Reformed Forum

Latest Episodes:

Church Membership Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

In Church Membership, Jonathan Landry Cruse emphasizes the biblical and theological necessity of formal church membership. Cruse argues that church membership is not merely a social or optional commitment but a vital and commanded aspect of Christian discipleship. The book contends that being a member of a local church is essential for spiritual growth, accountability, and fulfilling God’s design for communal worship and service.

Jonathan Landry Cruse is pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In his writing, Cruse aims to make complex theological concepts accessible to a broader audience. His works often address foundational elements of church life, including worship, preaching, and the sacraments, underscoring the importance of church membership and community.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:07:13 Thinking about Church Membership
00:17:38 The Visible and Invisible Church and the Covenant
00:30:26 The Duty to Join the Church
00:37:09 Biblical Church Metaphors
00:42:59 The Benefits of Church Membership
00:57:08 Moving toward Others
01:01:07 Church Discipline
01:07:45 Final Remarks
01:10:29 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Jonathan Landry Cruse

Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Government and Power of the Church, Part 3 Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We continue our discussion of chapter XXIV, “The Government and Power of the Church.” In this episode, we talk about church power. What kind of church power or authority does the church of Jesus Christ have?

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Vos Group #89 — The Various Aspects of Christ’s Revealing Function Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

In chapter 5 of Geerhardus Vos’ Biblical Theology (pp. 343ff), the focus is on the various aspects of Jesus’ revelation during his public ministry. Vos argues that the revelation mediated by Jesus is often mistakenly confined to his earthly life, ignoring his pre-existence and post-existence, both of which are integral to the comprehensive scheme of divine revelation.

Vos outlines that Jesus’ earthly revelation functioned within a specific framework, implying limitations that did not exist in his pre-existent and post-existent states. These limitations were not due to any inadequacy in Jesus’ knowledge or power but were part of a divine scheme that required a progressive unfolding of revelation. Vos emphasizes that Jesus did not intend to reveal the entire volume of divine truth during his earthly ministry but functioned as a pivotal link within the continuum of revelation that includes both the Old and New Testaments.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:04:31 The Revelation of Jesus
00:20:57 The Generation of the Son
00:32:51 The Son as a Divine Person
00:44:07 Jesus’ Post-Existence
00:48:25 The Progressive Covenantal Character of Christ’s Ministry
00:55:24 Beyond the Incarnation
01:01:34 Kenosis
01:08:20 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Ephesians 2:4–10 — The Good News Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

Although humanity is dead and lost in sin, with no way to merit favor with God, God is rich in mercy and loves his people with a great love. Those whom God loves are then saved only through the death, resurrection, ascension, and session of Jesus Christ. Believers then, through their union with Christ, are privileged to have died with him, been resurrected with him, and ascended with him to the heavenly places. This glorious news should humble us and lead us to worship and walk in holiness.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

The Auburn Affirmation at 100 May 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we commemorate the centennial of the Auburn Affirmation, exploring its profound impact on the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the broader Christian community. We explore the theological crossroads of the early twentieth century, marked by the rise of modernism and the publication of The Fundamentals. We discuss the significant events that led to the Auburn Affirmation, including Harry Emerson Fosdick’s influential sermon and the subsequent controversies that reshaped American Protestantism.

Reflecting on these historical developments, we consider the ongoing relevance of confessional fidelity and integrity in today’s church. Join us as we examine how the Auburn Affirmation’s call for theological tolerance challenges our understanding of doctrinal adherence, and how we can navigate these waters with a commitment to both truth and unity. This episode offers valuable insights into maintaining the church’s distinct witness and enduring relevance in a pluralistic society.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:06:46 The Background of the Auburn Affirmation
00:17:16 The Affirmationists’s Desire for Tolerance
00:24:28 The 1923 General Assembly
00:33:07 Confessional Fidelity and Integrity
00:39:49 Machen, Vos, and the Significance of God’s Redemptive Acts in History
00:45:33 Biblical Eschatology
00:51:59 Liberals, Conservatives, and American Culture
00:58:55 Responding to the Auburn Affirmation
01:07:40 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Van Til Group #13 — Roman Catholic and Evangelical Views of Sin and Human Consciousness May 24, 2024

Show notes

In this installment of Van Til Group, we turn to pp. 73–77 of Cornelius Van Til’s classic book, The Defense of the Faith. In this section, Van Til critiques both Roman Catholicism and certain strands of Evangelicalism for their approach to human autonomy and the nature of sin.

Van Til argues that Roman Catholicism, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, assigns too much autonomy to human consciousness, even before the Fall, which undermines the Scriptural notion of authority and total depravity. He contends that Aquinas views fallen man as not entirely different from Adam in paradise, thus diminishing the need for grace.

Similarly, Van Til criticizes C.S. Lewis, representing a segment of Evangelical thought, for conflating metaphysical and ethical issues and for not adequately emphasizing human disobedience to God as the root of ethical problems. Both perspectives, according to Van Til, fail to uphold the biblical doctrine that only through faith and complete reliance on the triune God of Scripture can true ethical behavior be achieved.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:04:48 Support Reformed Forum
00:10:35 A Christian Philosophy of Behavior
00:18:48 Roman Catholicism as Halfway between Christianity and Paganism
00:28:38 The Relationship between Natural and Special Revelation
00:41:36 The Natural vs the Supernatural End of Created Man in Thomistic Theology
01:02:45 Evangelicalism and C. S. Lewis’s Views
01:13:11 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The Reformation in the French-Speaking World May 17, 2024

Show notes

Camden Bucey provides a preview of our upcoming symposium scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024. In this event, we will explore pivotal moments and figures in the history of the Reformed tradition. This event will feature four presentations and related discussions on critical theological developments and historical events that have shaped the Protestant Church, particularly within the French-speaking world. Whether you are a scholar, student, or simply passionate about church history and theology, this symposium offers enriching insights into the enduring legacy and challenges of the Reformed tradition.

Sessions

Dan Borvan: The Church Under the Cross: An Overview of the French Reformed Church
David Noe: Theodore Beza at the Colloquy of Poissy (1561)
Marty Klauber: The Eucharistic Theology of Jean Mestrezat
Stephen Davis: The War of the Camisards (1702–1704): Huguenot Resistance Under Louis XIV

Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/francophone for more information.

We also include the first two lessons in Dr. Carlton Wynne’s new course on John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Books 1–2.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:02:29 Symposium on the Reformation in the Francophone World
00:06:57 Overview of the French Reformed Church
00:11:30 Beza at the Colloquy of Poissy
00:13:12 The Eucharistic Theology of Jean Mestrezat
00:15:12 The War of the Camisards (1702–1704)
00:18:09 Carlton Wynne’s Course on Calvin’s Institutes, Books 1-2
00:23:38 Introduction to Calvin’s Institutes
00:52:03 John Calvin the Man
01:26:01 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey

Mark 1:1–15 — The Beginning of the Gospel May 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we introduce the Gospel of Mark. We also explore how Mark introduces us to the person of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Of special interest is the redemptive nature of the Gospel. This is shown by Mark’s high Christology (Jesus is God), John’s baptism, and Jesus’ successful resistance of Satan’s temptation.

Participants: Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder, Robert Arendale

Reformed Evangelism May 10, 2024

Show notes

This episode addresses the heart of Reformed evangelism, featuring a compelling conversation with the Rev. Paul Murphy, pastor of evangelism at Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship in New York, and Dr. Eric Watkins, director of the Center for Missions and Evangelism at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. In this conversation, we explore the unique approach of Reformed theology to evangelism, addressing common stereotypes, and addressing the challenges and opportunities for spreading the gospel in urban settings.

We unpack the misconception that Reformed Christians do not engage in evangelism, shedding light on the historical and theological roots of this stereotype. It also highlights the exciting new opportunities, including church planting and revitalization efforts in Chicago and New York.

Listeners will gain insights into the distinct aspects of Reformed evangelism, as outlined by the Reformed creeds and confessions, and the importance of understanding one’s role within the Body of Christ. The discussion emphasizes the need for a culture of evangelism within local congregations and offers practical suggestions for fostering this culture.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:01:00 Eric Watkins’ Ministry
00:05:31 Paul Murphy’s Ministry in Manhattan
00:11:19 The Stereotype of Reformed Churches and Evangelism
00:20:44 Distinctives of Reformed Evangelism
00:28:08 Understanding the Great Commission
00:37:48 The Urgency of Evangelism
00:55:30 Personal Stories about Evangelism
01:02:03 The Vitality of New Believers
01:05:28 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Eric Watkins, Paul Murphy

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Government and Power of the Church, Part 2 May 08, 2024

Show notes

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. We continue our discussion of chapter XXIV, “The Government and Power of the Church.” In this episode, we talk about denominations, church as an organization and its structure, and plenty of other odds and ends related to the church.

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000