In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey speaks with Brian DeVries, a theologian and pastor in South Africa, about his new book, You Will Be My Witnesses, which explores the biblical and theological foundations of Christian witness, emphasizing the church’s role in participating in God’s redemptive mission. They discuss the Christian and Reformed landscape in South Africa, the importance of witness in missions, and the connection between worship and witness. DeVries emphasizes the need for a solid theology of mission and the role of every believer as a witness to Christ.

In this conversation, we explore the multifaceted nature of Christian witness, emphasizing its historical significance, the interplay of suffering and evangelism, and the importance of both word and deed in the church’s mission. They discuss the need for boldness in witness, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the impact of personal experiences on understanding witness. Additionally, they highlight the work of Mukhanyo Theological College in training leaders for ministry in Southern Africa.

Dr. Brian A. DeVries is a theologian, educator, and pastor with extensive experience in theological education and church planting. He earned his PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently serves as the president of Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. DeVries is an adjunct professor of missiology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Dr. DeVries has led three multiethnic church-planting teams in South Africa and currently serves as the pastor of Grace Reformed Church in Pretoria. He and his wife, Lanae, are blessed with five children.

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• 00:07 Introduction
• 02:18 The Christian and Reformed Landscape in South Africa
• 05:41 Exploring the Book: You Will Be My Witnesses
• 10:10 The Theology of Witness in Missions
• 17:13 Witness Is Part of Christian Identity
• 26:54 Witness in the Old Testament
• 30:40 The Connection Between Worship and Witness
• 32:26 Historical Patterns of Witness and Suffering
• 37:58 Regaining Boldness in Witness
• 41:16 Word and Deed in Witness
• 44:38 Personal Experiences Shaping Understanding of Witness
• 48:54 Demystifying Evangelism and Apologetics
• 51:05 Mukhanyo Theological College
• 54:56 Conclusion

Participants: Brian DeVries, Camden Bucey

In this episode, we open pp. 360–365 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology to discuss his profound insights into Jesus’s relationship with the Old Testament. How did Christ use the Scriptures in his teaching? What did he mean when he said he came to “fulfill” the law? And how does his doctrine of God affirm the continuity of divine revelation from the Old to the New Testament?

Whether you’re a student of Reformed theology, a pastor, or simply curious about the biblical foundations of Christ’s teaching, this episode offers a rich and insightful exploration of key theological themes. Tune in now and be equipped to see Scripture through the lens of redemptive history.

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• 00:07 Introduction
• 09:08 Claims that Questions the Authenticity and Historicity of the Gospel of John
• 15:20 Disjunctive Views of the Old and New Testaments
• 21:04 Spirit and Truth
• 28:25 Jesus as Fulfillment of the Old Testament
• 38:46 Continuity between Old and New Covenants
• 42:44 Jesus’s Doctrine of God
• 49:11 Recap of Major Points
• 51:01 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode of Christ the Center, we engage in a thoughtful and rigorous discussion of Keith Mathison’s book, Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til. Carlton Wynne, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey critically examine Mathison’s interpretation of Van Til, particularly in relation to idealism, epistemology, and the noetic effects of sin.

Throughout this episode, we explore key themes, including:

• The Alleged Influence of Idealism: Did Van Til borrow philosophical categories from absolute idealism, or did he consistently maintain a Reformed, biblically grounded epistemology?
• The Nature of Human Knowledge: Did Van Til argue that humans must know everything in order to know anything? Or is this a misreading of his critique of unbelieving thought?
• The Ethical Antithesis in Epistemology: How does covenant theology shape Van Til’s apologetic system, and why is the ethical nature of knowledge crucial for understanding his method?
• The Role of Coherence and Correspondence in Van Til’s Thought: Did Van Til adopt an idealist coherence theory of truth, or did he reject both coherence and correspondence theories as traditionally conceived?

We also discuss broader implications for Reformed apologetics, the challenges of properly interpreting Van Til, and why these theological debates matter for defending the Christian faith today. While critiquing Mathison’s arguments, we affirm the importance of engaging in these discussions with charity and precision.

Join us as we work through these foundational issues and lay the groundwork for future conversations on Mathison’s book and Van Til’s apologetic legacy.

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• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:07:17 Points of Appreciation for Mathison’s Book
• 00:13:04 Must Man Know All Things to Knowing Anything about Anything?
• 00:33:14 The Covenantal-Ethical Nature of Knowledge
• 00:51:11 The Influence of Idealism upon Van Til
• 01:01:54 Propositional Jenga
• 01:12:25 Borrowed Capital
• 01:18:42 Correlativism or One-Circle Thinking
• 01:23:10 The Coherence Theory of Truth
• 01:34:09 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Lane G. Tipton

Join us for a fascinating conversation on biblical imagery. Dr. Michael Seufert, pastor of Mission OPC in St. Paul, Minnesota, and author of the dissertation Of Beasts and Men: A Study of Genesis 49 in Light of Iconography, Metaphor, and Animal Studies, guides us through the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern hero culture and its implications for understanding Scripture.

We explore Genesis 49, Jacob’s poetic blessing, and its striking use of animal metaphors, unpacking themes of violence, power, and divine faithfulness. Dr. Seufert highlights the ambivalence in biblical heroism, contrasting the lion-like strength of Judah with the paradoxical power of the Lamb in Revelation.

Dan Svendsen, pastor of First OPC in South Holland, Illinois, also provides his perspective as a preacher immersed in the narratives of 1 Samuel. Together, we examine how the stories of David and Judah resonate with biblical themes of leadership, humility, and redemption, offering additional depth and richness to our understanding of hero culture in the Bible.

With insights into the cultural, theological, and practical applications of these themes, we discuss how the church today can embrace the counterintuitive way of weakness modeled by Christ. This collaborative discussion bridges rigorous scholarship and pastoral application, offering profound encouragement for the Christian life.

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• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:10:04 Michael Seufert’s Academic Journey
• 00:25:47 Understanding Hero Culture in Scripture
• 00:35:43 The Wilderness of Empire and Violence
• 00:38:58 Animal Imagery in Biblical Power Dynamics
• 00:41:29 The Complexity of Judah’s Legacy
• 00:48:20 Lessons from Jacob and David
• 00:59:16 Embracing Christ’s Path to Victory
• 01:09:23 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Svendsen, Michael Seufert

In this episode of Christ the Center, we welcome Dr. Robert Letham, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Union School of Theology, to discuss his latest book, The Holy Spirit. Dr. Letham offers profound insights into the person and work of the third person of the Trinity, drawing from Scripture, church history, and systematic theology.

We explore key themes such as the Spirit’s role in creation, redemption, and sanctification, as well as his relationship to the Father and the Son within the Trinity. Dr. Letham also addresses contemporary theological debates, including the filioque controversy, Pentecostalism, and modern Spirit Christologies, while maintaining a firm grounding in classical Reformed orthodoxy.

Whether you’re a theologian, pastor, or layperson, this conversation will deepen your understanding of the Spirit’s transformative work in the life of the church and individual believers. Join us as we explore this rich and vital topic.

Robert Letham is the author of several influential works, including The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship and his acclaimed Systematic Theology. His writings are marked by a commitment to classical Reformed orthodoxy, thorough biblical exegesis, and an ecumenical appreciation of the broader Christian tradition.

Use code HS25 for 40% off The Holy Spirit by Robert Letham through February 21, 2025.

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• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:05:24 Speaking of the Project
• 00:10:04 The Persons Are Fully God without Remainder
• 00:18:57 Trinitarian Persons Are Immutably Dynamic
• 00:22:38 Surveying the Literature on the Holy Spirit
• 00:30:05 The Development of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
• 00:34:39 Montanism and Pentecostalism
• 00:41:47 The Filioque
• 00:54:36 The Holy Spirit and the Ordo Salutis
• 01:06:22 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton, Robert Letham

In this episode we welcome back Dr. G. K. Beale, professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Dallas, to discuss Paul’s use of the Old Testament in his letter to the church in Colossae. Dr. Beale has written an insightful commentary on Colossians and Philemon in which he highlights the theological depth and practical application of these epistles, focusing on the Old Testament allusions in Colossians and their relevance to Paul’s message of Christ’s supremacy and the believer’s union with Him.

The conversation explores the nature of Paul’s argument against syncretistic false teaching, the significance of Christ as the true temple, and the practical implications of Paul’s exhortations for the church today. Dr. Beale also shares his method for identifying Old Testament allusions and discusses the relationship between Ephesians and Colossians.

This episode is a rich resource for pastors, teachers, and students interested in biblical theology, exegesis, and the practical application of Scripture.

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• 00:07 Introduction
• 04:36 AI in NT Studies
• 13:10 Reformed Forum Seminary in Oklahoma City
• 15:37 Introduction to Colossians
• 21:27 Quotations and Allusions
• 25:15 The Nature of the Colossian Heresy
• 29:12 The Relationship between Colossians and Ephesians
• 32:05 Old Testament Allusions in Colossians
• 53:12 Initiation into and Maturity in Christ
• 55:19 The Elemental Principles of the World
• 58:46 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Greg Beale

In this episode, we consider the profound theological insights of Geerhardus Vos as found in pp. 355–360 of his Biblical Theology. Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore the Johannine concept of truth, which transcends human-centered definitions like coherence or correspondence theories. Instead, John presents truth as an intrinsic, divine attribute embodied in the Logos, Jesus Christ, and rooted in heavenly realities.

The discussion highlights how Jesus is both the fulfillment and culmination of the Old Testament, uniting Christocentrism and Christotelism to show that all Scripture points to him. From heavenly realities and earthly shadows to worship in Spirit and truth, the episode unpacks the eschatological depth of John’s Gospel and the organic unity of God’s redemptive revelation.

We also reflect on Jesus’ own hermeneutic, his attitude toward Scripture as the “most orthodox of the orthodox,” and how his approach undergirds the Reformation’s emphasis on the open access of Scripture to all people. This rich conversation will deepen your understanding of biblical theology, worship, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

Join us as we uncover how Christ is not only the center but also the goal of all Scripture, illuminating God’s unified message of redemption across the ages.

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• 00:07 Introduction
• 05:27 Upcoming Oklahoma City Seminar
• 10:12 True and Truth in the Gospel of John
• 19:57 Heavenly Realities and Earthly Shadows
• 31:47 Jesus’ Attitude toward the Old Testament
• 35:16 Christo-Centrism and Christotelism
• 47:28 The Fulfillment of the Scriptures
• 55:26 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

This special year-end episode highlights the top 10 most-viewed episodes and webinars from 2024. We work through key moments from discussions on Reformed theology and history.

These clips showcase rich theological discussions spanning topics from biblical interpretation and church history to contemporary cultural challenges facing Reformed Christians. This annual highlight episode continues a tradition dating back to the show’s founding in 2008, offering listeners both a recap of the year’s most impactful conversations and an invitation to explore the full episodes in greater depth.

The episode serves as both a celebration of Reformed Forum’s mission to support the church in presenting every person mature in Christ and a reminder of our commitment to providing free Reformed theological resources worldwide.

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• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:04:14 Adonis Vidu — Exploring the Doctrine of Inseparable Operations
• 00:11:17 Aaron Renn — Life in the Negative World
• 00:15:15 Harrison Perkins — Exploring Covenant Theology among the Theological Disciplines
• 00:24:11 Van Til Group #13 — Roman Catholic and Evangelical Views of Sin and Human Consciousness
• 00:34:09 Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert — Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”
• 00:41:49 Greg Beale — Union with the Resurrected Christ
• 00:48:15 David Hall — Irony and the PCA
• 00:52:13 Cornelis Van Dam — Considering the Historicity of Genesis 1 and 2
• 00:55:21 Greg Beale and Ben Gladd — Dictionary of the NT Use of the OT
• 00:57:41 Alan Strange, Darryl Hart, Nick Willborn, and Timon Cline — Politics, Culture, and the Spiritual Mission of the Church
• 01:11:49 Conclusion

Participants: Aaron Renn, Adonis Vidu, Alan Strange, Benjamin Gladd, C. N. Willborn, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Cornelis Van Dam, Darryl G. Hart, Greg Beale, Harrison Perkins, Iain Wright, Lane G. Tipton, Timon Cline, Yannick Imbert

Join us for the Reformed Forum Christmas Extravaganza 2024, a four-hour special filled with lively theological discussion, reflections on the past year, and a look ahead to what’s in store for 2025. Hosted by Camden Bucey, this festive livestream features contributions from regular panelists Lane Tipton, Bob Tarullo, Jim Cassidy, Carlton Wynne, and special guests like Ruth Huang, a Mid-America Reformed Seminary student working on translating Reformed resources into Chinese.

Explore topics ranging from the state of the church worldwide to the joys and challenges of ministry in different cultural contexts. Enjoy special segments with Pamela York performing jazz piano, Kurt Vetterli sharing insights on ministry in Switzerland, and James Chu discussing the challenges and opportunities for ministry in the Philippines. These moments provide a global perspective on the Reformed faith and the work of the church across cultures.

Plus, enjoy games, giveaways, and reflections on Reformed theology, all delivered with the warmth and camaraderie of the Reformed Forum community. Whether you’re a long-time listener or discovering us for the first time, this episode captures the heart of our mission: to equip believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Visit ReformedForum.org/donate to support our year-end campaign and help us continue providing free theological resources worldwide.

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• 00:00:00 Sponsor: Five More Talents
• 00:01:04 Introduction
• 00:33:58 Ruth Huang and the Church in Asia
• 01:08:04 Steve Schmidt Hosts Wits & Wagers
• 01:44:12 Joe Cristman’s Top Books of 2024
• 02:18:56 Ministry and Campaign Update with Ryan Noha
• 02:28:38 Pamela York Plays Jazz
• 02:47:56 Kurt Vetterli on Ministry in Switzerland
• 03:11:19 Brad Isbell with the Top Stories of 2024
• 03:29:35 James Chu on Ministry in the Philippines
• 03:59:05 Wrap-Up and Announcement of Giveaway Winners

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton, Mark A. Winder, Robert Tarullo

In this episode of Christ the Center, Daniel Ragusa leads us in a consideration of nativity through the lens of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology. As this season prompts reflection on the incarnation of Christ, this conversation explores the eight aspects of the nativity highlighted by Vos, including its linguistic and redemptive-historical continuity, non-political and gracious character, eschatological significance, and missional scope. Along the way, we examine how Vos’s insights foster a deeper sense of wonder and worship, connecting the nativity to God’s covenantal promises and his grand redemptive plan.

Whether you’re a student of biblical theology or seeking to enrich your understanding of the birth of Christ, this episode offers profound insights and a timely celebration of the wonder of Christ’s coming. Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation that ties the nativity to the broader redemptive narrative and stirs your heart to worship this season.

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• 00:00:00 Sponsor: Five More Talents
• 00:01:04 Introduction
• 00:13:17 Vos on the Nativity
• 00:15:59 Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
• 00:26:21 The Structure of Revelation regarding the Nativity
• 00:31:55 Aspects of the Nativity
• 00:33:36 Organic-Linguistic Continuity
• 00:35:26 Historical Continuity
• 00:37:49 The Redemptive Aspect
• 00:42:16 The Non-Political Aspect
• 00:46:56 The Aspect of Grace and Obedience
• 00:56:30 The Eschatological Aspect
• 01:02:07 The Universal/Missional Aspect
• 01:06:44 The Supernatural Aspect
• 01:11:53 Bonus: A Covenantal Aspect
• 01:14:24 Practical Application
• 01:22:43 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Ragusa