Reformed Forum

Dr. James Cassidy considered Matthew 28:20a, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. Dr. Cassidy offers a comprehensive exploration of the central role of preaching and teaching in the mission of the church. Rooted in the Great Commission, Dr. Cassidy emphasizes that the work of the church is inseparable from the task of proclaiming and teaching the Word of God. He challenges the common distinction between preaching and teaching, arguing that both serve the same ultimate purpose: the faithful execution of Christ’s command to make disciples. Dr. Cassidy presents a biblical and theological case for viewing preaching and teaching as fundamentally the same activity within the church’s mission. He turns to the New Testament to show how the apostles, including Paul and Timothy, understood their ministry as both preaching the gospel and teaching the whole counsel of God. In this way, the church is called to faithfully declare not only the imperatives of Jesus but also the entire redemptive narrative of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. This address also covers the broader implications of preaching and teaching, emphasizing that these activities must be biblical, systematic, and polemical. Dr. Cassidy encourages pastors and ministers to preach the whole counsel of God, to structure their sermons with theological coherence, and to boldly defend the Christian faith against false religions and worldviews. In conclusion, Dr. Cassidy underscores that preaching and teaching are the church’s primary tasks in fulfilling the Great Commission, and any other activities must serve or flow from this central mission. This address is a profound reflection on the core identity of the church and its mandate to proclaim Christ to all nations.

Dr. Carlton Wynne considered Matthew 28:19b, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. Dr. Wynne shares the rich theological significance of baptism, tracing its roots through the Old Testament and highlighting its vital role in the church’s mission today. Drawing on vivid biblical imagery and covenantal theology, Dr. Wynne explores how baptism functions as a visible sign of God’s covenant faithfulness, pointing to both the blessings of salvation and the solemn warnings of judgment. Dr. Wynne begins by tracing baptism’s deep well from the creation waters in Genesis to the flood of Noah, Israel’s Red Sea crossing, and the ordination of the priesthood, showing how these Old Testament events foreshadow the New Covenant sacrament. Baptism, as part of Christ’s Great Commission, not only initiates believers into the covenant community but also proclaims the gospel, confirms God’s promises, and sanctifies the church. Furthermore, Dr. Wynne emphasizes the multifaceted work of baptism: it signifies salvation, summons sinners to Christ, seals God’s covenant promises, sanctifies believers, and strengthens the bonds within the church. He illustrates how baptism serves as both a divine declaration and a summons to faith, culminating in the affirmation of God’s grace and the call to live as disciples of Christ. By exploring these “lively works” of baptism, this presentation calls the church to cherish and uphold the sacrament as a means of grace, nourishing faith and encouraging spiritual growth. This is a theologically rich reflection on how the waters of baptism flow continuously through the life of the church, rooted in God’s redemptive plan and vital for the spiritual vitality of God’s people.

Dr. Camden Bucey considers Matthew 28:19a, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. Dr. Bucey exegetes the core command of the Great Commission, revealing key insights often overlooked in English translations. By focusing on the singular imperative—"Make disciples"—the address clarifies the church’s shared responsibility, guided by the authority of Christ, to bring the gospel to all nations. The theological depth extends to how the covenantal promises given to Abraham are fulfilled through Jesus Christ and now continue through the church’s mission to make disciples of all nations. This address also emphasizes the holistic nature of disciple-making: it is not limited to evangelism but includes baptism, teaching, and nurturing believers into spiritual maturity. Dr. Bucey passionately explains how the church must rely on the power of Christ to carry out this mission, faithfully using the ordinary means of grace—word, sacraments, and prayer—to achieve extraordinary ends for the kingdom of God. Whether you’re a pastor, missionary, or layperson, this presentation calls you to reflect deeply on your unique role in fulfilling the Great Commission and the broader redemptive narrative of Scripture. Join us as we engage in the task Christ entrusted to his church, confident in his empowering presence and his promise to be with us until the end of the age.

Dr. Lane Tipton considers Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,’” at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. Dr. Tipton offers a rich exposition of Matthew 28:18, exploring the divine authority and mission given to the church by the ascended Christ. Focusing on the unlimited dominion of Christ as he reigns from heaven, this presentation intricately weaves together biblical theology and Reformed thought to highlight the present reign of Jesus and his work in the Great Commission.  Drawing heavily on the teachings of Geerhardus Vos, the address outlines five key propositions regarding Christ’s kingship, his appointment as mediator in the Council of Peace, and his heavenly rule. Dr. Tipton emphasizes the “two-age” movement of Christ’s kingdom—his current reign through the spiritual kingdom of grace and its final culmination in glory at the end of the age. With clarity and depth, the speaker explains how Christ’s ascension to the right hand of God marked the initiation of the Regnum Potentiae (Kingdom of Power), where he now exercises comprehensive authority over heaven and earth. This address not only unveils the theological significance of Christ’s exaltation but also challenges believers to reflect on their role in the ongoing work of the Great Commission. By exploring Christ’s present unlimited dominion, Dr. Tipton critiques misunderstandings of future millennial reigns, affirming that Christ’s kingship is fully realized now, and He will continue to reign until the last enemy is destroyed. The presentation concludes with an encouragement to the Church to engage faithfully in disciple-making, sustained by the powerful promises of Christ’s authority and his abiding presence. This is a compelling call to embrace the Great Commission with confidence, knowing that Christ’s rule over all creation guarantees the success of the mission entrusted to his church.

This is the first lesson in Rev. Robert Arendale’s Reformed Academy course, The Life of Abraham (Genesis 12–25). This lesson covers the following topics: 0:00 Why Study Abraham? 6:12 What Does God Call Abraham to Do? 8:51 What Does God Promise to Abraham? 17:50 How Does Abraham Respond? 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 preparation of our upcoming annual theology conference, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy reflect on the global mission of the church through the lens of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). They discuss how Reformed Forum supports the church’s work of making disciples by providing theological resources and education, focusing on the key elements of going, baptizing, and teaching. Jim shares his experiences teaching in the Philippines and the surprising impact of Reformed Academy on the global Reformed community. The conversation explores the OPC’s approach to foreign and home missions, as well as Christian education, highlighting the importance of building self-sustaining and theologically mature churches around the world. The episode also touches on the need for contextualized, long-term confessional education and how technology is enabling the spread of Reformed theology in various cultural contexts. Listeners will gain insight into how Reformed Forum serves as a resource for pastors and churches worldwide, including the challenges of foreign missions and the unique role of theological education in shaping the future of the global church. Join us for this thoughtful discussion on missions, discipleship, and the Great Commission’s enduring relevance.

This is the ninth lesson in Dr. R. Carlton Wynne's Reformed Academy course, The Theology of Calvin's Institutes (Books 1–2). It covers Book 2, Chapters 12–17 of the Institutes of the Christian Religion, addressing the following topics: 0:00 Introduction 2:34 Why the God-Man? 13:08 One Divine Person in Two Natures 23:45 The Three-Fold Office of the Mediator 28:17 Christ's Work of Redemption 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 sit down with Rev. Ryan Swale, pastor of Immanuel URC in Jordan, Ontario, to discuss his dissertation, The Imprecatory Pastor: A Practical Theology of the Imprecatory Psalms. Swale challenges the modern church to reconsider the often-overlooked imprecatory psalms, which call for divine justice upon enemies. He argues that these psalms are not only permissible for Christians to use but are essential for pastoral ministry. Grounded in the character of God and rooted in biblical promises, Swale shows how these prayers for justice play a vital role in counseling, preaching, prayer, and worship. Swale explains the theological foundations of imprecatory psalms, demonstrating how both the Old and New Testaments affirm their use. He also explores practical applications for pastors, including how imprecatory psalms can be employed in “liturgical warfare,” apologetics, and pastoral counseling. Swale urges pastors to embrace these psalms as powerful tools for confronting evil and injustice, ultimately leading the church in glorifying God’s justice. Join us as we explore the biblical and pastoral importance of imprecatory psalms and their role in faithfully navigating a fallen world. Tune in to learn more about the powerful place of imprecatory psalms in Christian life and ministry. 00:07 Introduction 05:13 Choosing the Imprecatory Psalms as a DMin Dissertation Topic 11:25 What Is an Imprecatory Psalm? 14:17 Imprecations in Light of Genesis 3:15 23:03 Imprecatory Psalms and the New Testament 38:27 Imprecatory Psalms in Corporate Worship 45:30 The Judgment of God upon Christ for His People 48:21 Psalms for the Age of Rage 53:44 Suggestions for Beginning to Use the Imprecatory Psalms 57:43 Conclusion

R. Carlton Wynne, an instructor at Reformed Academy specializing in Calvin's theological principles, explores the profound connections between Christ and the Old Testament law. He discusses the three uses of the Moral Law, emphasizing its guiding role in the lives of believers. Wynne elaborates on the Ten Commandments, highlighting their ongoing relevance for Christians today. The conversation also reveals how both Testaments interconnect through God's covenant of grace, showcasing love as the key to understanding obedience.

Lane Tipton, a theological discussion expert, and Danny Olinger, a scholar of historical Christian sermons, dive into Geerhardus Vos’s insights on 1 Peter 1:3-5. They explore how the resurrection of Christ shapes Christian hope and life, urging believers to focus on eternal truths over temporal distractions. The duo delves into the implications of suffering, the nature of a heavenly inheritance, and critiques contemporary Christianity's earthly fixation. Their engaging conversation emphasizes the importance of eschatological hope in fostering a faithful pilgrimage toward the new heavens.