Reformed Forum

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Bob returns to a reading of Geerhardus Vos's 1903 book, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapter 9, "The Kingdom and the Church."

This is the fifth lesson in Dr. Camden Bucey's Reformed Academy course, Defending Our Hope: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics. What does it mean to be human? This lesson explores the doctrine of man, centered on the profound reality of being created in God's image. We discover how this divine image manifests in official, formal, and ethical dimensions, shaping our knowledge, dignity, and purpose. Through the lens of covenant theology and Reformed thought, we investigate humanity's original condition, the impact of sin, and the enduring significance of bearing God's image. This foundational understanding strengthens apologetics by illuminating the connection between believers and nonbelievers, affirming that all people exist coram Deo—in the presence of God. 02:24 The Point of Contact: The Image of God 08:47 The Image of God and Sin 19:11 Narrow and Broad Senses of the Image of God 27:20 The Image of God and Human Knowledge 35:51 Summary and Conclusion Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental resources, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than two dozen more video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/def... Camden Bucey (MDiv, PhD) is Executive Director of Reformed Forum and a minister of Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Grayslake, Illinois. He is the author of Karl Rahner (Great Thinkers) and Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: A 12-Week Study. Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #apologetics #evangelism #presupp

In this installment of the Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton turn to pages 378–381 of Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, focusing on Jesus' teaching and the eschatology of the kingdom. They explore the vital biblical distinction between the "already" and "not yet" aspects of the kingdom of God, examining how this two-age structure stands in contrast to various eschatological systems, including premillennialism, postmillennialism, and what Vos labels "ultra-eschatology." Tipton and Bucey analyze Vos's critique of these systems, highlighting the theological implications of denying either the inaugurated or consummated dimensions of the kingdom. They also discuss the resurrection, the second coming of Christ, and the theological coherence of amillennialism within the Reformed tradition. In the course of the discussion, they reflect on the life and teaching of Dr. Robert B. Strimple, affirming his Christ-centered theological pedagogy and lasting influence. Listeners will find this episode a robust and thought-provoking engagement with biblical theology, eschatology, and Reformed orthodoxy. Watch on YouTube Chapters [00:00] Mid-America Reformed Seminary Center for Missions and Evangelism Conference [01:30] Introduction [02:45] Remembering Dr. Robert Strimple [09:03] The Two-Stage Kingdom [20:32] Albert Schweitzer and Ultra-Eschatology [25:30] Postmillennialism and Gradualism [33:42] Measuring the Kingdom's Advance [38:58] Vos on Premillennialism [48:32] Premillennialism and the Westminster Standards [58:45] Conclusion

On today's episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob takes us on a walk through Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse.

This is the fourth lesson in Dr. Camden Bucey's Reformed Academy course, Defending Our Hope: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics. How can we know the God we seek to defend? In this lesson, we explore the doctrine of revelation—God's gracious self-disclosure to humanity. You will learn the crucial distinction between general revelation, seen in creation and providence, and special revelation, given through Scripture and ultimately in Jesus Christ. This lesson lays a foundation for understanding why divine revelation is necessary for knowledge, faith, and apologetics. By examining how revelation reveals God's character, will, and redemptive purposes, you will be equipped to uphold the authority of Scripture and the sufficiency of Christ in the face of skepticism and competing truth claims. 01:52 General Revelation 08:50 Special Revelation 21:51 Attributes of Revelation 29:16 The Relationship between General and Special Revelation 31:14 Jesus Christ 33:26 Summary and Conclusion Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental resources, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than two dozen more video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/def... Camden Bucey (MDiv, PhD) is Executive Director of Reformed Forum and a minister of Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Grayslake, Illinois. He is the author of Karl Rahner (Great Thinkers) and Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: A 12-Week Study. Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #apologetics #evangelism #presupp

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined once again by Lane Tipton and Carlton Wynne for a substantive follow-up to their earlier discussion of Keith Mathison's Toward a Reformed Apologetic: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til. In the months since their first review, Dr. Mathison published a blog response, prompting deeper analysis and clarification. Together, Drs. Bucey, Tipton and Wynne explore key critiques Mathison levels against Van Til, especially the claims of epistemological idealism and the so-called "omniscience requirement" for true knowledge. The panel addresses these concerns with thoughtful care, highlighting Van Til's emphasis on covenantal epistemology, the distinction between psychological and ethical knowledge, and the non-neutrality of unbelieving thought. The episode also tackles Mathison's treatment of common grace and the antithesis—core concepts in Van Til's apologetic system. Does Van Til teach that unbelievers attain true knowledge by way of common grace? What is the actual function of common grace in a fallen world? And how does Van Til preserve the absolute ethical antithesis between belief and unbelief without denying shared external reality or meaningful engagement? This is a clarifying and edifying conversation for anyone interested in Reformed theology, presuppositional apologetics, or the legacy of Cornelius Van Til. Mentioned Resources Keith Mathison, Toward a Reformed Apologetics Cornelius Van Til, The Defense of the Faith Cornelius Van Til, Common Grace and the Gospel Follow-up blog post by Dr. Mathison Topics Covered Epistemological holism and the "omniscience thesis" Idealist influence and Van Til's use of borrowed terminology The meaning of "true knowledge" in covenantal context The image of God, suppression of truth, and natural revelation Common grace and its relationship to knowledge and antithesis The continuing relevance of Van Til's apologetic method Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:56 – Upcoming General Assembly 03:45 – Overview of Keith Mathison's Book and Blog Response 05:06 – Main Concerns: Common Grace, Antithesis, and Epistemology 07:12 – Van Til's Doctrine of Knowledge and Ethical Implications 09:13 – Response to Mathison's Critique and Blog Post 12:34 – The 'Omniscience Thesis' in Dr. Mathison's Reading 17:18 – Clarifying True Knowledge in Van Til's View 23:04 – Idealism, Epistemological Holism, and Formal Influence 28:36 – Borrowed Capital vs. Replanting from Idealism 33:13 – Ethical Antithesis and Knowledge Suppression 42:12 – Common Grace: Misunderstanding and Clarification 47:13 – Van Til's View: Knowledge Precedes Common Grace 54:11 – True Knowledge and the Ethical Rebellion of Man 59:28 – Common Grace and Inconsistent Suppression 66:10 – Antithesis in Every Sphere of Life 69:55 – Common Grace Doesn't Suspend Total Depravity 71:48 – Looking Ahead to Reconstructed Theistic Proofs

Explore how thoughtful selection of psalms and hymns can transform Reformed worship. Discover the importance of aligning music with Scripture and sermon themes. Learn practical strategies to engage the congregation through emotional resonance and theological depth. Find out how repetition and familiarity can enhance the worship experience. Delve into the significance of matching tunes, tempos, and liturgical moments to create a cohesive and reverent atmosphere. This discussion offers a rich guide for enhancing worship through music.

This is the third lesson in Dr. Camden Bucey's Reformed Academy course, Defending Our Hope: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics. Before we can defend the Christian faith, we must know the God we are defending. This lesson explores the heart of Christian apologetics: the doctrine of God. We explore the nature and attributes of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as revealed in Scripture and expressed in the Reformed tradition. From God's simplicity and independence to his communicable and incommunicable attributes, we see how every aspect of his character undergirds our hope. Learn how the Trinity shapes our understanding of reality, strengthens our confidence in the gospel, and compels us to a bold yet humble defense of the faith in a world longing for ultimate truth. 03:10 Theology Proper: A Study of the Triune God 15:15 The Attributes of God 21:46 God's Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes 24:14 Relative Attributes 27:31 Divine Transcendence 31:46 Summary and Conclusion Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental resources, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than two dozen more video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/def... Camden Bucey (MDiv, PhD) is Executive Director of Reformed Forum and a minister of Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Grayslake, Illinois. He is the author of Karl Rahner (Great Thinkers) and Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: A 12-Week Study. Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #apologetics #evangelism #presupp

Michael Morales, a biblical studies professor at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, shares insights from his commentary on the Book of Numbers. He reveals how Numbers transcends mere census data, highlighting themes of covenant community and divine presence. The discussion examines the structure of Israel’s encampment as a reflection of hope, the roles of prophet, priest, and king, and the theological significance of the priestly blessing and Balaam’s oracles. Morales also personalizes the narrative by sharing his decade-long journey of studying this often-overlooked book.

In this final installment of our introductory series on Eastern Orthodoxy for Reformed Christians, Camden Bucey explores Orthodox worship and sacramental theology through a Reformed lens. This episode provides a careful and charitable overview of Eastern Orthodox liturgical practices, including the Divine Liturgy, veneration of icons, and the centrality of the Eucharist. What makes Eastern Orthodox worship distinct? Why are icons and incense used? What theological principles undergird these practices? Camden discusses the symbolism of Eastern Orthodox worship while also addressing key doctrinal differences—especially concerning the second commandment, the regulative principle, and the doctrine of salvation. Whether you're a Reformed believer curious about the traditions of the East or seeking to understand why some are drawn to Orthodoxy's mystery and aesthetic, this episode offers insight, clarity, and biblical reflection. Series Part 1 (The Church and Scripture) Part 2 (The Doctrine of God and Salvation) Part 3 (Worship and the Sacraments) Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:26 – Worship and the Sacraments in Eastern Orthodoxy 01:49 – Theology of Liturgy and Participation 04:14 – Worship as Theology in Action 05:36 – Icons, Veneration, and the Second Commandment 10:02 – The Eucharist 14:09 – Reverence and Symbolism 15:33 – Prayers for the Dead 16:44 – Summary of Theological Differences 18:10 – Final Reflections