Reformed Forum

Reformed Forum
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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Vos Group #99 — Millennial Views and Modern Theories of the Kingdom

    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

    1 hr
  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    God Speaks: The Doctrine of Revelation | Defending Our Hope (Lesson 4)

    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

    38 min
  3. 4 JUL

    Van Til Group #16 — A Response to Keith Mathison, Part 2

    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

    1h 21m
  4. Selecting Psalms and Hymns for Worship

    2 JUL

    Selecting Psalms and Hymns for Worship

    How should Reformed churches approach the selection of psalms and hymns for corporate worship? In this video, Camden Bucey offers a rich, pastoral, and practical guide for choosing music that reflects the theological and liturgical shape of a service. Drawing on years of ministry experience, Camden explains how to align musical selections with Scripture texts, sermon themes, and the redemptive-historical movement of the liturgy. This talk goes beyond personal preference or musical taste. Learn how thoughtful hymnody and psalmody can serve the worship of the triune God by reinforcing Scripture, guiding the congregation’s response, and cultivating reverence, joy, and theological depth. Key Topics Theological principles guiding music selection Aligning songs with the sermon text and liturgical moment Balancing musical accessibility with doctrinal richness The role of repetition, variety, and congregational familiarity The emotional and redemptive-historical flow of a worship service Special considerations for sacraments, transitions, and unique services Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Context 01:15 – Why Song Selection Matters in Reformed Worship 02:45 – Letting the Sermon Text Guide the Service 05:23 – Matching Music with Liturgical Placement 07:16 – Knowing Your Congregation and Musicians 09:18 – The Role of Records and Repetition 13:28 – Attention to Tune, Tempo, and Emotional Tone 17:45 – Maintaining a Redemptive-Historical Flow of Worship 21:05 – Strategic Placement: The Post-Sermon Hymn 23:14 – Special Elements and Transitions 28:36 – Conclusion: Cohesive Worship for the Glory of God

    30 min
  5. 30 JUN

    The One We Defend: The Doctrine of God | Defending Our Hope (Lesson 3)

    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

    35 min
  6. 27 JUN

    Michael Morales | The Lord Bless You and Keep You: Exploring the Heart of Numbers

    In this episode we welcome Dr. Michael Morales—professor of biblical studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary—for a conversation exploring the profound theological vision of the book of Numbers. Drawing from his newly released two-volume commentary in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series, Dr. Morales unveils Numbers as more than ancient census lists and wilderness wanderings. Instead, it emerges as a richly textured narrative of covenant community, leadership, and the Lord’s presence among his people. Listeners will discover how the structure of Israel’s camp reflects Edenic hope and eschatological promise, how Numbers addresses the roles of prophet, priest, and king, and why the priestly blessing and Balaam’s oracles form theological bookends to this journey toward the Promised Land. Dr. Morales also shares personal reflections from his ten-year labor on the commentary, emphasizing the pastoral power and redemptive-historical depth of this often-overlooked book. Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or serious Bible reader, this conversation will reinvigorate your love for the Pentateuch and deepen your grasp of how all Scripture points us to Christ. Resources Mentioned Numbers Volumes 1 & 2 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption Watch on YouTube Chapters 01:10 Introduction 03:22 Update About Current Projects 05:55 The Experience of Working on This Project for 10 Years 12:39 The Camp Metaphor 19:02 God Dwelling in the Midst of His People 23:53 Grumbling and Rebellion 28:47 The Orientation of God’s People 34:40 The New Generation 43:19 The Close of the Book 45:12 Conclusion

    48 min
  7. Understanding Eastern Orthodoxy: A Reformed Introduction, Part 3 (Worship and the Sacraments)

    25 JUN

    Understanding Eastern Orthodoxy: A Reformed Introduction, Part 3 (Worship and the Sacraments)

    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

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
11 Ratings

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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.

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