Reformed Forum

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. On today’s episode, we continue our discussion of chapter XXVII, “The Lord’s Supper.” We talk about a variety of different matters, including where the body of Christ is currently and where Jesus is during the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

This is the fourth lesson in Rev. Robert Arendale’s Reformed Academy course, The Life of Abraham (Genesis 12–25). This lesson covers the following topics: 0:00 Abraham's Faith 12:50 God's Faithfulness 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-two additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-life-of-abraham-genesis-12-25/ Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #Genesis #Bible #reformedtheology

In this episode, we are joined by Jeffrey C. Tuomala, Professor of Law at Liberty University, to examine two landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in light of two articles by Ned Stonehouse. Professor Tuomala, with his deep commitment to restoring the moral foundations of law, will offer his legal expertise to comment on Stonehouse’s reflections regarding McCollum v. Board of Education and Everson v. Board of Education. These cases addressed the relationship between church and state, religious education, and the issue of secularism in public schools. We explore the deeper issues Stonehouse raised, such as the dangers of secularism in public education, the role of Christian education, and the balance between religious liberty and state control. Professor Tuomala provides a thoughtful legal and moral analysis of how these cases continue to influence contemporary debates about faith, law, and education in America. This conversation is a rich discussion on the intersection of theology, law, and Christian education in the modern world. Listen for a compelling exploration of these pivotal court decisions and their ongoing impact on religious freedom and Christian education. Articles Ned B. Stonehouse, “A Differing Opinion on the School Bus Issue,” The Presbyterian Guardian 16, no. 6 (March 25, 1947): 83–84. Ned B. Stonehouse, “Whither Religious Education?,” The Presbyterian Guardian 17, no. 9 (May 25, 1948): 99. Jeffrey C. Tuomala (2024) “Is Tax-Funded Education Unconstitutional?,” Liberty University Law Review: Vol. 18: Iss. 4, Article 6.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss Louis Berkhof’s little book, Summary of Christian Doctrine. On today's episode, we begin to discuss chapter XXVII, "The Lord's Supper." We consider the Lord's institution of the Supper, the background of the Passover meal, as well as what is meant by the Lord's Supper being a sign and seal.

This is the third lesson in Rev. Robert Arendale’s Reformed Academy course, The Life of Abraham (Genesis 12–25). This lesson covers the following topics: 0:00 Abraham's Choice 12:32 The Character and Figure of Melchizedek 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-two additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-life-of-abraham-genesis-12-25/ Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #Genesis #Bible #reformedtheology

In this episode, we open Geerhardus Vos’ Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments (pp. 348–352), exploring insights on the development and method of Jesus’ teaching. We examine Vos’ distinction between subjective and objective development, discussing why Vos rejects the idea that Jesus’ understanding evolved over time. Instead, we explore the progression of Jesus’ teachings as a deeper unfolding of divine truth, perfectly aligned with his dual nature as both fully divine and fully human. We also explore the unique teaching methods Jesus employed during his ministry, focusing on his use of parables and concrete imagery to communicate the mysteries of the kingdom of God. From the simple similitudes comparing natural processes to spiritual realities, to the complex parables proper, Vos illustrates how Jesus’ teachings were both profound and adaptable, responding to the readiness of his disciples and the opposition of his critics. Join us as we unpack these key theological themes and discuss the implications of Vos’ analysis for understanding the unchanging yet progressively revealing nature of Christ’s teaching ministry. Learn how the divine and human natures of Christ shape his perfect teaching and how Vos’ theological insights continue to challenge modern interpretations of Jesus’ life and ministry. Watch on YouTube and Vimeo. Chapters [00:07] Introduction [01:48] Development in Jesus’s Teaching [04:53] Subjective Development of Jesus’s Teaching [17:38] Objective Development of Jesus’s Teaching [34:03] The Method of Jesus’s Teaching [38:46] Teaching through Parables [50:13] 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 XXVI, “Christian Baptism.” In this episode, we continue our discussion of Christian baptism.

This is the second lesson in Rev. Robert Arendale’s Reformed Academy course, The Life of Abraham (Genesis 12–25). This lesson covers the following topics: 0:00 Challenges from within Our Own Hearts 9:12 Challenges from within the Church 21:13 Challenges from without the Church 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-two additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/the-life-of-abraham-genesis-12-25/  Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/  #Genesis #Bible #reformedtheology

In this episode of Christ the Center, we welcome Rev. Hank Bowen, pastor of First Reformed Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota, for an insightful conversation on the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS). Together with Camden Bucey and Ryan Noha, Rev. Bowen traces the rich historical roots of the RCUS, from its German Palatinate origins through its development in America. The discussion covers the denomination’s key theological influences, particularly its connections with the Heidelberg Catechism, and its intersections with other Reformed traditions such as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC). As they reflect on the challenges and blessings the RCUS has faced over the centuries, including its role in resisting liberalism and promoting confessional orthodoxy, the conversation highlights the enduring legacy and ongoing influence of the RCUS in Reformed theology today. Whether you are a familiar with the RCUS or new to its history, this episode offers valuable reflections on the faithfulness of God through the generations. Chapters [00:00:07] Introduction [00:01:26] Overview of the Reformed Church in the U.S. (RCUS) [00:02:53] Updates from Reformed Forum [00:05:40] The History and Formation of the RCUS [00:08:14] Celebrating the 300th Synod of the RCUS [00:11:32] Rev. Bowen’s Personal Testimony [00:13:25] The RCUS and Theological Challenges [00:20:15] The Influence of Westminster Seminary on the RCUS [00:24:02] The Importance of Catechesis and the Heidelberg Catechism [00:33:33] Church Planting and Home Missions in the RCUS [00:37:55] Ecumenical Relations with the OPC and the URCNA [00:46:45] RCUS Foreign Missions Strategy [00:57:08] Rev. Bowen’s Doctoral Research and Pastoral Burnout [01:00:14] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Rev. Douglas Clawson considered Matthew 28:20b, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. Rev. Douglas Clawson unpacks the profound promise found in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures his disciples of His continual presence as they carry out the Great Commission. Rev. Clawson carefully traces this theme of God’s presence from the Old Testament through to its fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing the deep continuity of God’s dwelling with his people. Beginning with the genealogy in Matthew, Rev. Clawson explores how Jesus, as the fulfillment of both the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, is the ultimate expression of “God with us”—Emmanuel. This theme, introduced at the beginning of Matthew’s gospel, is powerfully echoed in Christ’s final words to his disciples, promising to be with them “to the end of the age.” Rev. Clawson highlights how this promise of presence goes beyond omnipresence or general providence, focusing instead on Christ’s intimate, covenantal presence with his people. Through a rich biblical theology, Rev. Clawson ties Jesus’ promise to God’s presence with Israel in the wilderness, in the tabernacle, and through the prophets. He draws parallels between God’s extensive and intensive presence among his people in the Old Testament and Jesus’ presence with his disciples through the Holy Spirit. This promise is foundational for the church’s mission, giving believers assurance that they never labor alone, but are always accompanied by Christ. This address encourages listeners to reflect on the deep theological implications of Christ’s presence with his church, both now and until the consummation of the age. It is a stirring reminder that, as the church fulfills the Great Commission, Jesus—the Great “I Am”—is ever-present with his people, empowering and sustaining them.