presbycast

In a joint effort with Sean Morris of the Larger for Life podcast we interview Rev. Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, the foremost living authority on the Westminster Standards, at the 2023 Reformation and Worship Conference in Powder Springs, GA. You are guaranteed to learn new things about the history of the Assembly and you'll enjoy his stories of ecclesial sleuthing in England and Scotland, including the dusty corners of Westminster Abbey itself.

Our quick first show from the Reformation Worship Conference at Midway PCA in Powder Springs, GA features our friends Sean Morris, Zack Groff, and Ryan Biese...together in the flesh (but tastefully dressed) for the first time. A great benefit of this show was to figure out that our wireless mics were failing...so we'll know better for upcoming shows. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqlI233seVY

We join pastor Sean Morris as he preaches through the book of Exodus at chapter 20, verse 8-11, the Fourth Commandment. This sermon was preached on 10/15/2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN where he serves as associate pastor. Morris attended Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, earning his BA in Biblical and Religious Studies (2010), later earning his MDiv from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi (2014) and his MTh from the University of Glasgow (2019). Morris is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, and the Scottish Evangelical Theological Society. Additionally, he served as an Honors Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Academic Dean and the Chancellor during his time at RTS and has also taught at several seminaries and pastoral training centers in Asia and Africa. He is presently pursuing his PhD in Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Preliminary! Principles! Preliminary Principles! No, really...we discuss the foundations of PCA church government, the limits on church power, and the rights of church members with Jared Nelson and Ben Ratliff of the Polity Matters podcast. Presbygirl Zoe fills in for Wresby as co-host. Watch: https://youtu.be/jNw9tRMocRY

We join pastor Sean Morris as he preaches through the book of Exodus at chapter 20, verse 7, the Third Commandment. This sermon was preached on 10/08/2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN where he serves as associate pastor. Morris attended Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, earning his BA in Biblical and Religious Studies (2010), later earning his MDiv from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi (2014) and his MTh from the University of Glasgow (2019). Morris is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, and the Scottish Evangelical Theological Society. Additionally, he served as an Honors Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Academic Dean and the Chancellor during his time at RTS and has also taught at several seminaries and pastoral training centers in Asia and Africa. He is presently pursuing his PhD in Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Presbycast has passed the 500-show mark a little more than 7 years into its existence. We are joined by some of our most special friends, including D.G Hart, R. Scott Clark, Zoe, Amish Ambush, and Chris Drew. Hear clips from our first show and a couple of our most significant or notorious shows. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jdeH8XnOdo

We join pastor Sean Morris as he preaches through the book of Exodus at chapter 20, verses 4-6, the Second Commandment. This sermon was preached on 10/01/2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN where he serves as associate pastor. Morris attended Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, earning his BA in Biblical and Religious Studies (2010), later earning his MDiv from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi (2014) and his MTh from the University of Glasgow (2019). Morris is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, and the Scottish Evangelical Theological Society. Additionally, he served as an Honors Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Academic Dean and the Chancellor during his time at RTS and has also taught at several seminaries and pastoral training centers in Asia and Africa. He is presently pursuing his PhD in Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

We'll soon celebrate 500+ episodes and what better way to warm up than with 29 tunes from the Presbycast bumper music vinyl vault? Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/Sf2OfMobVdg?si=G31Ch6f_vSEDmx9l

We are joined by RPCNA minister Dr. Frank Smith (formerly PCA) and PCA ministers Philip Ryan and Zack Groff for a wide-ranging discussion of PCA history and issues plus Dr. Smith's inner-city ministry at Atlanta Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA). Among Dr. Smith's books are The History of the Presbyterian Church in America: The Silver Anniversary Edition; Worship in the Presence of God (co-editor and contributor); and Tales from the City: Real Stories of Urban Christian Ministry (editor), which detailed the ministry of an interdenominational, multi-ethnic group in Atlanta. His recent articles have focused on the history of science and the doctrine of worship. Dr. Smith is the Founding Editor of Presbyterian International News Service (PINS) and is a Contributing Editor for The Confessional Presbyterian, a scholarly journal. Philip Ryan is a PCA Teaching Elder serving as Assistant Pastor of Discipleship at The Kirk Presbyterian (PCA) in Savannah, GA. Zachary Groff pastors Antioch Presbyterian Church of Woodruff, South Carolina and works with both the Presbyterian Polity blog and the Confessional Presbyterian Journal. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6byWsLglQwU

URCNA pastors Dr. Dan Borvan and Simon Jooste join us to talk about a new addition to the United Reformed Churches in North America...in South Africa. Simon pastors the congregation in the southern suburbs of Capetown, an environment quite unlike any in the USA or possibly anywhere in the Western world. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvWqwTwvek

We join pastor Sean Morris as he preaches through the book of Exodus at chapter 20, verses 1-3, the three uses of God's Law and the First Commandment. This sermon was preached on 9/17/2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA), Oak Ridge, TN where he serves as associate pastor. He attended Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, earning his BA in Biblical and Religious Studies (2010), later earning his MDiv from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi (2014) and his MTh from the University of Glasgow (2019). Morris is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, and the Scottish Evangelical Theological Society. Additionally, he served as an Honors Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Academic Dean and the Chancellor during his time at RTS and has also taught at several seminaries and pastoral training centers in Asia and Africa. He is presently pursuing his PhD in Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Our guest to talk about the Trinity Psalter Hymnal is Danny E. Olinger, general secretary The Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Rev. Olinger has been involved with this important project since its beginning. Learn more here: https://www.trinitypsalterhymnal.org/ Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGEdxT8fDeU

Dr. Dan Borvan speaks about the French Huguenots' persecution and piety in the 16th and 17th centuries and what the 21st church might learn from them. This address was delivered recently at the Christianity and Liberal Democracy: Common and Separate conference at Reformed Church Southern Suburbs in Rondebosch/Capetown, South Africa. The congregation is a part of the United Reformed Churches in North America. Learn more: https://rcsasouthernsuburbs.com/ The Psalm sung at the beginning and end of the episode is number 137 from the Genevan Psalter. It has a homophonic beginning (as was favored in Geneva) and then is sung in parts, the style of the Huguenots, at least for parlor/recreational settings. https://www.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Etans_assis_aux_rives_aquatiques_(Claude_Goudimel)

Dr. C.N. "Nick" Willborn of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Oak Ridge, TN delivered this sermon on the Lord's Supper from 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 on September 3, 2023. https://www.covenant-pca.com/

Machen biographer Dr. D.G. Hart of Hillsdale College to talk about the commemorations, assessments, and legacy of J. Gresham Machen in this the 100th anniversary of the book Christianity and Liberalism. Hart's article we discussed: https://oldlife.org/2013/09/20/machen-chance-blew/ Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT1HVT6NFbE

Pastors and purveyors of PCA polity Scott Edburg, Jared Nelson, and Ben Ratliff join us to explain their new podcast "Polity Matters" and why the show subject (presbyterian church government) is worth hundreds of hours of talk time. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzv1PhgPCWQ&t=1s

Sarah and Zoe (the Presbygirls) grace us with their presence to discuss encroaching egalitarianism in the evangelical world, the importance of office and ordination, and what church women really want. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI8ejYyWhD0

Presbyterian-turned-ACNA Dr. Miles Smith IV joins us to talk all things Anglican. It's good to understand our strange ecclesial cousins whose churches have become somewhat popular destinations for those leaving the presbyterian and evangelical orbits. And talking about another communion's problems and history can help us understand our own. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0AqqpmjQ44

Dr. Duncan Rankin, pastors Sean Morris and Zach Groff, and data man Justin Andrusk join us to talk about the decline of the evening worship service in presbyterian churches (particularly in the PCA), the great blessing of the second service, and practical suggestions for structuring and implementing second services. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZhHez2whYg

Ten friends join us to tell how they became Reforned and/or Presbyterian and why they are happy they did. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBK4P_AvQOQ

Dr. C.N. Willborn preached this sermon about Jesus and the Lord's Day from John 20:19-31 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN on 7/23/2023. Dr. Willborn calls special attention to the importance this passage places on the "8th day," the then-new Christian Sabbath.

PCA pastor and former professional parliamentarian Jacob Gerber and his publisher Zack Groff join us to discuss the new publication Parliamentary Procedures for Presbyters, A Beginner's Guide - available for purchase at https://heritagebooks.org/products/parliamentary-procedure-for-presbyters-a-beginners-guide-gerber.html Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VrHeOCEwNk

OPC minister Chris Drew helps us work through chapter 14 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Of Saving Faith. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrj7qNA5Aic Text of chapter 14: Of Saving Faith 1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. 2. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. 3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory: growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance, through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Pastor Ryan Biese reads his Substack article Addressing Abuse & Defending the Bride.https://rfbwcf.substack.com/p/addressing-abuse-and-defending-the

Sarah and Zoe are joined by pastors Matt Adams and Jared Nelson to talk about Thomas Watson, Chrysostom, and other church fathers on biblical gender roles in theory and practice. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnwmGyn7OeA

Dr. D.G. Hart of Hillsdale College joins us to talk about patriotism, nationalism, political history and philosophy, and Christianity on America's high holy day, the 4th of July. Pastor Stephen Spinnenweber dropped in as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO3TVYA8anQ

Two OPC pastors and a PCA ruling elder and teaching elder join us to talk about the differences and similarities between two denominations "divided by a common confession." Jim Cassidy, Chris Drew, Joshua Torrey, and Ryan Biese were our guests. Most of us attended (or watched) at least one general assembly in the past month. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT4Wnc74_XE

Here's an extended version (recorded the day after the assembly concluded) of Dr. O. Palmer Robertson's message to the PCA on the occasion of her 50th anniversary. Dr. Robertson had delivered a briefer version at an assembly-wide seminar on June 13, 2023. Thanks to our own Zoe Miller for recording these remarks and to Dr. Robertson for sharing them. Because of positive audience reaction, we have included introductory and concluding remarks from our host and panel (Zoe Miller, and pastors Ryan Biese and Zack Groff) as well. You may view Dr. Robertson's shorter GA presentation here: https://youtu.be/XgO2dk41TqU?t=173 View the Presbycast live video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFTjBh6x7_U

We wrap up the historic Anniversary PCA General Assembly with esteemed ruling elder Mel Duncan AND the Presbygirls AND their pastor husbands! What a show! Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEIgTi3g3yc

Ruling elders Matt Fender and Charlie Nave, and teaching elder Zack Groff join us to review the high points of day two of the PCA General Assembly. And brace yourself for a special live musical performance of a PCA-related instant classic. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5d7Gl41vAw

A great panel of a two ruling elders and one pastor (all members of the PCA General Assembly Overtures Committee) join us to rundown the first day of the 2023 assembly. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4jy5t7yFR0

With permission from the PCA Historical Center we provide this recording of the first hour and a half of the first PCA General Assembly in 1973. The greater portion is an address by convener/moderator Jack Williamson (a ruling elder and attorney), the text of which can be found here with other addresses from this historic assembly. (First published February 12, 2021) https://pcahistory.org/pca/ga/index.html https://www.pcahistory.org/pca/ga/1st_pcaga_addresses.pdf

Sarah and Zoe are joined by honorary third Presbygirls TE Sean Morris and TE Stephen Spinnenweber for a discussion on women, the pastorate, and creation ordinances. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkX-8N3eeNk

Eminent church historian Dr. Nick Willborn helps explore the roots and founding of the Presbyterian Church in America. Dr. Willborn has been senior pastor of Covenant PCA in Oak Ridge, TN since 2009, and is an author, editor, and veteran professor of church history and historical theology. Links to other shows with Dr. Willborn and/or about the PCA's founding here: https://presbycast.substack.com/p/the-genealogy-of-the-pca

Brad Isbell covers the main section of J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism. This is part 6 of 6 weekly installments in a series of Machen lectures from Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN.

PCA ruling elder and data guy Matthew Lee joins us to analyze some of last year's PCAGA voting and to preview the prospects of some overtures at this year's assembly. We also talked about an overture that would bring order to ordination and titles of office in the PCA. This was a fairly visual episode -- you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzjmGxmrl8g Read Matt's article here: https://theaquilareport.com/final-tally-from-pca-presbyteries-on-overture-15/ See the titles overture here: https://pcaga.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Overture-26-NWGA-BCO-7-3.pdf Read Brad's article here: https://pcapolity.com/2023/05/31/pca-officers-their-pronouns/

PCA teaching elder and seminary professor Dr. Carlton Wynne joins us to consider the topic of his recent Reformed Forum article Machen and the PCA Today. Read the article here: https://reformedforum.org/machen-and-the-pca-today/ Be sure to subscribe at Reformed Forum! Watch our discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov51DTuxXCc

Brad Isbell covers the introduction of J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism. This is part 5 of 6 weekly installments in a series of Machen lectures from Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN.

This installment of our 6-part series covers Machen's post-WW1 fight of faith.

A diverse array of PCA elders joined us to discuss the overtures submitted to the 2023 PCA General Assembly. Our intro and outro music came from parts unknown—two very unofficial viral parody songs about the PCA now sweeping the interwebs. See all the overtures here: https://pcaga.org/resources/#overtures Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz2BXaG75zM

Rosaria Butterfield graciously returns to bless us with a frank discussion about public repentance, transgender pronouns, and the ever-increasing fallout from radical gender ideology - and the Christian response. Rosaria's recent article explaining new convictions on pronoun hospitality can be found here: https://www.reformation21.org/blog/why-i-no-longer-use-transgender-pronouns-and-why-you-shouldnt-either

Pastor Sean Morris talks about J. Gresham Machen's life from his birth in 1881 until the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914. This is part 3 of 6 weekly installments in a series of Machen lectures from Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN.

Dr. Nick Willborn talks about the Presbyterian/Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy (in which J. Greshan Machen played so great a part) and some of the major figures and events of the era. This is part 2 of 6 weekly installments in a series of Machen lectures from Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN.

Dr. Nick Willborn outlines the historical context that informed the Presbyterian/Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy in which J. Greshan Machen played so great a part. This is part 1 of 6 weekly installments in a series of Machen lectures from Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, TN.

PCA teaching elder Rich S. Brown III joins for a wide-ranging discussion of J. Gresham Machen, the subject of Brown's new book The Life I Now Live. More info here: Rich S. Brown III (richsbrown3.com) Watch: https://youtube.com/live/5Q5TWF56npI

Five young pastors join us to discuss the importance of the Lord's Day, its decline in the US, a current Supreme Court case concerning Sunday work, and the many pastoral implications associated with high regard for the Lord's Day. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZGeCU3k82I

Dr. Nick Willborn helps explore US presbyterian history from 1706 to the middle of the 20th century as we trace the roots of the Presbyterian Church in America, a denomination that turns 50 this year. This is the first of two parts, the next of which will examine the genesis and early years of the PCA. Dr. Willborn is senior pastor of Covenant PCA in Oak Ridge, TN since 2009 and is an author, editor, and veteran professor of church history and historical theology. Links to other shows with Dr Willborn and about the PCA's founding here: https://presbycast.substack.com/p/the-genealogy-of-the-pca (There is no video of this interview due to technical difficulties)

Sarah Morris leads a discussion of identifying, addressing, and preventing abuse in the church with minister of counseling at First Presbyterian (ARP) Columbia, SC Josh Squires, and pastors R. Scott Clark and Sean Morris. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ws44SlBbVU

A group of PCA pastors join us to offer prayers for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, and the Presbyterian Church in America in the wake of the tragic church school shooting. Article on music for lament: https://rfbwcf.substack.com/p/singing-in-the-face-of-suffering

Leaders of the Gospel Reformation Network join us to talk about the 2023 GRN national conference May 3 and 4 in Charlotte, NC. Jon Payne and Mel Duncan talk about the organization's history, purpose, and future and about the speakers and topics slated for the May conference. Learn more at: GRN National Conference (May 3-4) | Gospel Reformation Network. Get 10% of the registration fee by using the promo code PRESBYCAST. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/9YhwbBR_cys?feature=share