
• 00:53:53 Serving the Lord in Our Daily Lives
• 01:02:30 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Matthew Harmon

In this episode, we’re excited to unveil the inaugural lesson of our new series, exploring the profound depths of the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible. Under the able guidance of Dr. Mark Winder, we’re providing a new course of study through six comprehensive, yet accessible, biblical-theological lessons, offering fresh insights into this foundational portion of Scripture.

Watch the course on YouTube

As we introduce this captivating course, join Ryan Noha and Camden Bucey for a reflective update on our year-end projects. We also extend a heartfelt invitation to support our mission through the Planting for the Future campaign. Your generous contributions are pivotal in helping Reformed Forum continue to offer an array of free, high-quality Reformed theological resources to a global audience. Discover more and contribute today.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:02:31 Reformed Forum at 2023 Year End
• 00:29:46 Introducing a Course on the Pentateuch
• 00:34:01 Mark Winder’s introductory lesson on the Pentateuch
• 01:24:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Mark A. Winder, Ryan Noha

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

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bruce Baugus to our program to discuss his book, The Roots of Reformed Moral Theology, published by Reformation Heritage Books. In this comprehensive work, Dr. Baugus delves into the foundational elements that have shaped moral theology within the Reformed tradition. He provides both historical and theological contexts, covering a range of topics including the Old Testament’s influence on Reformed moral thought, the significance of the Ten Commandments, the Reformation’s impact on moral theology, and its evolution in the modern era. Additionally, Dr. Baugus explores the practical applications of Reformed moral theology for contemporary Christian living.

This conversation serves as a continuation of a dialogue that began during our online Symposium on Reformed Moral Theology, held in August 2023. In the symposium’s concluding session, Dr. Baugus and Dr. David VanDrunen each presented their perspectives on the role of law in the Gospels, with a particular focus on the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Book of Matthew. The session also featured an interactive discussion between the two scholars and T. David Gordon.

Dr. Bruce P. Baugus is Professor of Systematic Theology & Apologetics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned a PhD in Philosophical Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary (2009) and served on the faculty of Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, for fourteen years (2008–2022) prior to joining Puritan Reformed. He is also the editor of China’s Reforming Churches (RHB, 2014) and has contributed numerous chapters, articles, and papers.

Dr. David VanDrunen is Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:07:33 Moral Theology and Christian Ethics
• 00:12:49 Understanding the Roots of Moral Theology
• 00:15:10 Historical Developments in Reformed Moral Theology
• 00:18:38 A Distinctly Reformed Moral Theology
• 00:21:47 Moral Theology and Aquinas
• 00:23:51 The Law of Moses in the Reformed Tradition
• 00:33:53 Jesus and the Law
• 00:37:21 Jesus Showing the Climactic Character of His Coming
• 00:44:25 An Enduring Moral Law
• 00:51:51 The Redemptive-Historical Significance of Jesus’ Coming
• 00:54:46 The Law and the New Covenant People
• 01:03:01 The Natural Order and the New Creation
• 01:07:44 Conclusion

Participants: Bruce Baugus, Camden Bucey, David VanDrunen

In this episode, we welcome back Michael Glodo, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. Rev. Glodo has written The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Crossway), a new book on the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24–26. We discuss several biblical-theological and practical implications for contemporary faith and practice including what it means to behold the face of God. We also explore how the person and work of Jesus secures the blessing on our behalf.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:00:42 Revisiting A History of Dispensationalism
• 00:06:25 The Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6
• 00:16:43 Beholding the Face of God
• 00:24:41 Faces in Scripture
• 00:30:55 The Context of Numbers 6
• 00:44:13 Jesus’ Priesthood and the Aaronic Blessing
• 00:50:33 The Aaronic Blessing in Worship and Pastoral Care
• 01:00:29 The Priesthood of All Believers
• 01:11:18 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Michael Glodo

As Jacob continues toward Canaan in obedience to God’s call, he comes up against another significant obstacle: Esau is coming to meet him Genesis 32:1–12—preparing for conflict with a small army. Jacob’s reliance upon God’s covenant promises, and his humble prayer, are models for today’s Christians. We may pray with confidence as did Jacob, for the reality of those promises are even greater for us through Jesus Christ.

Participants: Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder

We turn to pp. 315–318 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with John the Baptist. Our discussion examines the complexities of John’s role in the grand scheme of Biblical theology, unearthing profound insights about revelation and prophecy. We explore John’s unique connection with Elijah, and the significance of his testimony to Jesus and baptism.

Join us as we ponder Vos’s interpretation of Biblical revelation, shedding light on how it relates to the shadowy figure of John the Baptist. We navigate the delicate interplay between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, guided by the astute scholarship of Vos.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:02:49 Thoughts on Studying Vos
• 00:14:10 John the Baptist and Elijah
• 00:21:50 Dispensational Interpretations of OT Prophecy
• 00:30:11 Repent in Preparation of the Coming of Christ
• 00:34:37 John’s Baptism
• 00:43:47 The OT Background to the Baptism of John
• 00:51:27 Considering John’s Baptism Redemptive-Historically
• 01:01:50 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We turn to pp. 311–314 of Geerhardus Vos’s book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to discuss revelation connected with John the Baptist. In this section, we are reminded of the importance of being methodologically self-conscious in our biblical theology. Vos provides valuable insights into John the Baptist’s mission and his place in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation.

Through an exposition of Matthew 11:2-15, we explore Jesus’ correction of mistaken views and his explanation of John’s significance as “more than a prophet” as well as Vos’ biblical theology, emphasizing the redemptive event as preceding the interpretive word. Whether you’re a biblical scholar or simply interested in the history of special revelation, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of John the Baptist’s role in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:01:32 Join Our New Online Community
• 00:07:37 New Course Available on Van Til and Barth
• 00:16:10 Vos, John the Baptist, and Methodological Considerations
• 00:23:32 Baldensperger and the History of Religions School
• 00:29:04 John the Baptist in Luke 1
• 00:36:54 Baldensperger’s View of Luke 1–3
• 00:44:45 The Christian Philosophy of History
• 00:50:14 John the Baptist in Matthew 11:2–15
• 00:57:46 John and Impending Judgment
• 01:01:45 John Living under the Old Covenant
• 01:05:46 Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ
• 01:18:16 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

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

Dr. Gregory K. Beale, Professor of New Testament at RTS Dallas, returns to the program to speak about a wide array of topics touching upon the study of the Bible. After speaking about an exciting upcoming conference and workshop in Plano, Texas, Dr. Beale discusses developments in Old and New Testament studies over the last several decades, the nature of intertextuality and biblical theology, future areas ripe for new research, and research methods and tools.

Links

• Conference: Preaching and Teaching the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:08:27 Conference: Preaching and Teaching the NT Use of the OT
• 00:15:29 Developments in Scholarship
• 00:26:53 Intertextuality and Biblical Theology
• 00:35:59 Potential New Areas of Study
• 00:47:47 Hermeneutics and Homiletics
• 00:55:27 Study Methods and Tools
• 01:11:21 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Greg Beale

The narrative portions of Scripture serve to highlight the paradigm established by Genesis 3:15. In the story of Jacob and Laban we see primarily not a conflict between two human beings but a conflict between the one true God and the gods of Laban. Laban’s gods are helpless and put to shame. Jacob’s God fulfills his covenant and provides a redeemer to cleanse Jacob—and us—from sin.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Since 2008, we have been taking a beat around New Year’s Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year. We have several great clips lined up for you today.

This was another encouraging year for us at Reformed Forum. We published four new courses. We also hosted our first two in-person courses (on Zephaniah and 2 Peter) and increased our online student base to 4,210 people (+11% over last year) in 84 countries (+13%).

But perhaps the highlight of the year was the publication of Lane G. Tipton’s book, The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til. We believe this work is a significant advance in Reformed apologetic scholarship and will be read for decades to come.

Every Person Mature

Our mission is to support the church in her charge of presenting every person mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). In order to continue producing resources that benefit local churches at home and around the world in accord with this mission, we have launched the Every Person Mature campaign. Our goal is to raise $150,000 by the end of 2022 so that we may continue to provide free theological resources for your congregation and others like it around the world.

The good news is that we are nearly halfway there! A generous donor has committed to match all donations toward this cause up to $75,000. By donating to the Every Person Mature campaign, you will fund essential resources for believers who are hungry for confessionally Reformed resources.

Top Episodes

• Episode 745 — Van Til, Thomas Aquinas, and the Natural Knowledge of God with Lane Tipton
• Episode 764 — A God-Centered Approach to History with Vern Poythress
• Episode 761 — Van Til Group #8 — The Christian Philosophy of Knowledge with Carlton Wynne and Lane Tipton
• Episode 736 — John Owen, Jeremiah 31, and the Old Covenant with Carlton Wynne and Will Wood
• Episode 780 — 1689 Federalism and the Old Covenant with Jeremy Boothby, Carlton Wynne, and Lane Tipton
• Episode 762 — The Extra Calvinistic from Zwingli to Early Orthodoxy with K. J. Drake
• Episode 746 — Natural Theology and the Effects of Sin with Lane Tipton, Rob McKenzie, and Ryan Noha
• Episode 748 — Van Til Group #7 — Creation, Sin and Its Curse with Carlton Wynne and Lane Tipton
• Episode 772 — A Tale of Two Trees with Scott Wright
• Episode 752 — The Two Ages in Scripture with Adam York

Chapters

• 00:00:06 Introduction
• 00:05:32 Lane Tipton — Van Til, Thomas Aquinas, and the Natural Knowledge of God
• 00:11:35 Vern Poythress — A God-Centered Approach to History
• 00:20:01 Van Til Group #8 — The Christian Philosophy of Knowledge
• 00:26:14 Carlton Wynne — John Owen, Jeremiah 31, and the Old Covenant
• 00:34:20 Carlton Wynne, Jeremy Boothby, and Lane Tipton — 1689 Federalism and the Old Covenant
• 00:45:38 K. J. Drake — The Extra Calvinistic from Zwingli to Early Orthodoxy
• 00:51:16 Lane Tipton — Natural Theology and the Effects of Sin
• 00:56:23 Van Til Group #7 — Creation, Sin and Its Curse
• 01:09:09 Scott Wright — A Tale of Two Trees
• 01:14:15 Adam York — The Two Ages in Scripture
• 01:20:59 Conclusion

Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Dan Ragusa, Jeremy Boothby, K. J. Drake, Lane G. Tipton, Rob McKenzie, Ryan Noha, Vern Poythress, Will Wood

We embark on a study through a new book—Psalms. Jim Cassidy provides some important interpretive principles which he illustrates through a consideration of Psalm 1. Written for Israel, a nation under a theocracy, how do the Psalms manifest Christ, and how are they applicable to us today? How may it be said that the Christian today will prosper?

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Jacob exhibits his faith as he responds in obedience to the Lord’s command to return to the land of his fathers. He had made a vow before the Lord, and the Lord now calls upon him to keep his vows. In this episode we see an appearance of “the angel of God,” who points Jacob — and us — to a greater inheritance than land or riches, but the inheritance of “the God of Bethel” — redemption from sin and reconciliation with God.

Participants: Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder

Repentance today is a byword. It conjures up images of a religious fanatic standing on a street corner with a cheap megaphone that more obscures the sound than amplifies it. But the call to repentance is divine grace. In this final chapter of Hosea, the Lord calls Israel to return to him. What a gift this is! God’s arms remain wide open. He will take away their iniquity, he will accept a sacrifice for their sins, he will heal their apostasy, he will love them freely, and make his people to reside under his shadow and to flourish. All this he does in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son. So we return to God through Christ, for he has made a way for us to be accepted by the Father. 

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Seeing Christ in all of Scripture means seeing Scripture as Christ teaches you to. In Luke 24:25–27, Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection, and he tells them that they have been slow to understand and foolish in heart. And then he opens their minds and beginning with Moses, teaches them of all the things in the Scriptures of the Old Testament concerning his suffering and glory. And then further, in Luke 24:45–49, he teaches them of the things in the Law, in the Prophets, and in the Wisdom Literature concerning himself.

And so, those things involve, among other topics, the suffering of the Messiah and the glory of the Messiah. Jesus himself told the Pharisees in John 5:39–40 that you search the Scriptures, thinking in them that you have eternal life, but those Scriptures testify to me. This is Jesus telling us that the Old Testament, on its own terms, is a witness to him. He says down later in 5:46 that Moses wrote of me, yet you refused to come to me. He says in John 8:56 that Abraham saw my day and rejoiced.

He says in John 12 that Isaiah spoke of me and my suffering. So that Jesus himself is not only the Lord who produces the Scripture, he’s the Savior who forges its central redemptive subject matter. And as the resurrected Lord, he teaches all who would come to the Scriptures that from Genesis 3 forward until the end of the Book of Revelation, the Scriptures have not only their central redemptive subject matter but their climactic fulfillment and telos in Jesus Christ, crucified, raised, ascended, interceding and returning in glory to gather his people to Himself and bring them to beatitude and to judge the wicked and cast them from his presence forever. We see Christ in all of Scripture because our Lord has opened our eyes and taught us all things in Scripture concerning himself, from Genesis to Revelation.

Adapted from a transcript of the video.

John R. Muether speaks about the continued relevance of Meredith G. Kline. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Meredith G. Kline. We recently hosted our annual theology conference and took the opportunity to consider his unique contributions by exploring several covenantal and eschatological themes he identified throughout the Old and New Testaments. A recording of Mr. Muether’s address was the first main session at the conference.

John R. Muether is Professor of Church History and Dean of Libraries at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is the author or co-author of many books, including Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman and Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism.

Chapters

• 0:00:00 Introduction
• 0:10:52 The Relevance of M. G. Kline
• 0:21:42 Kline Embracing Presbyterianism
• 0:33:29 Kline and Foreign Missions
• 0:52:00 Kline’s Criticism of Theonomy
• 0:54:05 The Teaching of Norman Shepherd
• 1:09:19 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, John Muether

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

Mark Winder previews his upcoming course on Zephaniah wherein he will discuss the prophecy in its context, and in doing so examine how the prophet utilizes protological themes to construct an eschatological picture pointing to the great Day of the Lord. We will begin with an introduction to covenant themes and establish the veracity of the theological assumptions and hermeneutical method employed in approaching Zephaniah.

Dr. Winder will be teaching an in-person course at the Reformed Forum headquarters in Libertyville, Illinois, August 12–13, 2022.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 06:12 An Upcoming Course on Zephaniah
• 22:25 The Structure of the Course
• 33:16 Protology and Eschatology
• 44:29 The Expectation of the Day of the Lord
• 50:45 Covenant Restoration
• 57:56 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Mark A. Winder, Ryan Noha

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 289–296 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos introduces several significant interpretive practices which are critical for a proper understanding of the eschatology of the prophets. These are the principles of (1) finality and consummation, (2) prophetic idiom, and (3) the coming of the Messiah as the “gift of God.”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:48 Finality and Consummation
• 13:53 The Forshortening of Prophetic Insight
• 22:54 Prophetic Idiom and the Future Glory of Isaiah
• 42:58 The Coming Messiah as the Gift of God
• 51:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Adam York joins Camden Bucey to speak about the two age construction found throughout Scripture and especially in the Pauline epistles. Scripture frequently speaks of “this age” and “the age to come.” These categories have a significant effect upon how Christians should understand their place in the world.

Jesus, the second Adam, has entered into “the age to come.” Through union with Christ, believers not only experience the victory in anticipation of Christ’s second coming, they also are already raised with him and seated with him in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6).

Adam York is pastor of Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois.

Upcoming Livestream

Donate now to receive an invitation to our private chat server. You won’t want to miss our Christ the Center recording scheduled for June 2, 2022 at 2:30 pm (EDT).

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:03:22 Preaching from Ephesians
• 00:05:12 Encountering the Two-Age Construction
• 00:11:17 Jesus Speaks of the Two Ages
• 00:19:41 The Two Ages and Christian Identity
• 00:30:53 Living in the Overlap of the Ages
• 00:45:18 The Coming Ages in Ephesians 2:7
• 00:56:16 The Practicality of the Two-Age Construction
• 01:04:17 Conclusion

Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey

In this episode, Rob and Bob continue a series on familiar psalms that we are drawn to more than others for one reason or another. This week we bring our discussion of Psalm 69 to a close.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode, Rob and Bob continue a series on familiar psalms that we are drawn to more than others for one reason or another. This week we continue our discussion of Psalm 69.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode, Rob and Bob continue a series on familiar psalms that we are drawn to more than others for one reason or another. This week we begin a discussion of Psalm 69.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode, Rob and Bob continue a series on familiar psalms that we tend to be drawn to more than others for one reason or another. Psalm 2 is one such psalm.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 269–286 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider social sin in the time of the prophets.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:41 Join Our Private Chat Server
• 10:07 The Corruption of Ritual Worship
• 11:53 Social Sin
• 20:34 The Problem of the City
• 25:54 Social Justice and Humanitarianism
• 33:48 Social Sin and Theonomy
• 41:47 Transformation through the New Covenant
• 50:27 The Old and New Covenants
• 55:48 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Dr. R. Carlton Wynne leads us in a study of Jeremiah 31 and the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. In discussing typology and symbolism, Wynne describes the views of John Owen with a view toward understanding better several contemporary views.

Dr. Wynne is Associate Pastor of Westminster PCA in Atlanta and Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Atlanta).

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:06:35 Jeremiah 31 and the New Covenant
• 00:11:09 What Is Not New in the New Covenant
• 00:18:28 Old Testament Types and Symbols
• 00:26:32 The Prospective Typological Aspect of OT Forms
• 00:34:03 The Connection between Type and Antitype
• 00:37:44 A Subservient View of the Mosaic Covenant
• 00:45:18 Types are More than Pedagogical Tools
• 00:51:52 OT Types Are Meaningless without Christ
• 00:54:07 Views on Obedience to the Law
• 01:00:33 John Owen on the Old and New Covenants
• 01:13:31 Christ’s Presence in Both the Old and the New
• 01:18:39 The Old Covenant Not Only Illustrates but Communicates Christ
• 01:24:11 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Will Wood

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

It’s that time of year again. Since 2008, we have been taking a beat around New Year’s Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year. We have a bunch of great clips lined up for you today.

Throughout 2021 we continued to develop Reformed Academy, our online learning platform. We doubled our student base from last year to more than 3,800 people in 73 countries. These brothers and sisters are taking our on-demand courses in Reformed theology, and many of their churches are using these resources in study groups and Sunday school courses.

We are committed to having each of our courses translated and subtitled in languages where we have established relationships with Reformed missionaries and indigenous churches.

Over the last two years, we have had many wonderful opportunities but not enough people and time in the day to complete many of these projects. We have grown significantly in terms of our reach, but we need to mature in terms of our ministry’s staff and infrastructure.

Please consider supporting us prayerfully and financially in these efforts. Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/donate

Top Clips from 2021

1. Episode 689 with Christopher Watkin — Foucault on Sexuality and Identity
2. Episode 689 with Christopher Watkin — Foucault on Power
3. Episode 695 with Bruce Pass — Bavinck and Supralapsarianism
4. Episode 706 with Jim Cassidy — Comparing PCA and OPC General Assemblies
5. Episode 687 with Benjamin Gladd — Israel and Dispensationalism
6. Episode 712 — Van Til Group #5 with Lane Tipton and Carlton Wynne — Natural Theology, Experience, and Reason
7. Episode 699 with G.K. Beale and Benjamin Gladd — Inaugurated Eschatology
8. Episode 713 with Danny Olinger and John Muether — Premillennialism among Presbyterian Fundamentalists
9. Episode 709 — Listener Questions with Ryan Noha and Jeff Waddington — Thomas, Van Til, and Classical Theism
10. Episode 696 with Crawford Gribben — Christian Reconstruction and the Religious Right
11. Reformed Forum Hot Ones

Episode Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:01:13 2021 in Review
• 00:10:19 Foucault on Sexuality and Identity
• 00:16:18 Foucault on Power
• 00:20:32 Bavinck and Supralapsarianism
• 00:23:55 Comparing PCA and OPC General Assemblies
• 00:28:45 Israel and Dispensationalism
• 00:31:35 Natural Theology, Experience, and Reason
• 00:36:16 Inaugurated Eschatology
• 00:44:14 Premillennialism among Presbyterian Fundamentalists
• 00:49:54 Thomas, Van Til, and Classical Theism
• 00:55:09 Christian Reconstruction and the Religious Right
• 00:59:56 Reformed Theology Meets Spicy Wings
• 01:06:14 Looking Ahead to 2022

Participants: Benjamin Gladd, Bruce Pass, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Christopher Watkin, Crawford Gribben, Danny Olinger, Greg Beale, Jeff Waddington, John Muether, Lane G. Tipton, Ryan Noha

In this episode, Rob and Bob continue a series on familiar psalms that we tend to be drawn to more than others for one reason or another. Psalm 110 is quoted more than any other psalm in the New Testament. Why? What makes it so worthwhile for the New Testament writers to make use of when writing about Jesus?

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

How do you preach a passage as speckled and mottled as this one? We look at a text that at first glance has nothing to say about Christ and see how through the continuity of God’s covenant promises we are presented with a foreshadowing of Christ plundering Satan’s house, and through death destroying the one who had the power of death.

Participants: Glen Clary, Mark A. Winder

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 264–266 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider the collective sin of the nation during the time of the prophets. Vos speaks particularly of the prophet Amos, and his indictment of false worship practices among the people.

Links

• OPC Report of the Committee to Study Republication

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:09:14 Collective National Sin
• 00:17:33 Oppression of the Poor and Sexual Immorality
• 00:24:40 Licentious Idolatry
• 00:28:24 The Covenant-Historical Context
• 00:35:26 The Motivation of the Apostates (Amos 8:1–6)
• 00:42:04 A Critical Interpretation of the Prophets’ View of Sacrifices
• 00:45:57 Manners of False Worship
• 00:55:17 Cultural Forces and the Church
• 01:00:33 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

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

We turn to pages 263–264 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider the sin of Israel and the resulting rupture of their covenant bond with the Lord.

Links

• OPC Study Committee Report on Republication, Chapter 8

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

This section of Genesis showcases an alarming lack of dependence upon God, which results in deception and contention in Jacob’s family. Here we see the foundation laid for much of the conflict of the following chapters, as well as the introduction of Joseph whose story will be the subject of the last third of Genesis. In spite of Jacob’s foolishness, God will take this dysfunctional family in forming people for himself.

Participants: Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

We turn to pages 256–263 of Geerhardus Vos’ book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to discuss the bond between the Lord and Israel. In this chapter, Vos considers revelation during the period of the prophets, but in this section, he specifically considers the unique perspective on covenant (berith) offered by Isaiah and Hosea.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Lane Tipton speaks about his new book, Foundations of Covenant Theology, available now through Reformed Forum.

Drawing from Genesis 1:1 and subsequent biblical revelation, Lane Tipton argues that before creating the visible world, the immutable triune God created a heavenly temple dwelling, filled that heavenly dwelling with the unchanging glory of his Spirit, and sanctified that heavenly dwelling as the realm of everlasting Sabbath rest.

Adam, as the created image of God and federal head of his posterity, could have advanced through perfect covenantal obedience beyond probation on the mountain of God in earthly Eden into the heavenly dwelling of God in Sabbath rest. This God-centered and heaven-focused theological backdrop enriches our understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ, as the second and last Adam in the covenant of grace, who in his humiliation and exaltation has opened the gates of heavenly paradise for his church.

Copies are available now.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Jacob’s search for a bride parallels two other searches, all of which point us to Christ who offers the water of life and becomes a servant to secure his bride. We therefore must become servants of Christ that as his bride we might receive the water of life.

Participants: Mark A. Winder