Christ the Center

Union with Christ

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:00:04 +0000

We celebrate the 200th episode of Christ the Center together with our guest (and studio host!), Dr. Lane G. Tipton. Dr. Tipton is the Charles Krahe Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and has done extensive work on Reformed soteriology. In this milestone episode, we treat several dimensions of the Reformed discussion of union with Christ including Lutheranism, definitive sanctification, and the incorporation of transformative aspects into justification. Join us for this memorable and lively discussion.

Dr. Michael Horton responded to Dr. Lane G. Tipton in episode 207 of Christ the Center.

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely of the individuals and are not the views of Reformed Forum or any other organization affiliated with the participants in this interview.

Books

Van Til, Barth, and American Evangelicalism

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:00:59 +0000

Darryl G. Hart returns to explore Barthianism in America. Darryl Hart has contributed to Karl Barth and American Evangelicalism, edited by Bruce L. McCormack and Clifford B. Anderson, is an interesting volume, compiled from contributions to a 2007 conference sponsored by The Center for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary and The Karl Barth Society of North America. Interestingly, several contributions address the subject of Van Til’s pointed critique of the influential theologian. Any student of Van Til is likely to be interested in this new publication and this intriguing discussion with Darryl Hart.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart

Evangelicals and the Betrayal of American Conservatism

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:00:13 +0000

In this episode, Darryl G. Hart speaks about his latest book From Billy Graham to Sarah Palin: Evangelicals and the Betrayal of American Conservatism. Hart argues that evangelicals ought to reclaim the conservatism of decades past as he delves into a number of historical and cultural trends in this engaging discussion.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart

Our Great God

Christ the Center — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:00:31 +0000

In this episode, we speak about the doctrine of God and its implications for other doctrines and all areas of life with Kevin DeYoung. DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, and he will be speaking at the Quakertown Regional Conference on Reformed Theology, which is titled Our Great God.

Books

What is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert
God with Us: Divine Condescension and the Attributes of God by K. Scott Oliphint

Links

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Kevin DeYoung, Nick Batzig

La théologie Réformée en France

Christ the Center — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:00:11 +0000

In this special episode, Christ the Center welcomes Kim Tran and Yannick Imbert from the Faculté Jean Calvin in Aix-en Provence to speak about the history and current state of Reformed theology in France. This is a fascinating global discussion that spans the Reformation to contemporary philosophers such as Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault.

Participants: Barbara Edgar, Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Kim Tran, Yannick Imbert

Theologizing in a Connected Culture

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:00:28 +0000

Jared Oliphint and Camden Bucey speak about a number of topics in today’s open discussion, but the discussion gravitated toward theologizing in today’s connected culture. With the proliferation of social media, particularly Twitter, theology seems to be growing and spreading in new ways. Jared and Camden speak about these changing dynamics—particularly the role of polemics.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint

The Significance of the Resurrection

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:00:28 +0000

People often speak of the “cross” synecdochally, that is, referring to the entire work of redemption accomplished by Christ. While this is perfectly acceptable, repeated use of this construction can under-emphasize the significance of the resurrection. In this episode, the resurrection is displayed within the context of redemptive-history and its bearing upon the benefits of salvation is demonstrated as the panelists discuss many of the works of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.

Links

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington

Evangelicals and Political Conservatism

Christ the Center — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:00:55 +0000

Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey discuss the evangelical involvement in American politics using Darryl G. Hart’s recent From Billly Graham to Sarah Palin: Evangelicals and the Betrayal of American Conservatism as a guide. Evangelicals are often considered politically conservative, yet this is not always the case. Hear how the worlds of theology and politics intersect in this friendly conversation.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

The Founders of the Free Church of Scotland

Christ the Center — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:00:08 +0000

Christ the Center is very pleased to welcome Sandy Finlayson to the program to discuss his book Unity & Diversity: The Founders of the Free Church of Scotland. Mr. Finlayson is Professor of Theological Bibliography and Director of Library Services at Westminster Theological Seminary. The book is a wonderful perspective to the history of the Free Church as it presents stimulating and readable biographies of many key figures surrounding the founding of the Free Church of Scotland. This discussion is thoroughly enjoyable.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Sandy Finlayson

Issues in Systematic Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 05:00:37 +0000

Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey speak about various contemporary issues in systematic theology. The conversation centers mainly on union with Christ and the salvific benefits that flow from that union. The subject has been significant throughout the history of the church, and is no less significant today. Join us for a friendly conversation on Jesus Christ and his gospel.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Perspectives on the Sabbath

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:00:58 +0000

Chris Donato joins the panel to speak about various views on the Sabbath. Mr. Donato has editing the book Perspectives on the Sabbath: 4 Views published by Broadman and Holman Publishers. Skip MacCarty (Andrews University) defends the Seventh-day view which argues the fourth commandment is a moral law of God requiring us to keep the seventh day (Saturday) holy. Jospeh A Pipa (Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) backs the Christian Sabbath view which reasons that ever since the resurrection of Christ, the one day in seven to be kept holy is the first day of the week. Craig L. Blomberg (Denver Seminary) supports the Fulfillment view which says that since Christ has brought the true Sabbath rest into the present, the Sabbath commands of the Old Testament are no longer binding on believers. Charles P. Arand (Concordia Seminary) upholds the Lutheran view that the Sabbath commandment was given to Jews alone and does not concern Christians. Rest and worship are still required but not tied to a particular day.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chris Donato, Jeff Waddington

The Reformation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:00:15 +0000

Dr. Carl Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, returns to Christ the Center to speak about the republication of his book The Reformation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Dr. Trueman speaks about the abiding significance of the Reformation even today as he adroitly describes its salient features and applies them to the contemporary church. Trueman’s insights are truly a joy to hear.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jared Oliphint

Redeeming Sociology

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:00:57 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Vern Poythress back to the program to discuss his latest book Redeeming Sociology. The title alone may leave some people wondering why it was written by a professor of New Testament interpretation. Yet those familiar with Dr. Poythress’ work will quickly come to realize how he has thoroughly applied his God-centered Trinitarian approach to the subject of human relationships. From the publisher:

Redeeming Sociology advocates a biblically informed model for human relationships—relationships rooted in the Trinitarian character of God, his governance of the world, and his redemption accomplished in Christ. Poythress examines how the breaking of relationships through sin leads to strife, murder, and oppression among human beings and sets cultures against one another. And he shows how these broken relationships are restored through the outworking of redemption in Christ.

Though typical sociological models for interpersonal relationships may offer some valuable insights, they are handicapped by a fundamental misunderstanding of humanity. The biblical model that Poythress presents correctly diagnoses the problem of human relationships, so it can likewise prescribe a biblical solution that infuses new meaning and power into how we relate to others made in the image of God.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Vern Poythress

Zephaniah: Protology in Eschatology

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:00:45 +0000

Mark A. Winder joins the panel to discuss the rich redemptive-historical themes of Zephaniah. Mark has written a thesis titled Zephaniah: Protology in Eschatology and takes time to walk us through the several biblical-theological threads found throughout the book. Rev. Winder is a church planter at Wolf River Presbyterian Church in Collierville, TN near Memphis.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder

Redemptive-Historical Hermeneutics

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:00:41 +0000

Lane G. Tipton provides the biblical warrant for a transtestamental gospel that understands the organic unity of the Old and New Testaments. Tipton contributed a chapter to the recent Confident of Better Things: Essays Commemorating Seventy-Five Years of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Dr. Tipton is also the co-editor of Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics and Resurrection and Eschatology: Theology in Service of the Church: Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Lane G. Tipton

God without Parts: The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:00:15 +0000

Recent trends in evangelical theology have called into question the traditional understanding of God’s being. For centuries, theologians have maintained that God is immutable and simple, that is, not composed of parts. Yet many recent philosophers of religion have found the doctrine to be untenable. Dr. James Dolezal argues for the importance of retaining divine simplicity while he discusses his dissertation in this fascinating look at the classic doctrine.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church from 1945 to 1990

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:00:14 +0000

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church was formed in 1936 out of the modernist-fundamentalist controversy at a time when figures such as J. Gresham Machen were struggling with liberal influences at Princeton Seminary and the mainline Presbyterian Church. Much has been written on those early years, but a significant gap in the history persisted until recently. For the OPC’s 75th anniversary, the Committee for the Historian has commissioned two books. The first is a collection of essays edited by John R. Muether and Danny E. Olinger titled Confident of Better Things. The second is Between the Times: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Transition 1945-1990 written by Darryl. G. Hart. Hart’s book wonderfully chronicles the OPC during the transition beyond the first generation as the young Reformed denomination sought to find its identity in a changing evangelical world. Today Dr. Hart visits Christ the Center to speak about this important period in American Presbyterianism.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Jim Cassidy

Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:27 +0000

Nancy Guthrie comes on to talk about her upcoming book from Crossway, The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis. This is the first in a series titled “Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament: A 10-week Bible Study.” Nancy is the author of a number of books on the subject of Christ in the Old Testament including The One Year Book of Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament. Nancy is a well-known speaker on this topic as well as the topic of losing a child. Nancy and her husband David have ministered to countless couples who have gone through what she and David have gone through, and continue to provide resources through retreats and her autobiographical books on the subject such as Holding Onto Hope: A Pathway Through Suffering to the Heart of God.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Nancy Guthrie

Jonathan Edwards’s Apologetic

Christ the Center — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:00:55 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of interviewing Rev. Dr. Robert Davis Smart, senior minister of Christ Church (PCA) in Bloomington, IL, and author of the recently released Jonathan Edwards’s Apologetic for the Great Awakening. This is an excellent study of Edwards’s moderate defense of the First Great Awakening over against the criticisms of the “Old Brick” and future quasi-Unitarian Charles Chauncy. Smart points out that the big question was: Was the awakening a work of the Holy Spirit? Dr. Smart also discusses the relevance of Edwards and revival for today.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Robert Davis Smart

Edwards on the Infinite Merit of Christ

Christ the Center — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:00:07 +0000

Dr. Craig Biehl shares his work on Jonathan Edwards’ views pertaining to Christ’s merit. Biehl’s dissertation has been published as a book titled The Infinite Merit of Christ: The Glory of Christ’s Obedience in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards. Biehl and Jeff Waddington speak of the current state of Edwards scholarship and the need for a thorough analysis of Edwards own writings as opposed to studies treating primarily the secondary literature. What a thorough-going study yields is Edwards’s covenant theology and rich understanding of Christ’s work for his people.

As an added bonus toward the end of the episode, Dr. Biehl discusses a short booklet titled What’s in the Box?: The Unreasonable Faith of Atheism and Agnosticism.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Craig Biehl, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Transformationalism and Christian Higher Education

Christ the Center — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:00:52 +0000

Dr. William Dennison discusses transformational eschatology and Christian higher education. Dr. Dennison’s has written two articles that become the subject of discussion. In The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul, Dennison uses Plato’s view of the soul as a test case in the need for a fully biblical approach to higher education, and in Dutch Neo-Calvinism and the Roots for Transformation: An Introductory Essay Dennison provides a helpful introduction into the roots and early history of Dutch neo-Calvinism.

Dr. Dennison is Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA and Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Northwest Theological Seminary in Lynnwood, WA. Dennison is the author of The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925.

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

The Ethics of Bankruptcy

Christ the Center — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:00:29 +0000

Dr. David Skeel, professor of corporate law at UPenn, discusses Christians in legal studies in addition to the ethics of bankruptcy.

David Skeel is the S. Samuel Arsht Professor of Corporate Law at University of Pennsylvania Law School and the author of The New Financial Deal: Understanding the Dodd-Frank Act and Its (Unintended) Consequences (Wiley, 2010), Icarus in the Boardroom (Oxford, 2005), and Debt’s Dominion: A History of Bankruptcy Law in America (Princeton, 2001), as well as numerous articles and other publications.

He has been interviewed on The News Hour, Nightline, Chris Matthews’ Hardball (MSNBC), National Public Radio, and Marketplace, among others, and has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and other newspapers and magazines. Skeel has twice received the Harvey Levin award for outstanding teaching, as selected by a vote of the graduating class, and has also received the University’s Lindback Award for distinguished teaching.

In addition to bankruptcy and corporate law, Skeel also writes on sovereign debt, Christianity and law, and poetry and the law, and is an elder at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Skeel, James Sweet

R. L. Dabney

Christ the Center — Fri, 27 May 2011 04:56:01 +0000

Sean Michael Lucas, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, MS, speaks about his book Robert Lewis Dabney: A Southern Presbyterian Life. Dr. Lucas also previously taught church history and served as academic dean at Covenant Theological Seminary.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Paul Maxwell, Sean Michael Lucas

The Right to Become Children of God

Christ the Center — Fri, 20 May 2011 05:00:29 +0000

Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey continue their discussion of adoption from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. In this episode, the panel talks about John 1:12-13 and the right to become children of God. The conference, held annually at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA, is organized by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Children of God

Christ the Center — Fri, 13 May 2011 05:00:45 +0000

Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey speak about David Wells’ message the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Dr. Wells’ spoke about being members of the family of God from 1 John 3:1 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

The conference, held annually at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA, is organized by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

Christ the Center — Fri, 06 May 2011 05:00:36 +0000

Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey speak about biblical manhood and womanhood from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. The conference, held annually at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA, is organized by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Gabe Fluhrer, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Urban Churches, Christian Education, and Ecclesiology

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:00:18 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to continue their coverage of the Gospel Coalition’s 2011 National Conference in Chicago, IL. On this episode, they speak with several guests including Doug Logan of Epiphany Fellowship. Doug is planting an urban church in Camden, NJ.

Chris Larson, Executive Vice President at Ligonier Ministries also checked in. Chris speaks about several new Ligonier initiatives including their Reformation Bible College and Ligonier Connect.

Finally, Mark Dever visits to speak about about pastoral searches and multi-site churches. Rev. Dr. Dever is senior pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and the founder of 9Marks Ministries.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chris Larson, Doug Logan, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack, Mark Dever

Business Ethics, Pastoral Searches, and Van Til as Biblical Counselor

Christ the Center — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 05:00:52 +0000

Christ the Center comes to you from the floor of The Gospel Coalition 2011 National Conference in Chicago, IL. In this episode, the hosts welcome several guests to speak about a variety of issues. Bob Doll speaks about Christian business ethics. Bob Doll is Chief Equity Strategist for Fundamental Equities at BlackRock a premier provider of global investment management, risk management and advisory services. Mr. Doll will be a speaker at the upcoming business ethics conference organized by the Center for Christian Business Ethics. [0:48]

Chris Brauns speaks about his books Unpacking Forgiveness and When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search. Chris is the pastor at the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL and writes frequently on his website. [12:40]

Pastor Scotty Smith visits to speak about the unique congregation at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN as well as his interesting practice of writing daily prayers. [28:51]

David Powlison explains the deep connection between biblical counseling and Van Tilian apologetics. David is a faculty member at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, a board member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and teaches courses at Westminster Theological Seminary. In this illuminating segment, Dr. Powlison helps to unpack the latent philosophical frameworks in secular psychology. [38:27]

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chris Brauns, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:00:04 +0000

Brian Najapfour, pastor from the Philippines and a PhD student at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses his book Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer. The book, which Najapfour co-edited with Joel R. Beeke, is a wealth of material on the subject of Christian prayer. The writings of many Reformed and Puritan thinkers on the subject shine through to provide a rich understanding of this means of grace.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Biblical Counseling and TGC2011

Christ the Center — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:00:37 +0000

Christ the Center comes to you from the floor of The Gospel Coalition 2011 National Conference in Chicago, IL. In the first segment of this episode, Jared Oliphint and Camden Bucey discuss biblical counseling and ecclesiology. [1:26]

Chuck Haddox of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Jeremy Kicklighter of Covenant Seminary, and Jonathan Brack of Westminster Theological Seminary join the panel to speak about trends in seminary admissions. [18:00]

Michael McKinley, pastor at Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia. Mike is the author of Church Planting is for Wimps. Mike spoke about church planting at TGC11. [38:45]

Finally, Josh Harris, senior pastor of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD stops by to speak about the NEXT Conference. [44:12]

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

The Gospel Coalition 2011 National Conference

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:00:28 +0000

Reformed Forum brings you Christ the Center from the floor of The Gospel Coalition 2011 National Conference in Chicago, IL. Jared, Jonathan, Camden, and several Reformed Forum listeners speak about a variety of topics including denominations and ecclesiology. Though not published first, this was Reformed Forum’s first recording from the event. Three subsequent episodes will be released in the near future.

View all the published episodes from the conference on the TGC2011 page.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint

These Last Days

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:12 +0000

Richard D. Phillips and Gabriel Fluhrer visit to discuss their latest book These Last Days: A Christian View of History. Last year, the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals hosted a series of conferences exploring a Christian view of history. Many of the conference addresses have been compiled into this great book.

Links

Participants: Camden Bucey, Gabe Fluhrer, Jim Cassidy, Rick Phillips

Universalism and Deification

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:00:56 +0000

Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey analyze popular formulations of universalism and look to related themes in theologies of deification, divinization, and theosis.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Christ in Leviticus

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:00:04 +0000

Douglas Clawson is Associate General Secretary for the Committee on Foreign Missions for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. In this episode, Clawson speaks about the controlling theme of Leviticus as he connects the themes of holiness and cleanliness to our doctrine of sin and the manifold work of Jesus Christ.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Doug Clawson

The Practice of Law and the Christian

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:00:28 +0000

The Christian’s relationship to the civil law is a perennial point of discussion. Nearly a year ago Christ the Center explored this issue in the Christ & Culture series. Today we take some of those theological themes and see how they apply in practice. James Sweet, former Chairman of Drinker Biddle & Reath, speaks about his career practicing law and how the reality of being a Christian comes to bear.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Sweet, Jared Oliphint

The Role of the Seminary in Today’s World

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:32 +0000

Christ the Center is honored to welcome seminary presidents Albert Mohler and Peter Lillback to discuss the role of the seminary in today’s world.

Dr. Albert Mohler serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Listeners may know Dr. Mohler from The Albert Mohler Program, a daily nationwide radio program. Dr. Mohler is the author of He is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World, Atheism Remix: A Christian Confronts the New Atheists, and Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth. He has appeared as a guest on a host of television and radio programs and we are very pleased to welcome him today.

Dr. Peter Lillback is President of Westminster Theological Seminary and he also serves as president of the Providence Forum, a non-profit organization whose mission is to re-instill and promote a Judeo-Chrsitian worldview within our culture. Dr. Lillback is the author of George Washington’s Sacred Fire and The Binding of God: Calvin’s Role in the Development of Covenant Theology.

Participants: Albert Mohler, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Peter A. Lillback

The Creation Covenant

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:00:32 +0000

Dr. Rowland Ward speaks about his historical and theological masterpiece God & Adam: Reformed Theology and the Creation Covenant. While there has been, and continues to be, much debate over the precise relationship between the pre- and post-lapsarian covenants, Dr. Ward provides one of the most well researched and carefully documented studies of the development of covenant theology from the 1st to the 21st Century. Tracing the history of Covenant Theology through the Westminsterian tradition of the 17th Century to the Murray-Kline debate of the 20th Century, Dr. Ward provides an invaluable resource for theologians, pastors and seminarians. This work is truly an indispensable study for anyone desiring to understand God’s covenantal dealings with His people.

Links

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Rowland Ward

The Clark/Van Til Controversy

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:00:51 +0000

K. Scott Oliphint explores the issue of divine and human knowledge as it relates to the Clark/Van Til controversy. Dr. Oliphint is Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary and is the author of several books on apologetics including Reasons for Faith and The Battle Belongs to the Lord.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, K. Scott Oliphint

The Justification Landscape

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:00:46 +0000

Mark Garcia is pastor at Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Coraopolis, PA. He is the author of Life in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology. In this episode, Garcia speaks about the reformed conception of union with Christ and how a reformed soteriology is distinguished from the salient features of the New Perspective on Paul and the Federal Vision. Issues of imputation, covenant, and the forensic and renovative aspects of salvation enter in to this important discussion.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Mark Garcia

Christ and Marriage

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 05:00:36 +0000

Winston Smith joins the panel to discuss Christian marriage and his book Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change through Ordinary Moments. Smith is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF, a ministry focused on biblical counseling.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Winston Smith

Historical Methodology

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:57 +0000

Carl Trueman comes on to discuss his recent book, Histories and Fallacies: Problems Faced in the Writing of History, and other issues relating to historiography and a philosophy of history.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

The Gospel Coalition

Christ the Center — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:00:08 +0000

John Starke of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) visits the program to talk about their website, the TGC Reviews, the TGC conference, and how they see themselves in relation to the church at large.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, John Starke

The Life and Thought of Herman Bavinck

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:00:54 +0000

Ron Gleason discusses his new intellectual biography of Herman Bavinck. The book, titled Herman Bavinck: Pastor, Churchman, Statesman, and Theologian, is published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers.

Links

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Ron Gleason

Sister Aimee

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:00:24 +0000

R. Scott Clark, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, discusses his essay in Always Reformed, the recent festschrift for Dr. Robert Godfrey. The collection is edited by R. Scott Clark and Joel E. Kim and contains contributions from several noted reformed theologians. Dr. Clark’s essay, “Magic and Noise: Reformed Christianity in Sister’s America,“ is an interesting look into American evangelicalism through one of its most enthusiastic figures.

Machen’s Warrior Children

Christ the Center — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 05:00:36 +0000

Darryl G. Hart visits with the panel of Christ the Center once again. On this episode Dr. Hart speaks about his latest essay found in Always Reformed, a festschrift written in honor of Dr. Robert Godfrey.

Highlights from 2010

Christ the Center — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 05:00:54 +0000

Today we finish our third full year of Christ the Center episodes. And to date we’ve been able to bring you a new episode every Friday since we began three years ago. It has become our tradition to close each year with a brief selection of highlights from the year’s episodes. And so today we’re bringing you clips from eight different episodes that we think provide a decent representation of the types of discussions we have on Christ the Center.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Chad Van Dixhoorn, Daniel Kunkle, Danny Olinger, Darryl G. Hart, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Jonathan Brack, K. Scott Oliphint, Nick Batzig, Peter A. Lillback, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

Liberating Black Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 05:00:04 +0000

Anthony Bradley discusses his book, Liberating Black Theology: The Bible and the Black Experience in America, which is a revised form of his dissertation he did while a PhD student at WTS. Dr. Bradley discusses Jeremiah Wright, James Cone, and concepts such as oppression and victimology that are key to understanding the black theology movement. We talk with Dr. Bradley about a Reformed understanding of race and ethnicity in the church.

Links

Participants: Anthony Bradley, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Jonathan Edwards and the Image of God

Christ the Center — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 05:00:34 +0000

Jeff Waddington speaks about Jonathan Edwards’ theological anthropology. He distinguishes Edwards’ approach from that of Thomas Aquinas and explains its significance for apologetics.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Trinitarian Personality

Christ the Center — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:00:51 +0000

Christ the Center explores the incomprehensible and doxological subject of Trinitarian personality. Dr. Tipton previously discussed the subject on Christ the Center episode #49.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington

The Philosophy of Science

Christ the Center — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:00:19 +0000

In a call to our modern society to reexamine the fundamental presuppositions of the dominant worldview, the panel discusses the philosophy of science.

post photo from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

Contemporary Issues in Ecclesiology

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 05:00:05 +0000

Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, and Camden Bucey engage in an open conversation about current issues in the life and understanding of the church. The discussion addresses multi-site churches, the culture of celebrity, social networking, and the democratization of information.

post photo by Paul Watson

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Amillennialism

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:00:56 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Kim Riddlebarger to the program to discuss amillennialism. Dr. Riddlebarger is senior pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, California (www.christreformed.org), visiting professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California, and co-host of The White Horse Inn.

In 2003 Dr. Riddlebarger’s book A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times was published by Baker Books. It has proven to be a tremendous resource for people struggling to make sense of various eschatological positions. Riddlebarger has also written a book titled The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth about the Antichrist.

Formulating a Christian Epistemology

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:00:43 +0000

Several contributors to Philosophy for Theologians convene to discuss the guidelines for formulating a Christian epistemology. As a starting point, the panel looks at the seminal work by Edmund Gettier Is Justified True Belief Knowledge? In 1963 Gettier published a 3-page paper that turned the philosophical world on its head by supplying counterexamples that challenged the common definition of knowledge. Gettier’s examples have come to be known as demonstrating the Gettier Problem.

Machen and Bultmann at Marburg

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:00:56 +0000

Bill Dennison discusses the possibility of a personal acquaintance between J. Gresham Machen and Rudolf Bultmann. Both men are key figures in opposing wings of Protestantism. Machen being the figurehead of conservative Presbyterianism in the early 20th c. as he founded Westminster Theological Seminary and led the movement to begin the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Rudolf Bultmann, on the other hand, pioneered the Second Quest of higher biblical criticism.

Christianity and Politics

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:00:38 +0000

Dr. Carl Trueman, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Dr. Peter A. Lillback, President of Westminster, discuss the proper relationship of Christianity to the political sphere.

Dr. Trueman is the author of Republocrat, a new book that challenges the reigning partisan brand of politics in the U.S. Dr. Lillback is the other of Wall of Misconception, a book arguing that the separation of church and state does not mean the separation of Christianity and government, as well as the book George Washington’s Sacred Fire, which was featured on the Glenn Beck program.

Word, Water and Spirit

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 05:00:26 +0000

John V. Fesko provides an historical, biblical-theological, and systematic view of baptism in his new book Word, Water and Spirit. Dr. Fesko is the academic dean and associate professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is also the author of The Rule of Love and Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Rev. Fesko has appeared on two prior episodes of Christ the Center.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, John Fesko, Nick Batzig

Modern Roman Catholicism

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 05:00:28 +0000

Christ the Center discusses the developments in Roman Catholic theology that came with Vatican II. In this episode, we welcome an able panel including Nathan Shannon, who wrote a ThM thesis on Karl Rahner, Michael Matossian, PhD candidate at Marquette University, and Danny Olinger, who studied at Duquesne University. Danny has written a helpful primer on Vatican II which appears in the lastest edition of Ordained Servant.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Michael Matossian, Nate Shannon

The Point of a Sermon

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:00:59 +0000

Christ the Center speaks with Dennis Prutow, Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to speak about his book So Pastor, What’s Your Point?

Participants: Camden Bucey, Nick Batzig

Van Til, Barth and Liberalism

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:00:09 +0000

Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey open the subject of Van Til’s criticisms of Karl Barth. Van Til was one of Barth’s earliest English-writing critics, and his criticisms are found in his books The New Modernism and Christianity and Barthianism. Van Til’s take on Barth has come under fire, but at least one noted Barthian, Bruce McCormack, has vindicated Van Til’s understanding.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Christ the Center — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:00:38 +0000

Dr. Barry Horner joins the program to discuss John Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress. Horner has thought deeply on the subject and has written a book of his own titled The Pilgrim’s Progress: Themes and Issues. His Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Seminary in California focused on the biblical/theological content of The Pilgrim’s Progress as well as its validity as an appropriate means for the communication of the Word of God.

Dr. Horner teaches The Pilgrim’s Progress in church, seminar, and camp settings, and pastors Christ’s New Covenant Church, Tucson, Arizona.

Natural Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:00:11 +0000

The idea of natural theology has been much debated. One’s understanding regarding the project of natural theology will inevitably impact substantially one’s apologetic methodology and epistemology.

K. Scott Oliphint and James Dolezal visit the Reformed Forum studio to discuss natural theology. Michael Sudduth’s book The Reformed Objection to Natural Theology (Burlington: Ashgate, 2009) will act as the foil of the discussion. The book is in the Ashgate “Philosophy of Religion” series edited by Paul Helm and Linda Zagzebski.

In The Reformed Objection to Natural Theology Sudduth identifies three main categories in the world of Reformed objections to natural theology: objections from the immediacy of our knowledge of God, the noetic effects of sin, and the logic of theistic arguments. While recognizing various forms of natural theology, Sudduth argues that none of the main Reformed objections are successful against the project of natural theology itself.

The foundation for Sudduth’s book was laid in his 1996 D.Phil. dissertation at the University of Oxford. In that work, Sudduth attempted “to synthesize the Reformed epistemology of Alvin Plantinga and features of the evidentialist tradition with its emphasis on natural theology – rational arguments for the existence and nature of God.” (Sudduth, Preface) The book is even titled after Plantinga’s 1980 paper of the same title.

The Theology of B.B. Warfield

Christ the Center — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:00:46 +0000

Fred Zaspel is the author of the soon to be released volume on the theology of B.B. Warfield, published by Crossway titled The Theology of B.B. Warfield: A Systematic Summary. He has also authored a recent timely article in Themelios on Warfield’s take on evolution. We discuss the background of his interest in Warfield, the great Princeton theologian’s take on evolution, and what we can learn from him today.

From Crossway:

Fred G. Zaspel has spent many years studying Warfield’s published and unpublished writing, and presents here a concise and coherent systematic theology per B. B. Warfield. For the first time ever, readers can, in one volume, access the content of this great theologian’s academic, sermonic, and devotional works. Scholars, pastors, and students will profit from the unique combination of comprehensive detail and devotional warmth in this systematic theology.

Fred Zaspel is also the author of a series of booklets published by the Interdisciplinary Biblical Research Institute (IBRI), entitled, The Continuing Relevance of Divine Law (1991); The Theology of Fulfillment (1994); Jews, Gentiles, & the Goal of Redemptive History (1996). Along with Tom Wells, Pastor Fred has co-authored a major work entitled New Covenant Theology.

Other Related Works

Participants: Camden Bucey, Fred Zaspel, Jim Cassidy

Christian Education

Christ the Center — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:00:12 +0000

Christ the Center interviews Daniel Kunkle, Bible teacher at Phil-Mont Christian Academy. The panel discusses Christian education and the issues involved in teaching secondary education from a Reformed perspective. Dan has been a Bible teacher, among other subjects, at Phil-Mont Christian Academy since 1979. He attends Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, has taught education courses in the area for a number of years, and has also taught courses in Christian Education for Westminster Theological Seminary.

Outline of Topics

History of Phil-Mont Christian Academy
The Bible department
Curriculum in Bible classes
Philosophy of education and the Christian school’s role within the broader culture
The Christian school in relation to the family and church
Communicating theology to students of various ages and backgrounds
Education and special needs students
Technology and education

post photo by davidrn

Participants: Camden Bucey, Daniel Kunkle, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack, Michael DeWalt

The Atonement

Christ the Center — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:53 +0000

Gabe Fluhrer on the lasting importance of Christ’s act of penal substitutionary atonement. Gabe has recently edited Atonement, a collection of writings and sermons from J.I. Packer, Sinclair Ferguson, and several others on this critical doctrine.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Gabe Fluhrer, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington

Technology and the Christian Life

Christ the Center — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:00:16 +0000

Dr. David P. Murray is Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Murray speaks about his latest endeavors in media and theology. Dr. Murray has started a DVD series that deals with such subjects as “Christian parents training their children in the right use of media,” and a series on “Covenant Theology.” Information about his projects are available at the website Head, Heart, Hand. David also blogs at a Posterous blog titled Head, Heart, Hand and co-hosts the Connected Kingdom podcast with Tim Challies.

Joel Beeke at Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA (8/21/2010 – 8/22/2010)
Puritan Reformed Conference
Heidelberg Conference on Reformed Theology

post image from washingtonydc

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Murray, Michael DeWalt, Nick Batzig

The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards

Christ the Center — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:00:08 +0000

Nick Batzig, Josh Walker and Michael Dewalt talked with Dr. Steve Lawson, senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, about his book The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards. Dr. Lawson is the author of several books including Famine in the Land, Foundations of Grace, and The Expository Genius of John Calvin. Several of these works are published in Reformation Trust’s Long Line Profiles series. In The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards, Dr. Lawson gives consideration to the way in which Edwards’ zeal for the glory of God guided his intellectual attainments. The greatness of Edwards did not ultimately lie in his intellectual genius, rather it was the spiritual and eternal mindedness with which he pursued.

Related Books

Steve Lawson Foundations of Grace: a Long Line of Glody Men
Steve Lawson The Expository Genius of John Calvin
John Calvin Institutes of the Christian Religion
John Piper A God Entranced Vision of All Things

Participants: Josh Walker, Michael DeWalt, Nick Batzig, Steve Lawson

The Westminster Assembly

Christ the Center — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:00:45 +0000

The Christ the Center panel was joined by Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, associate pastor of Grace OPC in Vienna, VA and senior research fellow at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, to talk about the historical background and context of the Westminster Assembly and the documents that came from that body as well as learning about the Westminster Assembly Project with which Dr. Van Dixhoorn is associated. The conversation was enjoyable, informative, and edifying. A rare combination indeed.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Van Dixhoorn, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Preaching of the Scriptures

Christ the Center — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:00:37 +0000

The Christ the Center panel, ably augmented by Glen Clary, pastor of Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church of West Collingswood, NJ, had the privilege of sitting down and chatting with Dr. Hughes Oliphant Old, the John H. Leith Professor of Reformed Theology and Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary and dean of its Institute for Reformed Worship, about his latest book, volume seven in the profoundly learned and helpful series The Reading and the Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church. While the conversation included discussion of various types of preaching and the oral (versus written) form of preaching, the focus of the conversation was on the importance of lectio continua or the consecutive exposition of Scripture, book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Christ the Center is pleased to offer this episode as a reminder to us all of the centrality of preaching, especially preaching as worship.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Hughes Oliphant Old, Jeff Waddington

Paradox in Christian Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:00:40 +0000

The Christ the Center panel recently met with Dr. James Anderson, assistant professor of theology and philosophy at the Charlotte campus of Reformed Theological Seminary, and author of Paradox in Christian Theology, to talk about his book. The discussion covered the basic thrust of the book, involving the presence and legitimacy of paradox (defined as a “merely apparent contradiction resulting from unarticulated equivocation”). Dr. Anderson discussed his two examples of paradox, the Trinity and the incarnation, along with his use and nuancing of Alvin Plantinga’s warrant model of epistemology. Additionally the panel discussed Dr. Anderson’s chapter in the John Frame festschrift Speaking the Truth in Love and whether multiperspectivalism is relativistic as is sometimes said.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Anderson, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack, Nick Batzig

Thoughts on Preaching

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:03 +0000

The Christ the Center panel met with Anthony Selvaggio, a teaching elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, a visiting professor of New Testament at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, a practicing attorney and author of many books and articles, about the necessity of remembering that ministers are called to preach to real people. Additionally the panel discussed the relationship of redemptive historical preaching to exemplary and experimental preaching. Finally, the panel discussed the obligation of pastors to avoid plagiarism when citing sources. All in all, this was a fascinating discussion about the central calling of the pastoral ministry.

The discussion begins with an article Anthony for Reformation21 titled Preaching to People?

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

Presbyterian and Reformed Family Trees

Christ the Center — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:00:57 +0000

Darryl G. Hart speaks about the storied histories of the Presbyterian and Reformed churches.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart

Christ and Culture Roundup

Christ the Center — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey roundup the entire Christ and culture series with a single episode overview of the issues.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Christ and Culture, Round 3: Darryl Hart

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:00:51 +0000

Darryl G. Hart brings his final remarks to the Christ and culture discussion table. Dr. Hart has authored A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State, Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestant, and Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham.

This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Four Views on… books published by InterVarsity Press. We recorded each participant independently over the course of three rounds – swapping recordings to the other participants between each round. These are Dr. Hart’s closing remarks.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart

Christ and Culture, Round 3: Bill Dennison

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:00:38 +0000

Bill Dennison brings his final remarks to the Christ and culture discussion table. Dr. Dennison has authored Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics and The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925.

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey

Christ and Culture, Round 3: Nelson Kloosterman

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:00:40 +0000

Nelson Kloosterman brings his final remarks to the Christ and culture discussion table. Dr. Kloosterman teaches at Mid-America Seminary, and has translated The Ten Commandments: Manual for the Christian Life by Joachim Douma, a wonderful exposition of the Decalogue.

This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Four Views on… books published by InterVarsity Press. We recorded each participant independently over the course of three rounds – swapping recordings to the other participants between each round. These are Dr. Kloosterman’s closing remarks.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Nelson Kloosterman

Christ and Culture, Round 3: Doug Wilson

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:00:07 +0000

This marks the beginning of the third and final round of our Christ and Culture series. We have sought to bring together several different perspectives on the subject and today we share the final remarks from Doug Wilson. Mr. Wilson is pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and faculty member at New Saint Andrews College.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Doug Wilson

Kloosterman’s and Hart’s Responses

Christ the Center — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:00:10 +0000

Today we continue our second round responses in our Christ and Culture series. Nelson Kloosterman and Darryl Hart respond to the comments made by the other participants during the first round.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Nelson Kloosterman

Wilson’s Response

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:32:58 +0000

Today we continue our second round responses in our Christ and Culture series. Doug Wilson responds to the comments made by Darryl Hart, Nelson Kloosterman and Bill Dennison in the first round.

Participants: Camden Bucey

Dennison’s Response

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:00:44 +0000

This is the first installment of responses in our Christ and Culture series. William Dennison responds to the comments made by Darryl Hart, Nelson Kloosterman and Doug Wilson in the first round.

Books by Bill Dennison

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey

Kingship and First Samuel

Christ the Center — Fri, 07 May 2010 05:00:03 +0000

John Woodhouse speaks about the important theme of kingship in the books of Samuel. Rev. Dr. Woodhouse is Principal at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia and has written the commentary 1 Samuel: Looking for a Leader in the Preaching the Word Series (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2008).

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Common Grace, Natural Law and Eschatology

Christ the Center — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:33 +0000

This is part four of our series entitled Christ and Culture and marks the end of our first round. Bill Dennison, Darryl Hart, Doug Wilson and Nelson Kloosterman each speak about their views of common grace, natural law, and eschatology. This series of programs strays from the typical Christ the Center format. This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Counterpoints series published by InterVarsity Press. In future episodes each participant will have the opportunity to criticize the other views.

post photo by vermin inc

Books and other media from the participants

Bill Dennison

Darryl Hart

Nelson Kloosterman

The Ten Commandments: Manual for the Christian Life by Joachim Douma (Kloosterman trans.)

Doug Wilson

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Doug Wilson, Nelson Kloosterman

Vocation, Education and Fine Arts

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:00:03 +0000

This is part three of our series entitled Christ and Culture. Bill Dennison, Darryl Hart, Doug Wilson and Nelson Kloosterman each speak from their unique perspectives. Today the participants address the issues of vocation, education and engagement in the fine arts. This series of programs strays from the typical Christ the Center format. This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Counterpoints series published by InterVarsity Press. In future episodes each participant will have the opportunity to criticize the other views.

post photo by Craig Stevens

Books and other media from the participants

Bill Dennison

Darryl Hart

Nelson Kloosterman

The Ten Commandments: Manual for the Christian Life by Joachim Douma (Kloosterman trans.)

Doug Wilson

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Doug Wilson, Nelson Kloosterman

Christ and Culture: Politics

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:07 +0000

This is part two of our series entitled Christ and Culture. Four men participate in an engaging discussion on the relationship of Christ to culture. Bill Dennison, Darryl Hart, Doug Wilson and Nelson Kloosterman each speak from their unique perspectives.

This series of programs strays from the typical Christ the Center format. This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Four Views on… books published by InterVarsity Press. The listener should be aware that this is a debate and should not be seen as an endorsement for any particular speaker. Please be advised that in future episodes each participant will criticize the other views.

Today the participants address the subject of politics.

Books and other media from the participants

Bill Dennison

Darryl Hart

Nelson Kloosterman

The Ten Commandments: Manual for the Christian Life by Joachim Douma (Kloosterman trans.)

Doug Wilson

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Doug Wilson, Nelson Kloosterman

Christ and Culture: Introductory Remarks

Christ the Center — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:00:52 +0000

This is part one of a new series entitled Christ and Culture. Four men participate in an engaging discussion on the relationship of Christ to culture. Bill Dennison, Darryl Hart, Doug Wilson and Nelson Kloosterman each speak from their unique perspectives.

This project is an asynchronous debate in the vein of the Four Views on… books published by InterVarsity Press. We recorded each participant independently over the course of three rounds – swapping recordings to the other participants between each round.

This series of programs strays from the typical Christ the Center format. The listener should be aware that this is a debate and should not be seen as an endorsement for any particular speaker. Please be advised that future episodes each participant will criticize the other views.

In the first round, we asked a series of questions under the following headings.

General/Introductory
Politics
Vocation
Education
Fine Arts, Etc.
Theological Undercurrents
- Common Grace
- Natural Law
- Eschatology
Conclusion

This introductory episode includes each participant’s opening and closing comments. The entire series is conveniently grouped under one page.

Books and other media from the participants

Bill Dennison

Darryl Hart

Nelson Kloosterman

The Ten Commandments: Manual for the Christian Life by Joachim Douma (Kloosterman trans.)

Doug Wilson

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Doug Wilson, Nelson Kloosterman

Welcome to a Reformed Church

Christ the Center — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 05:00:44 +0000

Camden and Nick speak with Danny Hyde about his new book Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims. Rev. Hyde is pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church in Oceanside, CA and has written a helpful resource explaining the characteristics of a Reformed church. In this accessible volume, Hyde helps the reader through the historical roots, key doctrines and practices of Reformed churches.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Hyde, Nick Batzig

The Elite 8

Camden M. Bucey — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:26:14 +0000

The Christ the Center 2010 Championship Tournament continues and we are down to eight episodes. This latest round did not disappoint. The #61 and #46 overall seeds have survived and will face another round of stiff competition.

There are two ways to help your favorite episode advance. First, download or listen to the episode. You can even send links to your friends to get them to download and listen to it. The other way to help is to tweet a link to the episode with the corresponding hashtag. For instance, tweet something to the effect of “Listen to Christian Essentialism with Scott Oliphint on @reformedforum http://reformedforum.org/ctc97 #ctc97.” Voting for this round ends with 4/3.

(1) Why Johnny Can’t Preach with T. David Gordon #ctc60
(24) Credo-Baptism During the Reformation with James Dolezal #ctc96
(5) N.T. Wright’s Doctrine of Justification, Part 1 with Guy Waters #ctc58
(61) Christian Essentialism with K. Scott Oliphint #ctc97
(46) The Theology of Samuel Rutherford with Guy Richard #ctc83
(6) Recovering the Reformed Confession with R. Scott Clark #ctc27
(10) The Regulative Principle of Worship with Derek Thomas #ctc80
(2) Geerhardus Vos with Danny Olinger #ctc63

View the full bracket

Participants: Camden Bucey

The Sweet 16

Camden M. Bucey — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:01:46 +0000

2010 Christ the Center Madness continues and we unveil the Sweet 16. Several surprises have made it into the third round and we’re expecting a number of close battles over the next few days. There are two ways to help your favorite episode advance. First, download or listen to the episode. You can even send links to your friends to get them to download and listen to it. The other way to help is to tweet a link to the episode with the corresponding hashtag. For instance, tweet something to the effect of “Listen to Christian Essentialism with Scott Oliphint on @reformedforum http://reformedforum.org/ctc97 #ctc97.” Voting for this round ends with 3/31.

(1) Why Johnny Can’t Preach with T. David Gordon #ctc60
(17) The Importance of the Original Languages with Miles Van Pelt #ctc79
(24) Credo-Baptism During the Reformation with James Dolezal #ctc96
(8) Christless Christianity with Michael Horton #ctc65
(5) N.T. Wright’s Doctrine of Justification, Part 1 with Guy Waters #ctc58
(44) Redeeming Science with Vern Poythress #ctc52
(20) The Rule of Love with John Fesko #ctc78
(61) Christian Essentialism with K. Scott Oliphint #ctc97
(3) The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism with Greg Beale #ctc54
(46) The Theology of Samuel Rutherford with Guy Richard #ctc83
(54) Sacrifices and Festivals in the Old Testament with Ben Shaw #ctc95
(6) Recovering the Reformed Confession with R. Scott Clark #ctc27
(7) New Testament Textual Criticism in the 21st Century with Dan Wallace #ctc70
(10) The Regulative Principle of Worship with Derek Thomas #ctc80
(47) The 100th Episode #ctc100
(2) Geerhardus Vos with Danny Olinger #ctc63

View the entire bracket.

Participants: Camden Bucey

The Historical Adam

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:00:36 +0000

The Christ the Center panel got together recently and discussed whether Adam was a real historical person and whether it matters for our understanding of Scripture and theology as a whole. This is a nearly no holds barred conversation with some interesting audio clips thrown in for fun. While the discussion was fun, the subject is serious business indeed.

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

The Challenges of Urban Ministry

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:34 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Bill Snodgrass and Erica Bucey to discuss the challenges of urban ministry. Rev. Snodgrass is pastor of Grace Fellowship OPC in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. Erica serves as the Director of Development at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission in Philadelphia. Bill and Erica talk about the particular challenges churches and para-church ministries face in urban contexts and how a reformed theology offers lasting hope in the sovereign God.

Perspectives on Pentecost

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:54 +0000

Christ the Center revisited with Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, about the significance of Pentecost for redemptive history and the life of the church. Drawing from his book Perspectives on Pentecost and his “Acts and Paul” lecture notes, Dr. Gaffin explained the place of Pentecost as the culmination of that complex of events surrounding the person and work of Jesus Christ which includes his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. Pentecost, then, occurs as part of the accomplishment of redemption and is therefore unrepeatable although its significance and effects reverberate throughout the Christian life. This is a rich biblical theological discussion that will repay frequent rehearsals.

episode photo by knowhimonline

Books by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

Counseling Difficult Cases

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:46 +0000

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, George Scipione, Nick Batzig

Theological Prayer

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:00:56 +0000

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

The Christian Lover

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:00:48 +0000

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

Participants: Michael A.G. Haykin, Nick Batzig

Shepherding Ministry

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:00:57 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of talking with Dr. Tim Witmer, professor of practical theology, coordinator of the PT department, and supervisor of the mentored ministry program at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as well as pastor of Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Upper Darby, PA, about his new book, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church (P&R). The discussion revolved around the importance of formal and informal shepherding in the church by pastors and elders (and assisted by deacons) so that all members of a congregation are cared for. The book and the related courses at WTS stem from Dr. Witmer’s doctoral work at Reformed Theological Seminary and his extensive church planting and revitalization experience. This program demonstrates that sound doctrine produces sound practice.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jason Pickard, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Tim Witmer

The Task of the Preacher

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:04 +0000

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

episode photo provided by itspaulkelly

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, John Currie

Caspar Olevianus and the Apostle’s Creed

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:24 +0000

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

Books

Links

Participants: Camden Bucey, Nick Batzig, R. Scott Clark

Meet the Puritans

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:00:40 +0000

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Joel Beeke, Nick Batzig

Pastoral Ministry: Learning or Doing?

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:00:07 +0000

Is pastoral ministry about the pastor studying and learning in order to better teach his congregation or is the ministry primarily about doing, that is, caring for the sheep in very practical, tangible ways? Christ the Center tackles what we see as a false dichotomy as the panel talks about how the pastor’s study affects the practical aspects of ministry.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Listener Co-Hosts

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:30 +0000

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig

Highlights from 2009

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:00:21 +0000

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Galatians

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:00:58 +0000

Christ the Center was pleased to speak with David B. McWilliams about his commentary on Galatians. Pastor McWilliams has been the Senior Pastor at Covenant for most of the last 20 years. David’s passions are Christ centered preaching, applying theology to the life of the church, and shepherding people. Join us for a great discussion on Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Counterfeit Gods

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:06 +0000

Christ the Center recently interviewed Rev. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer PCA in Manhattan, about his most recent book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters. The panel discussed the nature of sin as idolatry and how such things as money, sex, and power, vie for God’s rightful place in the human heart. Pastor Keller provided powerful insights into the nature of idolatry and how the human heart really is deceitful. This was a very fruitful discussion.

Participants: Jeff Waddington, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Tim Keller

The 100th Episode

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:00:53 +0000

While celebrating the 100th episode, Jeff, Jim, Camden and friends engage in an open forum. The conversation begins with a discussion of Westminster Theological Seminary and admissions, then quickly charts a course to “punchy” territory. Listen to the participants debate the issues of what it means to be “Reformed” and the eschatology of credo-baptism.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Jonathan Brack

Bioethics

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:25 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of conversing with Dr. David VanDrunen, the Robert B. Strimple professor of systematic theology and ethics at Westminster Seminary in California, about his new book published by Crossway entitled Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions. The panel talked about the rise in the importance of bioethics with the advances in contemporary medical technology and procedures. Dr. VanDrunen stressed the necessity of Scripture and godly wisdom (as seen, for instance, in Proverbs) in dealing with these matters. The challenges of “beginning of life” (abortion, in-vitro fertilization) and “end of life” (euthanasia, physician assisted suicide) issues were discussed at length. Especially helpful was the brief discussion about the difference between actively seeking to end someone’s life and withholding heroic measures, with particular attention paid to the question of withholding nutrition. This is a thoughtful and very practical episode.

A God-Centered Approach to Language

Christ the Center — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:00:12 +0000

Dr. Vern Sheridan Poythress returns to Christ the Center to discuss his latest book In the Beginning was the Word: Language: A God-Centered Approach to Language published by Crossway. The panel discusses Dr. Poythress’s multi-perspectival approach to Biblical studies and theology and specifically the trinitarian basis for language and the meaning of language. Contrary to evolutionary theory, language is not merely a humanly constructed reality but is a gift from God. The panel also considers the unique problems about how modernism and postmodernism view language

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Vern Poythress

Christian Essentialism

Christ the Center — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:37 +0000

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, K. Scott Oliphint, Nick Batzig

Credo-Baptism During the Reformation

Christ the Center — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:20 +0000

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

Bibliography

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

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

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

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

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Nick Batzig

Sacrifices and Festivals in the Old Testament

Christ the Center — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:17 +0000

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

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

Luther and Media

Christ the Center — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:34 +0000

Given that Reformation Day is near, we thought it would be time to focus our attention on the monk with the mallet. Carl Trueman, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary speaks about Martin Luther and media. Luther’s is an interesting study in the effects of media on the church. Trueman discusses Luther’s context and draws parallels to the contemporary church. All the way from the printing press to Twitter, join us for a fascinating discussion on a timely subject.

Books by Carl Trueman

Church Membership

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:30 +0000

The Christ the Center panel met with Dr. Guy Waters, associate professor of NT at RTS/Jackson, about the importance of membership in a local congregation. The biblical basis for church membership was explored along with its connection to mutual support, discipline and observance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Also discussed was the significance of the non-communicant/communicant member distinction. It was noted that aversion to local church membership among Christians is a relatively recent phenomenon and so this proved to be a very practical conversation.

photo is by claudio_ar [CC BY-NC-SA 2.0]

Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:39 +0000

Bill Dennison returns to Christ the Center to bring the fire about the eschatological structure of Paul’s thought and its relation to apologetics. Dr. Dennison has written a wonderful book title Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics which was originally his ThM thesis at Westminster Theological Seminary. This is a fantastic discussion regarding the interconnectedness of the theological encyclopedia.

Dr. Dennison is Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA as well as Visiting Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Northwest Theological Seminary. In addition to the book which is the topic of discussion today, Bill has authored The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925 and A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies: In Search of a Method and Starting Point.

Bibliography

Dennison, William D. Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2000.

—. A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies: in Search of a Method and Starting Point. Eugene Or.: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007.

—. The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God,1884-1925. American university studies. New York: P. Lang, 2008.

Oliphint, K. Scott, and Lane G. Tipton. Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Apologetics. 1st ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Tipton, Lane G., and Jeffrey C. Waddington. Resurrection and Eschatology: Theology in Service of the Church : Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

William Perkins and the Development of Puritan Preaching

Christ the Center — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:24 +0000

Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. visits Christ the Center to speak about William Perkins’ role in the development of Puritan preaching. Pipa argues that Perkins’ overall influence and his book The Arte of Prophecying were significant factors in shifting the dominant Puritan model for preaching.

Bibliography

Perkins, William. The Art of Prophecying, or, A treatise concerning the sacred and only true manner and method of preaching. London: Printed by Iohn Legatt, 1631.

Pipa, Jr. Joseph A. Root and Branch. Evangelical Press, 1997.

â€”â€”â€”. The Covenant. Southern Presbyterian Press, 2005.

â€”â€”â€”. The Lord’s Day. Christian Focus, 1996.

â€”â€”â€”.Westminster Confession Of Faith Study Book: A Study Guide for Churches. Christian Focus, 2005.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Joseph A. Pipa, Jr., Nick Batzig

Restoration Prophecy in Ezra-Nehemiah

Christ the Center — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:00:48 +0000

The Christ the Center corporal’s guard spoke with Matthew Patton, PhD student in biblical studies at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, IL about his paper “Searching for a Truly Repentant Israel: Ezra-Nehemiah and Restoration Prophecy.” A very fascinating discussion was had about such things as the already/not yet eschatology of Ezra-Nehemiah and how even though Israel was back in the land, they had not returned from exile. The significance of typology was also addressed. One of the strengths of Matt’s research is that he shows the intertexuality of the various parts of the Bible. This paper particularly highlights Nehemiah’s prayer and his citations and allusions to Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and 1st Kings. This discussion augers well for future in-depth biblical theological and exegetical conversations.

order Nehemiah and the Wall by Justin Gerard from 12 Stone Art

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Matthew Patton

The Doctrine of Assurance

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:10 +0000

Burk Parsons visits Christ the Center to discuss two books he has edited. A majority of the discussion centers on Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace, a wonderful collection of contributions on the reformed doctrine of assurance. Burk explains the importance of the doctrine for the Christian life.

The second book is John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology, another great book about the great reformer. This book stands out from the multitude of recent Calvin titles in that it was written for the layperson. Listen to Burk speak about these two books.

Bibliography

Beeke, Joel. The Quest for Full Assurance: The Legacy of Calvin and His Successors. Edinburgh; Carlisle Pa.: Banner of Truth, 1999.

Parsons, Burk, ed. Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2006.

—. John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust, 2008.

Ryle, J. C. Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. Cambridge Eng.: J. Clarke, 1956.

Other Formats

photo by Scott Ingram Photography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scingram/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Participants: Burk Parsons, Camden Bucey, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig

New Testament Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:35 +0000

Christ the Center was pleased to welcome Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner to discuss New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Dr. Schreiner’s book has been warmly welcomed by many respected scholars in the reformed community and listeners will understand why when they hear Dr. Schreiner detail his project.

Bibliography

Ridderbos, Herman. The Coming of the Kingdom. Edinburgh: Christian World Publications, 1979.

Schreiner, Thomas R. New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ. Baker Academic, 2008.

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

â€”â€”â€”. Pauline Eschatology. P & R Publishing, 1979.

â€”â€”â€”. The Eschatology of the Old Testament. P & R Publishing, 2001.

â€”â€”â€”. The Kingdom of God and the Church. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 1972.

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

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Tom Schreiner

The Masculine Mandate

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:10 +0000

Richard D. Phillips visits Christ the Center to discuss his new book The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men. The book is a reaction to recent cultural trends as well as John Eldredge’s mega-hit Wild at Heart. Much more than a simple reaction, Rev. Phillips promotes a positive, biblical approach to masculinity by touching on biblical anthropology and God’s specific call that men should “work” and “keep.”

Rick is Senior Minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC and the author of several books including Jesus the Evangelist, What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace?, and the Hebrews and Zechariah Reformed Expository commentaries.

Bibliography

Eldredge, John. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Passionate Soul of a Man. Nashville Tenn.: T. Nelson, 2001.

Phillips, Richard D. Hebrews. Reformed expository commentary. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2006.

â€”â€”â€”. Jesus the Evangelist: Learning to Share the Gospel From the Book of John. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2007.

â€”â€”â€”. The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men. Lake Mary Fla.: Reformation Trust Pub., 2009.

â€”â€”â€”. What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace? Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2008.

â€”â€”â€”. Saved by Grace: The Glory of Salvation in Ephesians 2. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

â€”â€”â€”. Zechariah. P & R Publishing, 2007.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Rick Phillips

Loving the Church

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:55 +0000

Christ the Center had the pleasure of interviewing Ted Kluck, author and athlete, about his recent publication, Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion, co-authored with Kevin DeYoung and published by Moody Press. We discussed the recent wave of books, blogs, articles, and interviews calling for the rejection of the institutional church in favor of an individualistic Christianity. Ted explained that while we may experience frustration with our churches from time to time, that rejecting them is no option for the Biblical Christian. The panel also conversed about the relationship of this trend to the emerging church phenomenon, a topic Ted and Kevin DeYoung touched upon in their previous book Why We Are Not Emergent. God created the church and it cannot be so easily dispensed with.

Bibliography

Carson, D. A. Becoming Conversant with the Emergent Church: Understanding a Movement and its Implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005.

DeYoung, Kevin and Ted Kluck. Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion. Chicago IL: Moody Publishers, 2009.

â€”â€”â€”. Why We’re Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2008.

Kluck, Ted. Facing Tyson: Fifteen Fighters, Fifteen Stories. Guilford Conn.: The Lyons Press, 2006.

â€”â€”â€”. Headlocks and Dropkicks: A Butt-kicking Ride Through the World of Professional Wrestling. Santa Barbara Calif.: Praeger Publishers, 2009.

â€”â€”â€”. Paper Tiger: One Athlete’s Journey to the Underbelly of Pro Football. Guilford CT: Lyons Press, 2007.

Viola, Frank and George Barna. Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of our Church Practices. [Ill.].: Barna Books, 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Ted Kluck

The New Shape of World Christianity

Christ the Center — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:02 +0000

Mark A. Noll discusses his latest book The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. Dr. Noll is Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to Dr. Noll, Christ the Center was pleased to welcome back Darryl G. Hart. Hart has written several books including A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State and Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham.

The main point of the book is that American Christianity is important for the world primarily because the world is coming more and more to look like America. Noll argues that the key to understanding the new shape of global Christianity lies in understanding the shifts and changes Christianity underwent when it moved from Europe to America. Noll focuses on three main factors:

What happened in the US in the late 18th c.
The voluntary element of the great mission work
The type of faith that resulted.

Bibliography

Berry, Wendell. What are People For?: Essays. San Francisco: North Point Press, 1990.

Hart, D. G. Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2004.

â€”â€”â€”. A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State. Ivan R. Dee, Publisher, 2006.

Hart, D. G., and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. P & R Publishing, 2007.

Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Rev Exp. Oxford University Press, USA, 2007.

Kalu, Ogbu. African Pentecostalism: An Introduction. Oxford University Press, USA, 2008.

Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1992.

â€”â€”â€”. America’s God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln. New Ed. Oxford University Press, USA, 2005.

â€”â€”â€”. God and Race in American Politics: A Short History. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2008.

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

â€”â€”â€”. The Old Religion in a New World: The History of North American Christianity. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.

Protestantism and Politics in Korea. Univ of Washington Pr, 2009.

Sanneh, Lamin O. Disciples of All Nations: Pillars of World Christianity. 1st ed. Oxford University Press, USA, 2007.

â€”â€”â€”. Whose Religion Is Christianity?: The Gospel beyond the West. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Mark A. Noll

Truth and Error in the Church

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:32 +0000

The Christ the Center panelists revisit with Rev. Martin Downes, minister of Christ Church Deeside in north Wales, about his new book Risking the Truth: Handling Error in the Church (Christian Focus). The nature of error and heresy is delineated and the best approach to handling it pastorally in the life of the local congregation and in the larger church is discussed at length. The interview format of the book is also considered. This is an enjoyable conversation about perennial issues in the life of the church.
Archive.org

Bibliography

Allison, C. The Cruelty of Heresy: An Affirmation of Christian Orthodoxy. Harrisburg PA: Moorehouse Pub., 1994.

Charnock, Stephen. Selections from the Discourses of S. Charnock, B.D. on the existence and attributes of God. With a memoir. London, 1878.

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

Hall, Michael. Contextualization or Heresy in the Evangelical Megashift? Testing New Model Theology in Light of Doctrinal Criticism, 1997.

Smeaton, George. Christ’s Doctrine of the Atonement. 1st ed. Edinburgh; Carlisle Pa.: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1991.

Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2006.

Other Formats

photo by Martin Finlayson http://www.flickr.com/photos/martin_finlayson/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Martin Downes

The Theology of Samuel Rutherford

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:29 +0000

The panelists of Christ the Center recently talked with Rev. Dr. Guy Richard, senior minister of First Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Gulfport, MS, about his new study, The Supremacy of God in the Theology of Samuel Rutherford, published by Paternoster/Wipf & Stock. The historical context of the rising tide of Arminianism in Scotland in the 17th century was discussed as was the substance of Rutherford’s polemics, especially his (as yet untranslated) work Examen Arminianismi. Also discussed was the relationship of this study to the Calvin vs the Calvinists debate and Rutherford’s contribution to the developing Reformed political philosophy with his Lex, Rex. The panel concluded with a discussion of the contemporary significance of Rutherford’s theology. All in all, a very rewarding conversation.

Bibliography

â€œGuy Richard on “The Supremacy of God in the Theology of Samuel Rutherford” – Reformation21 Blog.â€ http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2008/12/guy-richard-on-the-supremacy-o.php.

Owen, John. The death of death in the death of Christ : a treatise in which the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed. London: Banner Of Truth Trust, 1959.

Rhetorfors, Samuel. Examen Arminianismi. Ultrajecti: Smytegelt, 1668.

Richard, Guy. â€œSamuel Rutherford’s supralapsarianism revealed: a key to the lapsarian position of the Westminster Confession of Faith?.â€ Scottish Journal of Theology 59, no. 1 (February 1, 2006): 27-44.

â€”â€”â€”. The supremacy of God in the theology of Samuel Rutherford. Milton Keynes U.K. ;Colorado Springs Colo.: Paternoster, 2008.

Rutherford, Samuel. A peaceable and temperate plea for Pauls presbyterie in Scotland, or, A modest and brotherly dispute of the government of the Church of Scotland wherein our discipline is demonstrated to be the true. London: Printed for Iohn Bartlet …, 1642.

â€”â€”â€”. Letters of Samuel Rutherford: a selection. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1973.

â€”â€”â€”. Lex, Rex: the law and the prince. London: printed for John Field, 1644.

â€œSamuel Rutherford for the 21st Century – Reformation21.â€ http://www.reformation21.org/articles/samuel-rutherford-for-the-21st-century.php.

â€œSamuel Rutherford for the 21st Century Part II – Reformation21.â€ http://www.reformation21.org/articles/samuel-rutherford-for-the-21st-century-part-ii.php.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Richard, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:32 +0000

Thabiti Anyabwile, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman joins the panel to discuss Lemuel Haynes and black theology. Anyabwile has edited May We Meet in the Heavenly World, a book of Haynes writings which includes a helpful biography. Haynes (1753-1833) was an influential African-American pastor during the American Revolution. He was a devoted Calvinist who argued against slavery through the lens of God’s providence. Haynes was a well-known preacher and writer during his lifetime, but unfortunately, many have forgotten him in recent years. Join us for an interesting discussion of the life and thought of Lemuel Haynes.

Bibliography

Anyabwile, Thabiti. The Decline of African American Theology: From Biblical Faith to Cultural Captivity. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2007.

—. The Faithful Preacher: Recapturing the Vision of Three Pioneering African-American Pastors. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

Haynes, Lemuel. Black Preacher to White America: The Collected Writings of Lemuel Haynes, 1774-1833. Brooklyn N.Y.: Carlson Pub., 1990.

—. May We Meet in the Heavenly World: The Piety of Lemuel Haynes. Grand Rapids Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2009.

Saillant, John,. Black Puritan, Black Republican the Life and Thought of Lemuel Haynes, 1753-1833. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Thabiti Anyabwile

Foreign Missions and Special Office

Christ the Center — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:00:30 +0000

Divergent approaches to foreign missions have been employed for centuries. Disagreements over various approaches have been at the heart of many historic events in modern church history. Indeed, one such disagreement was critical to the founding of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Christ the Center was pleased to welcome Mark Bube and Doug Clawson, General Secretary and Associate General Secretary, respectively, of the Committee on Foreign Missions for the OPC. Mark and Doug detail the OPC’s specific views regarding foreign missions. They touch upon the reformed standards, catechesis and, most notably, the importance of church government and special office. Join us for a stimulating discussion that will stimulate you to think critically about the work of the Great Commission regardless of denominational affiliation.

Bibliography

Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad! 2nd Edition. 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2003.

Young, John. Missions: The Biblical Motive and Aim. Pittsburgh PA: Crown & Covenant Publications, 2007.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Doug Clawson, Jeff Waddington, Mark Bube

The Regulative Principle of Worship

Christ the Center — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:51 +0000

Derek Thomas joins Josh Walker and Nick Batzig to discuss the regulative principle of worship. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. He is also the minister of teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi.
Archive.org

Participants: Derek Thomas, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig

The Importance of the Original Languages

Christ the Center — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:00:21 +0000

Miles Van Pelt, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS speaks about the importance of the original languages for biblical study. Miles has helped produce several popular books and resources for original language study including Basics of Biblical Hebrew and Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew. Dr. Van Pelt encourages pastors and scholars to a renewed sense of the importance and efficacy of biblical study in Greek and Hebrew.
Archive.org

photo by nyello8

Bibliography

Machen, J. New Testament Greek for Beginners. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2004.

Pratico, Gary and Miles Van Pelt. Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar: Workbook. Grand Rapids MI: Zondervan, 2001.

Van Pelt, Miles. Charts of Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2007.

â€”â€”â€”. Graded Reader of Biblical Hebrew: A Guide to Reading the Hebrew Bible. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

â€”â€”â€”. The Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2003.

Weingreen, J. A Practical Grammar for Classical Hebrew. Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1939.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Josh Walker, Miles Van Pelt, Nick Batzig

The Rule of Love

Christ the Center — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:00:38 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the pleasure of revisiting Rev. Dr. John Fesko, now the academic dean and associate professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California, abut his new Reformation Heritage Books volume, The Rule of Love: Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied. Fesko explains how the Christian is to understand and appropriate the Ten Commandments. The role of the law in the history of redemption as well as its place in redemption’s application is discussed. At the end of the day, Christ is the lens through which we are to read and contemplate the law.

Thanks to Reformation Heritage Books for offering discounts to our our listeners.

Bibliography

Estelle, Bryan D., J. V. Fesko, and David VanDrunen. The Law is Not of Faith: Essays on Works and Grace in the Mosaic Covenant. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

â€”â€”â€”. The Rule of Love: Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied. Grand Rapids Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2009.

Kline, Meredith G. Kingdom Prologue: Genesis Foundations for a Covenantal Worldview. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2006.

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

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, John Fesko, Nick Batzig

God’s Mighty Acts in the Old Testament

Christ the Center — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:21 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Richard C. Gamble to talk about volume one of his systematic theology. Many people have looked forward to The Whole Counsel of God v.1: God’s Mighty Acts in the Old Testament and the panel had the pleasure of discussing the influences and aims of this great book. Dr. Gamble incorporates the best of the reformed tradition into a highly enjoyable biblical-systematic theology.
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Bibliography

Edwards, Jonathan. A History of the Work of Redemption. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.

Gamble, Richard C. The Whole Counsel Of God. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 2008.

Jones, Charles. The History of the Church of God During the Period of Revelation. New York: Scribner, 1867.

Owen, John, and W. H. Goold. The Works of John Owen. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965.

Reymond, Robert. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. Nashville: T. Nelson, 1998.

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

â€”â€”â€”. Dogmatiek, 1910.

Waltke, Bruce. An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach. 1st ed. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2007.

Wills, Gregory. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1859-2009. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Josh Walker, Nick Batzig, Richard C. Gamble

Thomas Aquinas

Christ the Center — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:00:42 +0000

Christ the Center discusses some aspects of the life and thought of Medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas. Specifically Thomas’ doctrine of God and the nature/grace distinction come in for consideration. Especially useful is the discussion of the nature of Scholasticism and what value there is in reading Thomas. At the end of the day, the lesson is, do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Bibliography

Kretzmann, Norman. The Cambridge companion to Aquinas. Cambridge; New York NY USA: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

McInerny, Ralph. Aquinas. Oxford: Polity, 2003.

Stump, Eleonore. Aquinas. London; New York: Routledge, 2003.

Thomas. An exposition of the On the hebdomads of Boethius. Washington D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2001.

_____. Aquinas scripture series. Commentary on Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. Albany N.Y.: Magi Books, 1966.

_____. On evil : disputed questions. Notre Dame Ind.; New York: University of Notre Dame Press; Wiley, 2002.

_____. On love and charity : readings from the Commentary on the sentences of Peter Lombard. Washington D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2008.

_____. St. Thomas Aquinas on politics and ethics : a new translation, backgrounds, interpretations. 1st ed. New York: Norton, 1988.

_____. St. Thomas Aquinas Summa theologiÃ¦. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967.

_____. Summa contra gentiles Saint Thomas Aquinas. Notre Dame Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1975.

_____. The commentary of St. Thomas Aquinas on Aristotle’s Treatise on the soul. [St. Paul Minn.]: College of St. Thomas, 1946.

_____. Thomas Aquinas : disputed questions on the virtues. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington

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.

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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.

â€”â€”â€”. Hearers of the Word. [New York: Herder and Herder, 1969.

â€”â€”â€”. Spirit in the World. [New York: Herder and Herder, 1968.

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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.

View the wiki entry for this episode.
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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.

â€”â€”â€”. 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.

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

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

â€”â€”â€”. The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2000.

â€”â€”â€”. 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.

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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 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 an initial purpose to preserve Scripture by taking digital photographs of all known Greek New Testament manuscripts.

View the wiki entry for this episode.

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.

View the wiki entry for this episode.

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).

View the wiki entry for this episode.

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.

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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.

View the wiki entry for this episode.

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.

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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.
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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.

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

—. â€œTheorizing Religious Effects among American Adolescents..â€ 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.

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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 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 postmillenialist.

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. â€œMaking Sense of Rev 20:1-10? Harold Hoehner Versus Recapitulation.â€ Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. 37, no. 4 (1994): 539.

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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.

Please contribute to the wiki entry for this episode.
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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.

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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

Links

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. But this would be wrong and would in fact be a declension. 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 wrestled with, 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 three volume British Particular Baptists. This is a must hear interview that will only deepen one’s theological understanding of the Reformed faith.

Help the community out by contributing to the wiki entry for this episode.
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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, Tenn.: 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.

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

Why Johnny Can’t Preach

Christ the Center — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:00:22 +0000

Why Can’t Johnny Preach? That is a good question. And it is a troubling question too. To try to get at an answer, the Christ the Center panel interviewed Rev. Dr. T. David Gordon, minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and professor of religion and Greek at Grove City College. Dr. Gordon is former pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashua, NH and associate professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. The panel discussed with Dr. Gordon the reasons why preaching has fallen on such hard times in our day and what can be done about it. Along the way, issues of media ecology are also discussed as they bear on the challenges various media present to the task of preaching and the task of listening to preaching. Listeners will find much food for thought in this provocative episode.
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Panel

T. David Gordon
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Help the community out by contributing to the wiki entry for this episode.

Bibliography

Gordon, T. David. Why Johnny can’t preach : the media have shaped the messengers. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

McLuhan, Marshall, and Quentin Fiore. The Medium is the Massage. New Ed. Gingko Press, 2005.

Phillips, Richard, and Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Precious blood : the atoning work of Christ. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. 20th ed. Penguin (Non-Classics), 2005.

Reynolds, Gregory Edward. The Word is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2001.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, T. David Gordon

N.T. Wright’s Doctrine of Justification, Part 2

Christ the Center — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:00:06 +0000

This is part 2 of a 2 part discussion with Guy Prentiss Waters. Part 1 is also available for download.

The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of discussing N. T. Wright’s new book Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision with Guy Prentiss Waters, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dr. Waters is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church in America and did his doctoral work under the supervision of E. P. Sanders at Duke University. Dr. Waters has written numerous books and articles, including The End of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul, Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul, The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology, and he has co-edited with Gary Johnson By Faith Alone and has contributed a chapter to the recent publication The Law is Not of Faith. Dr. Waters and the panel discuss various features of Wright’s book, such as what is new in the book from what Wright has previously published, continuities with Wright’s past work, and the tone of the book. This a a fascinating and detailed discussion that we have divided into two episodes.
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Panel

Guy Prentiss Waters
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Carson, D. A., Peter T. O’Brien, and Mark A. Seifrid. Justification And Variegated Nomism. Baker Academic, 2004.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Guy Prentiss Waters. By Faith Alone : Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

Waters, Guy. The end of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul. TÃƒ¼bingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2006.

Waters, Guy Prentiss. Justification and the new perspectives on Paul : a review and response. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2004.

—. The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology : A Comparative Analysis. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publ., 2006.

Wright, N. T. Justification : God’s plan and Paul’s vision. London: SPCK, 2009.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

N.T. Wright’s Doctrine of Justification, Part 1

Christ the Center — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:00:09 +0000

Part 2 of this discussion is also available.
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Panel

Guy Prentiss Waters
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Carson, D. A., Peter T. O’Brien, and Mark A. Seifrid. Justification And Variegated Nomism. Baker Academic, 2004.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Guy Prentiss Waters. By Faith Alone : Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

Waters, Guy. The end of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul. TÃƒ¼bingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2006.

Waters, Guy Prentiss. Justification and the new perspectives on Paul : a review and response. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2004.

—. The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology : A Comparative Analysis. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publ., 2006.

Wright, N. T. Justification : God’s plan and Paul’s vision. London: SPCK, 2009.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Sanctification and the Gospel

Christ the Center — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:00:56 +0000

Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, joined the Christ the Center panel to discuss the nature of the gospel and the relation of the benefits of redemption to union with Christ. The significance of the contribution of John Calvin was delved into, especially his handling of the duplex gratia dei or two-fold blessing of justification and sanctification and how this relates to our union with the risen Lord.

Of special interest was the conversation about how justification and sanctification relate to each other within union. A discussion was also had regarding the distinction between definitive and progressive sanctification and the biblical basis for that distinction. The panel also discussed the relation of the historia salutis (the history of redemption or the accomplishment of redemption) to the ordo salutis (the order of salvation or its application).

Dr. Gaffin is the author of numerous articles and books, including Resurrection and Redemption, Calvin and the Sabbath, Perspectives on Pentecost, By Faith, Not By Sight and he has edited a collection of the shorter writings of Geerhardus Vos, Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation. In May of 2008 Dr. Gaffin entered into honored retirement and was the recipient of a festschrift entitled Resurrection and Eschatology co-edited by Lane G. Tipton and Jeffrey C. Waddington.
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Panel

Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Jeff Waddington
James Dolezal
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bogue, Carl W. Jonathan Edwards and the Covenant of Grace . Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2009.

Gaffin, Richard. By Faith Not By Sight . Paternoster, 2006.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology . 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Larson, Mark J. Calvin’s Doctrine of the State: A Reformed Doctrine and Its American Trajectory, the Revolutionary War, and the Founding of the Republic . Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2009.

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

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Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

Paedocommunion

Christ the Center — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:00:03 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Cornelis P. Venema, president of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana and professor of doctrinal studies, about his forthcoming book, Children at the Lord’s Table: Assessing the Case for Paedocommunion, due out in March from Reformation Heritage Books. Dr. Venema discussed the causes for the rise in interest in the idea that since we baptize infants, children should also be admitted to the Lord’s table without a prior profession of faith. Following the general contours of the book, Dr. Venema addresses the historical, confessional, and biblical arguments for paedocommunion and shows why this practice is ultimately unbiblical. Whether you are for or against the admission of children to the Lord’s supper, you will appreciate both the discussion here and the book. Dr. Venema is also the author of the following books: Christ and the Future, Getting the Gospel Right, Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ, The Promise of the Future, and Accepted and Renewed in Christ.

Panel

Cornelis Venema
Lane Keister
Nick Batzig
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Calvin, John. Tracts and Letters of John Calvin. 7 vols. Banner of Truth Trust, 2009.

Ryken, Philip Graham. Luke. Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2009.

Venema, Cornelis. Accepted and Renewed in Christ: The “twofold grace of God” and the interpretation of Calvin’s theology. GÃ¶ttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2007.

Venema, Cornelis P. Children at the Lord’s Table?: Assessing the case for paedocommunion. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2009.

—. Getting the Gospel Right: assessing the Reformation and new perspectives on Paul. Edinburgh, UK; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2006.

—. The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ: an assessment of the Reformation and new perspectives on Paul. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2006.

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

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Cornelis Venema, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane Keister, Nick Batzig

The Eschatology of Adoption

Christ the Center — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:00:48 +0000

Christ the Center had the honor to interview the newest faculty member of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Rev. Dr. David Garner, who also serves as the institution’s vice president of advancement, about the doctrine of adoption. Adoption, one of the benefits of redemption that the believer gains by faith alone in union with Christ, relates to the believer’s gaining admittance into the family of God because of the work of the Son of God, elder brother Jesus Christ. Many aspects of the doctrine are discussed in this episode. Dr. Garner did his dissertation on this topic and has contributed a chapter, â€œThe First and Last Son,â€ to Resurrection and Eschatology.
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Panel

Dave Garner
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beeke, Joel. Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption. Grand Rapids Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

Burke, Trevor J. Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Nottingham, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: Apollos ; InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Garner, David. Adoption in Christ, 2002.

Hall, David W. The Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World. Calvin 500 series. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

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

Phillips, Richard D. Saved by Grace: The Glory of Salvation in Ephesians 2. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

Scott, James M. Adoption as Sons of God: An Exegetical Investigation into the Background of [huiothesia] in the Pauline Corpus. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament, 48. TÃƒ¼bingen: J.C.B. Mohr, 1992.

Spijker, W. Calvin: A Brief Guide to His Life and Thought. 1st ed. Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.

Still, William, Nigel M. de S. Cameron, and Sinclair B. Ferguson. Pulpit & People: Essays in Honour of William Still on His 75th Birthday. Edinburgh: Rutherford House Books, 1986.

Withrow, Brandon. Katherine Parr: A Guided Tour of the Life and Thought of a Reformation Queen. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

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

The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism

Christ the Center — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:00:22 +0000

The Christ the Center panel, ably augmented by Dr. Carl R. Trueman of Westminster Theological Seminary, interacts with Dr. Greg K. Beale, the Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament and coordinator of the MA program in Biblical Exegesis, at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, IL, about his recent book The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism. In addition to this book, Dr. Beale has written the New International Greek Testament Commentary on Revelation, The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts?, The Temple and the Church’s Mission, We Become What We Worship, and several other books and articles. Dr. Beale discusses the significance of Biblical inerrancy, its Scriptural basis, and the problems with jettisoning the doctrine. In addition to a proper concern for inerrancy, Beale explains how scholars can rightly approach the use of Ancient Near Eastern and 2^nd Temple Jewish literature without undermining the authority and perspicuity of Scripture. Along the way the panel considers the influence of postmodernism on Biblical studies. All in all, this is a very interesting discussion that hopefully will lead to further interaction.
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Panel

Greg Beale
Carl Trueman
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text (New International Greek Testament Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998.

—. The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism : Responding to New Challenges to Biblical Authority. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

—. The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Beale, G. K., and D. A. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic, 2007.

Carson, D. Becoming Conversant With The Emerging Church: Understanding A Movement And Its Implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005.

Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation : Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2005.

Geisler, Norman. Biblical Errancy, 1981.

Hannah, John D. Inerrancy and the Church. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.

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

John Calvin’s Impact on Church and Society, 1509-2009. Eerdmans Pub Co, 2009.

McGowan, A. The Divine Spiration of Scripture: Challenging Evangelicial Perspectives. Nottingham: Apollos, 2007.

Packer, J. I. “Fundamentalism” and the Word of God: Some Evangelical Principles. Christian classics series. Leicester: Inter-Varsity, 1996.

Selderhuis, H. John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009.

Sparks, Kenton L. God’s Word in Human Words: An Evangelical Appropriation of Critical Biblical Scholarship. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2008.

Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge, Samuel G. Craig, and Cornelius Van Til. The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1948.

Woodbridge, John D. Biblical Authority: A Critique of the Rogers/McKim Proposal. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 1982.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Greg Beale, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Young Bultmann

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:25 +0000

In this episode of Christ the Center the panel interviews Dr. William Dennison, professor of interdisciplinary studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, about his recent publication The Young Bultmann. Bultmann was at one time the most influential New Testament scholars of the western world. He is perhaps best known for his hermeneutic of demythologization. Questions of influences on Rudolf Bultmann come in for discussion (Neo-Kantian or Heidiggerian) as well as Bultmann’s relationship to Freiderich D. E. Schleiermacher and Karl Barth. Listeners interested in how presuppositional apologetics is brought to bear in understanding a major figure in NT studies will benefit from this discussion.

Panel

Dr. William Dennison
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Dennison, William A., and William D. Dennison. Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2000.

Dennison, William D. A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies: in Search of a Method and Starting Point. Eugene Or.: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007.

—. The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God,1884-1925. American university studies. New York: P. Lang, 2008.

Noll, Mark A. God and Race in American Politics: A Short History. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2008.

Tipton, Lane G., and Jeffrey C. Waddington. Resurrection and Eschatology : Theology in Service of the Church : Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

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Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Redeeming Science

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:00:11 +0000

Science and faith are often pitted against each other. Many have felt they must make a choice between either being a person of science or a person of faith. Dr. Vern Poythress, Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of Redeeming Science, joins the panel on Christ the Center to discuss the relationship between Christianity and science. He argues that not only is science compatible with Christianity, but that the Triune God of the Bible is required in order for the very possibility of science to exist. Listen to this broad-ranging discussion that touches upon science, mathematics, the creation days, and a Christian approach to education.
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Panel

Vern Poythress
James Dolezal
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Nickel, James. Mathematics: Is God Silent? Vallecito, Calif.: Ross House Books, 2001.

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.

—. The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses. Brentwood, Tenn.: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, 1991.

—. Understanding Dispensationalists. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1993.

Van Til, Cornelius. Introduction to Systematic Theology. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 2007.

Wolterstorff, Nicholas. On Universals: An Essay in Ontology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1970.

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Participants: James Dolezal, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Vern Poythress

Reformed Catechesis and the Ordinary Means of Grace

Christ the Center — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:05 +0000

The Christ the Center panel tackled the importance of an ordinary means of grace ministry and the place of catechism within that overall approach. First, it was determined that God has ordained that the church in this age proclaim the gospel and advance in the faith through his ordained means and not some man-made program such as revivalism (to be clearly distinguished from true revival).

The biblical foundations of this was developed in the distinction between the foundation and superstructure of the church and the extraordinary and ordinary ministries in the church. The extraordinary ministry of apostleship and miracles laid the foundation with Christ as the cornerstone (Eph), but in this age of the ordinary ministry of the superstructure of the church, the stress falls on the ordinary means of grace (Acts 2:42): the Word, sacraments, and prayer. It is in this setting that the panel discussed the necessity and benefits of catechism for both children and adults. God has said he would bless these means and the church strays from them to her own peril.

Panel

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beale, G. K. The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism : Responding to New Challenges to Biblical Authority. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Billings, J. Todd. Calvin, participation, and the gift : the activity of believers in union with Christ. Changing paradigms in historical and systematic theology. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

Clark, R. Scott. Recovering the Reformed confession : our theology, piety, and practice. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Derrida, Jacques. Writing and difference. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1978.

Edwards, Jonathan, and Peter Johannes Thuesen. Catalogues of books. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2008.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Garcia, Mark A. Life in Christ : Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology. Studies in Christian history and thought. Milton Keynes; Colorado Spring, CO: Paternoster, 2008.

Gibson, David, Daniel Strange, Henri. Blocher, and Carl R. Trueman. Engaging with Barth: Contemporary Evangelical Critiques. T&t Clark Ltd, 2009.

—. Engaging with Barth: Contemporary Evangelical Critiques. Nottingham, England: Apollos, 2008.

Hart, D. G. The lost soul of American Protestantism. American intellectual culture. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2002.

Horton, Michael. Christless Christianity : the alternative gospel of the American church. Grand Rapids, Mich.: BakerBooks, 2008.

—. Covenant and salvation : union with Christ. 1st ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.

Jeffery, S. Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Meade, Starr. Training hearts, teaching minds : family devotions based on the shorter catechism. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R, 2000.

Olson, Roger E. How to be evangelical without being conservative. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2008.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Highlights from 2008

Christ the Center — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:26:11 +0000

On this episode of Christ the Center we brought together a collection of highlights from 2008. We started Christ the Center in January of 2008 and haven’t missed a week yet. We want to thank all of our listeners for putting up with our growing pains. Thanks for listening. This year we had the privilege of speaking with many of today’s leading reformed scholars. We learned much and had quite a bit of fun in the process. We hope you enjoy this brief collection of clips from our first year.

Van Til’s Trinitarian Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:00:29 +0000

Lane G. Tipton joins the panel again to discuss Cornelius Van Til’s particular formulation of Trinitarian theology. Dr. Tipton is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (PA) and has written a dissertation on the topic. Join us as we talk about Dr. Van Til’s theology and the importance of his Trinitarian theology not only for understanding his apologetic system, but for holding all things together.
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Panel

Lane Tipton
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton, Nick Batzig

Made in the USA

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:00:47 +0000

The Christ the Center panel once again had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Stephen Nichols, Research Professor of Christianity and Culture at Lancaster Bible College and Graduate School, this time discussing his book Jesus: Made in America. Dr. Nichols gave us a summary of the book and the panelists interacted with him about the prevalent American Evangelical temptation to make Jesus over in our own image or into the image of some ideal far removed from his Biblical context. The group looked at how Jesus was understood by the Puritans in New England as well as the manly Jesus of Jacksonian America and the gentle Jesus meek and mild of the Victorian era. Closer to the present time the panelists discussed Fosdick and Van Dyke and their views of Jesus in contradistinction to the orthodoxy of J. Gresham Machen. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the American made Jesus was the consideration of the roots of contemporary Christian music (CCM). The group enjoyed the discussion and you will too.

Panel

Stephen J. Nichols
Jeff Waddington
James Dolezal
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Clark, R. Scott. Recovering the Reformed confession : our theology, piety, and practice. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Duncan, J. Ligon. The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century: essays in remembrance of the 350th anniversary of the Westminster Assembly. Fearn: Mentor, 2003.

Fosdick, Harry Emerson. Shall the Fundamentalists Win? : A Sermon Preached at the First Presbyterian Church, New York, May 21, 1922. New York, 1922.

—. The Man from Nazareth as his contemporaries saw Him. 1st ed. New York: Harper, 1949.

Genderen, J. van., and W. H. Velema. Concise Reformed dogmatics. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hansen, Collin. Young, Restless, Reformed : A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Horton, Michael Scott. Christless Christianity : the alternative gospel of the American church. Grand Rapids, Mich.: BakerBooks, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen J. An Absolute Sort of Certainty: The Holy Spirit and the Apologetics of Jonathan Edwards. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P.&R Pub., 2003.

—. For us and for our salvation : the doctrine of Christ in the early church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

—. Getting the blues : what blues music teaches us about suffering and salvation. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Brazos Press, 2008.

—. Jesus Made in America: Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

—. Pages from church history : guided tour of Christian classics. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2006.

—. The Reformation : how a monk and a mallet changed the world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Nichols, Stephen J., and Eric T. Brandt. Ancient Word, changing worlds : the doctrine of Scripture in a modern age. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Pelikan, Jaroslav. The illustrated Jesus through the centuries. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Stephen J. Nichols

Deconstructing Evangelicalism

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:00:36 +0000

Christ the Center was pleased to have Darryl G. Hart back to talk about his book Deconstructing Evangelicalism. Hart points out that Evangelicalism actually is an umbrella term used to unite conservative Christians from different traditions. There never has been a generic Evangelical. The panel discussed the different senses of the word “Evangelical” and noted that the use of the word today in America is more or less governed by the rise of Neo-Evangelicalism in the mid-twentieth century. Perhaps it is best to identify oneself by one’s denominational affiliation. Listener’s will find this discussion timely and fascinating.

Panel

Darryl G. Hart
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Gamble, Richard C. The Whole Counsel Of God. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 2008.

Hart, D. G. A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State. Ivan R. Dee, Publisher, 2006.

—. Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America. P & R Publishing, 2003.

—. Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2004.

Hart, D. G., and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. P & R Publishing, 2007.

Marsden, George M. Fundamentalism and American Culture: The Shaping of Twentieth Century Evangelicalism, 1870-1925. New York: Oxford University Press, 1980.

Muller, Richard A., and Rowland S. Ward. Scripture and Worship: Biblical Interpretation and the Directory for Public Worship. Westminster Assembly and the Reformed faith. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Thomas Boston: Preacher of the Fourfold State

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:00:49 +0000

The panel of Christ the Center had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Philip Graham Ryken, Senior Minister of historic Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, with regard to his doctoral dissertation, Thomas Boston: Preacher of the Fourfold State. Dr. Ryken has authored many other books, including Galatians and 1 Timothy in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, The Heart of the Cross, Message of Salvation, and The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel with James Montgomery Boice.

In this interview Dr. Ryken explains the significance of Boston as a preacher, theologian and pastor with regard to his sermons on the fourfold state of man (i.e. man in the state of innocence, man in the state of nature [corruption], man in the state of grace, and man in the state of glory or condemnation). Among other things, we talked with Dr. Ryken about Boston’s literary dependence, his contribution to the understanding of union with Christ, his use of illustrations in preaching, and other valuable works written by Boston. We hope this interview will serve as a helpful introduction to the life and writings of Thomas Boston, preacher of the fourfold state.

Panel

Dr. Phil Ryken
Nick Batzig
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Boston, Thomas. Human nature in its fourfold state : of primitive integrity, entire depravity, begun recovery, and consummate happiness or misery. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1964.

Case, Thomas. The morning exercise methodized … London: E.M.for Ralph Smith, 1660.

Fisher, Edward. The marrow of modern divinity. [Mikrofiche-Ausg.]. Boston Mass.: Henchman, 1743.

Ryken, Philip. Thomas Boston (1676-1732) as preacher of the Fourfold state, 1995.

Willison, John. An example of plain catechising upon the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism … with a preface briefly demonstrating the truth of the Christian revelation … Philadelphia: Printed and sold by D. Hogan, 1806.

—. Sacramental meditations and advices proper for communicants on sacramental occasions : together with a short Christian directory, proper for all Christians intending Heaven. Brookfield [Mass.]: Printed by E. Merriam & Co., 1818.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Phil Ryken

Calvin and the Development of Covenant Theology

Christ the Center — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:00:42 +0000

Dr. Peter Lillback, President of Westminster Theological Seminary, in Philadelphia, Pa., Senior Minister of Proclamation Presbyterian Church, in Bryn Mawr, PA, and President of the Providence Forum, talked with the panel of Christ the Center about his book The Binding of God: Calvin’s Role in the Development of Covenant Theology, published in the Texts & Studies in Reformation & Post-Reformation Thought series by Baker Book House. Dr. Lillback has contributed numerous articles to various publications and journals, and is the author of George Washington’s Sacred Fire and Wall of Misconception. Dr Lillback has set out to offer an objective reading of John Calvin in regard to his view of â€œcovenantâ€ and the role that it plays in theology. The Binding of God is a significant contribution to the understanding of the covenant concept in church history.
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Panel

Peter Lillback
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bullinger, Heinrich. De Testamento seu foedere Dei unico & aeterno. Tiguri: In aedibus Christoph. Frosch, 1534.

Lillback, Peter. The binding of God : Calvin’s role in the development of covenant theology. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Carlisle Cumbria [England]: Baker Academic ;;Paternoster, 2001.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Peter A. Lillback

Apologetics and Islam

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:00:58 +0000

Noted apologist Dr. James White joins the panel on Christ the Center to discuss the challenges of apologizing to Muslims. Dr. White is Director of Alpha & Omega Ministries and has authored several books on apologetics as well as having been involved in several formal debates on various issues. Listen in on a very interesting discussion of Christian apologetics and the challenge of Islam.

Panel

James White
Jason Pickard
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

White, James R. King James Only Controversy, The: Can You Trust the Modern Translations? Bethany House, 2009.

—. Scripture Alone. Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House, 2004.

—. The God Who Justifies. Bethany House, 2007.

—. The Potter’s Freedom : a defense of the Reformation and a rebuttal of Norman Geisler’s Chosen but free. Amityville, NY: Calvary Press Publ., 2000.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, James White, Jason Pickard

Getting the Blues

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:00:35 +0000

Dr. Stephen Nichols, research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College, joins the Christ the Center panel for an interesting discussion about his new book, Getting the Blues. Nichols discusses his interest in blues music and shows how the blues touch upon biblical themes. This is an utterly fascinating discussion, even for those who are not otherwise drawn to blues music. Listeners will come away wanting to crack the covers of this unusual book.

Panel

Stephen J. Nichols
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
James Dolezal
Camden Bucey

Bibliography/Discography

Callahan, Allen Dwight. The talking book : African Americans and the Bible. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006.

Cone, James H. The spirituals and the blues : an interpretation. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1992.

Ellington, Duke. Black, Brown and Beige. Audio CD. Sbme Special Mkts., 2008.

Greef, W. de. The writings of John Calvin : an introductory guide. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.

House, Son. Son House. Hollywood :: Capitol,, 1995.

Johnson, Robert. The Complete Recordings. Audio CD. Sony, 1990.

King, B.B. One Kind Favor. Audio CD. Geffen Records, 2008.

Lecerf, Auguste. An Introduction to Reformed Dogmatics. London: Lutterworth Press, 1949.

Lomax, Alan. Deep River of Song: Mississippi – Saints and Sinners. Audio CD. Rounder Select, 1999.

Mackay, John L. A study commentary on Isaiah. EP study commentary. Faverdale North, Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 2008.

Mohler, R. Albert. Desire and deceit : the real cost of the new sexual tolerance. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Multnomah Books, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen. Jesus Made in America: Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

—. The Reformation : how a monk and a mallet changed the world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Nichols, Stephen J. Getting the blues : what blues music teaches us about suffering and salvation. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Brazos Press, 2008.

Patton, Charlie. The Best of Charlie Patton. Audio CD. Yazoo, 2003.

Turner, Steve. Hungry for heaven : rock ‘n’ roll & the search for redemption. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1995.

Waters, Muddy. The Definitive Collection. Audio CD. Geffen Records, 2006.

Other Formats

Participants: James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Stephen J. Nichols

A Brief History of Trinitarian Thought

Christ the Center — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:00:14 +0000

Christ the Center welcomes Dr. Carl Trueman, vice president for academic affairs and professor of historical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and author of several books including The Claims for Truth: The Trinitarian Theology of John Owen, John Owen: Reformed Catholic and Renaissance Man, Luther’s Legacy, Protestant Scholasticism, The Wages of Spin, and Minority Report, for a discussion of the history of Trinitarian theology and the theology of John Owen. Among the many aspects of Trinitarian theology discussed were the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian formula. Particular individuals who come in for comment, in addition to John Owen, include the Cappadocian Fathers (Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory Nazianzus, and Basil the Great), Athanasius, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Jonathan Edwards, Karl Barth, and Cornelius Van Til.

Trueman specifically highlights the contribution of Owen to Trinitarian theology and practice with his emphasis on the believer’s communion with each person of the Godhead and Owen’s understanding of the Holy Spirit as the bond of communion and communication between the divine and human natures of the one person of Jesus Christ. Listeners will go away from this episode with a renewed appreciation for the importance of understanding the God of Scripture as Triune.

Panel

Carl Trueman
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Augustine. On the Trinity. Cambridge UK ;;New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002.

—. Tractates on the Gospel of John. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1988.

Ayres, Lewis. Nicaea and Its Legacy: An Approach to Fourth-Century Trinitarian Theology. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.

Edwards, Jonathan, and Sang Hyun Lee, ed. The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Vol. 21, Writings on the Trinity, Grace and Faith. New Haven, Conn.; London: Yale University Press, 2003.

Gibbon, Edward, and D. M. Low. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1960.

Hanson, R. P. C. The Search for the Christian Doctrine of God: The Arian Controversy, 318381. Baker Academic, 2006.

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

Owen, John. Communion with God. Edinburgh; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1991.

—. Epistle to the Hebrews. Banner of Truth, 1996.

—. Of communion with God the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghost, each person distinctly in love, grace, and consolation, or, The saints fellowship with the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghost, unfolded. Oxford: Printed by A. Lichfield … for Tho. Robinson, 1657.

Owen, John, and W. H. Goold, ed. The Works of John Owen. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965.

Owen, John, R. J. K. Law, and London. Banner of Truth Trust. The Spirit and the Church. Puritan paperbacks. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002.

Trueman, Carl R. John Owen. Ashgate, 2007.

—. Luther’s Legacy: Salvation and English Reformers, 1525-1556. Oxford [England]; New York: Clarendon Press ; Oxford University Press, 1994.

—. Minority Report: Unpopular Thoughts on Everything From Ancient Christianity to Zen-Calvinism. Fearn Ross-shire Scotland: Mentor, 2008.

—. The Claims of Truth : John Owen’s Trinitarian Theology. Carlisle, Cumbria: Paternoster Press, 1998.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Cornelius Van Til: A Life

Christ the Center — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:00:17 +0000

John Muether, professor of church history and director of the library at Reformed Theological Seminary/Orlando and historian of the OPC, talks with the Christ the Center panel about his recent book Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman, the latest volume in the American Reformed Biography series published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. Professor Muether discusses various aspects of the life and thought of Van Til, including his involvement in the so-called Clark/Van Til controversy, his critical analysis of Karl Barth, his interaction with his Christian Reformed Church critics, and his involvement with the founding and first several decades of existence of Westminster Theological Seminary and the OPC. Like the book, our conversation with Professor Muether will leave the listener longing to hear more.

Panel

John Muether
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bahnsen, Greg L. Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings and Analysis. P & R Publishing, 1998.

Beale, G. K., and D. A. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic, 2007.

Berding, Kenneth., and Jonathan Lunde. Three views on the New Testament use of the Old Testament : single meaning, unified referents. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2008.

Cowan, Steven B., and William Lane. Craig. Five views on apologetics. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 2000.

Hart, D. G., and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. P & R Publishing, 2007.

—. With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. P & R Publishing, 2002.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Muller, Richard A. Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.

Van Til, Cornelius. Christianity and Barthianism. P & R Publishing, 2004.

—. Christianity and Idealism. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1955.

—. Defense of the Faith. P & R Publishing, 1967.

—. The confession of 1967, its theological background and ecumenical significance. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1967.

—. The new modernism an appraisal of the theology of Barth and Brunner, Philadelphia Pa.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1946.

—. Why I believe in God. Philadelphia: Committee on Christian Education, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 1966.

VanGemeren, Willem. The Law, the gospel, and the modern Christian : five views. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1993.

Other Formats

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

Christ’s Kingdom: Gospel Priorities and Politics

Christ the Center — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 05:00:55 +0000

The Christ the Center panel talk with Dr. Russell Moore, senior vice president of academic administration at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, about the relationship of the kingdom of Christ and politics and culture. Dr. Moore, has written a book, The Kingdom of Christ: A New Evangelical Perspective, which served as the basis of the discussion. The already/not yet nature of the kingdom was discussed as was the fact that kingdom was not be confused with any political platform. Join us for a timely conversation.

Panel

Russell Moore
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Gribben, Crawford. The Irish puritans : James Ussher and the reformation of the church. Darlington (England) ; Auburn (MA): Evangelical Press, 2003.

Helm, Paul. John Calvin’s ideas. Oxford ;;New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Henry, Carl. The uneasy conscience of modern fundamentalism. Grand Rapids Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1947.

Horton, Michael. People and place : a covenant ecclesiology. 1st ed. Louisville Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.

McCormack, Bruce. Orthodox and modern : studies in the theology of Karl Barth. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

Moore, Russell. The Kingdom of Christ : The New Evangelical Perspective. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2004.

Other Formats

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

The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards

Christ the Center — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:00:52 +0000

The Christ the Center panelists interact with Dr. John Carrick, associate professor of applied and doctrinal theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about his latest volume The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards published by Banner of Truth within the last few months. Dr. Carrick is also the author of another banner of Truth title, The Imperative of Preaching. Dr. Carrick discusses Edwards’ God-centered and Christ-centered preaching. Particularly noteworthy was Edwards’ ability to paint with vivid imagery so that when he pointed to Christ, he did not merely mention him but made him vivid as he sought to make an impression on his hearers at the time of the sermon delivery. Dr. Carrick also dispenses with certain caricatures of Edwards the preacher, such as the idea that all he ever preached were hellfire and damnation sermons. It is true that he did preach searching sermons that warned unbelievers of their destiny, but he also preached sermons that extolled the beauties of Christ and heaven. The CTC panel was also informed that Edwards was not a monotonous preacher who stared at the church bell rope. He was sincere, earnest, and affectionate in his preaching. At the end of the day, there are many lessons to learn from Jonathan Edwards even if he was not infallible. Edwards would be pleased if we would glorify the Triune God who created this universe in which we live.

Panel

John Carrick
Nick Batzig
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Edwards, Jonathan. Charity and its fruits: Christian love as manifested in the heart and life. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1998.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1720-1723. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1730-1733. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1734-1738. New Haven [u.a.]: Yale Univ. Press, 2001.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1739-1742. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1743-1758. New Haven Conn. ;;London: Yale University Press, 2007.

Marsden, George. Jonathan Edwards : a life. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

Other Formats

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

The Reformed Doctrine of Justification

Christ the Center — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:00:46 +0000

Dr. John Valero Fesko, pastor of Geneva OPC of Woodstock, GA and adjunct professor of theology at RTS/Atlanta, joins the panel of Christ the Center to discuss his latest book, Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine recently published by our good friends at Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing. Dr. Fesko, is the author of several journal and magazine articles and books, including Diversity Within the Reformed Tradition, Last Things First, a chapter in Resurrection & Eschatology, and he serves as co-editor with Bryan Estelle and David VanDrunen of The Law is Not of Faith. Rumor has it that he is also author of a forthcoming tome on baptism. Dr. Fesko is concerned to offer a single place where readers can find a thorough treatment of justification that is both redemptive-historical and systematic theological. The CTC panel interacted with Dr. Fesko about his aims for writing and about the contemporary context into which he wishes to speak. Dr. Fesko also recently served on the OPC study committee on the doctrine of justification. We welcome listeners to join us in a discussion of this extremely important topic.

Panel

John Fesko
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

â€œCarl Trueman – New Perspective.â€ http://www.crcchico.com/covenant/trueman.html.

Cheeseman, John. The Grace of God in the Gospel. London; Carlisle, Pa: Banner of Truth Trust, 1972.

Clark, R. Scott., and Westminster Seminary California. Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry : Essays by the Faculty of Westminster Seminary California. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 2007.

Dempster, Stephen G. Dominion and dynasty : a biblical theology of the Hebrew Bible. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: Apollos ; InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Gaffin, Richard. By Faith Not By Sight. Paternoster, 2006.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Meeks, Wayne A. The Writings of St. Paul: Annotated Texts, Reception and Criticism / Fitzgerald, John T.,; 1948-. A Norton critical edition;. New York: W.W. Norton, 2007.

Oberman, Heiko Augustinus. Forerunners of the Reformation; the shape of late medieval thought, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1966.

—. The harvest of medieval theology : Gabriel Biel and late medieval nominalism. The Robert Troup Paine prize-treatise, 1962. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1963.

Oliphint, K. Scott, ed. Justified In Christ: God’s plan for us in justification. Mentor, 2007.

Piper, John. The future of justification : a response to N.T. Wright. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

—. The justification of God : an exegetical and theological study of Romans 9:1-23. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1983.

Sandlin, Andrew., John H. Armstrong, Don B. Garlington, Mark. Horne, Peter J. Leithart, Rich. Lusk, et al. A Faith That is Never Alone: A Response to Westminster Seminary California. La Grange, Calif.: Kerygma Press, 2007.

Sproul, R. C. Faith alone : the evangelical doctrine of justification. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1995.

Stendahl, Krister. Paul among Jews and Gentiles, and other essays. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1976.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, John Fesko, Nick Batzig

Herman Bavinck

Christ the Center — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:00:08 +0000

Rev. Dr. Ron Gleason, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Yorba Linda, CA converses with the Christ the Center panel about the forthcoming volume Reforming and Conforming? and his work on a forthcoming biography of Herman Bavinck to be published with Presbyterian & Reformed Publishers. Dr. Gleason discusses his concerns with the emergent church, but the lion’s share of this episode is devoted to an assessment of Bavinck as theologian. Gleason notes that Bavinck was a first class systematician and, like his contemporary Benjamin B. Warfield, was adept in Old and New Testament studies as well as historical theology and philosophy. All of this is evident to the reader of Bavinck’s magisterial Reformed Dogmatics. Listeners of this episode may find themselves entertaining an inexplicable desire to learn Dutch.

Panel

Ron Gleason
Lane Keister
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman. Essays on religion, science, and society. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

—. Our Reasonable Faith. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1956.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2: God and Creation. Vol. 2. Reformed Dogmatics. Baker Academic, 2004.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ. Baker Academic, 2006.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation. Baker Academic, 2008.

Bavinck, Herman, and J. Mark Beach. Saved by Grace : The Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

Bavinck, Herman, John Bolt, and John Vriend. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 1: Prolegomena. Baker Academic, 2003.

Beeke, Joel R., and Sinclair B. Ferguson. Living for God’s glory : an introduction to Calvinism. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust, 2008.

Carruthers, S. W., Presbyterian Historical Society., and Presbyterian Historical Society of England. The Everyday Work of the Westminster Assembly. Philadelphia: Pub. jointly by the Presbyterian Historical Society (of America) and the Presbyterian Historical Society of England, 1943.

Duncan, J. Ligon, and Social Science History Association. Moses’ law for modern government: the intellectual and sociological origins of the Christian Reconstructionist Movement. Greenville, SC: Reformed Academic Press, 1994.

Edwards, Jonathan, and Peter Johannes Thuesen. Catalogues of Books. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2008.

Gaebelein, Frank Ely, J. D. Douglas, Walter C. Kaiser, Everett Falconer Harrison, W. Harold. Mare, Murray J. Harris, et al. The Expositor’s Bible commentary Volume 10, Romans-Galatians. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 10. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1976.

Hall, David W., and J. Ligon. Duncan. The Westminster Assembly : a guide to basic bibliography. Greenville, SC: Reformed Academic Press (Post Office Box 8599 Greenville 29604), 1993.

Hansen, Collin. Young, Restless, Reformed : A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Jesus and the God of Israel God Crucified and Other Studies on the New Testament’s Christology of Divine Identity. Eerdmans Pub Co, 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Johnson, Terry L. The pastor’s public ministry. Greenville, S.C.: Reformed Academic Press, 2001.

KÃ¶stenberger, Margaret Elizabeth. Jesus and the feminists : who do they say that He is? Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Lawson, Steven. The unwavering resolve of Jonathan Edwards. Orlando Fla.: Reformation Trust Pub., 2008.

Nichols, Stephen. Jesus Made in America: Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen J. Getting the blues : what blues music teaches us about suffering and salvation. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Brazos Press, 2008.

Parsons, Burk. John Calvin : a heart for devotion, doctrine, and doxology. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust, 2008.

Piper, John, and Justin Taylor. Stand : a call for the endurance of the saints. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

The Advent of Evangelicalism Exploring Historical Continuities. B & H Academic, 2008.

The Whole Counsel Of God. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 2008.

Witherington, Ben. Jesus the sage : the pilgrimage of wisdom. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1994.

—. Matthew. Smyth & Helwys Bible commentary. Macon, Ga.: Smyth & Helwys Pub., 2006.

—. Paul’s letter to the Romans : a socio-rhetorical commentary. Grand Rapids Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans, 2004.

—. Paul’s narrative thought world : the tapestry of tragedy and triumph. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1994.

—. The Acts of the Apostles : a socio-rhetorical commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.; Carlisle, U.K.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. ; Paternoster Press, 1998.

Witherington, Ben. John’s wisdom : a commentary on the Fourth Gospel. Cambridge: Lutterworth Press, 1995.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Lane Keister, Ron Gleason

The Defense of the Faith

Christ the Center — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:00:01 +0000

The Christ the Center panelists engage Dr. K. Scott Oliphint, professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, in a wide-ranging discussion about Cornelius Van Til and the recent publication of th fourth edition of his The Defense of the Faith . Dr. Oliphint, who is arguably the most authoritative expert on Van Til, shares about the historical context which gave rise to this book, including disputes with individuals connected with Calvin College, Calvin Theological Seminary, and what is now Kuyper College, in the 1950s concerning common grace and philosophical idealism. Much of the material in the original edition of the book that evinced this debate was removed in subsequent editions and has now been restored and amply expanded with a helpful introduction and explanatory notes. Of special interest is the discussion of Van Til’s connection with Reformed Scholasticism and Herman Bavinck through his doctrine of analogy. When all is said and done, it comes down to this: Van Til was simply applying orthodox Reformed theology to apologetics.
Archive.org

Panel

K. Scott Oliphint
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
James Dolezal
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bahnsen, Greg L. Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings and Analysis . P & R Publishing, 1998.

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 1: Prolegomena . Baker Academic, 2003.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2: God and Creation . Vol. 2. Reformed Dogmatics. Baker Academic, 2004.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ . Baker Academic, 2006.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation . Baker Academic, 2008.

Bristley, Eric D. A Guide to the Writings of Cornelius Van Til, 1895-1987 . Chicago: Olive Tree Communications, 1995.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church . Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Kim, Seyoon. Christ and Caesar: The Gospel and the Roman Empire in the Writings of Paul and Luke . Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2008.

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

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman . Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Muller, Richard A. Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics: The Rise and Development of Reformed Orthodoxy, ca. 1520 to ca. 1725 . 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2003.

Rehnman, Sebastian. Divine Discourse: The Theological Methodology of John Owen . Texts and studies in Reformation and post-Reformation thought. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.

Sproul, R. C., John H. Gerstner, and Arthur. Lindsley. Classical Apologetics: A Rational Defense of the Christian Faith and a Critique of Presuppositional Apologetics . Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1984.

Turretin, Francis. Institutes of Elenctic Theology 3 vol. set . P & R Publishing, 1997.

Van Til, Cornelius. A Survey of Christian Epistemology . 2nd ed. Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co, 1980.

—. Christian Apologetics . 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 2003.

—. Christian-Theistic Evidences . Philadelphia: Westminster Theological Seminary, 1961.

—. Common Grace and the Gospel . Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co, 1973.

—. Defense of the Faith . P & R Publishing, 1967.

—. â€œGod and the Absolute,â€ 1927.

—. Introduction to Systematic Theology: Prolegomena and the Doctrines of Revelation, Scripture, and God . 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 2007.

—. The Defense of the Faith . 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, K. Scott Oliphint

The Calvin Quincentenary

Christ the Center — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:00:05 +0000

July 10, 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. In honor of this great theologian, the Calvin 500 Project has produced a blog, two books (A Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes and The Legacy of John Calvin) and is organizing an historic tour and conference in Paris, Strasborg, Bern, and Geneva’s St. Pierre Cathedral. David W. Hall of the Calvin 500 Project joins Christ the Center to discuss the project and the immensely influential theologian John Calvin.

Panel

David W. Hall
Jim Cassidy
Lane Keister
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Crisp, Oliver. Divinity and Humanity: The Incarnation Reconsidered. Current issues in theology. Cambridge, UK; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hall, David. A Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hall, David W. The Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World. Calvin 500 series. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Kingdon, Robert M. Geneva and the Consolidation of the French Protestant Movement, 1564-1572; A Contribution to the History of Congregationalism, Presbyterianism, and Calvinist Resistance Theory. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1967.

Muller, Richard A. The Unaccommodated Calvin: Studies in the Foundation of a Theological Tradition. Oxford studies in historical theology. New York: Oxford University, 2000.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, David W. Hall, Jim Cassidy, Lane Keister, Nick Batzig

Preaching in an Electronic Age

Christ the Center — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:00:20 +0000

Greg Reynolds joins the panel on Christ the Center to speak about media ecology and preaching in the electronic age. Dr. Reynolds is the pastor at Amoskeag Presbyterian Church in Manchester, New Hampshire. He has also written the book The Word is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age. Join us for a fascinating topic that touches upon the very heart of gospel ministry.

Panel

Greg Reynolds
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beeke, Joel R. The family at church : listening to sermons and attending prayer meetings. Family guidance series, no. 4. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2004.

Buchanan, James. The Doctrine of Justification; An Outline of its History in the Church and of its Exposition from Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1955.

Carrick, John. The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards. Banner of Truth, 2008.

Cary, Phillip. Jonah. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hunt, Arthur W. The Vanishing Word : The Veneration of Visual Imagery in the Postmodern World. Focal point series. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2003.

Lohrmann, Daniel J. Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos, 2008.

Meyrowitz, Joshua. No Sense of Place: The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Behavior. New York: Oxford University Press, 1985.

Ong, Walter J. The Presence of the Word; Some Prolegomena for Cultural and Religious History. The Terry lectures. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1967.

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. 20th ed. Penguin (Non-Classics), 2005.

Reynolds, Gregory Edward. The Word is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2001.

Reynolds, John Mark, Roger Overton, and GodBlogCon. â€œThe New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ.â€ Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Roberts, Maurice. Union and communion with Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

Saarinen, Risto. The Pastoral Epistles with Philemon and Jude. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008.

Sommerville, C. John. How the News Makes Us Dumb : The Death of Wisdom in an Information Society. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Stein, Robert H. Mark. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

Other Formats

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

The Emerging Church and Cultural Captivity

Christ the Center — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:00:35 +0000

Christ the Center discusses the ministry of David Martyn Lloyd-Jones and the Emerging Church with Martin Downes, pastor of Christ Church Deeside. Downes, who also is webmaster of the popular Against Heresies, comments on the impact of Martyn Lloyd-Jones within British and worldwide evangelicalism and notes the recent publication of Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace. But the bulk of the conversation concentrates upon Downes’ contribution to the forthcoming book, Reforming of Conforming?, where he deals with what looks like the recapitulation of classical Liberalism in the Emerging Church. Join us for some fascinating intercontinental fellowship.

Panel

Martin Downes
Jeff Waddington
James Dolezal
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Carson, D. Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church : Understanding a Movement and its Implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005.

Carson, D. A. Christ and Culture Revisited. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008.

Gibbs, Eddie., and Ryan K. Bolger. Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2005.

Jeffery, S. Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Jones, J. Morgan, William. Morgan, and John. Aaron. The Calvinistic Methodist Fathers of Wales. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2008.

Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn. Knowing the Times: Addresses Delivered on Various Occasions, 1942-1977. Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 1989.

Murray, Iain Hamish. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years, 1899-1939. Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 1982.

—. Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2008.

Murray, Ian H. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith, 1939-1981. Edinburgh [etc.]: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2004.

Ortlund, Dane. A New Inner Relish: Christian Motivation in the Thought of Jonathan Edwards. Fearn, Scotland: Christian Focus, 2008.

Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge. Works of Benjamin B. Warfield, The. Baker Book House, 1978.

Webber, Robert., John Burke, Dan. Kimball, Doug Pagitt, Karen M. Ward, and Mark Driscoll. Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches: Five Perspectives. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2007.

Wells, David. Above All Earthly Pow’rs : Christ in a Postmodern World. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Leicester: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. ;;Inter-Varsity Press, 2005.

—. The Courage to be Protestant : Truth-Lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2008.

Wells, David F. God in the Wasteland : The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans, 1994.

—. Losing our Virtue : Why the Church Must Recover its Moral Vision. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 1998.

—. No Place for Truth, or, Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1993.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Martin Downes

J. Gresham Machen

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:00:51 +0000

The Christ the Center panelists interact with Dr. Darryl G. Hart about Dr. Fundamentalis, J. Gresham Machen. Machen, erstwhile professor of NT at Princeton Theological Seminary until its reorganization in 1929, was the pioneer of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and the denomination that would become known as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Hart explains the historical and continuing contemporary significance of Machen as well intriguing details of his life and work. Among highlights of the conversation are Machen’s formation of the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions and the discussion of Machen’s literary legacy. While Machen was at the center of controversy with the establishment of Westminster, it was the founding of the IBPFM that led to his defrocking from the ministry in the PCUSA and his starting the OPC. Machen is well known for his popular and scholarly works. His best known scholarly tomes are The Origin of Paul’s Religion and The Virgin Birth. Machen produced many popular works such as What is Faith? and God Transcendent but the work he is best known for, and which still reads as fresh as it did when published seven decades ago is Christianity and Liberalism. Dr. Hart draws from his biography of Machen, The Defender of the Faith, and the edited work The Selected Shorter Writings of J. Gresham Machen. Listeners will go away from this program with a strong desire to enlist among Machen’s warrior children!

Panel

Darryl G. Hart
Gary L. W. Johnson
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Blake, Thomas. The Covenants Sealed. Or, A treatise of the sacraments of both covenants, polemical and practical. Especially of the sacraments of the covenant of grace … Together with a brief answer to Reverend Mr. Baxter’s Apology, in defence of the Treatise of the covenant. London: Printed for A. Roper, 1655.

Fesko, J. Justification : Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Fosdick, Harry Emerson. Shall the Fundamentalists Win? : A Sermon Preached at the First Presbyterian Church, New York, May 21, 1922. New York, 1922.

Gamble, Richard C. The Whole Counsel Of God. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 2008.

Hall, David. A Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hart, D. Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2004.

Hart, D. G. “Doctor Fundamentalis”: An Intellectual Biography of J. Gresham Machen, 1881-1937, 1988.

—. A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State. Ivan R. Dee, Publisher, 2006.

—. Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America. P & R Publishing, 2003.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Macartney, Clarence Edward Noble. Shall Unbelief Win?: A Reply to Dr. Fosdick. Philadelphia: Wilbur Hanf, 1900.

Machen, J. Gresham. Christianity and Liberalism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1923.

—. The Christian Faith in the Modern World. New York: Macmillan Co., 1936.

—. The Christian View of Man. New York: The Macmillan company, 1937.

—. What is Christianity? and Other Addresses. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1951.

—. What is Faith? New York: The Macmillan company, 1925.

Machen, J. Gresham, and D. G. Hart. Selected Shorter Writings. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2004.

Machen, J. Gresham, and Dan G. McCartney. New Testament Greek for Beginners. 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, 2003.

Machen, J. Gresham, and John Hamilton Skilton. Machen’s Notes on Galatians: And Other Aids to the Interpretation of the Epistle to the Galatians. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1972.

Nichols, Stephen. Jesus Made in America: Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

North, Gary. Crossed Fingers : How the Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church. Tyler, Tex.: Institute for Christian Economics, 1996.

Reynolds, John Mark, Roger Overton, and GodBlogCon. â€œThe New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ.â€ Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Gary L. W. Johnson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Eschatological Views of the Westminster Divines

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:42 +0000

We had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Jue, Associate Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Jue is an expert on the eschatological views of the Westminster Divines and his research is a very stimulating subject. The answer to the question “What were the views of the divines?” may surprise you.
Archive.org

Panel

Jeff Jue
Lane Tipton
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text (New International Greek Testament Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998.

Carson, D. A. Christ and Culture Revisited. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008.

Hardman Moore, Susan. Pilgrims : New World Settlers & The Call of Home. New Haven [Conn.]; London: Yale University Press, 2007.

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

Johnson, Dennis E. Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2001.

Jue, Jeffrey K. Heaven Upon Earth : Joseph Mede (1586-1638) and the Legacy of Millenarianism. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, 2006.

Kline, Meredith G. â€œThe Covenant of the Seventieth Weekâ€ (1974).

Mohler, R. Albert. Atheism Remix : A Christian Confronts the New Atheists. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Poole, Matthew. An advertisement concerning the fourth and last part of Mr. Poole’s Synopsis criticorum aliorumque S. ScripturÃ¦ interpretum. [London: s.n., 1676.

Poythress, Vern S. The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2000.

Ramsay, Richard B. The Certainty of the Faith : Apologetics in an Uncertain World. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

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

Tipton, Lane G., and Jeffrey C. Waddington. Resurrection and Eschatology : Theology in Service of the Church : Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Toon, Peter. Puritans, the Millennium and the Future of Israel: Puritaneschatology, 1600 to 1660: A Collection of Essays. Cambridge: James Clarke, 1970.

White, Randall Fowler. The Millennial Kingdom-City : Epic Themes Ezekiel 36-39, and the Interpretation of Revelation 20:4-10, 1991.

Zachman, Randall C. â€œJohn Calvin and Roman Catholicism : Critique and Engagement, Then and Now.â€ Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Jue, Jeff Waddington, Lane G. Tipton, Nick Batzig

Cultural Relevance, Mercy Ministry and the Social Gospel

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:00:15 +0000

The Christ the Center panelists converse with the Rev. Richard Phillips, Senior Minister at 2^nd Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC about the importance of a Reformed approach to evangelism and mercy ministry. The tendency can be to remain inside the four walls of the church when the church has been called to proclaim the gospel to a dying world. Phillips points out that it is possible to be solidly Reformed and also committed to getting the message of the gospel out into the highways and byways of our various communities. Rev. Phillips draws upon his own pastoral experience and one of his most recent publications, Jesus the Evangelist. While believers are called upon to give a reason for the hope that is in them as they are given opportunity (1^st Pet. 3:15), the primary means of evangelism is the proclamation of the Bible from the pulpit in public worship.

The panel also discussed the rightful place of mercy ministry and cultural engagement. It is important that the church take care of its own, but there is also a place for demonstrating mercy to those outside the church. However, there is always the danger that demonstrating God’s love in deeds of mercy will eclipse the clear, forthright declaration of the gospel. The church must never forget its mission or identity by compromising or conforming to the culture of this world. The social gospel and inadequate methods of cultural engagement have confused and in some cases lost the truth of the gospel.

The Christ the Center panelists along with Rev. Phillips conclude that with evangelism and mercy ministry, all must be done to bring glory and honor to the Triune God of Scripture (1^st Cor. 10:31). In other words, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!

Panel

Rick Phillips
Nick Batzig
James Dolezal
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Carrick, John. The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards. Banner of Truth, 2008.

Fesko, J. Justification : Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Phillips, Richard D. Hebrews. Reformed expository commentary. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2006.

—. Jesus the Evangelist : Learning to Share the Gospel From the Book of John. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2007.

—. What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace? Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2008.

—. Zechariah. P & R Publishing, 2007.

Poythress, Vern S. The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2000.

Van Til, Cornelius and K. Scott Oliphint, ed. The Defense of the Faith. 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Rick Phillips

The Pastor and the Academy

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:00:51 +0000

Too often, a rift obtains between the work of the church and theological study. Pastors and seminary students often feel the need to choose between one or the other. Derek Thomas, both pastor and professor, joins us to talk about the relationship between the pastor and the academy.

Panel

Derek Thomas
James Dolezal
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bahnsen, Greg L. Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings and Analysis. P & R Publishing, 1998.

Barker, Kenneth L., and John R. Kohlenberger. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2004.

Carson, D. A. Christ and Culture Revisited. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008.

Duncan, Ligon. Fear Not! Christian Focus, 2008.

Longman, Tremper., and David E. Garland. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Muller, Richard A. Christ and the Decree : Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins. Durham, N.C.: Labyrinth Press, 1986.

—. Christ and the Decree Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins. Baker Academic, 2008.

—. The Unaccommodated Calvin : Studies in the Foundation of a Theological Tradition. Oxford studies in historical theology. New York: Oxford University, 2000.

Murray, Iain Hamish. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones : The First Forty Years, 1899-1939. Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 1982.

Piper, John. Brothers, We are Not Professionals : A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry. Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman & Holman, 2002.

Thomas, Derek. What is Providence? Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Pub., 2008.

Van Til, Cornelius. Christian-Theistic Evidences. Philadelphia: Westminster Theological Seminary, 1961.

—. Common Grace and the Gospel. Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co, 1973.

—. The Defense of the Faith. 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Derek Thomas, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:00:49 +0000

J. Ligon Duncan, Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS joins us to talk about the Westminster Confession of Faith. Dr. Duncan is the general editor of a series of books title The Westminster Confession of Faith into the 21^st Century.
Archive.org

Panel

J. Ligon Duncan
Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman, and J. Mark Beach. Saved by Grace : The Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

Duncan, J. Ligon, ed. The Westminster Confession Into the 21st Century. Christian Focus, 2004.

—. The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century. [S.l.]: Christian Focus Pub, 2005.

—. The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century: essays in remembrance of the 350th anniversary of the Westminster Assembly. Fearn: Mentor, 2003.

Duncan, Ligon. Fear Not! Christian Focus, 2008.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. God’s Word in Servant-Form. Reformed Academic Press.

Hansen, Collin. Young, Restless, Reformed : A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Robinson, Stuart. The Church of God as an Essential Element of the Gospel and the idea, structure, and functions thereof : a discourse in four parts. Repr. Greenville: Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 1995.

Shedd, William G. T. Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy. Gardners Books, 2007.

Witsius, Herman., John. Donaldson, and William. Cunningham. On the Character of a True Theologian: An Inaugural Address Delivered at Franeker, April 16, 1675. Edinburgh, 1877.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Ligon Duncan, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Recovering the Reformed Confession

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:00:36 +0000

R. Scott Clark, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, joins us to discuss his forthcoming book Recovering the Reformed Confession.

Panel

R. Scott Clark
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman, and J. Mark Beach. Saved by Grace : The Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

Beale, G. K. â€œMyth, History, and Inspiration: A Review Article of Inspiration and Incarnation by Peter Enns,â€ June 1, 2006. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3817/is_200606/ai_n17176285.

—. The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism : Responding to New Challenges to Biblical Authority. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

—. We Become What We Worship : A Biblical Theology of Idolatry. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2008.

Clark, R. Scott., and Westminster Seminary California. Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry : Essays by the Faculty of Westminster Seminary California. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 2007.

Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation : Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2005.

Eswine, Zack. Preaching to a Post-Everything World : Crafting Biblical Sermons that Connect with Our Culture. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 2008.

Gaffin, Richard. Resurrection and Eschatology : Theology in Service of the Church : Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hansen, Collin. Young, Restless, Reformed : A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W. B.B. Warfield : Essays on His Life and Thought. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Mackintosh, H. R. The Doctrine of the Person of Jesus Christ. Edinburgh, 1923.

McGrath, Alister E. T. F. Torrance : An Intellectual Biography. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 2006.

Olson, Roger E. Reformed and Always Reforming : The Postconservative Approach to Evangelical Theology. Acadia studies in Bible and theology. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2007.

Thomas, Derek. What is Providence? Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Pub., 2008.

Torrance, Thomas Forsyth. The Doctrine of Grace in the Apostolic Fathers. The Torrance collection. Eugene, Ore.: Wipf & Stock, 1996.

Torrance, Thomas Forsyth, and Robert T. Walker. Incarnation The Person and Life of Christ. Ivp Academic, 2008.

Van Til, Cornelius. The Defense of the Faith. 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, R. Scott Clark

Union with Christ and Twofold Grace

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:00:17 +0000

Join us as we speak with Mark Garcia, author of Life in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology, regarding the theological implications of union with Christ and its prominence in Calvin’s writings.

Panel

Mark Garcia
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. 1559th ed. Westminster John Knox Press, 1960.

—. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1990.

Gaffin, Richard. By Faith Not By Sight. Paternoster, 2006.

Garcia, Mark A. Life in Christ : Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology. Studies in Christian history and thought. Milton Keynes; Colorado Spring, CO: Paternoster, 2008.

—. Life in Christ : The Function of Union with Christ in the Unio-Duplex Gratia Structure of Calvin’s Soteriology : With Special Reference to the Relationship of Justification and Sanctification in, 2004.

McGowan, A. T. B. The Divine Authenticity of Scripture : Retrieving an Evangelical Heritage. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2007.

—. The Divine Spiration of Scripture : Challenging Evangelicial Perspectives. Nottingham: Apollos, 2007.

Moore, Russell. The Kingdom of Christ : The New Evangelical Perspective. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2004.

Sedgwick, Obadiah. The bowels of tender mercy sealed in the everlasting covenant wherein is set forth the nature, conditions and excellencies of it, and how a sinner should do to enter into it, and the danger of. London: Printed by Edward Mottershed for Adoniram Byfield and are to be sold by Joseph Cranford …, 1661.

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Participants: Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Mark Garcia, Nick Batzig

Reformed Church Growth

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:00:29 +0000

In this episode we speak with Drew Dinardo, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Coral Springs-Margate, FL about the challenges of planting and growing reformed churches.

Panel

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Lane Keister
Nick Batzig
Drew Dinardo
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Anyabwile, Thabiti M. The Decline of African American Theology : From Biblical Faith to Cultural Captivity. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2007.

—. The Faithful Preacher : Recapturing the Vision of Three Pioneering African-American Pastors. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

—. What is a Healthy Church Member? Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Carter, Anthony J. On Being Black and Reformed : A New Perspective on the African-American Christian Experience. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2003.

Carter, Anthony J., Ken Jones, and Michael Leach. Experiencing the Truth : Bringing the Reformation to the African-American Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Eswine, Zack. Preaching to a Post-Everything World : Crafting Biblical Sermons that Connect with Our Culture. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Drew Dinardo, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane Keister, Nick Batzig

Reforming or Conforming?

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:00:22 +0000

Gary Johnson joins us to talk about the forthcoming book Reforming or Conforming?: Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church which he co-edited with Ron Gleason.

Panel

Gary Johnson
Lane Keister
Jeff Waddington
James Dolezal
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 1: Prolegomena. Baker Academic, 2003.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2: God and Creation. Vol. 2. Reformed Dogmatics. Baker Academic, 2004.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ. Baker Academic, 2006.

—. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation. Baker Academic, 2008.

Carson, D. Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church : Understanding a Movement and its Implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005.

Hughes, R. Kent., and John H. Armstrong. The Coming Evangelical Crisis : Current Challenges to the Authority of Scripture and the Gospel. Chicago: Moody Press, 1996.

Hunter, James Davison. Evangelicalism : The Coming Generation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987.

Johnson, Gary L. W. B.B. Warfield : Essays on His Life and Thought. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Guy Prentiss Waters. By Faith Alone : Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

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

McLaren, Brian D. A Generous Orthodoxy : Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/Protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, green, incarnational, depressed-yet-hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian. El Cajon, CA: Youth Specialties, 2006.

Turretin, Francis. Institutes of Elenctic Theology 3 vol. set. P & R Publishing, 1997.

Webb, William J. Slaves, Women & Homosexuals : Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Wells, David. Above all Earthly Pow’rs : Christ in a Postmodern World. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Leicester: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. ;;Inter-Varsity Press, 2005.

—. The Courage to be Protestant : Truth-Lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2008.

—. God in the Wasteland : The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans, 1994.

—. Losing our Virtue : Why the Church Must Recover its Moral Vision. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 1998.

—. No Place for Truth, or, Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1993.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Gary L. W. Johnson, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Lane Keister

The Federal Vision

Christ the Center — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:00:32 +0000

Lane Keister joins us to discuss the Federal Vision, an expression of theology within Reformed circles offering alternative views of the Bible’s covenantal structure, ecclesiology and the sacraments. Lane runs Green Baggins, a blog which has become a popular destination for informed, scholarly discussion of issues in reformed theology.

Panel

Lane Keister
Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beale, G. K. The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Beisner, E. Calvin., and Fla.). Knox Theological Seminary (Fort Lauderdale. The Auburn Avenue theology, Pros and Cons : Debating the Federal Vision. Fort Lauderdale, FL: Knox Theological Seminary, 2004.

Beougher, Timothy K. Richard Baxter and Conversion : A Study of the Puritan Concept of Becoming a Christian. Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland: Mentor, 2007.

Clark, R. Scott., and Westminster Seminary California. Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry : Essays by the Faculty of Westminster Seminary California. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 2007.

Jordan, James B. Through New Eyes : Developing a Biblical View of the World. Brentwood, Tenn.: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, 1988.

KÃ¶stenberger, Andreas J., and Scott R. Swain. Father, Son and Spirit : the Trinity and John’s Gospel. Nottingham, England; Downers Grove, Illinois: Apollos ; InterVarsity Press, 2008.

Leithart, Peter J. The Baptized Body. Moscow, ID: Canon Press, 2007.

—. The Priesthood of the Plebs : A Theology of Baptism. Eugene, Or.: Wipf and Stock Pub., 2003.

Lusk, Rich. Paedofaith : A Primer on the Mystery of Infant Salvation and a Handbook for Covenantal Parents. Monroe, La.: Athanasius Press, 2005.

MacDonald, Neil B., and Carl R. Trueman. Calvin, Barth and Reformed Theology. Paternoster, 2008.

Meyers, Jeffrey J. The Lord’s Service: The Grace of Covenant Renewal Worship. Canon Press, 2003.

Otis, John M. Danger in the Camp : An Analysis and Refutation of the Heresies of the Federal Vision. Corpus Christi, Tex.: Triumphant Publications, 2005.

Poythress, Vern S. “Kinds of Biblical Theology.” The Westminster Theological Journal 70, no. 1 (Spring 2008): 129-142.

Reymond, Robert. Faith’s Reasons for Believing: An Apologetic Antidote to Mindless Christianity. Mentor, 2008.

Schwertley, Brian M. The Auburn Avenue Theology : A Biblical Critique. Saunderstown, RI; Iola, WI: The American Presbyterian Press ; Covenanted Reformation Press, 2005.

Shepherd, Norman. The Call of Grace : How the Covenant Illuminates Salvation and Evangelism. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2000.

Tipton, Lane G. and Jeffrey Waddington, ed. Resurrection and Eschatology : Theology in Service of the Church : Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Vos, Geerhardus, and James T. Dennison. The Letters of Geerhardus Vos. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2005.

Waters, Guy Prentiss. The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology : A Comparative Analysis. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publ., 2006.

Wilkins, J. Steven, and Duane. Garner. The Federal Vision. Monroe, La.: Athanasius Press, 2004.

Wilson, Douglas. “Reformed” is Not Enough. Moscow, Idaho: Canon Press, 2002.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane Keister

The Theological Contribution of Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.

Christ the Center — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:00:43 +0000

This week we talk to Dr. Lane Tipton, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) to talk about the theological contribution of Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. in whose honor a new festschrift has been published entitled Resurrection and Eschatology.

Panel

Lane Tipton
Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. God’s Word in Servant-Form. Reformed Academic Press.

Grenz, Stanley. Beyond Foundationalism : Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context. 1st ed. Louisville Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.

Oliphint, K. Scott. Justified In Christ: God’s Plan for Us in Justification. Mentor, 2007.

Oliphint, K. Scott and Lane G. Tipton, eds. Revelation and Reason : New Essays in Reformed Apologetics. 1st ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Young, Edward. The God-Breathed Scripture. Willow Grove Pa.: The Committee for the Historian of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 2007.

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

The Atonement as Propitiation

Christ the Center — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:57 +0000

Propitiation means to appease or avert divine wrath. This episode of Christ the Center examines the atonement as propitiation as we discuss the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the propitiation of the wrath of God toward his people.

You may download Jeff Waddington’s notes from a class he taught on the atonement. Our discussion generally follows the outline laid out in the notes.

Hosts

Jeff Waddington
Nick Batzig
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Edwards, Jonathan. Sermons and discourses, 1720-1723. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1730-1733. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1734-1738. New Haven [u.a.]: Yale Univ. Press, 2001.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1739-1742. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

—. Sermons and discourses, 1743-1758. New Haven Conn. ;;London: Yale University Press, 2007.

Hodge, Archibald. Inspiration. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979.

Hunsinger, George. How to read Karl Barth : the shape of his theology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.

McCormack, Bruce. Karl Barth’s critically realistic dialectical theology its genesis and development, 1909-1936. Oxford: Clarendon, 1997.

Morris, Leon. The apostolic preaching of the cross. 1st ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1955.

—. The Atonement, its meaning and significance. Downers Grove Ill. USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1983.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til : Reformed apologist and churchman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Nicole, Roger. Standing forth : collected writings of Roger Nicole. Fearn Ross-shire: Mentor, 2002.

Owen, John. The doctrine of justification by faith : through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, explained, confirmed, and vindicated. Grand Rapids Mich: Reformation Heritage Books, 2006.

Stott, John. The cross of Christ. England: INTER-VARSITY PRESS, 2006.

Venema, Cornelis. Accepted and renewed in Christ : the “twofold grace of God” and the interpretation of Calvin’s theology. GÃ¶ttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2007.

Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge. Selected Shorter Writings. P & R Publishing, 2001.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

The Atonement as Reconciliation

Christ the Center — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:00:44 +0000

Reconciliation is the restoration of a broken relationship between God and sinful man. It is the overcoming of our alienation from God because of our disobedience and sin. This episode of Christ the Center examines the atonement as reconciliation.

Notes

Hosts

Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman. Essays on religion, science, and society. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

Beeke, Joel. Heirs with Christ : the Puritans on adoption. Grand Rapids Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

—. The quest for full assurance : the legacy of Calvin and his successors. Edinburgh ;Carlisle Pa.: Banner of Truth, 1999.

Brake, Donald. A visual history of the English Bible : the tumultuous tale of the world’s bestselling book. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Books, 2008.

Chalke, Steve. The atonement debate : papers from the London Symposium on the Theology of Atonement. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2008.

Dennison, William. A Christian approach to interdisciplinary studies : in search of a method and starting point. Eugene Or.: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007.

Dennison, William D. The Young Bultmann: Context for His Understanding of God,1884-1925. American university studies. New York: P. Lang, 2008.

Dever, Mark. The Gospel and personal evangelism. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Gibson, David. Engaging with Barth : contemporary evangelical critiques. Nottingham England: Apollos, 2008.

Horton, Michael. Covenant and eschatology : the divine drama. 1st ed. Louisville Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

—. Covenant and salvation : union with Christ. 1st ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.

Jeffery, S. Pierced for our transgressions : rediscovering the glory of penal substitution. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

KoÌˆstenberger, Andreas. Father, Son and Spirit : the Trinity and John’s Gospel. Nottingham England ;Downers Grove Illinois: Apollos ;;InterVarsity Press, 2008.

Longman, Tremper. Dictionary of the Old Testament : wisdom, poetry & writings. Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

McGowan, A. The divine spiration of scripture : challenging evangelicial perspectives. Nottingham: Apollos, 2007.

Rosell, Garth. The surprising work of God : Harold John Ockenga, Billy Graham, and the rebirth of Evangelicalism. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

The Prodigal God. E P Dutton, 2008.

Trueman, Carl. Minority report : unpopular thoughts on everything from ancient Christianity to Zen-Calvinism. Fearn Ross-shire Scotland: Mentor, 2008.

Tyndale new testament commentaries. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2007.

Van Til, Cornelius. The defense of the faith. 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Wiseman, D. Tyndale Old Testament commentaries. Downers Grove Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1964.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

The Atonement as Ransom and Substitution

Christ the Center — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:48:59 +0000

Several words are used to describe the atonement in the New Testament. As we continue our series on the atonement, we explore the atonement as a ransom and substitution for the redemption of the elect.

Course Notes

Hosts

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. 1559th ed. Westminster John Knox Press, 1960.

Tipton, Lane G. and Jeff Waddington, eds. Resurrection and eschatology : theology in service of the church : essays in honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Garcia, Mark. Life in Christ : the function of union with Christ in the Unio-Duplex Gratia structure of Calvin’s soteriology : with special reference to the relationship of justification and sanctification in, 2004.

Hall, David. A theological guide to Calvin’s Institutes : essays and analysis. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

—. The legacy of John Calvin : his influence on the modern world. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Robertson, O. The hope fulfilled : essays in honor of O. Palmer Robertson. Pillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Sproul, R. The truth of the cross. Lake Mary Fla.: Reformation Trust Pub., 2007.

Stott, John. The cross of Christ. England: INTER-VARSITY PRESS, 2006.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

The Atonement and Covenant Theology, Part 2

Christ the Center — Fri, 23 May 2008 05:00:39 +0000

Join us for the second part of a two part discussion of the atonement and covenant theology. The group discusses the nature of the atonement and its natural and even necessary fit within covenant theology. Christ, as the second Adam, represents his elect and atones for their sins which were committed under the first covenant. Jeff also speaks about the new festschrift for Richard Gaffin which he has edited with Lane Tipton.

Hosts

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ. Baker Academic, 2006.

Carson, D. Memoirs of an ordinary pastor : the life and reflections of Tom Carson. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Chalke, Steve. The lost message of Jesus. 1st ed. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2003.

Christ and Culture Revisited. Inter Varsity Pr, 2008.

Dabney, Robert. Christ our penal substitute. Richmond Va.: Presbyterian Committee of Publication, 1898.

Dennison, Wilam A., and William D. Dennison. Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2000.

Fesko, J. Diversity within the reformed tradition : supra- and infralapsarianism in Calvin, Dort, and Westminster. Greenville SC: Reformed Academic Press, 2001.

_____. Justification : understanding the classic Reformed doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

_____. Last things first : unlocking Genesis 1-3 with the Christ of eschatology. Fearn Ross-shire Great Britain: Mentor, 2007.

_____. What is justification by faith alone? Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Frame, John. Doctrine of the Christian life, 1979.

Gaffin, Richard. Resurrection and eschatology : theology in service of the church : essays in honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

_____. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. 2. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Griffith, Howard. Creator, Redeemer, Consummator : a festschrift for Meredith G. Kline. Greenville S.C. ;Jackson Miss.: Reformed Academic Press ;;Reformed Theological Seminary, 2000.

Hall, David. A theological guide to Calvin’s Institutes : essays and analysis. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hodge, Archibald, and Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (Old School). The Atonement. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1867.

Jeffery, S. Pierced for our transgressions : rediscovering the glory of penal substitution. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Kay, Brian. Trinitarian spirituality : John Owen and the doctrine of God in western devotion. Bletchley Milton Keynes UK ;;Waynesboro GA: Paternoster, 2007.

Morris, Leon. The apostolic preaching of the cross. [1st ed.]. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1955.

_____. The Atonement, its meaning and significance. Downers Grove Ill. USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1983.

_____. The Cross in the New Testament. Grand Rapids: W. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1965.

Murray, John. Redemption, accomplished and applied. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1955.

_____. The Atonement. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1962.

Nicole, Roger. The glory of the atonement : biblical, historical & practical perspectives : essays in honor of Roger Nicole. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Oliphint, K. Scott. Things that cannot be shaken : holding fast to your faith in a relativistic world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

_____. Justified In Christ: God’s plan for us in justification. Mentor, 2007.

“OPC Report on Justification.” http://www.opc.org/feature.html?feature_id=19.

Owen, John. The death of death in the death of Christ : a treatise in which the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1959.

Packer, J. In my place condemned He stood : celebrating the glory of the atonement. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Peterson, David. Where wrath and mercy meet : proclaiming the atonement today : papers from the fourth Oak Hill College annual school of theology. Carlisle: Paternoster, 2002.

Schreiner, Thomas. New Testament theology : magnifying God in Christ. Grand Rapids Mich.: Baker Academic, 2008.

Silva, MoiseÌs. Philippians. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2005.

Stott, John. The cross of Christ. England: INTER-VARSITY PRESS, 2006.

Vanhoozer, Kevin. The drama of doctrine : a canonical-linguistic approach to Christian theology. 1st ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

The Atonement and Covenant Theology, Part 1

Christ the Center — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:11:51 +0000

Join us for the first part of a two part discussion of the atonement and covenant theology. The group discusses the nature of the atonement and its natural and even necessary fit within covenant theology. Christ, as the second Adam, represents his elect and atones for their sins which were committed under the first covenant.

Hosts

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ. Baker Academic, 2006.

Carson, D. Memoirs of an ordinary pastor : the life and reflections of Tom Carson. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Chalke, Steve. The lost message of Jesus. 1st ed. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2003.

Christ and Culture Revisited. Inter Varsity Pr, 2008.

Dabney, Robert. Christ our penal substitute. Richmond Va.: Presbyterian Committee of Publication, 1898.

Dennison, Wilam A., and William D. Dennison. Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2000.

Fesko, J. Diversity within the reformed tradition : supra- and infralapsarianism in Calvin, Dort, and Westminster. Greenville SC: Reformed Academic Press, 2001.

Fesko, J. Justification : understanding the classic Reformed doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Fesko, J. Last things first : unlocking Genesis 1-3 with the Christ of eschatology. Fearn Ross-shire Great Britain: Mentor, 2007.

Fesko, J. What is justification by faith alone? Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Frame, John. Doctrine of the Christian life, 1979.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. 2. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Griffith, Howard. Creator, Redeemer, Consummator : a festschrift for Meredith G. Kline. Greenville S.C. ;Jackson Miss.: Reformed Academic Press ;;Reformed Theological Seminary, 2000.

Hall, David. A theological guide to Calvin’s Institutes : essays and analysis. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hodge, Archibald, and Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (Old School). The Atonement. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1867.

Jeffery, S. Pierced for our transgressions : rediscovering the glory of penal substitution. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Kay, Brian. Trinitarian spirituality : John Owen and the doctrine of God in western devotion. Bletchley Milton Keynes UK ;;Waynesboro GA: Paternoster, 2007.

Morris, Leon. The apostolic preaching of the cross. [1st ed.]. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1955.

Morris, Leon. The Atonement, its meaning and significance. Downers Grove Ill. USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1983.

Morris, Leon. The Cross in the New Testament. Grand Rapids: W. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1965.

Murray, John. Redemption, accomplished and applied. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1955.

Murray, John. The Atonement. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1962.

Nicole, Roger. The glory of the atonement : biblical, historical & practical perspectives : essays in honor of Roger Nicole. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Oliphint, K. Things that cannot be shaken : holding fast to your faith in a relativistic world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Oliphint, K. Scott. Justified In Christ: God’s plan for us in justification. Mentor, 2007.

“OPC Report on Justification.” http://www.opc.org/feature.html?feature_id=19.

Owen, John. The death of death in the death of Christ : a treatise in which the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1959.

Packer, J. In my place condemned He stood : celebrating the glory of the atonement. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Peterson, David. Where wrath and mercy meet : proclaiming the atonement today : papers from the fourth Oak Hill College annual school of theology. Carlisle: Paternoster, 2002.

Schreiner, Thomas. New Testament theology : magnifying God in Christ. Grand Rapids Mich.: Baker Academic, 2008.

Silva, Moises. Philippians. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2005.

Stott, John. The cross of Christ. England: INTER-VARSITY PRESS, 2006.

Vanhoozer, Kevin. The drama of doctrine : a canonical-linguistic approach to Christian theology. 1st ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Doctrinal Confusion in the Church

Christ the Center — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:09:26 +0000

Join us for a discussion of doctrinal confusion in the church. We talk about the influences of postmodernism, post-conservatism, and the emerging church on the contemporary church.

Hosts

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Beach, J. Christ and the covenant : Francis Turretin’s federal theology as a defense of the doctrine of grace. GÃ¶ttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2007.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1990.

Carson, D. Becoming conversant with the emerging church : understanding a movement and its implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005.

“John Owen Today.” http://johnowentoday.blogspot.com/.

Johnson, Gary. Reforming or conforming? : post-conservative evangelicals and the emerging church. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Kapic, Kelly M. Communion with God: The Divine and the Human in the Theology of John Owen. Baker Academic, 2007.

Kay, Brian. Trinitarian spirituality : John Owen and the doctrine of God in western devotion. Bletchley Milton Keynes UK ;;Waynesboro GA: Paternoster, 2007.

Lyotard, Jean. The Lyotard reader. Oxford UK ;;Cambridge Mass. USA: Blackwell, 1989.

McCormack, Bruce. Engaging the doctrine of God : contemporary Protestant perspectives. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Edinburgh: Baker Academic ;;Rutherford House, 2008.

McGowan, A. The divine spiration of scripture : challenging evangelicial perspectives. Nottingham: Apollos, 2007.

McLaren, Brian. Everything must change : Jesus, global crises, and a revolution of hope. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007.

_____. A new kind of Christian a tale of two friends on a spiritual journey. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2001.

Oliphint, K. Things that cannot be shaken : holding fast to your faith in a relativistic world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Phillips, Richard. What’s so great about the doctrines of grace? Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2008.

Trueman, Carl R. John Owen. Ashgate, 2007.

Venema, Cornelis. Accepted and renewed in Christ : the “twofold grace of God” and the interpretation of Calvin’s theology. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2007.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

The Attributes of God

Christ the Center — Fri, 02 May 2008 05:00:52 +0000

In this episode, the group builds upon last week’s episode and addresses traditional distinctions in discussing the attributes of God. They then discuss several incommunicable and communicable attributes and how they relate to God and to his creation.

Hosts

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Edwards, Jonathan. Ethical writings. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.

Edwards, Jonathan. Freedom of the will. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957.

Edwards, Jonathan. Religious affections. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1959.

Edwards, Jonathan. Sermons and discourses, 1720-1723. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992.

Gerstner, John. The rational biblical theology of Jonathan Edwards. Powhatan Va. ;Orlando Fla.: Berea Publications ;;Ligonier Ministries, 1991.

Oliphint, K. Scott. Reasons (for Faith): Philosophy in the Service of Theology. P & R Publishing, 2006.

Turretin, Francis. Institutes of Elenctic Theology 3 vol. set. P & R Publishing, 1997.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Preliminary Issues Regarding the Attributes of God

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:00:40 +0000

The group discusses the nature of God as they prepare to discuss the attributes of God.

Bibliography

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2: God and Creation. Vol. 2. Reformed Dogmatics. Baker Academic, 2004.

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. 4th rev. and enl. ed. Grand Rapids Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1941.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. 1559 translation. Westminster John Knox Press, 1960.

Helm, Paul. John Calvin’s ideas. Oxford ;;New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Muller, Richard A. Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics: The Rise and Development of Reformed Orthodoxy, ca. 1520 to ca. 1725. 2nd. Baker Academic, 2003.

Oliphint, K. Scott. Reasons (for Faith): Philosophy in the Service of Theology. P & R Publishing, 2006.

Plantinga, Alvin. Does God have a nature? Milwaukee: Marquette University Press, 1980.

Reformed Dogmatics Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation. Baker Academic, 2008.

Turretin, Francis. Institutes of Elenctic Theology 3 vol. set. P & R Publishing, 1997.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Augustine

Christ the Center — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:00:31 +0000

Augustine is the most influential theologian in the Western church. His works have become the foundation for much of the Western church’s thinking. Join us as we sit down for a discussion of this immense figure in church history.

Bibliography

Augustine. Confessions. New Impression. Penguin Classics, 1961.

Augustine, and NetLibrary, Inc. On the Trinity. Cambridge UK ;;New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002.

Augustine, St. The Works of Saint Augustine: A translation for the 21st century. New City Press, 1990.

Dever, Mark. 12 challenges churches face. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Fesko, J. What is justification by faith alone? Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Frame, John. Doctrine of the Christian life, 1979.

Frame, John. The doctrine of God. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2002.

Hall, David. A theological guide to Calvin’s Institutes : essays and analysis. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hall, David. The legacy of John Calvin : his influence on the modern world. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Hansen, Collin. Young, restless, reformed : a journalist’s journey with the new Calvinists. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Hippo, Augustine of. City of God. Penguin Classics, 2004.

Lucas, Sean. On being Presbyterian : our beliefs, practices, and stories. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2006.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til : Reformed apologist and churchman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Packer, J. In my place condemned He stood : celebrating the glory of the atonement. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

Pratt, Richard. Every thought captive : a study manual for the defense of Christian truth. Phillipsburg N.J.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1979.

Robertson, O. The Christ of the prophets. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2004.

Van Til, Cornelius. The defense of the faith. 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008.

Wells, David. Above all earthly pow’rs : Christ in a postmodern world. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Leicester: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. ;;Inter-Varsity Press, 2005.

Wells, David. The courage to be Protestant : truth-lovers, marketers, and emergents in the postmodern world. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2008.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

The Theology of Jonathan Edwards

Christ the Center — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:00:13 +0000

Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey sit down to discuss aspects of Jonathan Edwards’ thinking including his eschatology, affectional psychology and trinitarian theology.

Bibliography

Edwards, Jonathan. Freedom of the will. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957.

Edwards, Jonathan. Religious affections. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1959.

Edwards, Jonathan. The works of Jonathan Edwards. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957.

Edwards, Jonathan. The Works of Jonathan Edwards (two volume set). Banner of Truth, 1976.

Lee, Sang. The Princeton companion to Jonathan Edwards. Princeton N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2005.

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

Marsden, George. Jonathan Edwards : a life. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

Murray, Iain. Jonathan Edwards : a new biography. Edinburgh ;;Carlisle Pa. USA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1987.

Nichols, Stephen. Jesus made in America : cultural history from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen. Jonathan Edwards : a guided tour of his life and thought. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2001.

Nichols, Stephen. The Reformation : how a monk and a mallet changed the world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Stein, Stephen. The Cambridge companion to Jonathan Edwards. Cambridge ;;New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Building Old School Churches

Christ the Center — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:00:25 +0000

In the early 19th century, a controversy arose in American Presbyterianism over evangelistic method and doctrines such as the imputation of Adam’s sin. One group identified as the Old School Presbyterians and organized around teachings such as the regulative principle of worship, Presbyterian polity, Calvinism, the spirituality of the church and warm, winsome preaching that applies God’s truths to men’s hearts. Andy Webb joins Jim Cassidy, Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey for a discussion on building old school churches.

Bibliography

Lucas, Sean. Robert Lewis Dabney : a Southern Presbyterian life. P&R Pub., 2005.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til : Reformed apologist and churchman. P&R Pub., 2007.

Other Formats

Participants: Andy Webb, Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Van Til and Barth

Christ the Center — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:00:30 +0000

The group continues their discussion of Cornelius Van Til by examining Van Til’s critique of the theology of Karl Barth. Van Til’s two books The New Modernism and Christianity and Barthianism were extremely influential in developing an understanding of Barth among English-speaking theologians. The discussion brings the critique to the foreground particularly in the light of Barthianism’s dominance in the current evangelical landscape.

Bibliography

Other Formats

Barth, Karl. Church Dogmatics. T&T Clark Ltd, 2005.

Brunner, Emil. Natural theology : comprising “Nature and grace” by Professor Dr. Emil Brunner and the reply “No!” by Dr. Karl Barth. Eugene OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2002.

Colyer, E. “How to Read T. F. Torrance.” THEOLOGICAL STUDIES 63 (2002): 400-401.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. God’s Word in Servant-Form. Reformed Academic Press.

Grenz, Stanley. Beyond foundationalism : shaping theology in a postmodern context. 1st ed. Louisville Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.

Gunton, Colin. Becoming and being : the doctrine of God in Charles Hartshorne and Karl Barth. Oxford [Eng.] ;;New York: Oxford University Press, 1978.

Hunsinger, George. How to read Karl Barth : the shape of his theology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.

Machen, J. Gresham. Christianity and Liberalism. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1923.

McCormack, Bruce. Karl Barth’s critically realistic dialectical theology its genesis and development, 1909-1936. Oxford: Clarendon, 1997.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til : Reformed apologist and churchman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Muller, Richard A. “The Barth Legacy: New Athanasius or Origen Redivivus.” The Thomist 54 (1990): 673-704.

Oliphint, K. Revelation and reason : new essays in reformed apologetics. 1st ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Oliphint, K. Scott. Reasons (for Faith): Philosophy in the Service of Theology. P & R Publishing, 2006.

Van Til, Cornelius. Christianity and Barthianism. P & R Publishing, 2004.

Van Til, Cornelius. Defense of the Faith. P & R Publishing, 1967.

Van Til, Cornelius. The new modernism an appraisal of the theology of Barth and Brunner, Philadelphia Pa.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1946.

Webster, John. The Cambridge Companion to Karl Barth. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

White, William. Van Til, defender of the faith : an authorized biography. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1979.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Cornelius Van Til

Christ the Center — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:00:06 +0000

Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987) developed a unique approach to apologetics which stemmed from a solid foundation in reformed theology and a background in Idealist philosophy. His method has been called presuppositionalism, transcendental and covenantal. Many recent theologians have been influenced by Van Til’s thought, especially current faculty members of Westminster Theological Seminary where he so faithfully taught. Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey discuss Cornelius Van Til and his tremendous contribution to reformed apologetics.

Bibliography

Bahnsen, Greg L. Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings and Analysis. P & R Publishing, 1998.

Boa, Kenneth D., and Robert M. Bowman Jr. Faith Has Its Reasons: An Integrative Approach to Defending Christianity (An Apologetics Handbook). Paternoster, 2006.

Cowan, Steven B., Stanley N. Gundry, William Lane Craig, Paul D. Feinberg, Kelly James Clark, John Frame, et al. Five Views on Apologetics. Zondervan, 2000.

Frame, John. Cornelius Van Til : an analysis of his thought. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 1995.

Keller, Timothy. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Dutton Adult, 2008.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til : Reformed apologist and churchman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Plantinga, Alvin. Warranted Christian Belief. Oxford University Press, USA, 1999.

White, William. Van Til, defender of the faith : an authorized biography. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1979.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Redemptive-Historical Preaching

Christ the Center — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:00:57 +0000

This episode is an introduction to redemptive-historical preaching. The proponents of this kind of preaching argued that Old Testament narratives are not given primarily – to us by God to be moral examples, but as revelations of the coming Messiah. The narratives, the stories, of the Old Testament served as types and shadows pointing forward in history to the time when Israel’s Messiah would be revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

In support of this view, the advocates of redemptive-historical preaching drew heavily upon the text of Luke 24:27 (where Jesus is teaching the disciples on the road to Emmaus), “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (English Standard Version). Along with this verse, also invoked was v. 44 of the same chapter where Jesus says, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

In this way, then, the bible is seen not as a collection of abstract moral principles, but rather as an anthology of the events of God’s great works in history. The bible is dynamic, so the redemptive-historical advocate claim, and it progressively unfolds revealing more and more of Christ to us as it progresses through salvation history. This, then, is to be the way in which the narratives are to be preached – preached with a view towards showing how the text points towards Christ.

Visit http://www.calvary-amwell.org/sermons.htm for more history on redemptive-historical preaching.

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Chapell, Bryan. Christ-centered preaching : redeeming the expository sermon. Grand Rapids Mich.: Baker Books, 1994.

Clowney, Edmund. Preaching Christ in all of Scripture. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2003.

Clowney, Edmund P. Preaching and Biblical Theology. Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co, 1979.

Goldsworthy, Graeme. Gospel-centered hermeneutics : foundations and principles of evangelical biblical interpretation. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2006.

Goldsworthy, Graeme. Preaching the Whole Bible As Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000.

Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ from Genesis : foundations for expository sermons. Grand Rapids Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2007.

Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ from the Old Testament : a contemporary hermeneutical method. Grand Rapids Mich.: W.B. Eardmans Pub., 1999.

Greidanus, Sidney. Sola Scriptura: Problems and Principles in Preaching Historical Texts. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2001.

Greidanus, Sidney. The modern preacher and the ancient text : interpreting and preaching biblical literature. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Leicester: Eerdmans ;Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.

Johnson, Dennis. Him we proclaim : preaching Christ from all the scriptures. 1st ed. Phillipsburg NJ: P&R Pub., 2007.

Ryken, Leland. Dictionary of biblical imagery. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1998.

Vos, Geerhardus. Grace and glory : sermons preached in the chapel of Princeton Theological Seminary. Grand Rapids Mich.: The Reformed Press, 1922.

Vos, Geerhardus. The idea of biblical theology as a science and as a theological discipline. New York N.Y.: Randolph, 1894.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Introduction to the Theology of Karl Barth

Christ the Center — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:00:51 +0000

Jim and Camden discuss the 20th century theologian Karl Barth and the main themes of his influential theology.

Panel Members

Bibliography

Hunsinger, George. How to read Karl Barth : the shape of his theology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.

McCormack, Bruce. Karl Barth’s critically realistic dialectical theology its genesis and development, 1909-1936. Oxford: Clarendon, 1997.

Van Til, Cornelius. Christianity and Barthianism. P & R Publishing, 2004.

Van Til, Cornelius. The new modernism an appraisal of the theology of Barth and Brunner, Philadelphia Pa.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1946.

Webster, John. The Cambridge Companion to Karl Barth. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Other Formats

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy

Biblical Theology and the Westminster Standards

Christ the Center — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:00:51 +0000

This episode addresses biblical theology in the Westminster Standards. As the panel explores the issue, several topics arise such as the relationship between biblical and systematic theology and the practice of preaching through the catechisms.

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

The Spirituality of the Church

Christ the Center — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:00:46 +0000

In this episode the panel covers the spirituality of the church – its history and its bearing on diaconal ministries, humanitarian efforts, and church/state relations.

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Choosing a Commentary

Christ the Center — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:00:13 +0000

The panel builds on the previous discussion regarding building a theological library by discussing the principles involved in choosing commentaries as well as suggesting a number of commentaries for your library.

Panel Members

Jeff Waddington
Jim Cassidy
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Building a Theological Library, Part 2

Christ the Center — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:00:05 +0000

Part two of a panel discussion on the importance of books and building a theological library.

General mindset
1. Books are more important than your television. Read Amusing Ourselves to Death (no, there’s not a video version on youtube).
2. When you hear of a great book that you would like to read, put it on a wishlist. The next time you have a handful of books on your list and can spare the money, buy them.
Building a general library
1. You don’t want to waste your money
2. Bigger isn’t necessarily better
Why build a library?
1. This might be the only theological library you have access to.
2. As a pastor, your congregation will probably be asking you to borrow books.
3. You’ll have something to pass on to your children.
Types of books to get
1. Average churchgoer
2. Elder/deacon/well-informed church member
3. Pastor
  1. Commentaries – check out Longman and Carson’s commentary surveys
  2. Build with the classics, not the trendy, e.g. Get James Bannerman’s The Church of Christ before you get Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Church (if you must get it all)
4. Scholar (you should call in and tell us)
Where to buy
1. Abebooks
2. used.addall.com
3. Amazon.com (use our links, help pay our web hosting fees)
4. wtsbooks.com
5. Credo Books
6. eBay / half.com

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Building a Theological Library, Part 1

Christ the Center — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:01 +0000

Part one of a panel discussion on the importance of books and building a theological library. The panel begins by discussing the book medium and its importance and then moves to general principles in building a library. Part one concludes with book recommendations for the theological encyclopedia.

General mindset
1. Books are more important than your television. Read Amusing Ourselves to Death (no, there’s not a video version on youtube).
2. When you hear of a great book that you would like to read, put it on a wishlist. The next time you have a handful of books on your list and can spare the money, buy them.
Building a general library
1. You don’t want to waste your money
2. Bigger isn’t necessarily better
Why build a library?
1. This might be the only theological library you have access to.
2. As a pastor, your congregation will probably be asking you to borrow books.
3. You’ll have something to pass on to your children.
Types of books to get
1. Average churchgoer
2. Elder/deacon/well-informed church member
3. Pastor
  1. Commentaries – check out Longman and Carson’s commentary surveys
  2. Build with the classics, not the trendy, e.g. Get James Bannerman’s The Church of Christ before you get Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Church (if you must get it all)
4. Scholar (you should call in and tell us)
Where to buy
1. Abebooks
2. used.addall.com
3. Amazon.com (use our links, help pay our web hosting fees)
4. wtsbooks.com
5. Credo Books
6. eBay / half.com

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

The New Testament’s Use of the Old Testament

Christ the Center — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:00:31 +0000

This inaugural episode of Christ the Center addresses the theological issues that arise from the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament. The panel members give a brief introduction to the major issues and point listeners to a number of helpful publications on the subject.

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington
Camden Bucey

Bibliography

Select a format:

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy