This is the first 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 The Institutes and Living Coram Deo

4:16 The 1559 Edition of the Institutes

8:42 The Two-Fold Purpose of the Institutes

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In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy discuss the profound theme of the Great Commission and God’s overarching plan for the nations. This conversation serves as a follow-up to a pre-conference event held at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in March as well as a prelude to Reformed Forum’s upcoming annual theology conference, set for September 28, 2024, in Grayslake, Illinois.

Camden and Jim discuss the biblical foundations of the Great Commission, tracing its roots from the Old Testament through to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ. They emphasize the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, highlighting key scriptural passages such as Matthew 28:18-20 and Isaiah 2:2-4, and unpack the theological significance of the inclusion of Gentiles as seen through the line of Japheth.

Listeners will gain insights into the unity of Scripture, the role of the ordinary means of grace, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to gather His people from every nation into His heavenly kingdom. This episode also provides practical encouragement for engaging in missions, both locally and globally, and underscores the importance of the Great Commission in the life of the church.

Join us for this enriching theological discussion that prepares the heart and mind for a deeper understanding of God’s unfolding plan for the nations.

Resources Mentioned:

• To the Ends of the Earth: The Great Commission and God’s Unfolding Plan for the Nations booklet
• Reformed Forum Theology Conference 2024

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:06:41 Greenville Seminary Pre-Conference Event
• 00:23:46 Isaiah’s Vision and the End of Missions
• 00:28:15 The End of Nations
• 00:37:07 The Blessing of Japheth
• 00:47:21 The Work of the Church Today
• 00:53:43 Where to Focus Missions Efforts
• 01:01:58 Conclusion

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. David Noe, pastor of Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids and former faculty member at Calvin University. They discuss Dr. Noe’s work at the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies, focusing on his recent workshop and the enduring significance of classical studies for understanding the Reformed theological tradition.

Join us as we discuss the importance of Latin scholarship, the influence of classical authors on Reformation thought, and the challenges and rewards of engaging with historical theological texts. This conversation highlights the value of communal learning and the timeless relevance of studying foundational Christian doctrines in their original languages.

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.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:03:13 Working with Other Scholars
• 00:11:12 A Recent Latin Workshop at the Meeter Center
• 00:20:08 Seeing Scholarship in Process
• 00:24:09 Imitating the Education of the Reformers
• 00:34:33 Day 1: Cicero, Seneca, Lactantius
• 00:41:48 Day 2: Augustine, Bernard of Clairveaux, Thomas Aquinas
• 00:49:01 Day 3: Lorenzo Valla, Guillaume Bude, and Erasmus
• 00:54:31 Day 4: Calvin
• 00:56:53 Day 5: Vermigli
• 00:59:21 Daily Disciplines
• 01:07:01 Latin Per Diem
• 01:12:22 Conclusion

In this engaging episode, we explore the intricate and profound world of Trinitarian theology with theologian Adonis Vidu. Join us as we explore the key themes and arguments from his latest book, The Same God Who Works All Things: Inseparable Operations in Trinitarian Theology (Eerdmans). Vidu passionately defends the doctrine of inseparable operations, which asserts that all actions of the Trinity are unified and indivisible. Through this doctrine, we gain a deeper understanding of the unity and distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Throughout our conversation, Vidu traces the development, challenges, and implications of inseparable operations from biblical foundations and patristic contributions to contemporary theological debates. We address various objections, particularly concerning the incarnation and atonement, and demonstrate how this doctrine can coherently explain complex theological concepts while preserving the unity and distinction within the Trinity.

Adonis Vidu serves as Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where his research and teaching focus on the intersections of historical and contemporary theological thought. Vidu holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from King’s College London, and he has authored several influential works, including Atonement, Law, and Justice: The Cross in Historical and Cultural Contexts and the subject of this conversation, The Same God Who Works All Things: Inseparable Operations in Trinitarian Theology.

Watch or listen to gain invaluable insights from one of today’s leading theological minds as we explore the profound depths of Trinitarian theology and its relevance for contemporary Christian life and thought. Whether you’re a seasoned theologian or simply curious about the intricacies of faith, this episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking.

We recorded a webinar with Dr. Harrison Perkins, author of Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Academic). This event explored the multifaceted nature of covenant theology, examining how it relates to other branches of exegetical and theological study.

Discover how covenant theology is informed by exegetical, biblical, and systematic theology and how it in turn influences other disciplines. Whether you’re a theologian, pastor, student, or simply interested in deepening your knowledge of Reformed theology, this webinar promises to provide valuable insights and foster enriching discussions.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction
• 00:05:12 Perkins on Reformed Covenant Theology
• 00:29:00 Covenant Theology and the Theological Encyclopedia
• 00:41:19 Advancing beyond Mere Typology
• 00:54:34 The Most Pressing Challenges to Covenant Theology
• 00:58:24 Thoughts on a Republication of the Covenant of Works
• 01:05:47 Types “Resembling” the Covenant of Works
• 01:21:08 Conclusion

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 XXV, “The Word of God and the Sacraments in General.” In this episode, we mostly talk about the nature of a sacrament as a means of grace.

Something significant is missing in Genesis 34 as we read one of the most shocking stories of Scripture. How do you preach Christ in a text where a violent act is met with severe retribution? Are Jacob’s sons exercising just judgment or personal revenge? Does this episode parallel the later conquest of Canaan? We seek to answer these questions and show how the ravages of sin can be undone; how the unclean can be made clean. There is good news for the Christian in this dreadful story.

Join us as we discuss the four divisions of revelation by Christ beginning on p. 344 in Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. We will unpack Vos’s comprehensive categorization of revelation by Christ, which he divides into four distinct yet interconnected periods:

1. Natural or General Revelation: Extending from creation and continuing indefinitely, revealing God’s nature and attributes through the world around us.
2. Old Testament Revelation: Spanning from the entrance of sin to the incarnation, highlighting God’s redemptive plan through the history and prophecy of the Old Testament.
3. Revelation during Christ’s Earthly Ministry: Covering his life, teaching, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension, manifesting the fullness of God in human form.
4. Revelation through His Chosen Servants: Extending from Christ’s ascension to the death of the last apostle, communicated through the inspired writings and teachings of his disciples under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We explore how these revelations unfold in a linear, biblical-theological manner, emphasizing Christ’s activity before and after the incarnation. We discuss the significance of natural revelation, the pivotal moments of Old Testament prophecy, the profound truths revealed during Christ’s ministry, and the ongoing impact of apostolic teaching.

Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the coherence and unity of God’s redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture. We also reflect on the continuing relevance of these revelations for the church today and how they inform our worship, theology, and daily living.

Paul calls upon his readers to remember five realities of their former life: separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants, having no hope, and without God. But the glorious good news is “BUT NOW in Christ Jesus” those who were far off have been brought near. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has reconciled the repentant sinner to God, so that he is no longer a stranger, but a member of God’s household.