Reformed Forum

Martin Luther has famously said that even if he knew that Jesus was going to return tomorrow that he would plant a tree today. What Luther was trying to point out was that our lives are to be lived in the day that we are given and we are supposed to be responsible for what our tasks here are now. But what are our tasks? Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 verses 19-20. As we live our lives we are to think foremost about proclaiming the Gospel and discipline others. Is this how Christians live today? It is so easy to be complacent, avoiding even the most obvious opportunities to witness, we believe that Jesus is returning soon but do we live like that. In Revelation 10 we are told that even today the final trumpet is about to blow and when that happens the end comes. Luther’s point was that we have been given work to do by Christ and we are to continue to do it till the moment of His return. How does John set this up in this passage? Why can we not know what the seven thunders say and why do prophets keep eating books?

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000

We continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 137–143 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider the third and fourth commandments. The third commandment prohibits taking the Lord’s name in vain. Often, this is interpreted to mean we must not swear by the Lord’s name or blaspheme it. While these are certainly things we must not do, Vos communicates a much deeper understanding of the commandment that pertains to the pagan practice of word-magic. He also introduces a rich eschatological view of Sabbath rest.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

We continue our study of Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments with a look at the world-wide application of the Decalogue and the second commandment. Read along on pp. 137-143.

In episode 49, Rob and Bob discuss chapter 9 of the Book of Revelation.

There are many religions in this world and they all claim to offer truth. The Pharisees claimed to be the children of God subjects of His Kingdom but the reality was they rejected both God Himself and His Kingdom. What does this have to do with us today, most of the people that we talk with are not Jewish religious leaders? Why are there locusts being sent out into the world and what are angels doing in a river?

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000

Marcus Mininger is Associate Professor in New Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. Today he joins us to speak about his article, “Eschatology and Protology, Christ and Culture: Marriage as a Biblical Test-Case” MAJT 25 (2014): 117–140. The substance of this article was first delivered as a lecture at Mid-America’s Alumni Conference on April 9, 2014. The relationship between Christ and culture has elicited many different responses within the Reformed tradition. Mininger offers an insightful way to consider the matter through typology and a redemptive-historical consideration of creation.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Marcus Mininger

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Marcus Mininger is Associate Professor in New Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. Today he joins us to speak about his article, "Eschatology and Protology, Christ and Culture: Marriage as a Biblical Test-Case" MAJT 25

Mark Vander Hart and Cornelis P. Venema join us to speak about the Reformed church in Latvia. Mark Vander Hart is Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Cornelis Venema is President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies. Both men have taught at Baltic Reformed Seminary in Riga, Latvia.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Cornelis Venema, Mark Vander Hart

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Mark Vander Hart and Cornelis P. Venema join us to speak about the Reformed church in Latvia. Mark Vander Hart is Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Cornelis Venema is President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies. Both men have taught at Baltic Reformed Seminary in Riga, Latvia.

In episode 48, Rob and Bob discuss chapter 8 of the Book of Revelation.

There is something that I love about submarines. It amazes me that a metal tube filled with people can dive to depths that try their best to crush them. It amazes me. The captain of a submarine is charged with piloting this machine blind. He has maps, sonar, computers but he still must decide how far, at what degree, when to turn and at what depth he needs to maneuver at. In order to perform these maneuvers, he must tell those who steer the ship at what degree and what angle the sub needs to be at. He will talk with the engine room to change speeds. The sailors that are making these changes never know why they are making them. They can’t see out the window so they don’t know what they are trying to avoid. In the end it is the faith in the ability of the captain that keeps them calm. In Revelation chapter 8 we are given vivid descriptions regarding the judgment of God that He is unleashing on the earth. John must have been terrified. If we go through life and take our eyes off of the fact that the Kingdom of God is being built by King Jesus we will react to disasters with greater fear. We don’t see what God is doing and why He is doing it, but one of the great comforts of the book of Revelation is that we do not need to know why God is doing what He is doing, we just need to be obedient to His word and trust Him. But this passage can still be very troubling. Where did these trumpets come from? Why is blood mixed with incense and do Eagles usually talk?

Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000

Cornelis P. Venema joins us to speak about his book By His Spirit and Word: How Christ Builds His Church (Reformed Fellowship, Inc.). Venema engages in an extended exposition on the doctrine of the church and its ministry as described in the historic confessions and catechisms of the Reformation churches. These confessions emphasize the church’s indispensability to the salvation of believers, for the triune God’s redemptive mission is principally effected through the ministry of the church. Dr. Venema is President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Cornelis Venema

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit