Reformed Forum

In this installment of our Vos Group, we turn to pp. 335–336 of Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to explore the uniquely messianic nature of these temptations, examining how Christ's experiences differ significantly from human temptations. A key theme of this passage is the comparison of Christ's temptation with Adam's, emphasizing Christ's role as the second Adam and the federal head encountering temptation. Vos warns against a moralizing interpretation of the temptations, instead focusing on their theocentric character and their relation to true religion. The episode further explores the role of the Holy Spirit in these temptations, particularly in empowering Christ and highlighting the inauguration of the kingdom of God. The discussion is rich in its exploration of redemptive history, connecting Christ's temptations to the broader biblical narrative, from Adam's failure to Israel's typological sonship, leading to Christ's successful fulfillment as the obedient Son of God. This comprehensive analysis aims to deepen understanding of Christ's work and encourages listeners to appreciate the significance of these biblical events in the context of the entire history of salvation​​.

Join us on this week's episode as we speak with Fred Greco, pastor of Christ Church in Katy, Texas. He is a trusted authority on parliamentary procedure and church polity and moderator of the PCA's 50th General Assembly. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, alongside his wife, Deb, Fred's academic journey in Classics and History from the University of Buffalo paved the way to a career in law after acquiring his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. As a corporate attorney specializing in commercial finance and real estate law in Cleveland, Ohio, Fred's life took an interesting turn when he was ordained as a ruling elder in the PCA, sparking his transition from business to the pulpit. The call to ministry led him and his family to the heart of Texas, where he now serves as the Senior Pastor of Christ Church. In this episode, we'll explore Rev. Greco's rich life experiences, from his expertise in law to his heart for ministry. We'll explore the relationship between his legal training and his ecclesiastical service, and how this unique background informs his understanding of governance within the church.

In part one of Paul's Prayer, we will examine how the apostle Paul prays for the Spirit to be at work so that Christians can know God more. Paul's thankfulness for the believers at Ephesus moves him to constant prayer that God would soften their hearts and open their eyes to hear and believe the gospel. This should be our burden in prayer: that we would know God more.

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 through the Old and New Testaments, showing how the priesthood develops from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament to the royal priesthood in Christ, 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. 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.

Jacob expects a conflict with Esau but instead ends up wrestling with an unknown assailant, who can clearly best him at any moment. But when that moment comes, Jacob will not release his hold until he receives a blessing. The content of that blessing points to the God who will not forsake Jacob and will fulfill his covenant promises.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary. Camden Bucey engages Dr. Harmon in an exploration of his book, The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People, which explores the theme of servanthood across the biblical canon, offering insightful perspectives on this pervasive and significant motif​​. During the episode, Dr. Harmon surveys several key biblical figures identified as servants of the Lord, including Adam, Moses, Joshua, David, and Jesus. The conversation also touches upon the New Testament, specifically Paul's self-identification with the servant of the Lord described in Isaiah. Dr. Harmon elucidates how Paul, and by extension, the Christian church, embody this servant role through Christ's indwelling, thereby continuing the mission of revealing God's glory to the ends of the earth​​. This episode promises to offer listeners profound insights into the biblical concept of servanthood and its implications for understanding both the Old and New Testaments, as well as its relevance for the Christian life today. Links Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration The Various and Sundry Podcast Biblical Theology Briefing Podcast

Since 2008, we have been taking time around New Year's Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year. We have several great clips lined up for you today. The Top Episodes of 2023 (by YouTube views) Dan Ragusa — Preterism and 2 Peter 3 (YouTube) Gray Sutanto and Cory Brock — A Theological Introduction to Neo-Calvinism (YouTube) Greg Beale — The New Testament Use of the Old Testament (YouTube) Carlton Wynne — Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion (YouTube) Camden Bucey — The Importance of Cornelius Van Til for Today (YouTube) Jim Cassidy — Introducing and Interpreting Karl Barth (YouTube) Danny Olinger — Christianity and Liberalism: Introduction (YouTube) Lane Tipton — Exitus and Reditus in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas (YouTube) Jonathan Master — Reformed Theology (YouTube) Michael Beck — Covenant Theology and Cultural Engagement in the Thought of Meredith G. Kline(YouTube)

For our Eighth Annual Christmas Special, Rob and Bob are here to bring you Christmas cheer with our annual Christmas silliness. This year we laugh about Christmas delicacies and the weird things we do at this season of the year ". . . because it's Christm

Join us in this episode of Christ the Center, where host Camden Bucey engages in a free-flowing yet thoughtful discussion with Dr. Owen Anderson, philosopher and professor of religious studies at Arizona State University and pastor of Historic Christian Church in Phoenix. The conversation centers around the nuanced relationship between philosophy, religion, and the concept of free speech within academia and broader American culture. The episode explores the current state of freedom of speech in higher education, highlighting its importance and the obstacles it faces today. Dr. Anderson shares his views on the roles of natural and revealed religion in American philosophical and legal traditions, and how these ideas have influenced the country's development. Listeners will also appreciate the exploration of Common Sense Realism and its impact on the ideological framework of the American Founding Fathers. This episode provides a reflective look into the challenges of articulating and understanding truth in an increasingly complex age. Listen in for a conversation that offers insightful perspectives on the intersections of philosophy, religion, and free speech in the modern era. Links Dr. Owen Anderson on Substack The Cambridge Companion to the First Amendment and Religious Liberty FIRE's Guide to Free Speech on Campus

In this episode, we're excited to unveil the inaugural lesson of our new series, exploring the profound depths of the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible. Under the able guidance of Dr. Mark Winder, we'll embark on an enlightening journey through six comprehensive, yet accessible, biblical-theological lessons, offering fresh insights into this foundational portion of Scripture. As we introduce this captivating course, join Ryan Noha and Camden Bucey for a reflective update on our year-end projects. We also extend a heartfelt invitation to support our mission through the 'Planting for the Future' campaign. Your generous contributions are pivotal in helping Reformed Forum continue to offer an array of free, high-quality Reformed theological resources to a global audience. Discover more and contribute to our cause at Reformed Forum's donation page (https://www.reformedforum.org/donate).

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof's little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We turn to chapter XX, "Conversion: Repentance & Faith." This week we continue our discussion how Berkhof addre

In this installment of Vos Group, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 330–333 of Geerhardus Vos' book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos focuses on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, a pivotal event in the Gospels. Vos examines various interpretations and challenges to the historicity and objectivity of this event, discussing theories that view it as mythological or parabolic. He argues for its historical and objective reality, using scriptural references such as Matthew 12:29 to support his view. Vos emphasizes the dual nature of the event as both a temptation by Satan and a probation by God, underscoring its importance in the Messianic mission of Jesus. He contrasts this with the temptation of Adam in Genesis, noting differences in their respective contexts and purposes. Vos also explores the implications of the event on the understanding of Jesus' sinlessness and His role in atonement. Throughout, he maintains a theological perspective that situates the temptation within the broader narrative of redemption and Christ's mission.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Bob returns to a reading of Geerhardus Vos's 1903 book, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapter 8, "The Essence of the Kingdom continued: The Kingdom as a State of Bl

In this episode, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy dive into a variety of topics answering questions submitted by listeners and viewers of the program. Topics covered range from theological discussions, such as the role of Jesus' intercession for the elect and non-elect within the visible church​​, to historical and exegetical considerations, like the understanding of the Old Covenant as the Mosaic administration of the covenant of grace​​.

Dr. Michael Beck joins us to speak about his book, Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary: A Dialectic Inquiry Concerning Meredith Kline and the Reformed Two-Kingdom Project (Wipf and Stock), which is a theological exploration of the ideas of Meredith Kline and their impact on the Reformed Two-Kingdom Project. The book provides a literature review of relevant works on the topic and highlights the broader universe of discourse in which this study exists. In the book and in this conversation, Dr. Beck offers a unique analysis of Kline's theology and its practical implications for contemporary Christian life and practice. Michael Beck is a pastor at Gracenet Community Church as well as a lecturer of Old Testament and biblical theology at Grace Theological College (New Zealand). Dr. Beck earned his PhD from the South African Theological Seminary Michael also co-hosts the Two-Age Sojourner podcast.

In this installment of Vos Group, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 322–329 of Geerhardus Vos' book, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. In this section, Vos discusses John's testimony of Jesus after his baptism. The testimony of John the Baptist as depicted in the Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus' unique divine nature and eternal preexistence, distinguishing him from all others in redemptive history. This underlines John's role as the one preparing the way for Jesus, who fulfills Old Testament prophecies as the sacrificial Lamb of God. It also highlights the immutable deity of Christ, who, despite his incarnation, remains unchanged in his divine essence. The narrative showcases Jesus' baptism as an act of vicarious repentance and affirms his authority to bestow the Spirit, underscoring the theological depth of his identity and mission as witnessed by John the Baptist.

In the latest episode of Christ the Center, we explore the fascinating intersection of science, faith, and philosophy through the life and contributions of Robert Boyle, the seventeenth-century chemist often dubbed the father of modern chemistry. Our guest, Dr. Edward B. Davis, Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at Messiah University, shares his extensive knowledge on Boyle's experiments, the development of Boyle's Law, and the broader implications of Boyle's work on the relationship between emerging scientific disciplines and religious thought. We also delve into the historical context of Boyle's era, his influence on the mechanical philosophy, and how his devout Anglican faith shaped his understanding of the natural world. Listen as we explore the complex relationship of how scientific inquiry and religious belief have related throughout history. Edward B. Davis on ResearchGate Robert Boyle, the Bible, and Natural Philosophy

What is a Christian to do with the imprecatory Psalms? Are they to be read and sung today, and if so, with what understanding? Jim Cassidy talks about how to situate the Psalms within their redemptive-historical context, instead of reading them in the abstract.

After recording a course on the subject for Reformed Academy, Dr. Carlton Wynne comes to the podcast studio to discuss John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. Topics covered include Calvin's theology, the right ordering of knowledge, general and special revelation, the effects of the fall on human reasoning, natural theology, and comparisons to the thought of Thomas Aquinas and Cornelius Van Til. Carlton also shares about his experience as a pastor-theologian and his talk on maintaining true religion in a modernist world at the recent Reformation Worship Conference. The conversation touches on the legacy of J. Gresham Machen and the need for the church to guard the good deposit of faith.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their discussion of the future of Israel? With geopolitical affairs in the Middle East as they are currently and the end times speculations that arise and questions as to how Christians should think of the nation-state of Israel, we discuss the promises regarding the land of Israel, Israel as a nation, the promises to Abraham and his seed, that is Christ, and Romans 11.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue their discussion of the future of Israel? With geopolitical affairs in the Middle East as they are currently and the end times speculations that arise and questions as to how Christians should think of the nation-state of Israel, we discuss the promises regarding the land of Israel, Israel as a nation, the promises to Abraham and his seed, that is Christ, and Romans 11.

Ryan Noha and Camden Bucey offer an update regarding several projects and initiatives at Reformed Forum including the launch of Kevin Chiarot's course on 1 Peter. We include the first lesson of the course, which is available for free on reformedforum.org and on YouTube. In the first lesson, Dr. Chiarot teaches on the elect exiles Peter addresses in 1 Peter 1:1–2.

Dr. D. G. Hart lectured at the Reformed Forum Theology Conference held at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois on October 7, 2023. The conference theme was "100 Years of Christianity and Liberalism: J. Gresham Machen's Theological Legacy." The occasion was the one-hundredth anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism. Conference speakers Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and D. G. Hart took the opportunity to consider Machen's unique contributions by exploring several covenantal, eschatological, and historical themes that intersect with his work. Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/rf23 for more information about the event. This lecture is made available for free through the generous support of Harvest USA. Harvest USA's purpose is to partner with and equip the Church in bringing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin. Please visit https://harvestusa.org/ for more information.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the future of Israel? With geopolitical affairs in the Middle East as they are currently and the end times speculations that arise and questions as to how Christians should think of the nation-sta

Dr. Lane Tipton lectured at the Reformed Forum Theology Conference held at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois on October 7, 2023. The conference theme was "100 Years of Christianity and Liberalism: J. Gresham Machen's Theological Legacy." The occasion was the one-hundredth anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism. Conference speakers Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and D. G. Hart took the opportunity to consider Machen's unique contributions by exploring several covenantal, eschatological, and historical themes that intersect with his work. Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/rf23 for more information about the event. This lecture is made available for free through the generous support of Harvest USA. Harvest USA's purpose is to partner with and equip the Church in bringing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin. Please visit https://harvestusa.org/ for more information.

Dr. Jim Cassidy lectured at the Reformed Forum Theology Conference held at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois on October 7, 2023. The conference theme was "100 Years of Christianity and Liberalism: J. Gresham Machen's Theological Legacy." The occasion was the one-hundredth anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism. Conference speakers Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and D. G. Hart took the opportunity to consider Machen's unique contributions by exploring several covenantal, eschatological, and historical themes that intersect with his work. Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/rf23 for more information about the event. This lecture is made available for free through the generous support of Harvest USA. Harvest USA's purpose is to partner with and equip the Church in bringing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin. Please visit https://harvestusa.org/ for more information.

Dr. Camden Bucey lectured at the Reformed Forum Theology Conference held at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois on October 7, 2023. The conference theme was "100 Years of Christianity and Liberalism: J. Gresham Machen's Theological Legacy." The occasion was the one-hundredth anniversary of the publication of J. Gresham Machen's Christianity and Liberalism. Conference speakers Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and D. G. Hart took the opportunity to consider Machen's unique contributions by exploring several covenantal, eschatological, and historical themes that intersect with his work. Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/rf23 for more information about the event. This lecture is made available for free through the generous support of Harvest USA. Harvest USA's purpose is to partner with and equip the Church in bringing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin. Please visit https://harvestusa.org/ for more information.

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.