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.
• Eric Watkins is Director of the Center for Missions and Evangelism at Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

Chapters

• [00:00:07] Introduction and Welcome
• [00:01:18] Panelist Introductions
• [00:03:33] Reformed Forum Conference Announcement
• [00:05:15] Center for Missions and Evangelism Conference
• [00:07:26] The Shift in Church Planting Models
• [00:09:10] Eric Watkins on Postmodern Consumerism in Church Planting
• [00:12:33] Joe Cristman’s Experience in Lombard
• [00:15:17] Chris Hartshorn’s Journey to Church Planting
• [00:19:22] Neal Quinn on Church Planting in Kalamazoo
• [00:26:39] Generational and Consumer-Driven Church Planting Models
• [00:28:13] Challenges of Church Planting Using Ordinary Means
• [00:29:30] The Power of God’s Word in Church Planting
• [00:34:22] Different Church Planting Models: Mother-Daughter, Parachute, and Core Group
• [00:40:19] Importance of a Local Church Presence
• [00:46:11] The Role of Bible Study in Church Planting
• [00:54:23] Evangelism and Outreach in Church Planting
• [01:05:11] Developing a Culture of Evangelism in the Church
• [01:10:00] Overcoming Challenges in Church Outreach

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 XXVI, “Christian Baptism.” In this episode, we begin to discuss the nature and meaning of Christian baptism.

This is the fifth lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 1, Chapters 6–12 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:

0:00 Introduction

2:40 Calvin on the "Help" of Scripture

7:08 The Testimony of the Holy Spirit and the Divine Authority of Scripture

22:06 Applications for Evangelism, Apologetics, and Bible Reading

24:45 The God Revealed in Scripture

27:31 The Worship of God by Man-Made Images

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

Rev. Dr. Daniel Ragusa, pastor of Messiah’s Reformed Fellowship in New York City joins Camden Bucey for this thoughtful episode of Christ the Center. Together, they explore the profound impact of Dutch Reformed theology on American Presbyterianism, focusing on key historical moments and figures, including Cornelius Van Til and Gerhardus Vos. Ragusa shares insights from his recent work translating and editing Van Til’s “Dutch Letters” and discusses the lasting influence of Dutch Reformed thought on the formation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC).

This conversation examines the connections between the nineteenth-century Dutch secession movements, particularly the Afscheiding of 1834, and their influence on the theological and ecclesiastical landscape in America. With a focus on confessional integrity and the challenges posed by modernity, Ragusa highlights the ongoing relevance of these historical developments for Reformed theology today.

Listeners will also hear about exciting new publications from Reformed Forum, including Ragusa’s forthcoming book, The Joyful Fellowship, which traces the theme of “God with us” throughout Scripture. This episode provides a rich, historical, and theological exploration of the Dutch Reformed legacy in American Presbyterianism.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:04:16 The Joyful Fellowship
• 00:13:08 Van Til’s Dutch Letters
• 00:21:43 First Impressions of the Letters
• 00:29:09 The Afscheiding of 1834
• 00:47:42 The Doleantie
• 00:50:10 Holland-Mania
• 00:54:51 Vos as a Connecting Figure
• 01:06:30 American Presbyterian Influence on the Dutch Reformed
• 01:11:57 A Struggle for Faithfulness to Confessional Identity
• 01:21:12 Teaching at MARS
• 01:23:24 Conclusion

This is the fourth lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 1, Chapters 2–5 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:

0:00 Calvin Contra Barth and Brunner on the Natural Knowledge of God

9:07 Knowledge of God, Piety, and True Religion

14:10 The Sensus Divinitatis or Sense of Deity

22:55 Man's Sinful Response to the Seed of Religion

26:12 The External Revelation of God in Nature

32:33 Men Without Excuse

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

Join us for an engaging episode of Christ the Center as we sit down with Douglas Sean O’Donnell, pastor, theologian, and author of Expository Reflections on the Gospels: Mark. In this episode, we delve into O’Donnell’s profound insights on the Gospel of Mark, exploring the unique theological and literary contours of this pivotal book of the New Testament.

O’Donnell shares the inspiration behind his work, the challenges he faced, and the discoveries he made while writing this comprehensive commentary. We discuss key themes such as the identity and mission of Jesus, the importance of understanding His role as the Son of God, and how these insights can be practically applied in preaching and teaching.

Whether you are a pastor, theologian, or layperson, this conversation offers valuable perspectives that will deepen your understanding of the Gospel of Mark. Listen to hear how O’Donnell’s blend of scholarly precision and pastoral sensitivity provides a fresh, accessible approach to this gospel.

Douglas Sean O’Donnell is the senior vice president of Bible editorial at Crossway. With a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and extensive experience teaching and preaching, O’Donnell brings a unique blend of scholarly rigor and pastoral sensitivity to his work. He has pastored several churches, served as a professor, and authored or edited over twenty books, including commentaries, Bible studies, children’s books, and a children’s curriculum. His works include collaborations such as The Pastor’s Book with R. Kent Hughes and The Beauty and Power of Biblical Exposition with Leland Ryken.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 02:58 Working at Crossway
• 09:12 Current Status of the ESV
• 16:13 Expository Reflections
• 21:56 Relating the Gospels
• 28:56 The Authorship of Mark
• 31:40 Surprising Aspects of Mark
• 41:15 Unique Features of Mark
• 48:04 How to Use This Book
• 50:21 Future Projects
• 55:12 Conclusion

Dr. Lane G. Tipton presents on the profound Christological insights of the book of Hebrews. Dr. Tipton will guide us through the scriptural foundations and doctrinal significance of Christ’s immutability, revealing how this aspect of the Son provides unwavering assurance to believers.

This live webinar was recorded on August 14, 2024.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:05:56 Steadfast Savior
• 00:51:04 Questions & Answers
• 01:45:01 Conclusion

https://reformedforum.org/event/steadfast-savior-unveiling-the-immutable-mediator-in-hebrews

This is the third lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 1, Chapter 1 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics:

0:00 Introduction to Book 1

3:13 Knowledge of God in Terms of Wisdom

5:13 Two-Fold Knowledge of God and Self

8:52 Ancient Sources on the Two-Fold Knowledge

18:29 Logical Priority in the Two-Fold Knowledge

21:42 Overview of Calvin's Discussion of the Knowledge of God

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

In this episode, we speak with Dr. David Noe, the translator, and Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, the editor behind the newly released English edition of John Arrowsmith’s remarkable work, Plans for Holy War: How the Spiritual Soldier Fights, Conquers, and Triumphs. Originally published in 1657 as Tactica Sacra, this treatise considers the intricacies of spiritual warfare, offering timeless insights and practical guidance for Christians engaged in the spiritual battle.

John Arrowsmith was a notable seventeenth-century theologian and member of the Westminster Assembly. Born in 1602 in Gateshead, Durham county, Arrowsmith was a dedicated scholar who served as a fellow at St. Catherine’s College and later as master of St. John’s College, Cambridge. His significant involvement in the Westminster Assembly and his writings have left a lasting impact on Reformed theology.

Join us as Drs. Noe and Van Dixhoorn share their journey in bringing this classic work to modern readers, revealing the challenges and triumphs they encountered along the way. With a deep appreciation for Arrowsmith’s theological and scholarly contributions, they offer listeners a unique perspective on why Plans for Holy War remains a vital resource today.

Dr. David Noe serves as pastor of Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a distinguished translator and scholar with a deep expertise in classical languages and Reformed theology. Dr. Noe is also the Latin editor for the Confessional Presbyterian Journal, and his online pedagogy for Latin, Greek, and Classics generally can be found at LatinPerDiem.com, MossMethod.com, and AdNavseam.com.

Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn (PhD, Cambridge) is Professor of Church History and Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC and an OPC minister. He is the author of Confessing the Faith and God’s Ambassadors and editor of The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly (1643–1652).

Chapters

00:07 Introduction
05:36 Biography of John Arrowsmith
11:02 Dr. Noe's Introduction to Arrowsmith
14:47 Arrowsmith's Health
17:41 Arrowsmith's Latin
21:57 Arrowsmith's Involvement at the Westminster Assembly
26:51 The Portions of This Volume
29:25 Speeches against Weigelianism
33:44 Arrowsmith's Work on Spiritual Warfare
40:28 The Pastoral-Scholastic Style
44:03 The Present Value of Reading This Book
55:08 Future Projects
57:38 Conclusion

This is the second lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). This lesson covers the following topics:

0:00 Introduction

3:31 Early Life, Family, and Education

13:24 Conversion and the Affair of the Placards

15:46 Basel and the 1536 Edition of the Institutes

19:27 Ministry in Geneva

25:53 Exile to Strasbourg, Marriage, and Trials

30:48 Calvin's Legacy

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

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Greg K. Beale, a renowned biblical scholar and author, to discuss his latest book, Union with the Resurrected Christ (Baker Academic). Join us as Dr. Beale examines the profound theological concept of the believer’s union with the resurrected Christ, exploring its biblical foundations, theological implications, and practical applications.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Beale shares insights from key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how themes such as the new exodus in Isaiah and the teachings of Paul and Jesus form the basis of this transformative union. We also discuss the eschatological significance of this union and how it shapes our understanding of sanctification, Christian living, and our identity in Christ.

Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the unique contributions of Union with the Resurrected Christto contemporary theological scholarship, as well as practical consideration for living out this union in their daily lives. Whether you are a scholar, pastor, or layperson, this episode offers valuable insights into the full scope of Christian salvation.

Dr. Gregory K. Beale is Professor of New Testament at RTS Dallas. With a distinguished academic career spanning decades, Dr. Beale has shaped minds at institutions such as Grove City College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Wheaton Graduate School, and Westminster Theological Seminary. A former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, Dr. Beale brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation on New Testament interpretation and biblical theology.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that underscores the richness of our union with the resurrected Christ and its vital importance for the Christian faith.