This is the home of Reformed Forum’s podcasts—Christ-centered, confessionally Reformed conversations and teaching shaped by redemptive-historical theology. Warm, accessible, and theologically rigorous, our shows aim to equip the global Church toward maturity in Christ—helping listeners trace the unfolding story of redemption in Scripture and find trusted guides along the way.
The Church’s Mission in Global Perspective
Sep 27, 2024
Show notes
In preparation of our upcoming annual theology conference, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy reflect on the global mission of the church through the lens of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). They discuss how Reformed Forum supports the church’s work of making disciples by providing theological resources and education, focusing on the key elements of going, baptizing, and teaching.
Jim shares his experiences teaching in the Philippines and the surprising impact of Reformed Academy on the global Reformed community. The conversation explores the OPC’s approach to foreign and home missions, as well as Christian education, highlighting the importance of building self-sustaining and theologically mature churches around the world. The episode also touches on the need for contextualized, long-term confessional education and how technology is enabling the spread of Reformed theology in various cultural contexts.
Listeners will gain insight into how Reformed Forum serves as a resource for pastors and churches worldwide, including the challenges of foreign missions and the unique role of theological education in shaping the future of the global church.
Join us for this thoughtful discussion on missions, discipleship, and the Great Commission’s enduring relevance.
Christ's Person and Work | The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2) (Lesson 9)
Sep 23, 2024
Show notes
This is the ninth lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 2, Chapters 12–17 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:
0:00 Introduction
2:34 Why the God-Man?
13:08 One Divine Person in Two Natures
23:45 The Three-Fold Office of the Mediator
28:17 Christ's Work of Redemption
Register for this free on-demand course on our website to access supplemental materials, track your progress, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than 20 additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-theology-of-calvins-institutes-books-1-2/
Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/
#johncalvin #calvinism #reformedtheology
Embracing the Imprecatory Psalms
Sep 20, 2024
Show notes
In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Ryan Swale, pastor of Immanuel URC in Jordan, Ontario, to discuss his dissertation, The Imprecatory Pastor: A Practical Theology of the Imprecatory Psalms. Swale challenges the church today to reconsider the often-overlooked imprecatory psalms, which call for divine justice upon enemies. He argues that these psalms are not only permissible for Christians to use but are essential for pastoral ministry. Grounded in the character of God and rooted in biblical promises, Swale shows how these prayers for justice play a vital role in counseling, preaching, prayer, and worship.
Swale explains the theological foundations of imprecatory psalms, demonstrating how both the Old and New Testaments affirm their use. He also explores practical applications for pastors, including how imprecatory psalms can be employed in “liturgical warfare,” apologetics, and pastoral counseling. Swale urges pastors to embrace these psalms as a powerful means of confronting evil and injustice, ultimately leading the church in glorifying God’s justice.
Join us as we explore the biblical and pastoral importance of imprecatory psalms and their role in faithfully navigating a fallen world. Learn more about the powerful place of imprecatory psalms in Christian life and ministry.
Christ and the Law | The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2) (Lesson 8)
Sep 16, 2024
Show notes
This is the eighth lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 2, Chapters 7–11 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:
0:00 Introduction
5:33 The Law of Moses
12:09 Three Uses of the Moral Law
21:09 The Ten Commandments
36:59 Christ-Centered Unity between the Old and New Testaments
40:38 Differences between Old and New Testament Administrations of the Covenant of Grace
Register for this free on-demand course on our website to access supplemental materials, track your progress, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than 20 additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-theology-of-calvins-institutes-books-1-2/
Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/
#johncalvin #calvinism #reformedtheology
Mentioned in this episode:
Christ the Center 1000
Christ the Center 1000
Vos Group — The Christian’s Hope (1 Pet. 1:3–5)
Sep 13, 2024
Show notes
In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey leads a discussion with Lane Tipton and Danny Olinger on Geerhardus Vos’s sermon, “The Christian’s Hope,” from his book Grace and Glory. The group explores the profound eschatological themes of 1 Peter 1:3-5, examining the nature of Christian hope as rooted in the resurrection of Christ and the believer’s heavenly inheritance. They unpack how this hope should shape the Christian life, influencing how we view suffering, earthly success, and our ultimate calling. The conversation highlights how Vos’s insights are still relevant for modern Reformed believers, particularly in a world distracted by temporal concerns. Tune in for a rich discussion on how our eschatological hope fuels a life of faithful pilgrimage toward the new heavens and new earth.
Sin and Its Effects | The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2) (Lesson 7)
Sep 09, 2024
Show notes
This is the seventh lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 2, Chapters 1–6 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:
0:00 Introduction
3:56 Knowing Ourselves as Created and Fallen
8:13 The Fall and Original Sin
20:56 Free Will
26:37 Common Grace
30:24 Repentance and Renewal in Christ
35:31 The Genuine Agency of Satan and Man
Register for this free on-demand course on our website to access supplemental materials, track your progress, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than 20 additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-theology-of-calvins-institutes-books-1-2/
Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/
#johncalvin #calvinism #reformedtheology
Mentioned in this episode:
Christ the Center 1000
Christ the Center 1000
Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”
Sep 06, 2024
Show notes
In Reclaiming the ‘Dark Ages’: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500–1500 (Christian Focus), authors Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert challenge the popular Protestant perception of the Middle Ages as a period of spiritual darkness and theological decay. They argue that this millennium was not devoid of Christian influence and that it produced many significant and influential Christian thinkers.
Wright and Imbert join us to present a more nuanced view of the medieval period, highlighting the spiritual and theological contributions of figures such as Bernard of Clairvaux, Anselm of Canterbury, and John Wycliffe, among others. They emphasize the continuity of orthodox Christian theology and the guiding hand of providence throughout this era, urging modern Christians to appreciate the historical richness and spiritual insights of the Middle Ages.
Iain Wright is pastor of Covenant OPC, Orland Park, Illinois. Yannick Imbert holds the William Edgar Chair of Apologetics at Faculté Jean Calvin, Aix–en–Provence, southern France. He also serves on the theological committee of the National Council of French Evangelicals.
Mark 1:14–45 — What Is the Gospel
Sep 04, 2024
Show notes
There is a transition that occurs between the ministry of John the Baptist and the Ministry of Jesus. John begins to decrease, and Jesus begins to increase. The Lord Jesus teaches and shows what the gospel is by his words and actions. We see how Jesus himself is the subject matter of the good news—the gospel, and his words and actions reveal the nature of the kingdom.
God and His World | The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2) (Lesson 6)
Sep 02, 2024
Show notes
This is the sixth lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 1, Chapters 13–18 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:
0:00 Calvin's Contributions to Trinitarian Theology
6:27 The Bible, Extra-Biblical Language, and the Definition of the Trinity
14:32 The Divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit
17:52 The Incomprehensible Mystery of the Trinity
20:40 The Aseity of the Son
25:45 Heresies Concerning the Trinity
28:32 God's Works of Creation
34:53 God's Providence
Register for this free on-demand course on our website to access supplemental materials, track your progress, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than 20 additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-theology-of-calvins-institutes-books-1-2/
Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/
#johncalvin #calvinism #reformedtheology
Mentioned in this episode:
Christ the Center 1000
Christ the Center 1000
Church Planting and the Ordinary Means of Grace
Aug 30, 2024
Show notes
In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by a panel of experienced pastors and church planters to discuss the vital role of the ordinary means of grace in church planting. The conversation explores how God’s Word, sacraments, and prayer serve as the primary instruments for planting and growing churches, contrasting these biblical methods with modern consumer-driven and franchise models. Together, they share their personal experiences, challenges, and insights on how a faithful adherence to Reformed theology and practices impacts church planting efforts.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of maintaining theological integrity while engaging in evangelism and community outreach. Whether you’re involved in church planting or simply interested in how the ordinary means of grace shape the life and mission of the church, this episode offers rich theological reflection and practical wisdom.
Joe Cristman is Pastor/Church Planter of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Lombard, IL.
Neil Quinn is Senior Pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (PCA), in Kalamazoo, MI (a plant of University Reformed Church).
Chris Hartshorn is Regional Home Missionary for the OPC Presbytery of Southern California.