Confessing Our Hope: The Podcast of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

John Leighton Wilson (1809-1886), missionary to West Africa and Presbyterian pastor, offers a timeless and theologically rich call to gospel proclamation in his writing, particularly in his essay Thoughts on Foreign Missions. Here Wilson presents biblical reasons why the church must take missions seriously. Over a century later, his words still stir the church ot action in a day when missionary zeal too often grows cold.

Thoughts on Public Prayer, authored by Samuel Miller, is a comprehensive treatise on the nature, history, and importance of public prayer, particularly within the   Presbyterian tradition. Addressed to younger ministers and candidates for ministry, it explores the biblical foundations and historical practices of   public prayer, contrasts extemporaneous prayer with liturgical forms, and emphasizes the need for both spiritual fervor and cultivated skill in leading   congregational prayer. Miller argues that excellence in public prayer is vital for effective ministry and should be pursued with diligence, study, and reliance   on the Holy Spirit.

In this address, Religious Life of Theological Students, B.B. Warfield challenged theological students to cultivate a vibrant, disciplined spiritual life centered on both personal devotion and the communal worship of the seminary community. He argued that theological education should not only engage the intellect but also nurture the spiritual vitality essential for ministry. Warfield underscored the necessity of public worship, pointing to its role in fostering a shared spiritual identity and supporting individual piety. He also highlighted the centrality of private devotion and theological study as means of maintaining a profound relationship with God.

When sorrow enters the home, what does a pastor say—first to himself, then to his flock? In The Broken Home, B.M. Palmer doesn't offer theory, but theology tested by personal grief. With tenderness and fidelity to Christ, Palmer gives us a model of how a shepherd suffers—quietly, scripturally, and with hope. It provides help for the grieving, and also for those who minister to the grieving. This episode offers a timely meditation on grief, ministry, and the kind of spiritual comfort our churches still desperately need today.

Impeccable by William Swan Plumer is a pastoral work written to encourage believers unsettled by rising theological error in post-Civil War America. Plumer defends the biblical truth that Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, was not only sinless but incapable of sinning. This doctrine affirms the absolute sufficiency of Christ's obedience and the unshakable certainty of our salvation. In a time when Christological confusion persists, Plumer's clarity remains deeply relevant for the Church today.

Systematic Theology (1872-1873)Hodge in his Systematic Theology defends the orthodox position that the Scriptures – given by divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit – are both infallible (not capable of error) and inerrant (without error). The implications of this doctrine are very significant in regards to the authority by which Christians are to be governed in matters of faith and practice.

Archibald Alexander's Thoughts on Religious Experience stands as a classic in Reformed pastoral theology, offering a penetrating exploration of the inner dynamics of Christian life. Drawing from decades of ministerial experience, Alexander traces the spiritual journey from early convictions and conversion to the trials and consolations of aged believers. With careful attention to the work of the Holy Spirit and the role of Scripture, he examines the diverse patterns of growth, doubt, assurance, and sanctification that mark the believer's pilgrimage. The expanded 1844 edition includes pastoral letters that provide seasoned counsel across generational lines, enriching the book's enduring value for spiritual formation.

This podcast is built on a very simple conviction: in order to be faithful in the present, we must be rooted in the past. The old paths of Presbyterianism in the 18th and 19th century have much to teach us about the path we walk today.In weekly 30 minute episodes, we will reflect on the lives and works of figures such as Archibald Alexander, B.M. Palmer, and Charles Hodge. We will consider enduring themes–prayer, Christian experience, and the church–matters of eternal significance for the people of God until Christ returns.

Dr. Jonathan L. Master (President) and Mr. Pat Daly (Vice President) join longtime host Zachary Groff (Director of Advancement & Admissions) in the studio for Zack's final episode as the host of Confessing Our Hope. They discuss Mr. Daly's new role as Vice President, the Seminary's new partnership with Radius International, the future of the podcast, and Zack's new call as Pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church (PCA) in nearby Cashville, SC.

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions from listeners, and the hosts make an important announcement about the future of the podcast. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Jon D. Payne (Senior Pastor, Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA); Executive Coordinator, Gospel Reformation Network) about the upcoming 2022 GRN National Conference, "The Church's One Foundation" to be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Alabama on May 4-5, 2022. For more information on the Conference and how to register yourself or your congregation, please visit gospelreformation.net/events.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor Brett Mahlen (Associate Pastor, Covenant OPC - Orland Park, IL) and Pastor Christian McShaffrey (Five Solas Church OPC - Reedsburg, WI) about the "Kept Pure in All Ages" conference on confessional bibliology and arguments in favor of the Received Text. The "Kept Pure in All Ages" Conference will be held on July 22-23, 2022 at Five Solas Church in Reedsburg, WI. For more information on the Conference and how to register yourself or your congregation, please visit https://keptpure.com. Resource Link: https://www.fivesolas.church/received-text-reading-list/

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Terry L. Johnson of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA about his recent book, Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology and Practice (Christian Focus Publications: 2022).

There are few sustained treatments available today on the "sealing of the Holy Spirit." This sermon from Benjamin Morgan Palmer (preached at First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans) clearly and powerfully explains the various dimensions and doctrinal importance of this truth for the life of the believer.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Brandon D. Crowe of Westminster Theological Seminary about his recent book, Why Did Jesus Live a Perfect Life? The Necessity of Christ's Obedience for Our Salvation (BakerAcademic: 2021).

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions dealing with ecclesiology, Isaiah 9:6, Christology, worship, spirituality of the church, and sabbath-keeping. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 84th Stated Meeting of the General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC) with Dr. Kevin M. Backus of the Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, NY.

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 87th Stated Meeting of the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) with Pastor Peter Van Doodewaard of Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church (Taylors, SC).

This special Thanksgiving edition of Confessing Our Hope features a read sermon of Thomas Watson's, "The Saint's Spiritual Delight." This sermon is on Psalm 1:2 and ends on a note of thankfulness. From all of us at Greenville Seminary, may the Lord bless you with a very happy Thanksgiving!

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions dealing with covenant theology, baptism, and ecclesiastical polity. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Donald John MacLean about his recent book, All Things are Ready: Understanding the Gospel in its Fullness and Freeness (Christian Focus Publications: 2021).

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 189th Stated Meeting of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) with Dr. Barry York of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Pittsburgh, PA).

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 48th Stated Meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) with Dr. Robert Cathcart of Friendship Presbyterian Church (Hickory Tavern, SC).

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions dealing with worship and with the doctrine of sin. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 275th Stated Meeting of the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) with Pastor Travis Grassmid of Zion Reformed Church (Menno, SD).

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 217th Stated Meeting of the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC) with Pastor Benjamin Glaser of Bethany ARP (Clover, SC).

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary President Dr. Jonathan L. Master about his recent book, Growing in Grace: Becoming More Like Jesus (Banner of Truth Trust: 2020), a volume in the new Banner miniGUIDE series.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor C.R. Wiley (Westminster Presbyterian Church, PCA - Vancouver, WA) about an approach to apologetics and cultural engagement which he calls "The Boniface Option." C. R. Wiley is the author of several books, including "Man of the House" (Wipf & Stock, 2017), "The Household and the War for the Cosmos" (Canon Press, 2019), and a forthcoming book from Canon Press about J.R.R. Tolkien's enigmatic character, Tom Bombadil.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Shawn Brower (Briarwood Christian School - Birmingham, AL) about his recent book, Stand To: Finding Masculine Courage in a Stand Down World (WestBow Press: 2021).

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor Sean McGowan (Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) - Tallahassee, FL) about his recent book, Infant Baptism: An Introductory Sprinkling for Parishioners (Ichthus: 2020).

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor J. Brandon Burks (Westside Reformed Church (URCNA) - Cincinatti, OH) about his recent book, Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (Fontes, 2021).

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope begins our 2021-22 season with a sermon from Samuel Davies, "The Divine Government the Joy of Our World." This sermon is on Psalm 117:1 and is featured in Volume One (of three) of "The Sermons of Rev. Samuel Davies," reprinted this year by Reformation Heritage Books under the Soli Deo Gloria Publications imprint. Davies's purpose in this sermon "is to illustrate this glorious truth, that Jehovah's supreme government is a just cause of universal joy." He prosecutes his task by considering God's government in four views or aspects: as legislative, providential, mediatorial, and judicial. Davies ably demonstrates from Scripture "that in each of these views the divine government is matter of universal joy."

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles questions dealing with the Sabbath, pastoral care, and the right application of the moral law in today's world. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope is the second in a series of episodes featuring content from Greenville Seminary's 2021 Spring Theology Conference, "Who is God? The Trinity, the Gospel, and the Christian Life." In this episode, we hear from recent graduate Mr. Ethan Bolyard (Pastor, Heritage Orthodox Presbyterian Church; Wilmington, NC) in his address entitled "Circle of Glory: Trinity & the Christian Life." Mr. Bolyard draws from John 17, among other texts.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope is the first in a series of episodes featuring content from Greenville Seminary's 2021 Spring Theology Conference, "Who is God? The Trinity, the Gospel, and the Christian Life." In this episode, we hear from Dr. Pipa in his Pre-Conference Lecture, "Examining the Eternal Subordination of the Son." Dr. Pipa's lecture is a critical appraisal of a now-popular doctrinal error regarding the Trinity.

In this episode, host Zachary Groff interviews author Zachary Garris (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary; JD, Wayne State University) on his latest book, Masculine Christianity (Zion Press, 2020). Tune in as the ZGs discuss the book, its usefulness, and its call to return to the Bible's teaching on men and women.

President Emeritus Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zack Groff field listener questions relating to biblical interpretation, political theology, worship, ecclesiology, covenant theology, paedobaptism, the application of the moral law of God (esp. the second commandment), confessional subscription, and pastoral concerns in administering the Lord's Supper.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Jon D. Payne (Senior Pastor, Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA); Convener, Gospel Reformation Network) about the Presbyterian Church in America, the Gospel Reformation Network, and the upcoming "O Church, Arise!" Conference to be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Alabama on May 5-6, 2021. For more information on the Conference and how to register yourself or your congregation, please visit gospelreformation.net/events.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope features a read sermon of John Lafayette Girardeau's, "Christ's Pastoral Presence with His Dying People." This sermon is on Psalm 23:4 and was published in a book of sermons entitled, "Southern Presbyterian Pulpit: A Collection of Sermons by Ministers of the Southern Presbyterian Church," produced and distributed in 1896 by the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) Committee of Publication headquartered (at the time) in Richmond, Virginia. When the time comes to pass into glory, may you rest in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Podcast host Zack Groff welcomes GPTS student Zach Dotson into the studio to discuss the Federal Vision heresy. You might call this a "Zack/h Attack." Tune in for an overview, critique, and current appraisal of the Federal Vision movement and its influence in Reformed churches today.

President Emeritus Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zack Groff field listener questions relating to creation care, mask mandates, the Westminster Standards, Christ's miracles, the Sabbath, women teaching in Sunday School, worship, and more!

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Carl Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College) about his recent book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Crossway, 2020).

This special Thanksgiving edition of Confessing Our Hope features a read sermon of George Whitefield's, "Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty - A Farewell Sermon." This sermon is on Psalm 107:30, 31 and was preached on board the Whitaker, at anchor near Savannah, GA on Sunday, May 17, 1738. From all of us at Greenville Seminary, may the Lord bless you with a very happy Thanksgiving!

In this edition of Confessing Our Hope, Zachary Groff interviews GPTS Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Ryan McGraw on the subject of Pneumatology, the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. For more information about GPTS, please visit gpts.edu.

In this edition of Confessing Our Hope, Zachary Groff interviews GPTS President Dr. Jonathan L. Master about "The Master Plan for GPTS" now that Dr. Master has been at the helm for a few months. For more information about GPTS, please visit gpts.edu.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Ryan M. McGraw (Academic Dean and Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) about the recently republished Complete Works of Thomas Manton (Banner of Truth, 2020). For more information about the set, or to purchase the set, please visit https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/collected-workssets/the-works-of-thomas-manton/

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. L. Michael Morales (Professor of Biblical Studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) about his recent book, Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption (IVP Academic, 2020). For Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 2020), InterVarsity Press is offering a 40% coupon code for book purchases through ivpress.com. The code is 915BD64.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope contains audio from a Sunday School hour presentation delivered by podcast host and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zachary Groff entitled "The Mission & Mechanics of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary." This presentation and discussion was conducted at Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vancouver, WA on August 2, 2020, and is reproduced here with some modification. For more information about GPTS, please visit gpts.edu. For more information about Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vancouver, WA, please visit www.solochristo.org.

In this episode, host Zachary Groff interviews Charlie Nave (Executive Director, MOREinthePCA) and Bruce Kirby (Director, Firm Foundation Partnership) about their respective efforts of grassroots promotion of biblical fidelity in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). For more information about these efforts, please visit: moreinthepca.org and firmfoundationpartnership.com.

President Emeritus Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zack Groff field listener questions relating to PCA General Assembly Ruling Elder participation, the function(s) of church officers, pastoral titles, the covenant of works, republication, qualifications of church officers, patriarchy, complementarianism, sabbath rest, pneumatology, sacraments, diaconal care, and more! For Dr. Pipa's recorded lecture critiquing Klinean Republication, please visit https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4615182462.

In this episode of the podcast, Zack Groff interviews Dr. George Grant (Senior Pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church PCA, Franklin, Tennessee) about his recently published three-volume Bible study and discipleship resource, Keystones: Make Disciples (Standfast Books, 2019). The books (and more information) are available from georgegrant.net.