Christ the Center: Doctrine for Life

Vatican II Inclusivism

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 05:00:27 +0000

How can Catholic theologians seemingly contradict the official teaching of the Catholic Church? Many commentators believe that, in a recent homily, Pope Francis did just that. While the Vatican has since “clarified” his remarks, the question remains for many other Catholic theologians, who seem to promote doctrinal views in sharp contrast to previous declarations of the Catholic Church. Many Catholics now affirm a view of salvation that is “inclusive,” that is, broad enough to include not only explicit Catholics, but also Muslims, Jews, agnostics, and atheists. Many critics cry foul, since this appears to be a blatant contradiction of traditional Catholic teaching.

In this episode, Camden Bucey leads a discussion that touches upon the changes in prolegomena that allow many Catholic theologians to affirm the church’s historic pronouncements while leaving room for new doctrinal formulations such as this contemporary inclusivism. The grand project of Vatican II was to update the Catholic church for a modern age, to open the windows and let in fresh air. To accomplish this overhaul, many theologians resorted to a Kantian-esque view of revelation and history. Listen as the panel discusses the workings of this type of “both-and” theologizing.

Typology and Jehoiachin

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:07 +0000

We welcome Matthew Patton to the program to speak about the nature and use of typology using Jehoiachin as an extended example. Mr. Patton is Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and a PhD candidate in Old Testament at the Wheaton Graduate School. This Mr. Patton’s second time visiting Christ the Center, having spoken with us previously about restoration prophecy in Ezra-Nehemiah.

The Early Text of the New Testament

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 31 May 2013 05:00:34 +0000

Today we welcome Dr. Michael J. Kruger to speak about New Testament textual criticism and the early text of the New Testament. Dr. Kruger has co-edited an excellent book with Dr. Charles E. Hill, titled The Early Text of the New Testament and published by Oxford University Press.

The book aims to examine and assess from our earliest extant sources the most primitive state of the New Testament text now known. What sort of changes did scribes make to the text? What is the quality of the text now at our disposal? What can we learn about the nature of textual transmission in the earliest centuries? In addition to exploring the textual and scribal culture of early Christianity, this volume explores the textual evidence for all the sections of the New Testament. It also examines the evidence from the earliest translations of New Testament writings and the citations or allusions to New Testament texts in other early Christian writers.

Covenant Solidarity

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:33 +0000

Chris Brauns visits Christ the Center to speak about covenant solidarity through his book Bound Together: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices published by Zondervan. Chris is the pastor of The Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, Illinois and has also written Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds, an excellent treatment and call to return to a biblical conception of forgiveness.

The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:30 +0000

Scholars disagree on the relationship between portions of the Old Testament and similar ancient Near Eastern accounts. Many believe Moses simply plagiarized material from existing literature. In this episode, we welcome Dr. John Currid to speak about his book Against the Gods: The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament. In this book, Dr. Currid questions the higher critical trend by highlighting the highly polemical nature of Moses’ writings. From the Genesis creation account to the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, Currid shows how the biblical author’s continually emphasized the futility of paganism in contrast with the unparalleled worldview of the Hebrews.

Dr. Currid is the Carl MacMurray Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. Prior to coming to RTS, he served as Associate Professor of Religion at Grove City College, as Byington Hebrew Teaching Fellow at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and as a member of the faculty at Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Currid serves as Project Director of Bethsaida Excavations Project in Israel (1995-present). He lectures and preaches in many countries including Russia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil.

Jonathan Edwards on Adam Before the Fall

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:54 +0000

The Christ the Center panel gather for an informal discussion about Jonathan Edwards and his treatment of the question of how Adam, who was created in righteousness and holiness and knowledge could ever fall into sin. Historically this has been a problematic issue and proves to be a challenge even to Edwards. Jeff Waddington has written a dissertation on Edwards’ anthropology as it pertains to apologetics, and one of the chapters deals specifically with this matter. Listen as we discuss this difficult issue.

Approaches to Christology

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:39 +0000

Christology is at the heart of the gospel for it is the study of the God-man, the savior of sinners. In this episode, Jim Cassidy and Camden Bucey speak about several fundamental doctrines of Christology and uncover a number of different approaches to its questions. As they describe formulations of theologians such as Karl Barth and Karl Rahner, Jim and Camden expose how alterations to the basic doctrines of Christology have drastic implications for soteriology.

Aspects of Presbyterian Government

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:22 +0000

For this in-house episode, we speak about different aspects of presbyterian government. While church polity may seem like a tedious and perhaps arbitrary task, Scripture lays out a structure for how Christ chooses to rule his church in the present age. Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, and Jeff Waddington speak about offices in the church and key features of presbyterianism such as plurality, parity, and connectedness in light of several key biblical texts.

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:36 +0000

Today we welcome Dr. James R. White to the program to speak about his book What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an. In the book, Dr. White presents Islamic beliefs about Christ, salvation, the Trinity, the afterlife, and other important topics. White shows how the sacred text of Islam differs from the teachings of the Bible in order to help Christians engage in open, honest discussions with Muslims.

Dr. White is the Director of Alpha & Omega Ministries and is an active apologist and debater. He is the author of several books, including The Forgotten Trinity and The Potter’s Freedom.

The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:48 +0000

Today we welcome Melissa Kruger to the program to speak about her book The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World published by Christian Focus. Melissa is on staff in women’s ministry at Uptown Church (PCA) in Charlotte, NC, a mom to three kids and the wife of Dr. Michael Kruger, President and Professor of NT at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte.

Bavinck on Marriage and the Family

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:28 +0000

Nelson Kloosterman speaks about Herman Bavinck’s theology of marriage and the family. Kloosterman recently translated Bavinck’s book The Christian Family. Though he wrote in early 20th century Netherlands, Bavinck’s book is relevant for the present day. In distinction from so many contemporary works, Bavinck establishes a theology of marriage and the family that can be applied to the manifold challenges facing families in the present day.

Dr. Kloosterman is Executive Director of Worldview Resources, International and works as a translator of important theological works. Listen as he unfolds Bavinck’s doctrine of sin and redemptive-historical focus as they pertain to God’s design for the family and society as a whole.

The Plan of Salvation

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:59 +0000

Rev. Dr. Lane Tipton walks us through the soteriological taxonomy offered by B.B. Warfield in his book The Plan of Salvation. In the book, Warfield asks a series of questions designed to distinguish biblically-consistent Christianity from other accounts of salvation. Who saves? How? And on what basis? As Dr. Tipton rehearses and adds to Warfield’s argument, we come to see how Calvinism is distinguished from paganism, Catholicism, Lutheranism, and all forms of Arminianism.

Dr. Tipton is Associate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

Francis Schaeffer’s Christian Spirituality

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:37 +0000

We welcome William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, to the program to reflect upon Francis Schaeffer’s life and thought. Dr. Edgar focuses on Schaeffer’s Christian spirituality in Schaeffer on the Christian Life: Countercultural Spirituality, a unique and welcome addition to the literature on Schaeffer. Having spent time with Schaeffer at L’Abri in Switzerland and having been deeply influenced by Schaeffer’s ministry, Dr. Edgar’s book brings a warm tone to a rich and insightful treatment of the Christian life.

Regeneration in John 3

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:16:09 +0000

On the heels of our previous discussion with Rev. Dr. Scott Wright, the panel discusses the doctrine of regeneration by looking to Jesus’ teaching in John 3. Adam York, Deryck Barson, and Camden Bucey look at features of regeneration pertaining to both the accomplishment and the application of redemption. Through the lenses of God’s typological son, the nation of Israel, and the eschatological son, Jesus Christ, the panel situates God’s regenerating work within his overall plan of salvation.

Family-Integrated Churches

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:46 +0000

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Sam Waldron to speak about the family-integrated church movement, which seeks to recover a biblical understanding of the family, especially in its relationship to the local church. You can read more about the movement from The National Center for Family-Integrated Churches. Dr. Waldron explains several features of the movement, critically examining several strengths and shortcomings in light of Scripture. He has written on the subject before.

Dr. Waldron is Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology at the Midwest Center for Theological Studies. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur’s Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response.

Calvin’s Company of Pastors

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:03 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Scott Manetsch to the program to speak about Reformed pastoral ministry and his book Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609, which is published by Oxford University Press. Dr. Manetsch is Professor of Church History at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his scholarly expertise is in the area of late medieval and Reformation history, with particular interest in Calvin and French Protestantism, Theodore Beza, sixteenth-century Geneva, church discipline, and pastoral ministry in the Reformation era. Listen to this fascinating discussion of pastoral life in late 16th and early 17th century Geneva.

Johannes Oecolampadius

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 05:00:39 +0000

Dr. Diane Poythress joins us to speak about the important German reformer Johannes Oecolampadius. Though Oecolampadius’ influence was extraordinary, many English-speaking historians and theologians are not familiar with his life and work. Dr. Poythress introduces us to Oecolampadius and his great significance for the present day. Dr. Poythress’ dissertation, “Johannes Oecolampadius’ Exposition of Isaiah, Chapters 36-37,” is one of the only lengthy treatments of Oecolampadius in English. She has also written an excellent book on him titled, Reformer of Basel: The Life, Thought, and Influence of Johannes Oecolampadius, published by Reformation Heritage Books.

Regeneration and Redemptive-History

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:51:47 +0000

In this episode of Christ the Center, Rev. Dr. Scott R. Wright develops a redemptive-historical understanding of the doctrine of regeneration. Rev. Wright is senior pastor of Redeemer Church (PCA) in Hudson, Ohio. His dissertation, “Regeneration and Redemptive History,” is a thoroughgoing treatment of regeneration in the tradition of Geerhardus Vos. Often, regeneration is treated statically, without reference to biblical eschatology and the categories of historia and ordo salutis. This can lead to serious problems in systematic theology, such as positing essentially different modes of salvation between the testaments. Wright reorients the discussion along biblical categories and brings a fresh approach to the study of this important Reformed doctrine.

The Reorganization of Princeton Seminary

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:25 +0000

The reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary was a key event in the American Presbyterian modernist-fundamentalist controversy of the early 20th century. The seminary was governed by a board of directors, who oversaw the academic aspects of the seminary, and a separate board of trustees who oversaw the remaining aspects of the organization. Seeking to resolve the growing tension between factions within the seminary, the General Assembly moved to reorganize the seminary in a fashion that was understood as shifting the majority of governing power in favor of the modernist agenda.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Darryl G. Hart back to the program to speak about this event and its significance for American Presbyterianism. Dr. Hart’s article on the subject, “The Reorganization of Princeton Theological Seminary and the Exhaustion of American Presbyterianism” is published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal Vol. 8, 2012. Hart has also authored, co-authored, or edited several books on this era of church history including Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism, Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America, and The Selected Shorter Writings of J. Gresham Machen. Dr. Hart is Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Old Princeton and Right Reason

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:00:32 +0000

Dr. Paul Kjoss Helseth, Professor of Christian Thought at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, joins the panel at Christ the Center to speak about Old Princeton and right reason. Many in the Reformed tradition have criticized Old Princeton theologians such as Charles Hodge and B. B. Warfield for explicating a view of human reason that is not in accord with traditional Reformed doctrines, such as a Reformed understanding of the noetic effects of sin. Dr. Helseth seeks to remedy this common assessment by situating Old Princeton’s treatment of human reason within their doctrine of regeneration.

Related Publications by Dr. Helseth

Right Reason and the Princeton Mind: An Unorthodox Proposal. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2010.
“‘Right Reason’ & the Science of Theology at Old Princeton Seminary,” in The Confessional Presbyterian, Volume 8, 2012.

Harmonizing the Gospels

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 05:00:06 +0000

Dr. Vern Poythress speaks about the important topic of harmonizing the gospels by sharing with us features of his book Inerrancy and the Gospels: A God-Centered Approach to the Challenges of Harmonization. Answering the challenges of critics, Dr. Poythress argues for the uncompromisingly foundational role of Scripture and a proper attitude as we come to approach it. He provides several useful principles for the task of harmonization and walks the reader through a number of examples in order to demonstrate his God-centered approach.

Dr. Poythress is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

Reasons for Faith

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:01 +0000

K. Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, speaks about the relationship of philosophy to theology. Dr. Oliphint has written Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology, and he takes us through a number of important sections in his book.

Insider Movements

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 05:00:14 +0000

We welcome David Garner and Phil DeHart to speak about Insider Movements, which are increasingly popular approaches to missions predicated on controversial theological and hermeneutic foundations. Insider Movements have gained particular influence in mission fields and religio-sociological contexts that are particularly hostile to Christianity.

Dr. Garner is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary at Pastor of Teaching at Proclamation Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Bryn Mawr, PA. Dr. Garner has written “High Stakes: Insider Movement Hermeneutics and the Gospel,” an excellent essay on the subject. Phil DeHart has worked in the missions field in Asia and is currently a student at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Dr. Garner has also coordinated with the producers of the film Half Devil, Half Child, a documentary on Insider Movements, to offer a special discount to Reformed Forum listeners. Just visit halfdevilhalfchild.com to purchase the digital download, and use the code “reform” to receive 25% off the download price of the film.

Episode image by terbeck.

Highlights from 2012

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We begin the New Year with a look at some of our best clips from 2012. Listen to the full episodes of the clips we’ve chosen to include by using the following links:

The Trinitarian Controversy in Early Modern England

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 05:00:43 +0000

Dr. Paul Lim, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, and Affiliate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, speaks about his book Mystery Unveiled: The Crisis of the Trinity in Early Modern England. The book is published by Oxford University Press and features two related issues. In a historically sensitive way, Dr. Lim deals with the role of mystery in dealing with the nature of who God is (ie, Trinitarian) and the nature of the doctrine of sola Scriptura. The historical context is the 1500s-late 1600s in England and Lim concentrates on the rise of Socianism and the debates between anti-trinitarians (Paul Best and John Biddle) and trinitarians (Francis Cheynell and John Owen). Related to this discussion is concern for church councils and the powers of bishops and the influence of Platonic philosophy.

Proclaiming Christ

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:00:20 +0000

Mark Winder and Adam York introduce Proclaiming Christ, a newly reformatted program on preaching, exegesis, and biblical theology. Rev. Winder is pastor of Wolf River Presbyterian Church in Collierville, Tennessee and Rev. York is pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church in Kingwood, Texas. Through this program, we seek to benefit the church by offering rich discussions directly about biblical texts. Join us as we speak about this exciting new program.

The Life and Ministry of B.B. Warfield

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:00:15 +0000

In this episode, Jim Cassidy and Mark Winder catch up with John Muether to talk about his forthcoming book on the life of B.B. Warfield, the great old Princeton theologian. We cover various topics including the lion of Princeton’s take on evolution, his care for his wife, his doctrine of Scripture, and his position on the Confession of 1902. We wrap up with drawing practical lessons from his life we can apply today.

Ministerial Fellowship

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Rev. David Brack speaks about ministerial fellowship and a ministry of discipleship in the local church. Rev. Brack is pastor of Christ Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Amarillo, TX. By God’s grace, David has had many years of fruitful service in Amarillo. Through the faithful service of many people, Christ Covenant has become a center of ministerial fellowship and discipleship. Listen to Rev. Brack discuss this special ministry and recount portions of its history.

Justification Sola Fide

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:00:28 +0000

We are pleased to welcome back to the program Dr. Lane G. Tipton, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Tipton was recently inaugurated to the Charles Krahe Chair of Systematic Theology and delivered an inaugural address titled, “Biblical Theology and the Westminster Standards Revisited: Union with Christ and Justification Sola Fide.”

As he walks us through his inaugural lecture, Dr. Tipton addresses the relationship of justification to faith and union with Christ and then turns to interact with the distinction Louis Berkhof made between objective and subjective or active and passive justification. In short, Tipton demonstrates that union with Christ by faith is also antecedent to the declaration of righteousness, which is based on the imputed righteousness of Christ.

An Interview with Desiring God

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 05:00:10 +0000

At a recent trip to Milwaukee for the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, Camden Bucey and Jared Oliphint caught up with David Mathis and Jonathan Parnell of Desiring God Ministries. They spoke about a number of issues related to Desiring God’s ministry, including new media and finding theological heroes.

Anthony Burgess on the Law

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:00:23 +0000

We welcome Rev. Dr. Steve Casselli to speak about Anthony Burgess on the law. Rev. Casselli is pastor of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tampa, FL. Steve worked in campus ministry at the University of Michigan and served as pastoral intern at Park Cities Presbyterian, Dallas, Texas and Bucks Central Presbyterian in Pennsylvania. Rev. Casselli graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia with a PhD in 2007. His dissertation, titled Anthony Burgess’ “Vindiciae Legis” and the “Fable of Unprofitable Scholasticism:” A case study in the reappraisal of seventeenth century Reformed Scholasticism, is planned to be published by Reformation Heritage Books.

God’s Love Throughout the Biblical Story

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:00:23 +0000

Neil Tolsma speaks about the unfolding of God’s love through history on this episode of Christ the Center. Rev. Tolsma is a retired minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church who served congregations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In this discussion, we explore the great riches of divine love as Rev. Tolsma has described it in his book This is Love: Tracing the Love of God Throughout the Biblical Story. Though there are many books on the subject of God’s love, this book distinguishes itself through its deep biblical-theological and pastoral foundations, while remaining accessible to a wide variety of readers.

Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms in Dutch Theology

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 05:00:37 +0000

Dr. Nelson Kloosterman returns to Christ the Center to speak about natural law and two kingdom theology in early 21st century Dutch thought. Dr. Kloosterman is Executive Director of Worldview Resources International, while he also labors in translating great Dutch theological works into English.

In this discussion, Dr. Kloosterman speaks about his arguments found in Kingdoms Apart, edited by Ryan C. McIlhenny and published by P&R Publishing. Dr. Kloosterman’s essay, “Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms in the Thought of Herman Bavinck” seeks to explain Bavinck’s position in light of recent criticisms. In addition, Kloosterman speaks about his translations of two articles on the two kingdoms by S. G. de Graaf, an important early 21st c. Dutch theologian.

Listeners may also be interested to hear Dr. Kloosterman speak about many different related subjects in our Christ and Culture series.

Eschatology and the Christian Life

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 05:00:21 +0000

Eschatology is a complicated word. Usually, it is associated with apocalyptic events yet to occur in the Middle East. In this episode, we seek to broaden this limited conception of eschatology to include even the present applicability of Christ’s death and resurrection and the inevitable destination of his bride, the Church. Christians have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a hope that has a bearing even on the Christian’s present life circumstances.

The Transfiguration

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 05:00:46 +0000

In this episode, we study the Transfiguration, the event in which Jesus was transformed on the mountain before Peter, James, and John. In the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah accompany Jesus as a great cloud appeared and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

As we look into the accounts of the event in the synoptic gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36), we explore the Old Testament context out of which the Transfiguration develops and the consummation to which it points. In short, the Transfiguration is a proleptic revelation of Christ’s consummate resurrection glory.

Matthew 17:1-13 says,

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:1-13, English Standard Version)

The Headship of Christ

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:00:01 +0000

The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of discoursing with the Rev. Dr. Craig Troxel about ecclesiology, especially as it is grounded in the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Troxel is pastor of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, IL. The discussion focused on the threefold office of Christ (munus triplex Christi) as prophet, priest, and king and how that connects with the doctrine, worship, and government of the church. The group also considered the relationship of the church to the kingdom of God and the church and mission.

English Puritan Theology

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 05:00:13 +0000

Christ the Center is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Mark Jones to the program to speak about puritan theology. With Joel Beeke, Mark has co-authored an exciting new book from Reformed Heritage Books titled A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life. Mark is the minister of Faith Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is also Research Associate in the Faculty of Theology at University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Mark’s Ph.D. is from Leiden Universiteit (Oct. 2009) and his doctoral dissertation was entitled, “Why Heaven Kissed Earth: The Christology of the Puritan Reformed Orthodox theologian, Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680).” Join us for a stimulating discussion regarding several features of English Puritan theology.

Creeds and Confessions in the Contemporary Church

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:00:14 +0000

On this episode, we welcome Rev. Dr. Carl R. Trueman to discuss the important role of creeds and confessions in the church through his book The Creedal Imperative. Dr. Trueman is the Paul Woolley Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary and Pastor of Cornerstone Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Ambler, PA. Dr. Trueman brings his critical thought and historic sensitivity to this important plea to many conservative evangelicals.

Dynamics of Church Planting

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 05:00:54 +0000

Church planting is one way the Lord expands his kingdom on earth. Christ called his disciples to go forth and make disciples of men, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Faithful discipleship is connected with the local church. That point has been debated in and of itself, but the proper means of church planting has been a much more contentious subject.

In this episode, Andrew Moody and Eric Watkins work through several dynamics of church planting. Rev. Moody serves as Evangelist at San Antonio Reformed Church in San Antonio, Texas, and Rev. Watkins is Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, Florida. Both Eric and Andrew bring experience to this interesting discussion on planting Reformed churches.

John Flavel and Union with Christ

mail@reformedforum.org (Reformed Forum) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 05:00:43 +0000

Rev. William R. Edwards speaks about John Flavel and union with Christ. Edwards has written an article titled “John Flavel on the Priority of Union with Christ: Further Historical Perspective on the Structure of Reformed Soteriology” in Volume 74 (2012) of the Westminster Theological Journal. In the article, Edwards demonstrates several interesting 17th c. formulations of the doctrine of union with Christ. In doing so, Edwards brings his findings into present discussion on the subject.

Rev. Edwards graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1999 and went into Reformed University Fellowship where he became the campus minister of University of Georgia. Rev. Edwards is church planter at Mercy Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Forest, Virginia, which is just outside of Lynchburg.