Reformed Forum

Join Rob and Bob as they delve into the intricacies of Christian baptism. They explore who should be baptized, emphasizing both believers and their children. A fascinating discussion uncovers the differences with Reformed Baptists and the theological connections between baptism and circumcision. They highlight the historical support for infant baptism while distinguishing between the visible and invisible church. Hear arguments for why adult believers should be baptized, including obedience and church membership, all wrapped in a tapestry of covenant promises.

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.

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.

Carlton Wynne, a PCA minister and theologian, delves into the profound meaning of baptism during his talk. He connects baptism to Old Testament events like Noah's flood and Israel's Red Sea crossing, illustrating how these foreshadow New Covenant truths. Wynne emphasizes baptism as a sign of salvation and judgment, a call to faith, and a means of grace that strengthens the church. He urges listeners to appreciate baptism's role in initiating believers into the covenant community and affirming God's promises.

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.