Reformed Forum

Harrison Perkins, Pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church and author of several theological works, joins the discussion to delve into his books, 'Righteous by Design' and 'Created for Communion with God.' He unpacks the nuances of covenant theology, originally righteous humanity, and contrasts Reformed and Roman Catholic views on merit. The conversation further explores how Genesis 1-2 is not just an origin story, but a divine love letter inviting us into communion with God. Prepare for a blend of deep insight and pastoral wisdom!

The discussion centers around King Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dream, posing an impossible challenge to his wise men. As the tension rises, Daniel emerges as a figure of calm, relying on divine guidance to interpret the dream and save lives. The conversation also weaves humorous anecdotes about seasonal activities, like skiing and suburban life, highlighting the blend of everyday experiences with profound theological themes. Additionally, updates on upcoming events and resources in Reformed theology are shared, inviting community engagement.

Explore the fascinating concept of perichoresis from a Reformed perspective. The discussion contrasts this with Thomas Aquinas' views, shedding light on the intricate interactions between the Trinity and creation. Discover how these theological insights shape our understanding of divine-human relationships in enriching ways. Unpack the depths of Calvinistic Trinitarianism and its implications for faith and theology.

Dr. Camden Bucey delves into Eastern Orthodoxy, contrasting its theology with Reformed beliefs. Key topics include the nature of salvation, the role of the Church, and the concept of the Trinity. The discussion also examines the significance of saints in worship and prayer practices. Viewers will learn about the historical roots and distinct beliefs that shape Orthodoxy, including its approach to authority and tradition. This engaging dialogue paves the way for deeper understanding and future explorations of theological differences.

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Florence, Kentucky, to discuss his recent article published in The Confessional Presbyterian Journal (Vol. 20, 2024): The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials: Living According to God’s Revealed Will. Together, they explore the theological context of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, uncovering how speculative theology and reliance on so-called “spectral evidence” reflected a deeper deviation from Scripture’s clarity and sufficiency. Dr. Burks outlines the influence of figures such as William Perkins, Cotton Mather, and Richard Baxter, while also shedding light on how the distinction between God’s secret and revealed will was tragically misunderstood. The conversation goes beyond history, offering timely insights into contemporary fascination with mysticism, the spiritual dangers of neglecting the ordinary means of grace, and the need for biblically grounded theology in facing spiritual warfare today. They conclude by considering the value of a redemptive-historical and confessional framework in pastoral ministry and theological education. Links Debunking the “Moldy Bread Theory” The Haunted Cosmos podcast Chapters 00:07 Introduction 02:11 Academic Background and Church Planting in Kentucky 07:36 Van Til’s Theology of Christian Education 09:39 The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials 15:04 Speculative Theology 18:03 Williams Perkins’ Theology as a Basis 24:00 Covenants with the Devil 26:14 Devil’s Marks and Their Significance 29:52 Exploring the Explosion of Accusations in 1692 33:39 Debunking the Moldy Bread Theory 35:29 The Influence of Samuel Parris 39:21 The Dangers of Speculative Theology 44:26 Balancing Awareness of the Spiritual Realm 50:33 Misunderstandings of the Salem Witch Trials 53:35 Further Reading and Resources on the Trials 58:07 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, J. Brandon Burks

On today’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to walk through the Book of Daniel. We see God's faithfulness to his people in the midst of living in a foreign land under a foreign power as an exiled people.

This is the fifth lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton's Reformed Academy course, Calvinistic Trinitarianism: A Reformed Federalist Alternative to Thomistic Sacerdotalism. Register for this free on-demand course on our website to download supplemental materials, track your progress, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-three additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/cal... Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/

In this conversation, Camden Bucey discusses various topics related to Reformed theology, including updates on the upcoming Reformed Forum Theology Conference, an overview of his new apologetics course, and a look into Ulrich Zwingli’s theology, particularly regarding the Lord’s Supper. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical theology and the need for faithful Reformed witness in contemporary contexts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Updates 12:05 Apologetics Course Overview 24:06 Exploring Zwingli’s Theology 30:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Books Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by John T. McNeill. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960. Calvin, John. Short Treatise on the Holy Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Translated by Henry Beveridge. Originally published 1541. Available in various reprint editions. Gerrish, B. A. Grace and Gratitude: The Eucharistic Theology of John Calvin. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993. Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology. Vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997. Old, Hughes Oliphant. The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1975. Packer, J. I. “Calvin the Theologian.” In Honouring the People of God: Collected Shorter Writings, vol. 4, 77–92. Carlisle, PA: P&R Publishing, 2013. Potter, G. R. Zwingli. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. Stephens, W. P. The Theology of Huldrych Zwingli. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986. Zwingli, Ulrich. On the Lord’s Supper (1526). In Zwingli and Bullinger, edited and translated by G. W. Bromiley, 176ff. Library of Christian Classics. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1953.

In this episode of Christ the Center, we’re joined by Kurt Vetterli, pastor of an ERKWB congregation in Basel, and Florian Weicken, pastor of an EPCEW congregation in Zürich, for a rich conversation on the legacy and ongoing work of the Swiss Reformation. We begin with a guided historical survey of the Reformation in Zürich and Basel, highlighting key figures such as Huldrych Zwingli, Johannes Oecolampadius, and Heinrich Bullinger. From the Affair of the Sausages to the formation of the Second Helvetic Confession, we explore how these cities shaped the theology, worship, and church life of the broader Reformed tradition. Turning to the present, Kurt and Florian share about their ministries in Switzerland today—what gospel ministry looks like in a post-Christian context, the challenges and encouragements they experience, and how the Reformation heritage still speaks into their work. We conclude with a call to pray for the Reformed churches in Switzerland and to consider how listeners might support or participate in this important kingdom work.

In Ruth 1, God brings back a wandering sheep in Naomi, showing us his grace and power. But Naomi still thinks God has dealt bitterly with her and defines herself as “Mara.” Join us as we discuss important preaching points in Ruth 1:6-22 and see how God turns sweet what sin has made bitter.