Reformed Forum

Join us for a fascinating conversation on biblical imagery. Dr. Michael Seufert, pastor at Mission OPC in St. Paul, Minnesota, and author of the dissertation Of Beasts and Men: A Study of Genesis 49 in Light of Iconography, Metaphor, and Animal Studies, guides us through the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern hero culture and its implications for understanding Scripture.

We explore Genesis 49, Jacob’s poetic blessing, and its striking use of animal metaphors, unpacking themes of violence, power, and divine faithfulness. Dr. Seufert highlights the ambivalence in biblical heroism, contrasting the lion-like strength of Judah with the paradoxical power of the Lamb in Revelation.

Dan Svendsen, pastor of First OPC in South Holland, Illinois, also provides his perspective as a preacher immersed in the narratives of 1 Samuel. Together, we examine how the stories of David and Judah resonate with biblical themes of leadership, humility, and redemption, offering additional depth and richness to our understanding of hero culture in the Bible.

With insights into the cultural, theological, and practical applications of these themes, we discuss how the church today can embrace the counterintuitive way of weakness modeled by Christ. This collaborative discussion bridges rigorous scholarship and pastoral application, offering profound encouragement for the Christian life.

Chapters

00:00:07 Introduction
00:10:04 Michael Seufert's Academic Journey
00:25:47 Understanding Hero Culture in Scripture
00:35:43 The Wilderness of Empire and Violence
00:38:58 Animal Imagery in Biblical Power Dynamics
00:41:29 The Complexity of Judah's Legacy
00:48:20 Lessons from Jacob and David        
00:59:16 Embracing Christ's Path to Victory
01:09:23 Conclusion

Direct download: ctc892.mp3
Category:Christ the Center -- posted at: 12:00am CST

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. On today’s episode, under the larger section, “The Doctrine of the Last Things,” we continue our discussion of chapter XXIX, “The Second Coming of Christ.”
Direct download: tsp322.mp3
Category:Theology Simply Profound -- posted at: 7:50am CST

This is the eighth lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton’s Reformed Academy course, Calvinism: The Plan of Salvation. This lesson covers the following topics:

0:00 Jesus’ Promise to Send the Spirit

3:11 Union with Christ as Spiritual

6:42 Union with Christ by Faith

10:35 Union with Christ Effected by the Word of Truth

14:37 The Spirit as Guarantee of Our Inheritance

Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental materials, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-four additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/calvinism-the-plan-of-salvation/

Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/

#Calvinism #salvation #reformedtheology


In this episode of Christ the Center, we welcome Dr. Robert Letham, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Union School of Theology, to discuss his latest book, The Holy Spirit. Dr. Letham offers profound insights into the person and work of the third member of the Trinity, drawing from Scripture, church history, and systematic theology.

We explore key themes such as the Spirit’s role in creation, redemption, and sanctification, as well as its relationship to the Father and the Son within the Trinity. Dr. Letham also addresses contemporary theological debates, including the filioque controversy, Pentecostalism, and modern Spirit Christologies, while maintaining a firm grounding in classical Reformed orthodoxy.

Whether you’re a theologian, pastor, or layperson, this conversation will deepen your understanding of the Spirit’s transformative work in the life of the church and individual believers. Join us as we explore this rich and vital topic.

Robert Letham is the author of several influential works, including The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship and his acclaimed Systematic Theology. His writings are marked by a commitment to classical Reformed orthodoxy, thorough biblical exegesis, and an ecumenical appreciation of the broader Christian tradition.

Chapters

  • 00:00:07 Introduction
  • 00:05:24 Speaking of the Project
  • 00:10:04 The Persons Are Fully God without Remainder
  • 00:18:57 Trinitarian Persons Are Immutably Dynamic
  • 00:22:38 Surveying the Literature on the Holy Spirit
  • 00:30:05 The Development of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
  • 00:34:39 Montanism and Pentecostalism
  • 00:41:47 The Filioque
  • 00:54:36 The Holy Spirit and the Ordo Salutis
  • 01:06:22 Conclusion
Direct download: ctc891.mp3
Category:Christ the Center -- posted at: 12:00am CST

This is the seventh lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton’s Reformed Academy course, Calvinism: The Plan of Salvation. This lesson covers the following topics:

0:00 The Historical Accomplishment of Redemption

2:57 The Blood of Christ as the Climax of Old Testament Redemption

6:26 Blood and the Forgiveness of Sins

8:14 Deliverance by Blood in the Book of Revelation

Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental materials, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-four additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/calvinism-the-plan-of-salvation/

Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/

#Calvinism #salvation #reformedtheology


In this lively Friday afternoon livestream recorded on January 17, 2025, Camden Bucey and a panel of guests discuss upcoming events, including Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Confessional Conference, themed The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work.” The panel includes Pat Daly (Greenville Seminary), Stephen Spinnenweber (Westminster PCA, Jacksonville), Ryan Noha (Reformed Forum), and Carlton Wynne (Westminster PCA, Atlanta; Reformed Theological Seminary, Atlanta).

They preview the conference’s lineup, including talks on pastoral calling, ministry, and the broader applications of confessional theology.

Camden and Ryan highlight upcoming Reformed Forum events in Oklahoma City and California, offering opportunities to engage in robust theological discussions and fellowship.

Stephen shares insights from his current sermon series on the Book of Numbers, uncovering its rich ecclesiological and redemptive themes. The panel also reflects on the challenges of preaching through difficult books and the joy of revealing Christ in all of Scripture.

 

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Live Stream and Panel
  • 03:00 Greenville Conference Overview
  • 08:07 The Unique Community of the Greenville Conference
  • 10:02 Carlton Wynne’s Insights on Pastoral Calling
  • 15:54 Exploring the Nature of Pastoral Ministry
  • 18:07 Upcoming Events and Future Plans
  • 24:56 Fellowship and Worship Opportunities
  • 26:45 Upcoming Conferences and Events
  • 28:26 Memorable Experiences and Connections
  • 30:11 Exploring Historical Figures and Their Impact
  • 31:36 Engaging with Contemporary Discussions
  • 33:08 Critiques and Insights on Apologetics
  • 37:39 Theological Frameworks in Apologetics
  • 41:09 Preaching Through Challenging Texts
  • 42:00 Insights on the Book of Numbers
  • 48:37 Exploring the Book of Numbers
  • 50:12 The Impact of Preaching on Congregation
  • 51:41 Challenges in Old Testament Preaching
  • 54:15 The Aaronic Benediction and Its Significance
  • 56:23 Resources for Preaching and Teaching
  • 58:17 Introduction to Stephen’s Book
  • 01:01:01 Understanding the Law of God
  • 01:03:51 The Three Uses of the Law
  • 01:06:12 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Direct download: rflive20250117.mp3
Category:Reformed Forum Live -- posted at: 9:35am CST

In this episode we welcome back Dr. G. K. Beale, professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Dallas, to discuss Paul’s use of the Old Testament in his letter to the church in Colossae. Dr. Beale has written an insightful commentary on Colossians and Philemon in which he highlights the theological depth and practical application of these epistles, focusing on the Old Testament allusions in Colossians and their relevance to Paul’s message of Christ’s supremacy and the believer’s union with Him.

The conversation explores the nature of Paul’s argument against syncretistic false teaching, the significance of Christ as the true temple, and the practical implications of Paul’s exhortations for the church today. Dr. Beale also shares his method for identifying Old Testament allusions and discusses the relationship between Ephesians and Colossians. 

This episode is a rich resource for pastors, teachers, and students interested in biblical theology, exegesis, and the practical application of Scripture.

Chapters

  • 00:07 Introduction
  • 04:36 AI in NT Studies
  • 13:10 Reformed Forum Seminary in Oklahoma City
  • 15:37 Introduction to Colossians
  • 21:27 Quotations and Allusions
  • 25:15 The Nature of the Colossian Heresy
  • 29:12 The Relationship between Colossians and Ephesians
  • 32:05 Old Testament Allusions in Colossians
  • 53:12 Initiation into and Maturity in Christ
  • 55:19 The Elemental Principles of the World
  • 58:46 Conclusion
Direct download: ctc890.mp3
Category:Christ the Center -- posted at: 12:00am CST

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. On today’s episode, under the larger section, “The Doctrine of the Last Things,” we begin to discuss chapter XXIX, "The Second Coming of Christ."
Direct download: tsp321.mp3
Category:Theology Simply Profound -- posted at: 4:00am CST

This is the sixth lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton’s Reformed Academy course, Calvinism: The Plan of Salvation. This lesson covers the following topics:

0:00 Introduction

4:16 Present Union with Christ

9:18 Predestinarian Union with Christ

14:10 The Basis and Goal of Predestination

19:40 The Grace of God

Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental materials, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-four additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/calvinism-the-plan-of-salvation/

Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/

#Calvinism #salvation #reformedtheology


In this episode, we consider the profound theological insights of Geerhardus Vos as found in pp. 355–360 of his Biblical Theology. Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore the Johannine concept of truth, which transcends human-centered definitions like coherence or correspondence theories. Instead, John presents truth as an intrinsic, divine attribute embodied in the Logos, Jesus Christ, and rooted in heavenly realities.

The discussion highlights how Jesus is both the fulfillment and culmination of the Old Testament, uniting Christocentrism and Christotelism to show that all Scripture points to him. From heavenly realities and earthly shadows to worship in Spirit and truth, the episode unpacks the eschatological depth of John’s Gospel and the organic unity of God’s redemptive revelation.

We also reflect on Jesus’ own hermeneutic, his attitude toward Scripture as the “most orthodox of the orthodox,” and how his approach undergirds the Reformation’s emphasis on the open access of Scripture to all people. This rich conversation will deepen your understanding of biblical theology, worship, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

Join us as we uncover how Christ is not only the center but also the goal of all Scripture, illuminating God’s unified message of redemption across the ages.

Chapters

  • 00:07 Introduction
  • 05:27 Upcoming Oklahoma City Seminar
  • 10:12 True and Truth in the Gospel of John
  • 19:57 Heavenly Realities and Earthly Shadows
  • 31:47 Jesus' Attitude toward the Old Testament
  • 35:16 Christo-Centrism and Christotelism
  • 47:28 The Fulfillment of the Scriptures
  • 55:26 Conclusion

Direct download: ctc889.mp3
Category:Christ the Center -- posted at: 12:00am CST

This is the fifth lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton’s Reformed Academy course, Calvinism: The Plan of Salvation. This lesson covers the following topics:

0:00 Introduction to Unconditional Election

5:06 Jacob I Loved, But Esau I Hated

12:27 The Prayer of the Tax Collector

16:57 Pharoah’s Heart Hardened

18:34 God’s Sovereign Election: Objections Answered

21:13 Pastoral Application of Unconditional Election

Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental materials, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-four additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/calvinism-the-plan-of-salvation/

Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/

#Calvinism #salvation #reformedtheology


Join us as we reflect on 2024 and look forward to what’s ahead for Reformed Forum in 2025! This livestream covers key updates, including:

📖 End-of-Year Wrap-Up

We share the results of our Equipped to Grow campaign, inspired by 2 Peter 3:18. Together, we’ve made significant progress toward our goals and reached supporters across 12 countries! 

🌐 Website Improvements

We’re working on a redesigned homepage and menu, part of our effort to make our distinctively Reformed and redemptive-historical resources more accessible to everyone. 

📚 Forthcoming Publications

Exciting updates on upcoming books, including Discovering Christ in All of Scripture, God’s Gift of Himself, and Union with Christ: The Benefits of His Suffering and Glory. 

📅 Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for our Orange County meetup on January 25, 2025 and a special event in Oklahoma City on February 21–22, 2025. We’re eager to share these updates and continue pursuing our mission to support the church in presenting every person mature in Christ.

Watch a recording of the stream at https://youtube.com/live/DBZiM6CtGE0

Direct download: 2025-01-03_reformed_forum_live.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:12pm CST

In this episode, we look back upon the year and highlight clips from our ten most watched videos.

  • 00:00:07 Introduction
  • 00:04:14 Adonis Vidu — Exploring the Doctrine of Inseparable Operations
  • 00:11:17 Aaron Renn — Life in the Negative World
  • 00:15:15 Harrison Perkins — Exploring Covenant Theology among the Theological Disciplines
  • 00:24:11 Van Til Group #13 — Roman Catholic and Evangelical Views of Sin and Human Consciousness
  • 00:34:09 Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert — Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”
  • 00:41:49 Greg Beale — Union with the Resurrected Christ 
  • 00:48:15 David Hall — Irony and the PCA
  • 00:52:13 Cornelis Van Dam — Considering the Historicity of Genesis 1 and 2 
  • 00:55:21 Greg Beale and Ben Gladd — Dictionary of the NT Use of the OT 
  • 00:57:41 Alan Strange, Darryl Hart, Nick Willborn, and Timon Cline — Politics, Culture, and the Spiritual Mission of the Church
  • 01:11:49 Conclusion
Direct download: ctc888.mp3
Category:Christ the Center -- posted at: 12:00am CST

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