The Westminster Standard

RE Joshua Torrey joins the program to discuss an overture he wrote that would require PCA Presbyteries and Sessions to create policies to implement background checks as part of their examinations of potential elders and deacons. The overture Torrey wrote has since been passed by two presbyteries (Warrior and South Texas). View the overture passed by South Texas Presbytery here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6fkd3wrjxvpws7iw8psfs/Mandatory-Background-Checks-for-Officers-2024-STP-FINAL.pdf?rlkey=dssu04j67qwse5geaej4d9f7v&dl=0

What are the limits of state power and the Christian's duty of obedience? Christians are called at all times to be submissive to the governing authorities, but is submission to the governing authorities the same as obedience? In this episode we contemplate both the origin of the civil magistrate and his authority as well as the limits on the civil magistrate's lawful authority as understood by Reformed Theologians historically.

At the end of last year, RE Melton Duncan was kind enough to share a few minutes with me reflecting on what it was like growing up in the PCA as those faithful men of the founding generation labored to seek God bring a Continuing Presbyterian Church into existence. As we looked back on the 50th Anniversary of the PCA last year, we can see how God has strengthened and enriched the PCA in her commitment to the historic Reformed Faith through the work of the faithful seminaries serving the PCA. RE Duncan provides an overview of the many histories that have been written about the PCA and the events leading up to her formation. Many of these books would make great additions to your 2024 reading list.

TE Burk Parsons discusses the PCA's revival and St. Andrews Chapel's decision to join. They talk about embracing Reformed theology, covenant theology, and Presbytery involvement. The importance of preserving conservative confessional beliefs, unity rooted in truth, and upholding biblical teachings in the PCA are highlighted.

PCA Pastor Alex Ford is the stated clerk of Northern California Presbytery and the author of Overture 2, which proposes to bring greater clarity to our process for transferring ministers into PCA Presbyteries. Link: https://pcaga.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Overture-2-Northern-California-BCO-13-6-website.pdf BCO History Project: https://www.pcahistory.org/bco/index.html

The Second Commandment, like all of God's Law, promotes the glory of God, the freedom and peace of His people. Increasingly ministers in the PCA are stating differences with the Westminister Standards related to the Second Commandment. What are we to make of this?PCA TEs T. David Gordon, George Sayour, and Aldo Leon as well as OPC Pastor Andrew Smyth join the show to discuss this issue as well as a forthcoming article written by Dr T. David Gordon. The Westminster Standard is the podcast of Jude 3 & the PCA. Visit our website: www.Jude3pca.org.

An all star panel joins the podcast to discuss news and updates from across the presbyteries of the PCA. General Assembly Moderator TE Fred Greco gives a summary of the great things happening in the PCA. All Star Panelists: TEs Fred Greco, Zack Groff, George Grant, Stephen O'Neill, Job Dalomba, RE Matthew Lee. Groff's article on the GA50/2023 Overture 7: https://pcapolity.com/2023/06/13/action-accountability-at-pcaga50/ Videos from Greco & Aquila produced by MOREinthePCA.org: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0uVcpMDyLN1P758mW8SRHAGDhiTOTuGq

PCA Founding Father was born Dec. 11, 1923. In honor of the anniversary of his birth TEs Roland Matthews, C.N. Willborn, Zack Groff, Zachary Garris, and Ryan Biese gathered to reflect on some of his legacy.

Mr Ike Reeder and TE Derrick Brite join the show to talk about the wondrous works of God at Bibb Correctional Facility. Birmingham Theological Seminary in partnership with Ligonier Ministries and Warrior Presbytery has seen God vindicate His promises as He has brought many to faith in Christ through the preaching and teaching of the Word. You can support the work of BTS via their website: BTS.education. The Westminster Standard Podcast is the official podcast of Jude 3 & the PCA. Visit our website www.Jude3pca.org.

In recognition of God's faithfulness to the PCA over the last half-century, a few of the PCA's founding fathers joined TEs George Sayour, Steve Tipton, and Ryan Biese to reflect on the events leading up to the formation of the PCA and how the denomination has developed since 1973. We are grateful to TEs Wayne Herring, Joseph Pipa, and O. Palmer Robertson as well as RE James "Bebo" Elkin for sharing their time with us. Due to technical issues, Messrs. Elkin and Herring had to leave the podcast early. You can find out more about their work here: https://consultingservicesfoundation.org. Additionally, TE Zack Groff has written a hymn in recognition of the PCA's anniversary; it is included at the end of the episode. Music is available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wuv3e0.... This episode is produced in cooperation with the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Oglethorpe GA (www.fpfo.org) as part of a celebration of the PCA's 50th Anniversary. The Westminster Standard Podcast is the official podcast of Jude & the PCA. Visit our website: https://www.jude3pca.org.