Podcast appearances and mentions of nick batzig

Very insightful sermon by Nick Batzig!

Abide Conference 2024 - Theology of Work & Rest - Session 5 - Nick Batzig

Abide Conference 2024 - Theology of Work & Rest - Session 4 - Nick Batzig

Abide Conference 2024 - Theology of Work & Rest - Session 2 - Nick Batzig

Abide Conference 2024 - Theology of Work & Rest - Session 3 - Nick Batzig

Abide Conference 2024 - Theology of Work & Rest - Session 1 - Nick Batzig

Maybe you’ve asked this question: How was circumcision a sign of the covenant in the Old Testament? Or possibly this one: What’s up with circumcision in the New Testament? Pastor Nick Batzig joined us to shed some light on this. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/how-was-circumcision-a-sign-of-the-covenantSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unity among Christians is vital for the health of the Church and the mission of the Gospel. In this episode, Josh is joined by Nick Batzig as they talk about this very important issue. JOIN THE PODLUCK: https://www.patreon.com/reformatorypodVisit us here: https://www.reformatorypod.comMukwano Coffee: https://www.mukwanocoffee.com (Use promo code "reformatory" for 20% off your order).Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reformatorypodTwitter: https://twitter.com/reformatorypod

In Episode #17 we are joined by Nick Batizig to discuss the intricacies of controversy that are unavoidable in this Christian life. Learn more about Nick Batzig and read some of his works here: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/teachers/nicholas-batzig Connect with us online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolastingcitypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoLastingCity_ Riverbend Bible Church: Website: https://riverbend.org.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverbendbiblechurch Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC44ExRsNfY34G-U2vA34XuA

At the joint evening worship service of the Lowcountry Presbytery to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the PCA, Rev. Nick Batzig preached from Revelation 2, reminding us that every church needs the encouragement and scolding from Jesus that we see in the letter to the church in Ephesus. Rev. Batzig exhorted us with Christ's commendation, criticism, and counsel as he asked us, "What is Christ's assessment of our church?"

At the joint evening worship service of the Lowcountry Presbytery to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the PCA, Rev. Nick Batzig preached from Revelation 2, reminding us that every church needs the encouragement and scolding from Jesus that we see in the letter to the church in Ephesus. Rev. Batzig exhorted us with Christ's commendation, criticism, and counsel as he asked us, "What is Christ's assessment of our church?"

Pastor Nick Batzig is back on the podcast to talk with us about the distinction between law and Gospel. What do we mean by these terms? Are law and gospel friends? And how does one preach law and gospel well?Nick is the Pastor of Church Creek Presbyterian in Charleston, SC, and an associate editor for Tabletalk Magazine.For all the links and show notes visit http://www.doctrineanddevotion.com/podcast/law-gospel-batzigSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/doctrine-and-devotion/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

As we walk each day with the Lord, he reminds us of our dependence on Him. Join Dawn and Steve in the Morning for a devotional from Blackaby Ministries International and learn why our faith in Him today cannot substitute for our trust in Him tomorrow. "Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11 Also, Dawn shares an article by Nick Batzig called "Honor Your Need for Both Work and Rest This Labor Day."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Batzig is a staff pastor at Wayside PCA in Signal Mountain, TN and writer for Ligonier Ministries publications. He joins us to discuss the emergence of social justice and the difference between it and biblical justice. Follow Nick: feedingonchrist.com @nick_batzig Partner with indie Thinker: https://deka.gives/indiethinker Follow Indie Thinker: Instagram @theindiethinker Facebook @theindiethink

On tap this week: God bless this jelly, Tanner needs your prayers, and Nick Batzig joins us to discuss Christ in the Old Testament. Review the show on iTunes this week for a chance to win free swag! Subscribe now:

We’re resuming the series on antinomianism and we’re talking with Nick Batzig, pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in the Savannah area. Nick blogs at Feeding On Christ. He’s also on Twitter. He recently wrote a provocative essay on the third . . . Continue reading →

Dr. Michael J. Kruger speaks with Christ the Center about his recent book, The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate. The book deals not with why we have the books we do in the canon but with the question of the very definition of “canon” and the origin of the idea. Contemporary biblical scholars insist that the idea of canon was a late development in the construction of the New Testament, which imbued with authority texts whose authors did not think of them as authoritative. Dr. Kruger insists that the concept of a set of authoritative books for the New Covenant era of redemptive-history existed from a very early date in the ancient church. Dr. Michael Kruger is President and Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He received his B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary in California, and his Ph.D. from New College, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He is the author of three books on the issue of canon, Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books (Crossway, 2012), The Early Text of the New Testament (Oxford, 2012; edited with Charles Hill), and now, The Question of Canon.  In addition to his faculty duties, he currently serves part-time as the Pastor of Discipleship Training at Uptown Christ Covenant Church in downtown Charlotte. Dr. Kruger has spoken on Christ the Center episodes 217 and 283, and his wife, Melissa Kruger, has spoken on episodes 276, 297, and 301. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Michael Kruger, Nick Batzig

We begin the New Year with a look at some of our best clips from 2013. Listen to the full episodes of the clips we've chosen to include by using the following links: Ep. 265 – Gospels Harmonization with Vern Poythress Ep. 267 – The Reorganization of Old Princeton with Darryl G. Hart Ep. 268 – Regeneration and Redemption-History with Scott Wright Ep. 270 – Calvin’s Company of Pastors with Scott Manetsch Ep. 273 – Francis Schaeffer’s Spirituality with William Edgar Ep. 274 – The Plan of Salvation with Lane Tipton Ep. 277 – What Every Christian Needs to Know about the Qu’ran with James White Ep. 281 – The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament with John Currid Ep. 289 – Covenantal Apologetics with K. Scott Oliphint Ep. 291 – The DSM-V with Mike Emlet Ep. 299 – Jesus on Every Page with David P. Murray Ep. 300 – Communicating the Gospel through Hip Hop with Timothy Brindle Ep. 307 – Definite Atonement with Jonathan Gibson, David Gibson, and Carl Trueman Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Carlton Wynne, Darryl G. Hart, David Gibson, David Murray, James White, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy, John Currid, Jonathan Gibson, K. Scott Oliphint, Lane G. Tipton, Michael Emlet, Nick Batzig, Scott Manetsch, Scott R. Wright, Timothy Brindle, Vern Poythress, William Edgar

It’s often argued that because of the political climate, the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly had full rein over the Westminster Assembly and the confessional documents it produced. In this episode, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Wayne Spear to analyze this common perception. Dr. Spear looks specifically at the influence of the Scottish commissioners upon the ecclesiology of the Westminster Assembly. Dr. Spear has published an excellent book with Reformation Heritage Books entitled, Covenanted Uniformity in Religion: The Influence of the Scottish Commissioners upon the Ecclesiology of the Westminster Assembly. Dr. Spear is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Spear has authored Talking to God: The Theology of Prayer; Faith of Our Fathers: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith; “The Westminster Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture,” in To Glorify and Enjoy God (Co-author); “Augustine’s Doctrine of Biblical Infallibility,” in Inerrancy and the Church; and, “The Westminster Assembly’s Directory for Church Government,” in Pressing Toward the Mark (Co-author). Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Wayne Spear

For Christ the Center’s 300th episode, we welcome hip hop artist Timothy Brindle to speak about his work in Christian hip hop and the recent musical movement as a whole. The episode explores hip hop’s stylistic capability to communicate the gospel and reformed theology and includes clips from Timothy’s recordings. Timothy is a student at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and his record label is Lamp Mode Recordings. Download “The Daily Gospel” by Timothy Brindle for free. The first 300 episodes of Christ the Center are available for download as a 7.3GB .zip file. We may not be able to maintain this link into perpetuity. Download the file while the link still lives. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Nick Batzig, Timothy Brindle

David Murray speaks about seeing Christ in the Old Testament based on his book Jesus on Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament. Dr. Murray’s book is an accessible presentation of Christ-centered reading of “the Law and Prophets.” The interview explores the New Testament foundations for this approach to the Old Testament, challenges an implicitly dispensational view of the Old Testament, and responds to common challenges to this approach. Dr. David Murray is Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He is a pastor in the Free Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He also blogs at Head Heart Hand. He has previously spoken on Christ the Center regarding “Technology and the Christian Life.” Links: http://jesusoneverypage.com http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2013/june/ popularity-pitfalls-and-practice-of-christ-centered-interpr.html Participants: Camden Bucey, David Murray, Jared Oliphint, Nick Batzig

This week, Nancy Guthrie speaks about seeing Jesus in the historical books of the Old Testament. Her book The Son of David, third in her series Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament, explains how each part of the story of Old Testament history – the leader Joshua, the judges of Israel, the redeemer Boaz, and Israel’s many kings – reveals and signifies the Christ who was to come. Nancy Guthrie’s website is http://www.nancyguthrie.com/. Nancy has spoken on Christ the Center about the first two books in this series, The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis, and The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Nancy Guthrie, Nick Batzig

The Christ the Center panel discusses the book of Judges, considering its relationship to redemptive history and to the redeemer Jesus Christ. During the “no man’s land” of redemptive history, as Israel awaits the promised king, her people again and again do what is right in their own eyes under the rule of judges who appear morally ambiguous at best. The discussion illustrates how a book that narrates a downward spiral of failure points upward and forward to a great king. Check out our previous redemptive-historical episode on Ruth and Redemptive History. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Jason Helopoulos joins us to speak about his book A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home. The discussion covers what family worship is, its elements, and its relationship to private and corporate worship. Pastor Helopoulos also provides practical advice about how to practice family worship especially for those who have neglected it in the past. Jason is the Assistant Pastor at University Reformed Church in Lansing, Michigan (RCA). He attended Dallas Theological Seminary and completed a Masters of Theology degree (ThM) with a concentration in Historical Theology and Christian Education in 2003. He served on the staff of Park Cities Presbyterian Church as a pastoral intern for one year and then accepted a call as an Assistant Pastor at Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Lexington, North Carolina. In the fall of 2007, Jason was called by Christ Church PCA in Grand Rapids, Michigan to plant a daughter church in Lansing, Michigan. He accepted the call and moved to the field (and snow) as church planter and pastored Providence PCA in East Lansing until 2012. In the summer of 2012, Jason accepted the call as Assistant Pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan and is currently serving this congregation, for which he feels blessed. Jason is married to his beautiful bride, Leah. They are blessed with two wonderful children, Gracen and Ethan. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jason Helopoulos, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Dr. Michael Emlet discusses the recent fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is the official diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals and published by the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Emlet explains the origin and purpose of the DSM and the questions this new edition raises for Christian believers. He outlines the way Christian counselors and pastors can benefit from the DSM and clarifies the relationship between psychiatric diagnoses and spiritual problems. Click here for the blog post mentioned in the episode. Michael R. Emlet, M.Div., M.D., practiced as a family physician for twelve years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He is a Lecturer in Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). He has written numerous published articles and is the author of several CCEF booklets including Asperger Syndrome, Angry Children: Understanding and Helping Your Child Regain Control, Help for the Caregiver: Facing the Challenges with Understanding and Strength, and OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive Compulsive; as well as a book, Crosstalk: Where Life and Scripture Meet published by New Growth Press. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Michael Emlet, Nick Batzig

Today we discuss the story and message of the book of Ruth in light of the book’s place in redemptive history. This brief story of an unassuming young Gentile woman develops the important biblical themes of the promised land, the inclusion of Gentiles in redemption, and the line of the seed of the woman. In these ways and others, the book of Ruth is a story of redemption, redemption which culminates in Ruth’s descendant, Jesus Christ. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

How can Catholic theologians seemingly contradict the official teaching of the Catholic Church? Many commentators believe that, in a recent homily, Pope Francis did just that. While the Vatican has since “clarified” his remarks, the question remains for many other Catholic theologians, who seem to promote doctrinal views in sharp contrast to previous declarations of the Catholic Church. Many Catholics now affirm a view of salvation that is “inclusive,” that is, broad enough to include not only explicit Catholics, but also Muslims, Jews, agnostics, and atheists. Many critics cry foul, since this appears to be a blatant contradiction of traditional Catholic teaching. In this episode, Camden Bucey leads a discussion that touches upon the changes in prolegomena that allow many Catholic theologians to affirm the church’s historic pronouncements while leaving room for new doctrinal formulations such as this contemporary inclusivism. The grand project of Vatican II was to update the Catholic church for a modern age, to open the windows and let in fresh air. To accomplish this overhaul, many theologians resorted to a Kantian-esque view of revelation and history. Listen as the panel discusses the workings of this type of “both-and” theologizing. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Nick Batzig

We welcome Matthew Patton to the program to speak about the nature and use of typology using Jehoiachin as an extended example. Mr. Patton is Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and a PhD candidate in Old Testament at the Wheaton Graduate School. This Mr. Patton’s second time visiting Christ the Center, having spoken with us previously about restoration prophecy in Ezra-Nehemiah. Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey, Matthew Patton, Nick Batzig

Today we welcome Dr. Michael J. Kruger to speak about New Testament textual criticism and the early text of the New Testament. Dr. Kruger has co-edited an excellent book with Dr. Charles E. Hill, titled The Early Text of the New Testament and published by Oxford University Press. The book aims to examine and assess from our earliest extant sources the most primitive state of the New Testament text now known. What sort of changes did scribes make to the text? What is the quality of the text now at our disposal? What can we learn about the nature of textual transmission in the earliest centuries? In addition to exploring the textual and scribal culture of early Christianity, this volume explores the textual evidence for all the sections of the New Testament. It also examines the evidence from the earliest translations of New Testament writings and the citations or allusions to New Testament texts in other early Christian writers. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Michael Kruger, Nick Batzig

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Sam Waldron to speak about the family-integrated church movement, which seeks to recover a biblical understanding of the family, especially in its relationship to the local church. You can read more about the movement from The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches. Dr. Waldron explains several features of the movement, critically examining several strengths and shortcomings in light of Scripture. He has written on the subject before. Dr. Waldron is Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur's Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Sam Waldron

Dr. Vern Poythress speaks about the important topic of harmonizing the gospels by sharing with us features of his book Inerrancy and the Gospels: A God-Centered Approach to the Challenges of Harmonization. Answering the challenges of critics, Dr. Poythress argues for the uncompromisingly foundational role of Scripture and a proper attitude as we come to approach it. He provides several useful principles for the task of harmonization and walks the reader through a number of examples in order to demonstrate his God-centered approach. Dr. Poythress is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Vern Poythress

We welcome David Garner and Phil DeHart to speak about Insider Movements, which are increasingly popular approaches to missions predicated on controversial theological and hermeneutic foundations. Insider Movements have gained particular influence in mission fields and religio-sociological contexts that are particularly hostile to Christianity. Dr. Garner is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary at Pastor of Teaching at Proclamation Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Bryn Mawr, PA. Dr. Garner has written “High Stakes: Insider Movement Hermeneutics and the Gospel,” an excellent essay on the subject. Phil DeHart has worked in the missions field in Asia and is currently a student at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Garner has also coordinated with the producers of the film Half Devil, Half Child, a documentary on Insider Movements, to offer a special discount to Reformed Forum listeners. Just visit halfdevilhalfchild.com to purchase the digital download, and use the code “reform” to receive 25% off the download price of the film. Episode image by terbeck. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Garner, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Phil DeHart

Dr. Paul Lim, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, and Affiliate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, speaks about his book Mystery Unveiled: The Crisis of the Trinity in Early Modern England. The book is published by Oxford University Press and features two related issues. In a historically sensitive way, Dr. Lim deals with the role of mystery in dealing with the nature of who God is (ie, Trinitarian) and the nature of the doctrine of sola Scriptura. The historical context is the 1500s-late 1600s in England and Lim concentrates on the rise of Socianism and the debates between anti-trinitarians (Paul Best and John Biddle) and trinitarians (Francis Cheynell and John Owen). Related to this discussion is concern for church councils and the powers of bishops and the influence of Platonic philosophy. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Paul Lim

Neil Tolsma speaks about the unfolding of God’s love through history on this episode of Christ the Center. Rev. Tolsma is a retired minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church who served congregations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In this discussion, we explore the great riches of divine love as Rev. Tolsma has described it in his book This is Love: Tracing the Love of God Throughout the Biblical Story. Though there are many books on the subject of God’s love, this book distinguishes itself through its deep biblical-theological and pastoral foundations, while remaining accessible to a wide variety of readers. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Neil Tolsma, Nick Batzig

In this episode, we study the Transfiguration, the event in which Jesus was transformed on the mountain before Peter, James, and John. In the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah accompany Jesus as a great cloud appeared and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” As we look into the accounts of the event in the synoptic gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36), we explore the Old Testament context out of which the Transfiguration develops and the consummation to which it points. In short, the Transfiguration is a proleptic revelation of Christ’s consummate resurrection glory. Matthew 17:1-13 says, And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:1-13, English Standard Version) Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Mark Jones to the program to speak about puritan theology. With Joel Beeke, Mark has co-authored an exciting new book from Reformed Heritage Books titled A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life. Mark is the minister of Faith Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Mark's Ph.D. is from Leiden Universiteit (Oct. 2009) and his doctoral dissertation was entitled, “Why Heaven Kissed Earth: The Christology of the Puritan Reformed Orthodox theologian, Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680).” Join us for a stimulating discussion regarding several features of English Puritan theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy, Mark Jones, Nick Batzig

We take a break from our regular format to enjoy a relaxed open forum. Nonetheless, the panel quickly focuses on the subject of preaching and sermon preparation. We ask questions such as when do you read commentaries? Should you work with secondary sources from the start or wrestle with the text on your own for a while? Should we have a preference for preaching extemporaneously or using notes or a manuscript? Along with thoughtful give-and-take from the contributors, these questions comprise a fruitful conversation. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Brandon Crowe to speak about the themes in his book The Obedient Son: Deuteronomy and Christology in the Gospel of Matthew. The book is a published edition of Dr. Crowe’s dissertation written at the University of Edinburgh. It spans several key biblical themes, including sonship, God’s fatherly love, election, and obedience. Dr. Crowe is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he teaches the core course on the gospels. Participants: Brandon Crowe, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Nick Batzig

The Westminster Confession of Faith 1.6 says, “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men.” In this episode, Ryan McGraw joins us to speak about his book By Good and Necessary Consequence, which addresses the subject of making right deductions from Scripture. This book is published by Reformation Heritage Books as part of their series Explorations in Reformed Confessional Theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Ryan McGraw

The Christ the Center panel discusses a forthcoming new podcast entitled East of Eden: Discussions in the Biblical and Systematic Theology of Jonathan Edwards, which should appear, Lord willing, this summer. The panel for this podcast will include Rev. Nick Batzig, Rev. David Filson, and Rev. Jeff Waddington, along with an occasional visit from Dr. Craig Biehl. The goal of this new venture is to delve into the sermons as well as the other parts of Edwards’ voluminous literary corpus. Specifically we seek to demonstrate the interrelated nature of Edwards’ biblical and systematic theology, his use of the Puritan plain style sermon form, his development of typology, and his practical application. The CTC panel briefly discusses Edwards’ Trinitarian theology to round out the discussion. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

In this in-house episode, Camden Bucey leads a discussion on Trinitarian personality in the theologies of Karl Barth and Karl Rahner. Though the theologians approach the subject from different traditions, both theologies converge at several key points. The panel discusses the issues surrounding the traditional immanent/economic distinction and God’s relationship to creation before moving to Cornelius Van Til’s method for navigating common Trinitarian errors. In addition to the main discussion, the panel begins the episode with a discussion of several new books including the forthcoming Kingdom through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

In this episode, we welcome Dr. J. Todd Billings to speak about the doctrine of union with Christ and its implications for all of theology and ministry. Dr. Billings has written a new book on the subject, titled Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church, published by Baker. Dr. J. Todd Billings is Associate Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. An ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, he received his M.Div. from Fuller Seminary and his Th.D. from Harvard. His first book, Calvin, Participation, and the Gift: The Activity of Believers in Union With Christ (Oxford, 2007) won a 2009 Templeton Award for Theological Promise, awarded internationally for the best first books of scholars in theology and religious studies. He is also author of The Word of God for the People of God: An Entryway to the Theological Interpretation of Scripture (Eerdmans, 2010), and Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church (Baker Academic, 2011), winner of an “Award of Merit in Theology and Ethics” in the Christianity Today Book Awards, 2012. Dr. Billings has published articles in a variety of journals, including Modern Theology, Harvard Theological Review, Missiology, and International Journal of Systematic Theology, as well as periodicals such as Christianity Today, The Christian Century, and Sojourners. He has lectured at seminaries and universities around the world, and has been awarded grants from the Association of Theological Schools and the Wabash Center for his research. Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Todd Billings, Jared Oliphint, Nick Batzig

Notwithstanding the diversity of opinion and debate that has surfaced throughout the last century and a half surrounding the nature of the Mosaic Covenant and the Law of God, Reformed theologians have constantly emphasized—with a great measure of uniformity—what has been denominated, the third use of the Law. With almost equal uniformity, myriads of objections continue to be raised when this subject is discussed among Christians today. In this episode, Nick Batzig leads a discussion on the law and unfolding redemptive-history. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Rev. Dr. Mark Jones joins us to speak about diversity and debates within Puritanism. A healthy view of polemics has fallen on hard times, and Dr. Jones reminds us of several fruitful discussions over several issues related to the covenants. Our conversation focuses on the book Drawn into Controversie: Reformed Theological Diversity and Debates Within Seventeenth Century British Puritanism (Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht, 2011), which Mark co-edited with Michael Haykin. Mark is the minister of Faith Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Mark’s Ph.D. is from Leiden Universiteit (Oct. 2009) and his doctoral dissertation was entitled, “Why Heaven Kissed Earth: The Christology of the Puritan Reformed Orthodox theologian, Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680).” Links New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, GA Drawn into Controversie: Reformed Theological Diversity and Debates Within Seventeenth Century British Puritanism on Google Books. Reformation Heritage Books Participants: Camden Bucey, Mark Jones, Nick Batzig

Today we welcome Owen Strachan to the program to speak about the new book, The Pastor as Scholar and the Scholar as Pastor: Reflections on Life and Ministry. Dr. Strachan is Assistant Professor of Christian Theology and Church History at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky. He has published six books and written with The Atlantic, First Things, Christianity Today, and the Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Nick Batzig, Owen Strachan

Rick Phillips joins Nick Batzig and Kenneth Kang-Hui to speak about the historical Adam. The teaching that Adam was a historical figure, the federal head of all those who descend from him by ordinary generation, has become a much debated topic. Rev. Phillips and the panel navigate through the issues and underscore why this traditional doctrine is so significant. Rev. Phillips is pastor of Second Presbyterian Church PCA in Greenville, SC. Nick Batzig is church planter at New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, GA. Kenneth Kang-Hui has been a long-time friend to Reformed Forum, and he is a member of a PCA church in New York City. Participants: Kenneth Kang-Hui, Nick Batzig, Rick Phillips

Rick Phillips and Kevin DeYoung join a panel to address the doctrine of sanctification. This is an important conversation that addresses the work of the Holy Spirit in applying the death and resurrection of Christ to believers. Join us for a fascinating conversation on this aspect of soteriology. Rev. Phillips 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. Rev. DeYoung is Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan and the author of several books including Don't Call it a Comeback: The Old Faith for a New Day and What is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission with Greg Gilbert. Participants: Kevin DeYoung, Nick Batzig, Rick Phillips

Today we welcome Dr. Bryan Chapell, President and Professor of Practical Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary, to speak about the greatness and love of God. Dr. Chapell is the author of several books, but many of our listeners may know him best for his book Christ-Centered Worship and of course his much celebrated Christ-Centered Preaching. He’ll be speaking at the upcoming Quakertown Regional Conference on Reformed Theology Nov. 11-12 in Quakertown, PA. Participants: Bryan Chapell, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

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 Quakertown Regional Conference on Reformed Theology DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed Participants: Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Kevin DeYoung, Nick Batzig

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