What does it mean to be truly blessed in the kingdom of God? In this episode, Camden Bucey welcomes back pastor and author Jonathan Cruse, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to discuss his latest book, Paradox People: Learning to Live the Beatitudes (P&R Publishing). Together they explore how Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:3–12 turns worldly expectations upside down—and how the Beatitudes offer not a checklist for salvation, but a portrait of Christ and those united to him by faith.

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

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Landry Cruse

In this installment of the Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton continue their deep dive into Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Together they explore Vos’s treatment of the essence of the kingdom of God (pp. 385–387), drawing connections to his “Doctrine of the Covenant in Reformed Theology.”

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Triple tragedies strike Jacob in chapter 35. The death of his beloved Rachel, his firstborn son’s violation reprehensible sin disqualifying him from leadership, and his father Esau’s death. Yet in the middle of this passage is a genealogy signifying the fact that God’s plan of redemption will continue. We learn how important it is to trace important events throughout Scripture, and see how the weeping of Rachel becomes a signpost pointing to God’s work of redemption through Christ.

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder

The warning passages of Hebrews, especially Hebrews 6:1–6, have long puzzled interpreters and unsettled readers. Is it a threat to assurance? A theological anomaly? In this episode, Dr. Marcus Mininger, Professor of New Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, joins us to explore the redemptive-historical framework behind one of the New Testament’s most debated passages. Drawing on the insights from his new book, Impossible to Be Restored?: Temptation and Warning in the Epistle of Hebrews (B&H Academic), Dr. Mininger explains how the warning in Hebrews 6 fits not only within the argument of Hebrews but also within the broader flow of covenantal history.

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Marcus Mininger

What does it mean to see work not as a curse but as part of God’s original design? In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by board member Mark Van Drunen to welcome David L. Bahnsen for a rich conversation about his new book, Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life.

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

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

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

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Bahnsen, Mark Van Drunen

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Bob returns to a reading of Geerhardus Vos’s 1903 book, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapters 10 & 11, “The Entrance Into the Kingdom: Repentance and Faith” and “Recapitulation”

Participants: Robert Tarullo

In this milestone 100th installment of Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton turn to page 381 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to explore the “two-sided conception of the kingdom.” Together they unpack Vos’s insights into the already/not yet dynamic of the kingdom of God—its present spiritual reality and its future consummate glory.

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

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

Register now for our upcoming Theology Conference.

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy engage in a lively and theologically rich conversation. Fresh from attending Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s summer seminar with David Hall and Carl Trueman, Camden shares highlights from the event before turning to the main topic: a preview of the 2025 Reformed Forum Theology Conference.

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

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy

In this episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. William D. Dennison, pastor of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Kent, Washington, to reflect on Cornelius Van Til’s student paper “Evil and Theodicy” and the enduring challenges of explaining evil in a world governed by a sovereign, good God. Dennison has edited The Problem of Evil, a new volume that includes an edition of this paper and a helpful introductory essay that brings Van Til’s paper in dialogue with contemporary thinkers.

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

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

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Chapters

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

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

David W. Saxton’s God’s Battle Plan for the Mind (Reformation Heritage Books, 2015) presents a compelling argument for recovering the lost art of biblical meditation, a discipline once central to Puritan piety and spiritual formation. Saxton argues that the modern church, though rich in theological resources and preaching, suffers from a superficial spirituality precisely because it has neglected meditation—a practice essential for transforming doctrinal knowledge into heartfelt godliness.

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Saxton

In this episode, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. David VanDrunen to discuss his new book, Faith in Exile: Psalm 119 and the Christian Life (Christian Focus). VanDrunen shares the backstory behind this unique project—his first published collection of sermons—and reflects on how Psalm 119, the Bible’s longest chapter, unfolds a deep theology of suffering, obedience, and the pilgrim experience.

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, David VanDrunen

Dr. Guy Waters is the Professor of New Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi and a teaching elder in the Mississippi presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America. Today, he joins us to speak about his book, One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church (Lexham Academic), in which he sets out a full-scale Reformed doctrine of the church. The title echoes the four classical “marks” confessed in the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. This study is an extended exploration of how Scripture, read through a Reformed lens, fills out each of those creedal descriptors and binds them together into a single, coherent doctrine of the church.

Dr. Waters organizes the book in three movements:

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

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

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Bob returns to a reading of Geerhardus Vos’s 1903 book, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapter 9, “The Kingdom and the Church.”

Participants: Robert Tarullo

In this installment of the Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton turn to pages 378–381 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, focusing on Jesus’ teaching and the eschatology of the kingdom. They explore the vital biblical distinction between the “already” and “not yet” aspects of the kingdom of God, examining how this two-age structure stands in contrast to various eschatological systems, including premillennialism, postmillennialism, and what Vos labels “ultra-eschatology.”

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob takes us on a walk through Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse.

Participants: Rob McKenzie

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined once again by Lane Tipton and Carlton Wynne for a substantive follow-up to their earlier discussion of Keith Mathison’s Toward a Reformed Apologetic: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til. In the months since their first review, Dr. Mathison published a blog response, prompting deeper analysis and clarification.

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

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

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

Mentioned Resources

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

Topics Covered

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

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Chapters

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

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

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

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

Key Topics

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey

In this episode we welcome Dr. Michael Morales—professor of biblical studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary—for a conversation exploring the profound theological vision of the book of Numbers. Drawing from his newly released two-volume commentary in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series, Dr. Morales unveils Numbers as more than ancient census lists and wilderness wanderings. Instead, it emerges as a richly textured narrative of covenant community, leadership, and the Lord’s presence among his people.

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

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

Resources Mentioned

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Michael Morales

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

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

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

Series

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We discuss Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation by Daniel found in chapter 2:31-45.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Leonardo De Chirico and Mark Gilbert join the program to discuss the enduring significance of the Nicene Creed as it marks its 1700th anniversary. Drawing from their recent edited volume, The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words (Matthias Media), the guests explore how shared creedal language can mask deep theological differences, particularly between evangelical and Roman Catholic traditions.

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

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Leonardo De Chirico, Mark Gilbert

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We discuss Nebuchadnezzar’s dream found in Daniel 2:31-49.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and host of the new podcast Dead Presbyterians Society. Together, they reflect on the theology and practice of public prayer, drawing upon the insights of 19th-century Presbyterian theologian Samuel Miller and his underappreciated classic, Thoughts on Public Prayer.

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

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

Watch on YouTube

Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master

God begins to turn around Naomi’s life in Ruth 2:1-13, a picture of what he does for his church. Ruth ventures into the fields in faith and just “happens” to meet Boaz, who shows her unexpected kindness. Her response, “Why have I found favor?” is something Christians today have even more reason to echo.

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

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

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

Chapters

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

Watch Part 1

Participants: Camden Bucey

What did Jesus mean when he spoke of “the kingdom of God” or “the kingdom of heaven?” In this episode, we turn to Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology, pages 375–378, where he unpacks the theological and biblical contours of the kingdom in the Gospels. Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey explore the critical distinction Vos draws between the abstract and concrete senses of the kingdom, the Old Testament background, and how the kingdom becomes incarnate in the person and work of Christ.

Together, we discuss

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

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

Watch on YouTube

Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We discuss Nebuchadnezzar’s dream found in Daniel 2:17-24.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne are joined by Rev. Stephen Spinnenweber, author of Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer (Christian Focus), to explore the enduring significance of God’s moral law in the Christian life. They discuss the book’s development, its theological foundations, and its practical applications for pastors, congregants, and Christian parents.

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Stephen Spinnenweber

What does ‘mystery’ have to do with Paul’s ministry? Does it mean that Paul’s ministry is somehow mysterious? Does it mean that Paul’s ministry is difficult to understand? Not at all! Rather, Paul had the privilege of proclaiming the glorious ‘mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But what does that mean? Join us for this episode of Proclaiming Christ as we consider Paul’s ministry, the mystery of the gospel, the unsearchable riches of Christ, and what this means for the church today.

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

In this rich theological conversation, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. Harrison Perkins—pastor, scholar, and author—to discuss his two latest books: Righteous by Design: Covenantal Merit and Adam’s Original Integrity (Christian Focus) and Created for Communion with God: The Promise of Genesis 1–2 (Lexham Press). Together, they explore foundational Reformed doctrines related to covenant theology, the image of God, and the eschatological purpose embedded in creation itself.

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

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

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Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Harrison Perkins

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We see the great challenge Nebuchadnezzar places upon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans of the land by insisting that they reveal his dream to him before the interpretation. What are Daniel and his friends to do? Trust the Lord; he will provide.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

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

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

This introductory session is designed for:

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

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

Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Florence, Kentucky, to discuss his recent article published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal (Vol. 20, 2024): “The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials: Living According to God’s Revealed Will.”

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

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

Links

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

Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Brandon Burks

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We see God’s faithfulness to his people in the midst of living in a foreign land under a foreign power as an exiled people.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this livestream from May 9, 2025, Camden Bucey discusses various topics related to Reformed theology, including updates on the upcoming Reformed Forum Theology Conference, an overview of his new apologetics course, and a look into Ulrich Zwingli’s theology, particularly regarding the Lord’s Supper. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical theology and the need for faithful Reformed witness in contemporary contexts.

Chapters

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

Further Reading

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

In this episode of Christ the Center, we’re joined by Kurt Vetterli, pastor of an ERKWB congregation in Basel, and Florian Weicken, pastor of an EPCEW congregation in Zürich, for a rich conversation on the legacy and ongoing work of the Swiss Reformation.

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

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

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

Watch on YouTube

Chapters

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

Participants: Camden Bucey, Florian Weicken, Kurt Vetterli

In Ruth 1, God brings back a wandering sheep in Naomi, showing us his grace and power. But Naomi still thinks God has dealt bitterly with her and defines herself as “Mara.” Join us as we discuss important preaching points in Ruth 1:6-22 and see how God turns sweet what sin has made bitter.

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

In this conversation, Camden Bucey welcomes Matt Adams, Derrick Brite, and Stephen Spinnenweber. They reflect on their experiences at the Twin Lakes Fellowship and discuss the often-neglected Larger Catechism, its practical applications, and the value of humor in theological discussions. 

Registration for the Reformed Forum Conference is now open. We mention the event, highlighting its expansion to accommodate more attendees. 

The panelists discuss the Larger for Life podcast, focusing on its mission to make the Larger Catechism accessible and engaging for listeners. The conversation concludes with insights on future directions for both the podcast and the conference. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore various themes including the future of their band, the importance of catechism, personal projects like book writing and PhD studies, the significance of prison ministry, upcoming conferences, and the role of appearance in ministry. They share insights on how to dress appropriately for ministry and the impact of personal presentation on one’s effectiveness in preaching and teaching.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 03:03 Reflections on Twin Lakes Fellowship
• 05:58 Experiences and Insights from Twin Lakes
• 08:52 The Importance of Fellowship and Connection
• 12:05 Reformed Forum Conference Announcement
• 15:06 Exploring the Larger For Life Podcast
• 17:57 The Larger Catechism: A Deep Dive
• 21:07 Practical Applications of the Larger Catechism
• 23:56 Commentaries and Resources for the Larger Catechism
• 27:01 Humor and Theology in Conversations
• 29:59 Future Directions for the Podcast
• 37:16 The Future of the Band
• 39:24 The Importance of Catechism
• 40:49 Book Writing and Personal Projects
• 41:32 PhD Studies and Theological Contributions
• 43:49 Prison Ministry and Education
• 49:41 Upcoming Conferences and Events
• 51:14 Dressing for Ministry
• 01:01:23 The Role of Appearance in Ministry

Participants: Camden Bucey, Derrick Brite, Matt Adams, Stephen Spinnenweber

In this installment of our Vos Group series, Camden Bucey welcomes Lane Tipton back to the studio for an in-depth discussion on Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology (pp. 372–374), focusing on the Kingdom of God. Together, they explore how the concept of the kingdom is foundational to Jesus’ public ministry and central to redemptive history.

Drawing from Vos’s text and the broader Reformed tradition, Lane and Camden unpack the eschatological character of the kingdom, its redemptive nature, and its Old Testament foundations. They trace how this theme unfolds from the prophets to the teachings of Christ, addressing modern misconceptions—ranging from liberal moralism to dispensational literalism—and emphasizing the kingdom’s spiritual and heavenly dimensions.

Listeners will gain fresh insight into key theological categories such as inaugurated eschatology, the continuity of redemptive history, and the contrast between earthly and heavenly expectations of the Messiah. Whether you’re new to Vos or a long-time student of Reformed theology, this episode offers deep encouragement and clarity on a subject that lies at the very heart of Scripture.

Watch on YouTube

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 04:35 The Kingdom of God in the Ministry of Jesus
• 07:12 The Eschatological and Redemptive Nature of the Kingdom
• 19:08 Kingdom Language in John vs. Synoptics
• 28:01 Salvation, Discipleship, and the Call to Radical Obedience
• 34:19 Kingdom in the Old Testament: Present and Future Dimensions
• 40:59 Future Kingdom in the OT: Abstract, Historical, Messianic
• 45:57 Jewish Expectations vs. Jesus’ Teaching on the Kingdom
• 52:13 Christ’s Kingdom: Heavenly, Spiritual, and Redemptive
• 57:08 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We God’s faithfulness to his people in the midst of challenging circumstances for God’s people.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this episode, Danny Olinger and Camden Bucey explore a pivotal moment in the history of American Presbyterianism: the Special Commission of 1925 and its investigation into the doctrinal unrest within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Appointed to address the growing tension between modernists and conservatives, the Commission aimed to preserve the church’s “purity, peace, unity, and progress.” However, for J. Gresham Machen, the Commission’s recommendations represented a profound failure to uphold biblical orthodoxy.

We explore how the Special Commission, composed of fifteen prominent ministers and ruling elders with deep ties to denominational institutions, prioritized unity over doctrinal clarity. Its influential members—such as Robert Speer, Mark Matthews, and Stated Clerk Lewis Mudge—were largely institutional loyalists who sought to preserve the church’s structural integrity and foster reconciliation rather than enforcing confessional standards. Despite Machen’s compelling plea for doctrinal faithfulness, the Commission framed the controversy as a misunderstanding of tolerance and authority rather than a fundamental theological crisis.

We’ll examine how Machen’s uncompromising opposition to modernism ultimately led to his suspension from the PCUSA and the formation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1936. Along the way, we’ll discuss the broader implications of this controversy for American Presbyterianism, and how the decisions made during this period continue to influence Reformed denominations today.

Join us as we unpack the significance of the Special Commission of 1925 and consider what lessons it holds for maintaining orthodoxy in the midst of institutional pressure and theological compromise.

Links

• Report of the Special Commission of 1925
• Weston, Presbyterian Pluralism: Competition in a Protestant House

Watch on YouTube.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:06:36 Setting the Stage: Presbyterian History and Tensions
• 00:16:32 The Five Fundamentals and the Auburn Affirmation
• 00:35:40 Erdman’s Motion at the 1925 General Assembly
• 00:40:02 The Makeup of the Commission of 1925
• 00:51:49 The Work of the Commission
• 01:00:58 The Sine Qua Non of Presbyterianism
• 01:07:38 The Aftermath
• 01:20:52 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob begin to walk through the Book of Daniel with some background and introductory thoughts.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome back Dr. Leonardo De Chirico, a leading Reformed evangelical theologian and pastor in Rome, for a consideration of the legacy and ongoing influence of Thomas Aquinas. Drawing from his recent book, Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (Apollos), Dr. De Chirico offers a critical yet charitable appraisal of Aquinas’s theological architecture and enduring impact on Roman Catholicism.

Together, Camden and Leonardo explore key themes such as the Catholic Church’s dual nature—Roman and Catholic—the evolving role of Thomism across church history, and the tensions within Roman Catholic thought on Vatican II and modernity. Listeners will also hear how Protestants have historically interacted with Aquinas and why an eclectic, biblically grounded engagement remains vital today.

This episode offers not only theological clarity but pastoral wisdom for evangelicals navigating the complexities of tradition, authority, and theological retrieval in a post-Reformation world.

Links

• Leonardo De Chirico, Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (Apollos)
• Vatican Files
• The Reformanda Initiative
• Rome Scholars and Leaders Network
• The Reformanda Initiative podcast

Watch on YouTube.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 11:09 Engaging with Thomas Aquinas
• 17:53 Thomas Aquinas’s Lasting Influence
• 29:07 Approaching Thomas Critically
• 37:00 Thomas as an Architectural Thinker
• 41:46 A Protestant Perspective
• 53:54 Five Guidelines for Evangelicals Engaging with Aquinas
• 58:53 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Leonardo De Chirico

If you lived in the ancient city of Ephesus, the most majestic structure that you would see on a daily basis would be the temple to the pagan goddess, Artemis. By all earthly standards, this temple was a magnificent structure. But if you were to ask your Christian neighbor, “What is the greatest structure in Ephesus?” He would no doubt answer, “Why of course, it’s the church, the temple of the one, true, and living God. Let’s go to worship and you can see for yourself!” In Ephesians 2:20-22 the Apostle Paul describes the church as a holy temple in the Lord. In this episode of Proclaiming Christ, we consider the foundation, the materials, the builder, and the purpose of the grandest of all institutions, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ!

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

Camden Bucey and Ryan Noha jump on the livestream to share updates on several exciting initiatives at Reformed Forum. They discuss the development of new educational courses and publications, the expansion of international cohorts through Reformed Academy, and plans for the 2025 Reformed Forum Theology Conference.

Listeners will hear insights into the theological vision behind these efforts, including the importance of worship, biblical studies, connectionalism among Reformed ministers, and curating essential readings for robust ministerial training.

Subscribe to our magazine and email newsletter. Donate to support our global mission.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Nicholas G. Piotrowski to discuss his book, Return from Exile and the Renewal of God’s People (Crossway). Throughout our conversation, Dr. Piotrowski unpacks the biblical theme of exile and return, demonstrating how it forms the central drama of Scripture—from Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden to the final restoration of God’s people in the new creation.

We explore how this theme echoes through the Psalms, the prophetic literature, and, most importantly, in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Dr. Piotrowski explains how Christ embodies the ultimate return from exile, fulfilling Israel’s hopes and opening the way for the church to experience renewal in the presence of God. We also discuss the implications of this theme for the mission of the church today, culminating in the final hope of God’s people dwelling with Him forever.

Join us as we trace this rich biblical-theological theme and consider how understanding exile and return shapes our reading of Scripture and our Christian walk.

Nicholas G. Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president of Indianapolis Theological Seminary where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament courses. His other books include In All the Scriptures and Matthew’s New David at the End of Exile.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 07:28 The Theme of Exile and Return
• 11:23 Why Is Exile and Return a Central Theme in Scripture
• 14:20 Exile and Return as the Bible’s Principal Theme
• 24:44 The Theme in the Psalms
• 29:29 Jesus’s Ministry as the Foreshocks of Return from Exile
• 35:02 Exilic Themes in the Ministry of Christ
• 44:19 The Mission of the Church and the Theme of Exile and Return
• 52:30 Coming Home
• 57:00 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Nicholas Piotrowski

In Genesis 35 we have the “and back again” portion of Jacob’s journey. He comes back to where he started. Jacob’s journey back to Bethel marks the end of a larger story that had begun two decades ago. Everything that happened in between is now culminating in this place as God speaks to Jacob. At long last Jacob keeps his promise and God reaffirmed his covenant to him, changing his name from Jacob to Israel. This signifies the initial stages of a kingdom over which God will rule.

Participants: Andrew Miller, Mark A. Winder

In this episode of Reformed Forum Live, Camden Bucey speaks with Stephen Spanjer, a PCA minister serving in Neuenberg, Germany, with the Evangelical Reformed Church Westminster Confession (ERKWB). Stephen shares his fascinating journey of connecting Reformed theology, church planting, and baseball through his involvement with the Neuenberg Atomics baseball club.

Stephen discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of ministering in Germany, where clubs (Verein/Vereine) form a crucial part of social life. Through genuine relationships built over years of coaching and playing baseball, Stephen and his team have established credibility and meaningful connections with the local community.

Listeners will learn about Stephen’s approach to mission(s)—one rooted in vocation, authenticity, and long-term commitment. The conversation also highlights opportunities for short-term missions, internships, and how those passionate about baseball can serve the kingdom of God overseas.

Find out how you can get involved and explore what it means to live out your faith through sports and church ministry.

Links

• Neuenberg International Church
• Neuenberg Atomics baseball club

In this episode Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey continue their discussion of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology, focusing on pages 369–371. This section addresses Jesus’ teaching on the divine majesty and greatness, the retributive righteousness of God, and the implications for true religion.

Lane Tipton explains how Vos maintains the biblical tension between God’s transcendent majesty and his loving condescension. They discuss how Vos’s doctrine of God stands against the errors of theological liberalism, which often reduces the divine character to a single attribute of love divorced from holiness and righteousness. The conversation highlights how Jesus’ teaching does not abandon the concept of divine retribution but presents it as an essential and irreducible aspect of God’s nature.

Drawing connections to the contemporary theological landscape, Camden and Lane address modern tendencies to elevate divine love to the exclusion of justice. They also explore the ways in which Reformed theology provides a robust foundation for understanding God’s attributes in their fullness, without compromising his immutability or impassibility.

Listen in as they unpack Vos’s profound insights and demonstrate how they continue to speak to modern theological debates.

Watch on YouTube.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 07:41 Vos’s Critique of Liberalism
• 11:32 The Attributes of God
• 17:02 The Impassibility of God and Its Importance
• 28:19 True Religion and God’s Transcendence
• 33:04 The Retributive Righteousness of God
• 44:51 Practical Application
• 49:53 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this special episode of Christ the Center, we commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) with special guests Dr. Maynard Koerner and Wayne Johnson.

Dr. Koerner and Mr. Johnson take us on a historical journey through the origins, theological developments, and challenges that have shaped the RCUS over the past three centuries. From the church’s humble beginnings in colonial Pennsylvania, through the Mercersburg controversy, to the influx of Volga German immigrants, we explore how the RCUS has maintained a steadfast commitment to confessional Reformed theology.

We also discuss the upcoming tricentennial celebration in Rapid City, South Dakota, and reflect on the church’s present and future, its global mission work, and its deep connections with other Reformed bodies, including the OPC and Westminster Seminary.

Wayne Johnson is the Provost of City Seminary of Sacramento. He served as the editor of Leben Magazine from 2008–2018 and retired as CEO of Gateway Media in 2019. He has a BA in European History from Purdue University.

Dr. Maynard Koerner is President of Heidelberg Theological Seminary and Associate Pastor of Trinity RCUS in Sioux Falls.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 0:07 Introduction
• 3:32 The Tricentennial Celebration
• 4:50 The Colonial Era
• 11:06 Ecclesiastical Ties and Ministerial Training
• 20:07 Organization in 1747
• 28:23 The Mercersburg Controversy
• 38:46 The Volga/Black Sea German Immigration
• 42:31 The 1934 Merger
• 52:25 The RCUS Today
• 1:02:16 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Maynard Koerner, Wayne Johnson