Reformed Forum

Reformed Forum supports the church in presenting every person mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28) by providing Reformed theological resources to pastors, scholars, and anyone who desires to grow in their understanding of Scripture and the theology that faithfully summarizes its teachings.

Vos Group #108 — Kingdom and Church (The Finale) 05/01/2026

Vos Group #108 — Kingdom and Church (The Finale) In this concluding installment of Vos Group’s extended journey through Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton reflect on one of the most significant themes in Vos’s account of redemptive history: the relationship between the kingdom of God and the church. Focusing especially on Matthew 16 and Jesus’s promise, “I will build my church,” they explain that Christ is not introducing an unrelated people, but bringing the covenant people of God into a new, eschatological mode of existence through his death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The church is not a mere institutional add-on to the kingdom. Rather, in its inaugurated form, the church is the kingdom of God as constituted by the Spirit of the ascended Christ. The episode also explores the church’s indestructible life, the meaning of the “gates of hell,” the centrality of the means of grace, and the already/not-yet character of the kingdom’s coming. Along the way, Camden and Lane also mark the end of this long-running series on Biblical Theology and preview the next phase of Vos Group on The Teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church. Chapters 00:00:08 Introduction and Vos Group finale 00:01:06 Save the date for the 1,000th episode celebration 00:07:23 Transition from Biblical Theology to The Teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church 00:09:01 Matthew 16 and the meaning of “my church” 00:12:14 Continuity and redemptive-historical newness in the church 00:15:28 Pentecost, Acts 2, and the constitution of the church 00:21:56 The church after Christ’s ascension and the new mode of life in the Spirit 00:29:23 The indestructible life of the kingdom and the gates of hell 00:35:29 The means of grace, preaching, and the keys of the kingdom 00:36:52 The nearness of the kingdom and inaugurated eschatology 00:42:10 The church is not merely instrumental to some higher kingdom purpose 00:49:20 The church as the kingdom of God in inaugurated form 00:53:20 Pilgrim identity and longing for consummation 00:56:42 Closing reflections and upcoming resources Participants: , /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40722280

Seeking a Better Country (John 11) | The Gospel of John: A Study in the Truth (Ch. 11–21) (Lesson 1) 04/27/2026

The Theology and Theologians of Scotland (w/Donald John MacLean) 04/24/2026

The Theology and Theologians of Scotland (w/Donald John MacLean) In this episode of Christ the Center, we welcome Donald John MacLean, President of and trustee of the , for a rich conversation on James Walker’s The Theology and Theologians of Scotland. Their discussion begins with an update on move to Oxford and the remarkable ministry of the Reformed Colloquium in Budapest, where confessional Reformed believers from across Europe gather for fellowship, encouragement, and theological exchange. The heart of the episode focuses on newly expanded edition of Walker’s classic work. MacLean explains why the book has served for decades as an indispensable guide to the Scottish theological tradition, opening up figures beyond the better-known names and tracing major themes in church history, ecclesiology, providence, the atonement, and church-state relations. Together, Camden and Donald John reflect on the historical setting of Scottish theology, the value of Walker’s new footnotes and translations, and the abiding importance of visible church unity and Christ’s headship over his church. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and episode overview 0:32 Donald John MacLean and the new Banner edition 2:25 Westminster Seminary UK and the Reformed Colloquium 10:17 Westminster Seminary UK’s move to Oxford 16:07 James Walker and The Theology and Theologians of Scotland 19:01 The Cunningham Lectures and Walker’s publication history 22:29 Why the new edition adds notes, biography, and sermons 26:20 Why Scottish theology still matters 27:42 Struggle, exile, and the international character of Scottish theology 29:29 Patristic influence and later shifts in Scottish scholarship 33:31 Providence, concurrence, and difficult doctrinal questions 37:26 The atonement, divine justice, and theological diversity in Scotland 40:06 The Marrow Controversy and covenant theology 43:54 Visible church unity and Scottish ecclesiology 51:14 Christ’s headship, Erastianism, and church-state relations 55:16 Further reading in Scottish theology 57:40 Closing remarks Resources Mentioned The Theology and Theologians of Scotland, James Walker (Banner of Truth) The Whole Christ, Sinclair B. Ferguson Scottish Theology, John Macleod A Scottish Christian Heritage, Ian Murray The Fifty Years’ Struggle of the Scottish Covenanters, James Dodds Participants: , /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40888550

Implications for Worship, Preaching, & Lord’s Supper | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 14) 04/20/2026

Why Pastors Need Deep Theology and Real Friendship 04/17/2026

The Book of Daniel, Part 16 04/14/2026

Consummation in Hebrews 12:26–29 | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 13) 04/13/2026

Planting Ordinary Means of Grace Churches: Trusting Christ to Build His Church 04/10/2026

Planting Ordinary Means of Grace Churches: Trusting Christ to Build His Church In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey speaks with Lee Hutchings and Ben Kappers about the work of planting ordinary means of grace churches and learning to trust Christ to build his church. Drawing from their ministry experience in North Canton, Ohio, and St. George, Utah, they reflect on the challenges of church planting, the slow and often hidden nature of growth, and the need to rest not in novelty, personality, or technique, but in the ordinary means God has appointed. Lee Hutchings serves as senior pastor of Trinity PCA in North Canton, Ohio, a congregation he planted after years of ministry in Mississippi. Ben Kappers serves All Saints Reformed Church in St. George, Utah, as an evangelist under the oversight of Northern California Presbytery, bringing experience from both the Reformed Church in America and the Presbyterian Church in America. Together they offer pastoral wisdom on planting confessionally Reformed churches through the clear proclamation of Christ, the faithful teaching of Scripture, prayer, and the ordinary ministry of the church. This conversation encourages pastors, elders, and church members alike to labor patiently and confidently, knowing that the Lord is pleased to gather and strengthen his people through his appointed means. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:15 Twin Lakes Fellowship, encouragement, and ministry refreshment 08:20 Lee Hutchings’s Jackson years and his memorable film-extra story 13:10 Ben Kappers’s path from the RCA to the PCA 19:25 How the St. George and North Canton church plants began 29:40 Trusting Scripture and Christ rather than strategy or novelty 34:05 What ordinary means church planting looks like in practice 39:20 Slow growth, discouragement, and resisting church-growth pressure 46:35 Confessional identity, Mormon context, and knowing the people you serve 56:10 Planting for future generations and final encouragement /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40790915

The Book of Daniel, Part 15 04/07/2026

Christ as Forerunner in Hebrews 6:19–20 | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 12) 04/06/2026

Vos Group #107 — Kingdom and Church 04/03/2026

Heavenly High Priesthood in the Book of Hebrews Pt 2 | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 11) 03/30/2026

John L. Girardeau on Adoption: The Forgotten Glory of the Gospel | Jonathan Master and Matt Holst 03/27/2026

Genesis 36:1–37:1 — A Directory of Earthly Inheritance 03/25/2026

Heavenly High Priesthood in the Book of Hebrews Pt 1 | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 10) 03/23/2026

What Is a Presbyterian—and Why Does Presbyterian Government Matter? 03/20/2026

What Is a Presbyterian—and Why Does Presbyterian Government Matter? What is a Presbyterian? Is Presbyterianism merely a style of church government, or is it a coherent biblical and theological system? In this episode we welcome Matthew Adams and Ben Ratliff for a lively conversation on Presbyterian identity, church government, and why polity still matters. The discussion begins with Matt Adams’s article, “,” and expands into a broader exploration of Presbyterian ecclesiology. Along the way, the panel considers plurality and parity of elders, the role of presbyteries and general assemblies, the importance of connectionalism, and the ways accountability serves the peace, purity, and unity of the church. They also reflect on differences in ecclesial culture among the PCA, OPC, and URCNA, discuss overtures and church courts, and offer practical encouragement for ordinary church members who want to be active, faithful Presbyterians in their local congregations. Matthew Adams serves as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dillon, South Carolina. A native of Dillon County, he holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and Christian Counseling from Liberty University and an M.Div. from Erskine Theological Seminary, and he is pursuing doctoral studies at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Adams serves as a council member for the Gospel Reformation Network and co-hosts the podcast . Ben Ratliff serves as Associate Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Mississippi. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, he earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson in 2013. Before coming to Cleveland, he served at Providence PCA in Salisbury, Maryland, and later at churches in south Mississippi. Ratliff is also a co-host of the podcast , where helps lead conversations on Presbyterian polity and church government. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Why Presbyterian government matters 03:12 Grassroots Presbyterianism is not congregationalism 08:56 Why the confusion persists 11:02 Different Presbyterian cultures: PCA, OPC, and URCNA 14:25 Overtures, church courts, and how change happens 22:27 What Presbyterianism is 25:50 Plurality, parity, and connectionalism 32:48 Accountability, freedom, and the well-being of the church 39:27 How church members can participate 48:36 Polity Matters, Larger for Life, and final thoughts Participants: , , /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40520145

Jesus and Heavenly Mount Zion | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 9) 03/16/2026

Jonathan Master | The History of Special Revelation: Geerhardus Vos and Reformed Biblical Theology 03/13/2026

Jonathan Master | The History of Special Revelation: Geerhardus Vos and Reformed Biblical Theology In this special crossover episode—recorded at —Camden Bucey joins Jonathan Master, President of Greenville Seminary, for a conversation on the life, method, and enduring relevance of Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949). Vos stands as a remarkable bridge figure: Dutch by birth, deeply shaped by continental Reformed theology and close friendship with Herman Bavinck, yet firmly planted in the American confessional Presbyterian tradition as the first chair of biblical theology at Old Princeton Seminary alongside B. B. Warfield. Drs. Bucey and Master explore Vos’s foundational distinction between biblical theology and systematic theology—and why both are indispensable for faithful exegesis and preaching. Biblical theology, which Vos himself preferred to call “the history of special revelation,” reads Scripture as the organic, progressive unfolding of God’s redemptive acts in history—from the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the consummation of all things in Christ. That redemptive-historical framework opens up notoriously difficult passages (Hebrews 6, the unforgivable sin) in ways systematics alone cannot. The conversation also covers Vos’s two-age eschatology, his key works (Biblical Theology, The Pauline Eschatology, Grace and Glory, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church), and the question of why Vos remained at Princeton when Machen and others departed. Chapters 0:00 Introduction: Camden at Greenville Seminary 1:08 Greenville Seminary Launches Confessional.org 3:47 Geerhardus Vos: Bridge Figure Between Princeton and the Continent 9:03 What Is Biblical Theology? The History of Special Revelation 13:49 Why We Need Both Biblical Theology and Systematics 16:33 “You Cannot Do Either Without the Other” 22:19 Why Did Vos Remain at Princeton? 27:48 Vos’s Key Works 31:39 The “Vibe of Vos”: Redemptive History in Practice 37:44 The Two-Age Eschatology: Already and Not Yet 40:33 Closing Remarks Participants: , /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40360655

Moses and Earthly Mount Sinai | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 8) 03/09/2026

Justin Poythress | Who You Are in Christ—Identity, Purpose, and the Christian Life 03/06/2026

Justin Poythress | Who You Are in Christ—Identity, Purpose, and the Christian Life In a culture saturated with self-help strategies, identity politics, and the language of “manifesting,” where do Christians turn for a stable, coherent sense of self? On this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey sits down with pastor and author to explore the deep theological roots of the identity crisis plaguing our age. Drawing from his new book, (The Good Book Company), Poythress argues that only Christ can rightly function as our “master identity”—the organizing center beneath every role, relationship, and calling. Work, sexuality, politics, and even parenting all fail catastrophically when elevated to that ultimate position, because none of them can bear the weight of the human soul. At the heart of the conversation lies a powerful biblical framework: we are in Christ while also being conformed to his image. Romans 8:29 declares that God predestined His people to be conformed to the image of His Son—a settled identity and a lifelong trajectory of growth. Poythress unpacks how 2 Corinthians 3:18 reframes the secular obsession with “manifesting” into the biblical practice of beholding Christ, the true mechanism of transformation. The episode also explores the church as a “thick community” designed for the kind of multi-dimensional, embodied relationships that curated online personas can never provide. For pastors, elders, and anyone seeking maturity in Christ, the takeaway is both liberating and compelling: the Christian life is a matter of becoming what you already are in Christ. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 08:50 Master and Sub-Identities 13:53 Identity as a Theological Issue 16:58 Romans 8:29 21:22 Manifesting vs. Beholding 28:09 The Means of Grace 32:19 Thick Communities 41:12 Authenticity 46:14 Work, Sexuality, and Politics as Functional Religions 51:12 Becoming What You Are in Christ 56:29 Conclusion Participants: , /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40333210

Sabbath Rest in Hebrews 3:7–4:11: Millennial Views | The History of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 7) 03/02/2026

Robert Letham | The Eternal Son 02/27/2026

The Book of Daniel, Part 14 02/24/2026

Sabbath Rest in Hebrews 3:7–4:11: Use of Psalm 95:7–11 | The History of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 6) 02/23/2026

Dan Ragusa | Cornelius Van Til's Letters from America 02/20/2026

Dan Ragusa | Cornelius Van Til's Letters from America In this episode, Dan Ragusa speaks about Letters from America (Reformed Forum) Between 1935 and 1940, Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) wrote twenty-four letters from America for the Dutch magazine De Reformatie at the invitation of its editor Klaas Schilder (1890–1952). Daniel Ragusa’s translation presents these letters in English for the first time. Letters from America opens a window into a critical moment in Reformed history—when orthodox and confessional Presbyterianism in America was under siege from both modernism and the rising influence of Barthianism, which Van Til labeled “the new modernism.” Ragusa introduces these letters by situating them within the broader relationship between the Dutch Reformed in the Netherlands and the orthodox Presbyterians in America—a relationship that reaches back to the seventeenth century. Van Til’s wartime-like correspondences—written in the heat of theological conflict—offer a firsthand account of the spiritual and ecclesiastical upheavals of the era. Through Van Til’s eyes, fixed steadfastly on his risen and reigning Lord, readers witness pivotal moments in American Presbyterian history, among them J. Gresham Machen’s trial, deposition, and sudden death; the founding of Westminster Theological Seminary and the evangelistic work of its graduates; and the formation of the Presbyterian Church of America and its subsequent renaming as the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Far more than museum pieces, these letters bring to life a pivotal chapter in the defense and development of the Reformed faith that helps us to make sense of our present ecclesiastical and theological landscape. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:06:13 Upcoming Seminar in Raleigh, NC 00:09:29 Dr. Ragusa's Introduction to Van Til's Dutch Letters 00:20:54 Van Til's Concern for the Church 00:29:16 Highlights of the Letters 00:36:19 Van Til's Hope for the Church 00:42:38 The Afscheiding (Secession) of 1834 00:57:46 A Vision for the Future of the Church 01:06:05 Remaining Faithful Today 01:12:15 Conclusion This is Christ the Center episode 947 (https://www.reformedforum.org/ctc947) /episode/index/show/reformedforum/id/40140495

Sabbath Rest in Hebrews 3:7–4:11: Use of Genesis 2:2 | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 5) 02/16/2026

Vos Group #106 — Repentance 02/13/2026

The Land of Canaan and Typology in Hebrews 11:8–16 | The Theology of Heaven in Hebrews (Lesson 4) 02/09/2026

Thy Word Is Truth: Scripture’s Authority, God’s Character, and Worship That Follows 02/06/2026

Ephesians 3:14–21 — For This Reason I Bow My Knees 02/04/2026

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