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Camden Bucey and Ryan Noha sit down at Reformed Forum headquarters in Libertyville, Illinois, for a special ministry update. They discuss upcoming events, new and forthcoming Reformed Academy courses, publishing projects, international translation efforts, and ways listeners can pray for and partner with Reformed Forum. This update includes information about the OPC General Assembly, the Rome Scholars and Leaders Network, the PCA General Assembly meetup in Louisville, the Greenville Seminary summer seminar on apologetics and evangelism, the Birmingham seminar on discovering Christ in all of Scripture, the 2026 Reformed Forum Theology Conference, and the Christ the Center 1000th episode celebration in Austin, Texas. Chapters 0:00 Welcome and purpose for this update 1:14 Upcoming events and the OPC General Assembly 2:48 Christian identity and OPC history course 4:05 Rome Scholars and Leaders Network 5:55 PCA General Assembly meetup in Louisville 7:18 Greenville Seminary seminar and Defending Our Hope 10:08 Birmingham seminar on Christ in all of Scripture 11:43 2026 Reformed Forum Theology Conference 14:23 Christ the Center 1000th episode celebration 25:37 Reformed Academy: 39 free courses and active students 27:52 Reader's guides from international cohort courses 30:13 Why guided reading matters 33:32 Reformed Academy community and group study 35:20 Courses in production and the need for support 38:07 Upcoming Reformed Academy recordings 40:02 Companion books and translated resources 41:40 Partnership, prayer, and Reformed Forum's mission 44:02 Closing and how to stay connected Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha
In this episode, Camden Bucey welcomes David T. Irving, President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, for a rich conversation on Irving's dissertation, Mississippi's Greatest Minister: A Historical Study of Cornelius W. Grafton's 61-Year Pastorate, 1873–1934. Before turning to Grafton, they discuss Irving's recent transition into seminary leadership and the growing pastoral shortage across confessional Presbyterian churches, reflecting on the need for prayer, training, and laborers for Christ's harvest. The heart of the episode explores the life and ministry of Cornelius W. Grafton, a remarkable Mississippi Presbyterian pastor whose decades of quiet faithfulness, denominational leadership, educational labor, and pastoral endurance left a deep mark on church life in the American South. Camden and David consider why Grafton has been largely overlooked, what his ministry reveals about ordinary pastoral faithfulness, and how his life still instructs ministers and churches today. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:08 Introduction and guest welcome 01:09 Mississippi's Greatest Minister and today's topic 02:03 RTS Jackson update and the pastoral shortage 08:20 David Irving's connection to Mississippi and Cornelius W. Grafton 14:06 Why Grafton has been overlooked in church history 18:14 Grafton's early religious life and spiritual maturation 23:58 Education, pastoral formation, and early ministry 29:33 Union Church, rural ministry, and a sixty-one-year pastorate 36:46 Grafton's preaching, pastoral rhythms, and churchmanship 43:18 Denominational leadership, education, and public influence 49:19 Grafton as historian and the unpublished history of Mississippi Presbyterianism 54:03 Lessons from Grafton's life and ministry today 59:09 Closing remarks and upcoming Reformed Forum events Resources Mentioned David T. Irving, Mississippi's Greatest Minister: A Historical Study of Cornelius W. Grafton's 61-Year Pastorate, 1873–1934 Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson Reformed Academy Reformed Forum events Participants: Camden Bucey, David T. Irving
In this concluding installment of Vos Group's extended journey through Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton reflect on one of the most significant themes in Vos's account of redemptive history: the relationship between the kingdom of God and the church. Focusing especially on Matthew 16 and Jesus's promise, "I will build my church," they explain that Christ is not introducing an unrelated people, but bringing the covenant people of God into a new, eschatological mode of existence through his death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The church is not a mere institutional add-on to the kingdom. Rather, in its inaugurated form, the church is the kingdom of God as constituted by the Spirit of the ascended Christ. The episode also explores the church's indestructible life, the meaning of the "gates of hell," the centrality of the means of grace, and the already/not-yet character of the kingdom's coming. Along the way, Camden and Lane also mark the end of this long-running series on Biblical Theology and preview the next phase of Vos Group on The Teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapters 00:00:08 Introduction and Vos Group finale 00:01:06 Save the date for the 1,000th episode celebration 00:07:23 Transition from Biblical Theology to The Teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church 00:09:01 Matthew 16 and the meaning of "my church" 00:12:14 Continuity and redemptive-historical newness in the church 00:15:28 Pentecost, Acts 2, and the constitution of the church 00:21:56 The church after Christ's ascension and the new mode of life in the Spirit 00:29:23 The indestructible life of the kingdom and the gates of hell 00:35:29 The means of grace, preaching, and the keys of the kingdom 00:36:52 The nearness of the kingdom and inaugurated eschatology 00:42:10 The church is not merely instrumental to some higher kingdom purpose 00:49:20 The church as the kingdom of God in inaugurated form 00:53:20 Pilgrim identity and longing for consummation 00:56:42 Closing reflections and upcoming resources Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane Tipton
In this concluding installment of Vos Group's extended journey through Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton reflect on one of the most significant themes in Vos's account of redemptive history: the relationship between the kingdom of God and the church. Focusing especially on Matthew 16 and Jesus's promise, "I will build my church," they explain that Christ is not introducing an unrelated people, but bringing the covenant people of God into a new, eschatological mode of existence through his death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The church is not a mere institutional add-on to the kingdom. Rather, in its inaugurated form, the church is the kingdom of God as constituted by the Spirit of the ascended Christ. The episode also explores the church's indestructible life, the meaning of the "gates of hell," the centrality of the means of grace, and the already/not-yet character of the kingdom's coming. Along the way, Camden and Lane also mark the end of this long-running series on Biblical Theology and preview the next phase of Vos Group on The Teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapters 00:00:08 Introduction and Vos Group finale 00:01:06 Save the date for the 1,000th episode celebration 00:07:23 Transition from Biblical Theology to The Teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church 00:09:01 Matthew 16 and the meaning of "my church" 00:12:14 Continuity and redemptive-historical newness in the church 00:15:28 Pentecost, Acts 2, and the constitution of the church 00:21:56 The church after Christ's ascension and the new mode of life in the Spirit 00:29:23 The indestructible life of the kingdom and the gates of hell 00:35:29 The means of grace, preaching, and the keys of the kingdom 00:36:52 The nearness of the kingdom and inaugurated eschatology 00:42:10 The church is not merely instrumental to some higher kingdom purpose 00:49:20 The church as the kingdom of God in inaugurated form 00:53:20 Pilgrim identity and longing for consummation 00:56:42 Closing reflections and upcoming resources Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane Tipton
In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton continue their study of Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology. Turning to Vos's treatment of the kingdom of God and the church, they explore the importance of Caesarea Philippi, Peter's confession, and Christ's promise, "I will build my church." Lane explains why Vos sees this moment as a decisive redemptive-historical transition: the kingdom of God, proclaimed and embodied in Christ, begins to assume its ecclesial form. Together, Camden and Lane discuss the church as the kingdom in its present historical expression, the role of the Spirit poured out from the ascended Christ, and the distinction between the kingdom's inaugurated and consummated forms. They also consider how Vos's teaching helps clarify ongoing theological questions concerning the kingdom of grace and glory, the already/not-yet structure of redemptive history, the thought of Meredith Kline, and the strengths and weaknesses of more recent reductionist or two-kingdom approaches. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction and transition into Vos on the kingdom and the church 01:46 The kingdom as the sphere of blessedness 05:39 Caesarea Philippi as a redemptive-historical turning point 08:16 Peter's confession and "I will build my church" 10:26 The church as the kingdom in its present historical form 15:26 The kingdom in its inaugurated and consummated forms 18:10 The kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory 22:32 Kline and the "heavenization" of the church 26:50 Two-kingdom theology and Christ's mediatorial reign 29:53 Reductionist views of the kingdom 36:30 The kingdom, the church, and redemptive-historical development 43:45 Measuring the kingdom's progress in the world 49:30 Final reflections and concluding thoughts Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton continue their study of Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology. Turning to Vos's treatment of the kingdom of God and the church, they explore the importance of Caesarea Philippi, Peter's confession, and Christ's promise, "I will build my church." Lane explains why Vos sees this moment as a decisive redemptive-historical transition: the kingdom of God, proclaimed and embodied in Christ, begins to assume its ecclesial form. Together, Camden and Lane discuss the church as the kingdom in its present historical expression, the role of the Spirit poured out from the ascended Christ, and the distinction between the kingdom's inaugurated and consummated forms. They also consider how Vos's teaching helps clarify ongoing theological questions concerning the kingdom of grace and glory, the already/not-yet structure of redemptive history, the thought of Meredith Kline, and the strengths and weaknesses of more recent reductionist or two-kingdom approaches. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction and transition into Vos on the kingdom and the church 01:46 The kingdom as the sphere of blessedness 05:39 Caesarea Philippi as a redemptive-historical turning point 08:16 Peter's confession and "I will build my church" 10:26 The church as the kingdom in its present historical form 15:26 The kingdom in its inaugurated and consummated forms 18:10 The kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory 22:32 Kline and the "heavenization" of the church 26:50 Two-kingdom theology and Christ's mediatorial reign 29:53 Reductionist views of the kingdom 36:30 The kingdom, the church, and redemptive-historical development 43:45 Measuring the kingdom's progress in the world 49:30 Final reflections and concluding thoughts Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Why has the doctrine of adoption received so little attention in Reformed theology? In this live episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by Jonathan Master and Matt Holst at Shiloh Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, to discuss John L. Girardeau's rich and pastoral treatment of adoption. The conversation explores why adoption should not be collapsed into justification or regeneration, how it addresses our alienation from God, and why it matters so deeply for prayer, suffering, assurance, and the Christian life. Along the way, the panel reflects on Girardeau's life and ministry, Adam's original sonship, Christ's filial obedience, the believer's inheritance in Christ, and the comfort of knowing God not only as Judge, but as Father. This is a warm and theologically substantial discussion on one of the most beautiful and neglected doctrines in Scripture. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction and live recording at Shiloh OPC 01:45 Why discuss John L. Girardeau on adoption? 03:12 Who was John L. Girardeau? 09:52 Why adoption is such an important doctrine 14:05 Why adoption has been neglected in Reformed theology 17:50 Courtroom and family room: justification and adoption 23:19 Adam's original sonship and what was lost in the fall 27:07 Christ's sonship and key Christological distinctions 33:14 The pastoral comfort of adoption 37:33 Adoption, suffering, and inheritance 41:17 God's name on his people and the hope of glory 43:24 How adoption transforms prayer 50:11 The Father's generosity toward his children 53:04 Final reflections and conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master, Matt Holst
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. Watch on YouTube. 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 Participants: Camden Bucey, Leonardo De Chirico
In this episode, we are joined by Jeffrey C. Tuomala, Professor of Law at Liberty University, to examine two landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in light of two articles by Ned Stonehouse. Professor Tuomala, with his deep commitment to restoring the moral foundations of law, will offer his legal expertise to comment on Stonehouse’s reflections regarding McCollum v. Board of Education and Everson v. Board of Education. These cases addressed the relationship between church and state, religious education, and the issue of secularism in public schools. We explore the deeper issues Stonehouse raised, such as the dangers of secularism in public education, the role of Christian education, and the balance between religious liberty and state control. Professor Tuomala provides a thoughtful legal and moral analysis of how these cases continue to influence contemporary debates about faith, law, and education in America. This conversation is a rich discussion on the intersection of theology, law, and Christian education in the modern world. Listen for a compelling exploration of these pivotal court decisions and their ongoing impact on religious freedom and Christian education. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:08:49 Ned Stonehouse’s Comments on Two SCOTUS Decisions 00:14:00 The Context of SCOTUS during the 1940s 00:17:09 Everson v. Board of Education 00:19:13 Thinking Critically and Defining Terms 00:25:23 Religion, Secularism, and Neutrality 00:38:53 Rethinking the State’s Relation to Education 00:51:04 Vouchers for Private Education 00:58:28 Improving Stonehouse’s Case 01:02:59 Resources for Going Deeper 01:06:03 Conclusion Articles Ned B. Stonehouse, “A Differing Opinion on the School Bus Issue,” The Presbyterian Guardian 16, no. 6 (March 25, 1947): 83–84. Ned B. Stonehouse, “Whither Religious Education?,” The Presbyterian Guardian 17, no. 9 (May 25, 1948): 99. Jeffrey C. Tuomala (2024) “Is Tax-Funded Education Unconstitutional?,” Liberty University Law Review: Vol. 18: Iss. 4, Article 6. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Tuomala
We welcome David Schrock to discuss his book The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God in which he presents a biblical theology that explores the theme of priesthood throughout the Bible. The book demonstrates that the concept of priesthood, starting with Adam in the Garden of Eden, is central to understanding God's plan for humanity and the overarching narrative of Scripture. Schrock argues that Adam, as the first priest in the biblical narrative, sets a pattern for priesthood that echoes through the patriarchs and is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This priesthood is not limited to a specific lineage or tribe but is a calling for all of God's people. The book traces the development of this theme from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament to the royal priesthood in Christ in the New Testament, fulfilling God's purpose for humanity to serve as mediators of his presence and ministers of his covenant. Schrock's work invites readers to see themselves as part of this royal priesthood, called to serve God and reflect his glory. David S. Schrock is pastor for preaching and theology at Occoquan Bible Church in Woodbridge, Virginia. He is a founding faculty member at Indianapolis Theological Seminary, where he teaches theology. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 03:03 David Schrock’s Background and Activities 12:20 Definition of a Priest 16:18 The Threefold Office of Christ 20:58 Six Stages of Development in the Priesthood 26:35 Priests from Noah to Abraham and Melchizedek 30:24 The Priesthoods of Melchizedek and Christ 40:59 The Priesthood of All Believers 48:28 Conclusion Links davidschrock.com Indianapolis Theological Seminary Christ Over All David Stephen Schrock, A Biblical-Theological Investigation of Christ's Priesthood and Covenant Mediation with Respect to the Extent of the Atonement, 2013. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Schrock
Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey reflect on the recent Reformed Forum Theology Conference on J. Gresham Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism before turning to a discussion of their new booklet, Unfolding Redemption: Exploring the History and Order of Salvation. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:03:35 Reflecting on the 2023 Reformed Forum Conference 00:08:27 Machen and Denominational History 00:17:02 The Church and Culture 00:28:09 The History and Order of Salvation 00:35:41 The Unchanging Person of the Son 00:42:29 Jesus Declared to Be the Son of God in Power 00:55:05 The Benefits of Adoption 01:07:44 Conclusion Unfolding Redemption: Exploring the History and Order of Salvation (10-Pack) $49.99 Add to cart Unfolding Redemption: Exploring the History and Order of Salvation $9.99 Add to cart Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Richard Gamble and Jeff McDonald join us again. On this episode, McDonald introduces several significant points about William Jennings Bryan, including his early life and upbringing in a strong evangelical tradition, his belief that schools and universities posed a problem to religious freedom, and his concern that students could be led away from faith into unbelief if they fell under the influence of mind worshipers. He also notes Bryan's political career and his advocacy for economic and religious freedom, as well as his influence on the Democratic party and his ongoing relevance to current political issues. Jeffrey McDonald is a Presbyterian minister, historian, and author of John Gerstner and the Renewal of Presbyterian and Reformed Evangelicalism in Modern America (Wipf & Stock, 2017). Richard M. Gamble is Professor of History and holds the Anna Margaret Ross Alexander Chair in History and Politics at Hillsdale College. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 02:40 The Presbyterian Scholars Conference 10:27 William Jennings Bryan 18:48 Misconceptions about Bryan 22:05 Bryan’s Background 26:49 The Round Table Club 32:30 Concerns Regarding Religious Freedom and Education 37:11 Responding to Secularism 39:04 Machen and Libertarianism 41:11 Surprising Findings about Bryan 50:17 Bryan as a Nebraskan 53:26 Learning from Bryan 58:17 Conclusion Links David W. Beggington, ed., The Gospel and Religious Freedom: Historical Studies in Evangelicalism and Political Engagement (Baylor University Press) Christ the Center episode 776 — Melvin Grove Kyle, J. Gresham Machen, and the League of Evangelical Students Christ the Center episode 599 — John Gerstner and the Renewal of Presbyterian and Reformed Evangelicalism Christ the Center episode 593 — The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Civil Religion Books Jeffrey S. McDonald, “Advancing the Evangelical Mind: Melvin Grove Kyle, J. Gresham Machen, and the League of Evangelical Students” Richard M. Gamble, A Fiery Gospel: The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Road to Righteous War (Religion and American Public Life) Richard M. Gamble, The War for Righteousness: Progressive Christianity, the Great War, and the Rise of the Messianic Nation. Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2003. Richard M. Gamble, The Great Tradition: Classic Readings on What It Means to be an Educated Human Being. Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2007. Richard M. Gamble, In Search of the City on a Hill: The Making and Unmaking of an American Myth. New York: Continuum/Bloomsbury, 2012. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff McDonald, Richard M. Gamble
Dr. Jonathan Master speaks about his book, Reformed Theology (P&R Publishing), which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos. Master provides a concise and accessible introduction to the historic and orthodox Christian tradition of Reformed theology. In this book, he emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the grace of salvation, while also demonstrating its biblical coherence and pastoral warmth. This resource is ideal for church leaders, study groups, and individuals who want a well-rounded overview of Reformed theology. Jonathan Master is President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary near Greenville, South Carolina. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 04:14 Update on Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary 11:57 Reformed Theology 14:48 What Does It Mean to be Reformed? 24:52 Dr. Master’s Path to Becoming Reformed 28:49 The Intended Audience of the Book 32:48 The Role of Covenant Theology 41:01 Creeds and Confessions 45:13 Reformed Theology and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit 49:54 The Reformed Motivation for Missions and Evangelism 54:03 Conclusion Links Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Theology on the Go podcast The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Carl Trueman, The Creedal Imperative Select Publications by Jonathan Master A Question of Consensus: The Doctrine of Assurance After the Westminster Confession (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015) The God We Worship, ed. (P&R Publications, 2016) On Reforming Worship, ed. with David Hall (Covenant Publications, 2018) Growing in Grace (Banner of Truth, 2020) Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master
This is the 100th anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen's book, Christianity and Liberalism. Danny Olinger and Camden Bucey welcome D. G. Hart to discuss the second chapter of Machen’s classic, which addresses doctrine. The heart of the matter is that Christianity is a supernatural religion built on the fact that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, accomplished redemption for his people in history. Machen understood that both are essential: the supernatural and the fact that it occurs in history. Machen wrote: But if any one fact is clear, on the basis of this evidence, it is that the Christian movement at its inception was not just a way of life in the modern sense, but a way of life founded upon a message. It was based, not upon mere feeling, not upon a mere program of work, but upon an account of facts. In other words it was based upon doctrine (Machen, Christianity and Liberalism, 20). And from the beginning, the meaning of the happening was set forth; and when the meaning of the happening was set forth then there was Christian doctrine. “Christ died”—that is history; “Christ died for our sins”—that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity (Machen, Christianity and Liberalism, 27). Links OPC Ruling Elder podcast D. G. Hart, Machen and the Presbyterian Controversy (YouTube playlist) D. G. Hart, Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism (Christ the Center, episode 609) Audio version of Christianity and Liberalism, chapter 2 Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Darryl G. Hart
This is the 100th anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen's book, Christianity and Liberalism. Danny Olinger and Camden Bucey welcome D. G. Hart to discuss the second chapter of Machen's classic, which addresses doctrine. The heart of the matter is that Christianity is a supernatural religion built on the fact that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, accomplished redemption for his people in history. Machen understood that both are essential: the supernatural and the fact that it occurs in history. Machen wrote: But if any one fact is clear, on the basis of this evidence, it is that the Christian movement at its inception was not just a way of life in the modern sense, but a way of life founded upon a message. It was based, not upon mere feeling, not upon a mere program of work, but upon an account of facts. In other words it was based upon doctrine (Machen, Christianity and Liberalism, 20). And from the beginning, the meaning of the happening was set forth; and when the meaning of the happening was set forth then there was Christian doctrine. “Christ died”—that is history; “Christ died for our sins”—that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity (Machen, Christianity and Liberalism, 27). Links OPC Ruling Elder podcast D. G. Hart, Machen and the Presbyterian Controversy (YouTube playlist) Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Darryl G. Hart
In this episode, we speak about the ecclesiastical and theological contributions of Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Gaffin having been elected the chairman of the OPC's Committee on Foreign Missions. Crossway has also published his latest book, In the Fullness of Time, a revision of his lecture notes from his course, Acts and Paul. Dr. Gaffin’s history is inextricably linked with two institutions closely identified with J. Gresham Machen: Westminster Theological Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Taking this opportunity to reflect on the life and works of Dr. Gaffin, the panel comments on his unique contributions. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction00:08:41 Dr. Gaffin’s 50+ Years of Service to OPC Foreign Missions00:14:21 Meeting Dr. Gaffin00:27:54 Dr. Gaffin’s Bibliography00:32:13 Gaffin and Vos00:37:11 Resurrection and Eschatology: A Festschrift for Dr. Gaffin00:43:12 Gaffin’s Theological Contributions00:57:31 1 Corinthians 15:45 and 2 Corinthians 3:17–1801:00:35 Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. and Charlie Dennison01:03:09 Conclusion Order the Book While supplies last, we’re running a big sale on copies of Dr. Gaffin’s book. For the best deal, get a bundle of In the Fullness of Time, Geerhardus Vos by Danny E. Olinger, and Foundations of Covenant Theology by Lane G. Tipton. We’re offering this bundle for $49.99. The combined retail price is $91.97. That’s a savings of more than 45%. You may also save more than 40% on individual copies. Select Bibliography Gaffin, Jr., Richard B. By Faith Not By Sight. Bletchley, Milton Keynes, UK: Paternoster Press, 2006. ———. God's Word in Servant-Form. Reformed Academic Press, n.d. ———. “‘Life-Giving Spirit': Probing the Center of Paul's Pneumatology.” JETS 41 (1998): 573–89. ———. “Old Amsterdam and Inerrancy.” Westminster Theological Journal 44, no. 2 (Fall 1982): p 250-289. ———. Perspectives on Pentecost. P & R Publishing, 1979. ———. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul's Soteriology. 2nd ed. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1987. ———. “The Place and Importance of Introduction to the New Testament.” In Studying the New Testament Today, 143–51. Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co, n.d. ———. “The Redemptive-Historical View.” In Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views, edited by Stanley E Porter and Beth M Stovell. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2012. ———. “The Usefulness of the Cross,” The Westminster Theological Journal, Vol. 41 No. 2 Spring 1979, pp. 228–246. (We discussed this article on Christ the Center, episode 585) Tipton, Lane G., and Jeffrey C. Waddington. Resurrection and Eschatology: Theology in Service of the Church: Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008. Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton
Dr. Dominic Aquila joins Camden Bucey to speak about the history of Presbyterian publications. While they focus primarily on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Dr. Aquila connects this storied history to the recent past and the dramatic shifts in communication that have come about with the introduction of the Internet and technologies such as social media. Dominic Aquila is the President of New Geneva Seminary, and editor of The Aquila Report. He has pastored churches in Virginia, California, Colorado, and Florida. Dr. Aquila has served on a number of Committees in the Presbyterian Church in America, including Mission to the World (MTW) and the Standing Judicial Commission. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:06 New Geneva Seminary in Egypt09:01 The Aquila Report14:27 Presbyterian Publications Past and Present20:06 Christianity Today and The Presbyterian Guardian25:03 The Christian Century et al31:36 Princeton Seminary’s Publications33:52 Technological and Industrial Changes39:29 Other Publications of the 19th and 20th Centuries52:35 Considering What Has Been Gained and Lost55:42 Conclusion Links Lewis G. Vander Velde, The Presbyterian Churches and the Federal Union, 1861-1869. Participants: Camden Bucey, Dominic Aquila
Dr. Christiane Tietz speaks about her tremendous biography, Karl Barth: A Life in Conflict (Oxford University Press, 2021). Dr. Tietz is Professor for Systematic Theology at the Institute of Hermeneutics and Philosophy of Religion at the University of Zurich. From 2008 until 2013 she was Professor for Systematic Theology and Social Ethics at the University of Mainz. She was visiting lecturer or research scholar in Cambridge, Chicago, Heidelberg, Jerusalem, New York, and Princeton. Dr. Tietz is a judge for the Karl Barth-Prize and a member of the Advisory Board of the Karl Barth-Foundation, Basel. Participants: Camden Bucey, Christiane Tietz, Jim Cassidy
In this episode, several OPC missionaries discuss theological education in foreign mission fields. Douglas Clawson is associate general secretary for the OPC's Committee on Foreign Missions. Charles Jackson serves as a missionary in Uganda, and Mike serves in East Asia. Each of these ministers speaks about their experience in training officers for the building up of indigenous churches, sharing the joys, struggles, and present needs in various fields. Participants: Camden Bucey, Charles Jackson, Doug Clawson
After discussing their trips to Colombia with OPC foreign missions, Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey explore the influence of modernism upon Roman Catholicism and American Presbyterianism. Modernism led to many changes in American Presbyterianism, including the reorganization of Princeton Seminary and the founding of Westminster Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The mainline church eventually adopted the Confession of 1967, which many have understood as a doctrinal shift toward Barthianism. These large-scale movements roughly parallel the developments in Roman Catholicism, which moved from the anti-modernist oath of 1910 to the sweeping changes of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
We turn to pages 263–264 of Geerhardus Vos' book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to consider the sin of Israel and the resulting rupture of their covenant bond with the Lord. Links OPC Study Committee Report on Republication, Chapter 8 Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Danny Olinger and John Muether join Camden Bucey to speak about the early history of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the forces within the young ecclesiastical body desiring broader influence throughout the culture. J. Gresham Machen gathered a broad coalition of “fundamentalists” in leading a charge against modernism at Princeton Theological Seminary and then throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA). After many within this coalition were pushed out or left to form what would become the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, different agendas arose. A significant event—involving what would come to be known as the Committee of Nine—at the 1941 and 1942 General Assemblies would set the tone for the future of the young church. For further study: Hakkenberg, Michael A. “The Battle over the Ordination of Gordon H. Clark.” In Pressing toward the Mark: Essays Commemorating Fifty Years of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, edited by Charles G. Dennison and Richard C. Gamble, 329–50. Philadelphia: Committee for the Historian of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 1986. Woolley, Paul. “Discontent!” The Presbyterian Guardian 13, no. 14 (July 25, 1944): 213–14. Minutes from the ninth General Assembly of the OPC (the reports of the committee begin on p. 28) Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, John Muether
Carlton Wynne, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey open Cornelius Van Til's book, The Defense of the Faith to pages 33–39 wherein Van Til discusses the doctrine of salvation. Van Til is insistent to maintain the incommunicable attributes of God in all aspects of theology, even here in soteriology. Throughout this section, Van Til refuses to admit any form of mutualism or correlativism in the God-man relation. He writes, “If we refuse to mix the eternal and the temporal at the point of creation and at the point of the incarnation we must also refuse to mix them at the point of salvation.” If God is omnipotent, for example, and he desires to save, it is not possible for man to frustrate that plan. This carries through in the doctrine of church as well as the doctrine of last things, wherein the absolute sovereignty of God is maintained at every point throughout history. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton
Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey discuss their experiences with catechisms among Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism , and evangelicalism and then their introduction to the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
We turn to pages 256–263 of Geerhardus Vos' book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, to discuss the bond between the Lord and Israel. In this chapter, Vos considers revelation during the period of the prophets, but in this section, he specifically considers the unique perspective on covenant (berith) offered by Isaiah and Hosea. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Ryan Noha poses several questions submitted by our listeners and views. Along with Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey, the panel discusses Thomas and Van Til on the doctrine of God, how the eternal decree relates to the well-meant offer of eschatological life in the covenant of works, aspects of our union with Christ, and several matters of eschatology. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Ryan Noha
Glen Clary discusses the worship setting of Revelation 4–5 and its significance for the church's present and future worship. While on the isle of Patmos, John was given a vision of the highest heavens. While we may consider these visions as symbols conveying cryptic messages for the church, they are a picture of the worship that occurs among the heavenly host in the highest heavens. Our worship on earth is intended to serve as a replica of this worship. And as we gather to worship in Spirit and truth, our worship is enjoined to the worship in God's throne room. Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary
We preview a forthcoming course on Union with Christ and the Doctrine of Salvation, taught by Lane Tipton. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey discuss the 48th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, which recently adjourned in St. Louis, Missouri, and look forward to the 87th General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church to be held in Sioux Center, Iowa. They then turn their attention to the covenant of works, which is the subject of our 2021 Fall Theology Conference in Pflugerville, Texas. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
Carlton Wynne, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey open Cornelius Van Til's book, The Defense of the Faith to pages 32–33 wherein Van Til discusses the doctrine of Christ. These are the fundamental building blocks of the consistent Christian apologetic. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton
Jim Cassidy discusses Therefore the Truth I Speak: Scottish Theology, 1500–1700 by Donald Macleod. The Scottish church was forever altered by the arrival of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Its legacy endured, and provoked a flurry of theological re–examinations which form the foundation for much of our modern understanding of Reformed Theology. In this informed and accessible historical study, Donald MacLeod, one of Scotland's current leading theologians, looks to the past to assess the impact of prominent theologians of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, always with an eye to demonstrating how their writings speak to contemporary challenges facing the Church today. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
Rev. John Fikkert speaks about providing specialized care for ministers. Rev. Fikkert is the director of the OPC's Committee on Ministerial Care, which provides a range services for ministers such as counseling and diaconal aid, financial planning assistance, webinars on a range of topics, and funds for sabbaticals. Participants: Camden Bucey, John Fikkert
Lane Tipton speaks about his new book, Foundations of Covenant Theology, available now through Reformed Forum. Drawing from Genesis 1:1 and subsequent biblical revelation, Lane Tipton argues that before creating the visible world, the immutable triune God created a heavenly temple dwelling, filled that heavenly dwelling with the unchanging glory of his Spirit, and sanctified that heavenly dwelling as the realm of everlasting Sabbath rest. Adam, as the created image of God and federal head of his posterity, could have advanced through perfect covenantal obedience beyond probation on the mountain of God in earthly Eden into the heavenly dwelling of God in Sabbath rest. This God-centered and heaven-focused theological backdrop enriches our understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ, as the second and last Adam in the covenant of grace, who in his humiliation and exaltation has opened the gates of heavenly paradise for his church. Copies are available now. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Rob McKenzie speaks about the Christian life and a variety of apologetic encounters he has woven into his book Seeker’s Progress. In this novel, McKenzie explores the world that John Bunyan created in his classic book, The Pilgrim's Progress. There is another man from the City of Destruction who follows after Christian also seeking to find truth. With the help of Evangelist, Seeker follows the King's road on his way to the Celestial City. Along the way, he visits many of the same places that Christian visited and meets several of the same people that Christian met all the while trying to catch up to his friends, Christian and Faithful. His experiences are very different than his predecessors. His journey takes him to some places that Christian never went, such as the towns of Morality and Fair Speech. Seeker wrestles with the questions, “Don't all roads lead to the Celestial City?” “If the King loves everyone, wouldn’t He save everyone?” Rob McKenzie is a ruling elder at Westminster OPC in Indian Head Park and co-host of the podcast, Theology Simply Profound. He is the author of Identifying the Seed: An Examination and Evaluation of the Differences between Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology and its corresponding study guide. You may buy both as a bundle through our online store. Participants: Camden Bucey, Rob McKenzie
Dr. Stephen J. Nichols speaks about the life and legacy of Dr. R. C. Sproul. Dr. Nichols has written a biography of Dr. Sproul, which has recently been published by Crossway. This biography details R. C.'s family history and early life in Pittsburgh, through his seminary education and early ministry all the way to the end of his life, reflecting on the many institutions Dr. Sproul founded and helped to shape. Dr. Stephen J. Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, and a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow. He holds a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is host of the podcasts 5 Minutes in Church History and Open Book. He is author of more than twenty books, including Beyond the 95 Theses, a Time for Confidence, and coeditor of Crossway’s Theologians on the Christian Life series. Participants: Camden Bucey, Stephen J. Nichols
Camden Bucey speaks about Murray Forst Thompson's tract, The Auburn Betrayal, which provides historical and theological context for the Auburn Affirmation, an important document in early twentieth-century American Presbyterianism. The tract was published in 1941 by the Committee on Christian Education for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Participants: Camden Bucey
We turn to the third sermon in Grace and Glory, a collection of sermons Geerhardus Vos preached at the Miller Chapel of Princeton Theological Seminary. In “Seeking and Saving the Lost,” Vos preaches from Luke 19:10, wherein Jesus describes his ministry to redeem sinners and to bring them into communion with the one true and living God. Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton
Lane Tipton is in the studio with Camden Bucey to discuss the doctrine of salvation and union with Christ from the eschatological perspective of redemption accomplished and applied. On the heels of recording a new course on the topic with Dr. Tipton, they discuss the foundational categories of historia salutis and ordo salutis as well as how Jesus's resurrection was simultaneously his justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. They then connect the death and resurrection of Christ to the Holy Spirit’s application of his work to individual believers in history. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Durham, James. Commentary on Revelation: Volume 2, Lectures on Chapters 4–11 (Reformation Heritage Books, May 2021). 504 pages. $50.00. Hardcover.Guinness, Os. The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai's Revolutionary Faith and the Future of Freedom (IVP Academic, May 2021). 288 pages. $25.00. Hardcover with jacket.Lynch, Michael J. John Davenant's Hypothetical Universalism: A Defense of Catholic and Reformed Orthodoxy (Oxford Studies in History Theology series) (Oxford University Press, June 2021). 272 pages. $99.00. Hardcover.Hampton, Stephen. Grace and Conformity: The Reformed Conformist Tradition and the Early Stuart Church of England (Oxford Studies in History Theology series) (Oxford University Press, June 2021). 424 pages. $99.00. Hardcover.Bruening, Michael W. Refusing to Kiss the Slipper: Opposition to Calvinism in the Francophone Reformation (Oxford Studies in History Theology series) (Oxford University Press, June 2021). 384 pages. $99.00. Hardcover.Powlison, David. The Pastor as Counselor: The Call for Soul Care (Crossway, June 2021). 80 pages. $7.99. Paperback.Drake, K. J. The Flesh of the Word: The extra Calvinisticum from Zwingli to Early Orthodoxy (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology series) (Oxford, June 2021). 328 pages. $99.00. Hardcover.Rhodes, Jonty. Man of Sorrows, King of Glory: What the Humiliation and Exaltation of Jesus Mean for Us (Crossway, June 2021). 160 pages. $17.99. Paperback.Mezei, Balázs M. et al. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Divine Revelation (Oxford University Press, June 2021). 736 pages. $145.00. Hardcover.Steward, Gary Lee. Justifying Revolution: The Early American Clergy and Political Resistance (Oxford University Press, June 2021). 224 pages. $74.00. Hardcover. Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha
We turn to pages 255–256 of Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider the ways in which the Old Testament prophets use anthropomorphism to describe God. The “emotional” or “affectional” dispositions of Jehovah's nature is the next set of attributes. He says, as a guiding principle, “we are here in a sphere full of anthropomorphism” and says that “an anthropomorphism” is never without an “inner core of important truth” that “must be translated into more theological language” where we can “enrich our knowledge of God” (255). Vos makes an absolutely critical observation here that needs sustained attention to the theological issues he raises here. They are as important in our day as in Vos' if not more so. Anthropomorphic language ascribes the qualities of the creature to God’s acts in time. But such language is never intended by Reformed theologians to be taken in a univocal way, as though God literally possesses creaturely qualities. God's acts in time do not require him to be temporal.God acts in the contingent historical order of creation do not require him to be contingent and historical.God's acts in relation to mutable and passible creatures do not require that he be mutable and passible like the creature.There is no point of univocity between the Creator and the creature—no mutual sharing in mutability and temporality. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
DeYoung, Kevin. Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction (Crossway, April 2021). 176 pages. $19.99. Paperback.Gronewoller, Brian. Rhetorical Economy in Augustine's Theology (Oxford University Press, April 2021). From the Oxford Studies in Historical Theology series. 224 pages. $99.00. Hardcover.Tripp, Paul David. Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make (Crossway, April 2021). 384 pages. $24.99. Hardcover with jacket.Kruger, Michael J. Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College (Crossway, April 2021). 272 pages. $16.99. Paperback.Gallagher, Robert L. and Smither, Edward L. Sixteenth Century Mission: Explorations in Protestant and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice (Lexham, April 2021). From the Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology series. 504 pages. $29.99. Paperback.Crisler, Channing L. and Plummer, Robert L. Always Reforming: Reflections on Martin Luther and Biblical Studies (Lexham, April 2021). From the Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology series. 344 pages. $29.99. Paperback.Plumer et al. The Pastor, His Call, Character and Work (Banner of Truth, 2021). Written by faculty and friends of Old Princeton with an introduction by Sinclair Ferguson. 272 pages. $20.00. Hardcover.Jamieson, R. B. The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in the Epistle to the Hebrews (IVP Academic, May 2021). From the Studies in Christian and Doctrine Series. 240 pages. $30.00. Paperback.Helopoulos, Jason. The Promise: The Amazing Story of our Long-Awaited Savior (Crossway, May 2021). 64 pages. $15.99. Hardcover with jacket. Illustrated by Rommel Ruiz.Timmer, Daniel C. Obadiah, Jonah and Micah: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Vol 26) (IVP Academic, May 2021). 272 pages. $25.00. Paperback. Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha
Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton discuss Lefferts A. Loetscher, The Broadening Church: A Study of Theological Issues in the Presbyterian Church Since 1869 (University of Pennsylvania Press, 1954). This book is indispensable as a thoughtful and well-researched rationale for the reorganization of Princeton Seminary in 1929. It is a history told from the perspective of the mediating conservatives, who viewed Machen and other fundamentalists as “extreme conservatives.” From the Publisher: The far-reaching social and intellectual changes in the United States since the Civil War have had a definite effect upon the religious thought of American churches. In this volume, a distinguished scholar and theologian has undertaken an inductive study of theological issues in one of the major denominations, the Presbyterian church in the United States of America. Since this church was in the thick of the social and intellectual ferment that changed the living and thinking habits of Americans, much that transpired in it finds broad parallels in other leading American churches. Thus, the story of the Presbyterian church is, in essence, a kind of theological barometer of American history. Avoiding sweeping generalizations, Lefferts A. Loetscher briefly traces the history of the Presbyterian church from its founding by New England Puritans on Long Island in the 1640s to the disruption of 1837 and the “wedding day” of Old School and New School Presbyterians in 1870, following the reunion of 1869. From this point, he examines in detail the development of the church, analyzing the controversies that occurred over the years, interpreting the various theological issues that led to disputes. Lefferts A. Loetscher was Professor Emeritus of American Church History at Princeton University. He is the author of A Brief History of the Presbyterians. Links George M. Marsden, Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New EvangelicalismLane G. Tipton and Jeffrey C. Waddington, eds. Resurrection and Eschatology: Essays in Honor of Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
Jim Cassidy reviews Scott Swain, The Trinity: An Introduction (Crossway) From the Publisher The Trinity is one of the most essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The eternal God existing as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Spirit—can be difficult to comprehend. While Christians often struggle to find the right words to describe this union, the Bible gives clarity concerning the triune God's being and activity in nature (creation), grace (redemption), and glory (reward). In this concise volume, theologian Scott Swain examines the doctrine of the Trinity, presenting its biblical foundations, systematic-theological structure, and practical relevance for the church today. Scott R. Swain (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) serves as president and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is the author or editor of several books, including The God of the Gospel and Retrieving Eternal Generation. Scott and his wife, Leigh, reside in Orlando, Florida, with their four children. Swain is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
Jim Cassidy reviews Gerald Bray, The Attributes of God: An Introduction (Crossway) From the Publisher How can we (created beings) know God (the Creator)? Throughout history, the church has recognized the importance of studying and understanding God's attributes. As the Creator of all things, God is unique and cannot be compared to any of his creatures, so to know him, believers turn to the pages of Scripture. In The Attributes of God, renowned theologian Gerald Bray leads us on an exploration of God's being, his essential attributes, his relational attributes, and the relevance of his attributes to our thinking, lives, and worship. As we better understand God's attributes, we will learn to delight in who God is and how he has made himself known to us in Scripture. Gerald Bray (DLitt, University of Paris-Sorbonne) is research professor at Beeson Divinity School and director of research for the Latimer Trust. He is a prolific writer and has authored or edited numerous books, including The Doctrine of God; Biblical Interpretation; God Is Love; and God Has Spoken. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
The main events of the Diet of Worms relating to Luther took place from 16 to 18 April 1521. This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Diet of Worms, and on this occasion, we welcome Dr. Herman Selderhuis to rehearse the events of the diet and share his thoughts about its enduring significance for the church. The Diet of Worms of 1521 was a formal deliberative assembly of the Holy Roman Empire called by Emperor Charles V and conducted in the city of Worms. Martin Luther was summoned to the Diet in order to renounce or reaffirm his views in response to a Papal bull of Pope Leo X. Luther defended these views and refused to recant them. At the end of the Diet, the Emperor issued the Edict of Worms, condemning Luther and banning citizens from propagating his ideas. Dr. Herman Selderhuis is Professor of church history and church polity at the Theological University of Apeldoorn and President of the REFORC (Reformation Research Consortium). He is the author or editor of several books: Martin Luther: A Spiritual Biography (Crossway, 2017)John Calvin: A Pilgrim's Life (IVP Academic, 2009)The Calvin Handbook (editor) (Eerdmans, 2009)Calvin's Theology of the Psalms (Baker Academic, 2007)Handbook of Dutch Church History (editor) (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2014)A Companion to Reformed Orthodoxy (editor) (Brill, 2013) Participants: Camden Bucey, Herman Selderhuis
The following books are on our radar for April 15, 2021. Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ from Leviticus: Foundations for Expository Sermons (Eerdmans, March 2021). 344 pages. $35.00. Paperback.Ryken, Leland and Mathes, Glenda Faye. Recovering the Lost Art of Reading: A Quest for the Good, the True, and the Beautiful (Crossway, March 2021). 304 pages. 21.99. Paperback.Bredenhof, Reuben. Weak Pastor, Strong Christ: Developing a Christ-Shaped Gospel Ministry (Reformation Heritage Books, March 2021). 144 pages. $14.00. Paperback.Tietz, Christiane. Karl Barth: A Life of Conflict (Oxford University Press, April 2021). 448 pages. $32.95. Hardcover.Baucham Jr., Voddie T. Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe (Salem, April 2021). 270 pages. $24.99. Hardcover with jacket.Levering, Matthew & Plested, Marcus. The Oxford Handbook of the Reception of Aquinas (Oxford University Press, March 2021). 856 pages. $165.00. Hardcover.Nichols, Stephen J. R. C. Sproul: A Life (Crossway, March 2021). 400 pages. $34.99. Hardcover with jacket. Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha
We pick up on our conversation from episode 655 with Jeremy Boothy on covenant theology in the book of Hebrews by focusing upon Vos's Triangle and the heavenly-centered understanding of typology expressed by the author of Hebrews. This leads us to discuss a redemptive-historical hermeneutic as well as the nature of new covenant membership in our present covenant-historical era. Rev. Boothy is pastor of Christ Covenant OPC in Amarillo, Texas. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeremy Boothby
The following books are on our radar for April 8, 2021. Barrett, Matthew. Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit (Baker, March 2021). 368 pages. $24.99. Paperback. Van Dam, Cornelis. In the Beginning: Listening to Genesis 1 and 2 (Reformation Heritage Books, March 2021) 384 pages. $30.00. Hardcover.Gribben, Crawford. Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest (Oxford University Press, March 2021). 224 pages. $29.95. Hardcover. Kuhn, Chase R. and Grimmond, Paul. Theology is for Preaching: Biblical Foundations, Method and Practice (Lexham, March 2021). From the Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology series. 416 pages. $29.99. Paperback.Piper, John. Providence (Crossway, March 2021). 752 pages. $39.99. Hardcover. Waltke, Bruce and Ivan D. De Silva. Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary (Eerdmans, March 2021). 500 pages. $38.00. Paperback. Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha
We turn to pages 250–255 of Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider God's righteousness—particularly as it is revealed during the time of the Old Testament prophets. Vos speaks of God's righteousness as “midway between the transcendental and communicative attributes” (250). God is the righteous judge. In human terms, a judge is righteous because he adheres strictly to the standard or law over him. How does this apply to God, who has no standard or law above him? “Underlying the decisions of Jehovah lies His nature” (251). The law is righteous because it is based upon God’s nature, not the other way around. Vos speaks of God’s forensic or judicial righteousness branching out in several directions, as a righteousness of cognizance, retribution, vindication, salvation, and benevolence. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
These are the books on our radar for April 1, 2021. Kuyper, Abraham. On Business and Economics (Lexham; Acton Institute, February 2021). From the Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology series. 192 pages. $29.99. Hardcover with jacket.Selvaggio, Anthony T. Considering Job: Reconciling Sovereignty and Suffering (Reformation Heritage Books, February 2021). 184 pages. $14.00. Paperback.Carr, Simonetta. Questions Women Asked: Historical Issues, Timeless Answers (Reformation Heritage Books, February 2021). 240 pages. $18.00. Paperback.Balserak, John. A Companion to the Reformation in Geneva (Brill's Companions to the Christian Tradition, Volume 96) (Brill, February 2021). 478 pages. $222.00. Hardcover.Sweeney, Douglas A. and Jan Stievermann (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Jonathan Edwards (Oxford University Press, February 2021). 608 pages. $145.00. Hardcover.Dodson, Rhett P. With a Mighty Triumph: Christ's Resurrection and Ours (Banner of Truth, February 2021). 159 pages. $10.00. Paperback.Wellum, Stephen J. The Person of Christ (Crossway, Feb 2021). Short Studies in Systematic Theology series. 208 pages. $18.99. Paperback. Participants: Camden Bucey, Ryan Noha