Christ the Center

Reformed Forum

4.9 (137)
Christianity
Updated Biweekly

Christ the Center is an audio program centered on Christian reformed theology. In each episode a group of informed panelists discuss important issues and stimulate listeners to critical thinking and a better understanding of reformed doctrine designed to yield godly living.

23h ago

Samuel Rutherford’s Systematic Response to Arminianism

We welcome David Noe and Chad Van Dixhoorn to discuss the first volume in Reformation Heritage Books’ new edition of The Works of Samuel Rutherford: Arminianism: A Systematic and Theological Response. Noe translated the work from Latin, while Van Dixhoorn serves as general editor of the series and edited and introduced this volume. The conversation explores Rutherford’s significance as a leading theologian of seventeenth-century Scotland and a commissioner to the Westminster Assembly. Rather than treating Arminianism as merely five disputed points of salvation, Rutherford examines it as a theological system reaching into the doctrine of God, divine simplicity, providence, human freedom, ecclesiology, and the sacraments. The guests also discuss the challenges of translating scholastic Latin, recovering manuscripts, correcting citations, and preparing a projected twenty-volume edition. Learn more at reformedforum.org/ctc969. Chapters0:00 Introduction2:08 David Noe joins the conversation5:45 Translation projects and Calvin’s Latin Bible12:41 Reformed worship and the declaration of pardon15:29 The Works of Samuel Rutherford, Volume 117:47 A twenty-volume publishing project22:22 Samuel Rutherford and the Westminster Assembly23:54 Why Rutherford addressed Arminianism27:54 Why the book is more than an “examination”30:23 Arminianism as a theological system31:58 Divine simplicity and the doctrine of God33:56 Middle knowledge, freedom, and providence36:03 Rutherford’s pastoral and rhetorical power41:57 Ecclesiology, sacraments, and scholastic method45:02 The craft and challenges of translation49:16 Difficult texts and inaccurate citations54:38 A second manuscript enters the project56:04 Translating Homer and the meaning of polytropos60:16 How to read Rutherford fruitfully62:55 Chad Van Dixhoorn joins the conversation63:19 Rutherford’s stature in Scottish theology66:10 Arminianism involves more than five points68:20 The origins and scope of the Rutherford series70:38 The search for unpublished letters and sermons73:35 Rutherford’s final years and posthumous legacy76:59 Assessing Rutherford’s polemical judgments82:02 Why the volume remains valuable today83:30 What is next for the series85:02 Conclusion Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jul 17

General Assemblies, Rome, and Artificial Intelligence

In this free-for-all episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by Derrick Brite, Lee Hutchings, and Dan Borvan for a wide-ranging conversation following the summer season of Presbyterian and Reformed assemblies. They reflect on the PCA General Assembly, the OPC General Assembly, and the URC Synod, considering overtures, church order, the spirit of deliberation, and the practical realities of Presbyterian polity. The conversation also turns to Reformed witness in Italy, Roman Catholicism, and the need to speak the truth clearly and charitably. Camden previews upcoming discussions on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Catholic social teaching, artificial intelligence, human dignity, and the need for a sound Reformed anthropology in an age of rapid technological change. Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jul 10

Meeting God in His Means of Grace

Camden Bucey speaks with Harrison Perkins about Meeting God in His Means of Grace: How Word, Sacrament, and Prayer Help Us Encounter Christ. Perkins argues that the Christian life is fundamentally receptive: we do not invent our own paths to God, but meet him where he has promised to be present and active for the good of his people. The conversation explores the ordinary means of grace—Word, sacraments, and prayer—as Christ’s appointed instruments for strengthening faith, assuring believers, and shaping the church’s worship. Perkins discusses the reading and preaching of Scripture, baptism as a covenantal sign, the Lord’s Supper as communion with Christ and a foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb, prayer as a means Christ uses to sustain his people, and congregational worship as active participation before God rather than religious spectatorship. Watch or learn more at reformedforum.org/ctc967. Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jul 3

Lively Truths and Puritan Spirituality with Stephen Yuille

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Stephen Yuille, director of Puritan publishing at Reformation Heritage Books, for a conversation on Puritan spirituality and the devotional series 90 Days with the Puritans. Yuille reflects on his work with Puritan writings, the relationship between the mind and the affections, and the way the Puritans seek to move biblical truth from mere cognition into doxology, repentance, obedience, and perseverance. The discussion centers on five “lively truths” that recur throughout the Puritan tradition: the majesty of God, the beauty of Christ, the severity of sin, the mystery of providence, and the hope of glory. Along the way, Camden and Stephen consider biblical meditation, Thomas Manton, holiness as divine beauty, beholding Christ through Scripture rather than mysticism, affliction as fatherly discipline, and the believer’s blessed hope in the face of death and suffering. Chapters0:00 Introduction0:33 Stephen Yuille and Reformation Heritage Books2:24 Stephen Yuille’s ministry and Puritan publishing work8:46 What gave rise to 90 Days with the Puritans11:15 Five lively truths in Puritan spirituality15:51 Biblical meditation and the Puritans22:42 Thomas Manton as a guide to meditation25:20 Holiness as beauty, not divine scowling31:07 Beholding Christ without mysticism36:10 Sin, holiness, and the doctrines of grace39:12 Christ altogether lovely45:53 Providence, affliction, and fatherly discipline51:24 Death, glory, and the blessed hope57:45 Closing thoughts and resources ParticipantsCamden BuceyStephen Yuille Resources mentionedReformation Heritage BooksThomas Manton, Holy MeditationStephen Yuille, The Sight of ChristStephen Yuille, The Heart Taken UpStephen Yuille, The Fullness of Grace Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jun 26

Heaven Opened: Biblical Theology in the Gospels and Acts with Adam York

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Adam York and Randy Lee back to the Reformed Forum classroom for the second part of a conversation on global theological education and OPC foreign missions. Whereas the previous discussion focused especially on Uganda and faith-centered finance, this episode turns to York’s recent teaching trip to Ethiopia and the biblical-theological material he taught on the Gospels and Acts. The conversation traces major themes from John 1:51 and Jacob’s ladder to Matthew’s genealogy, Jesus as true Israel, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables of the kingdom, Peter’s confession, Matthew 24–25, the Great Commission, and the book of Acts. Along the way, York shows how the hope of heaven opened in Christ, the end of exile, the gift of the Spirit, and the church’s missionary calling all belong together in the unfolding work of the risen and ascended Lord. Participants Camden BuceyAdam YorkRandy Lee Resources mentioned Hope Orthodox Presbyterian ChurchOPC Foreign MissionsOPC Short-Term MissionsReformed Academy Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jun 19

Global Theological Education and Faith-Centered Finance with Randy Lee and Adam York

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Randy Lee and Adam York from Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois, to discuss recent teaching trips connected with OPC foreign missions in Uganda and Ethiopia. Lee, a ruling elder, reflects on teaching personal finance at Knox School of Theology in Uganda, while York, pastor of Hope OPC, describes his work teaching and training pastors in Ethiopia. The conversation explores the global need for theological education, Reformed Academy’s role in serving the church worldwide, and the biblical doctrine of stewardship. The discussion turns especially to faith-centered finance: why money must be brought under the lordship of Christ, how Scripture and the Reformed confessions shape our view of possessions, how prosperity theology distorts Christian hope, and why work, generosity, contentment, and vocation all belong to faithful stewardship before God. Participants Camden BuceyRandy LeeAdam York Resources mentioned Reformed AcademyOPC Foreign MissionsOPC Short-Term MissionsRon Blue Institute Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jun 12

Protestants and Patriots: Presbyterians in the Age of Revolution with D. G. Hart

We welcome Darryl G. Hart back to Christ the Center to discuss Protestants and Patriots: Presbyterians in the Age of Revolution, published by the University of Notre Dame Press. Hart traces the transatlantic story of Presbyterianism from the Reformation through the age of revolutions, asking why Presbyterian polity so often became a political irritant in Britain, Ireland, North America, and beyond. The conversation ranges from Calvin’s Geneva and the French Reformed connection to the Scottish Covenanters, the English civil wars, John Witherspoon, the American founding, the 1788 revision of the Westminster Confession, and contemporary debates over Christian nationalism. Along the way, Hart helps us see how questions of church government, civil authority, establishment, liberty, and public memory are bound up with the church’s confession that Christ alone is head of his church. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and the road to episode 1,0002:00 Protestants and Patriots and the Presbyterian question3:10 The project’s origins and teaching the big picture5:12 Calvin’s ecclesiastical ordinances and Presbyterian polity7:26 Was the American Revolution a Presbyterian revolution?10:12 Lumpers, splitters, and Presbyterian identity11:09 Reformed and Presbyterian: why the names matter15:01 Presbyterians, nationalism, and the godly society16:12 Covenanters, national covenanting, and regicide19:31 Geneva, exiles, and the French connection22:26 The true Presbyterian revolutionary moment: the 1630s and 1640s24:21 Why Scotland became a Presbyterian laboratory28:29 Why England and Scotland became Reformed rather than Lutheran30:52 What did Presbyterians want? Church independence and state support34:43 The Glorious Revolution, moderation, and establishment compromises39:15 Regium donum, Canada, Ireland, and voluntary giving42:34 John Witherspoon and Presbyterian moderation in the American founding48:16 Revising Westminster Confession chapter 2355:30 American Heretics, Two Sons of Oil, and anti-liberal Presbyterianism60:30 Further conversations and Protestants and Patriots65:05 Independence Hall, historic preservation, and public memory70:07 Conclusion Participants Camden BuceyDarryl G. Hart Resources mentioned Protestants and Patriots: Presbyterians in the Age of Revolution by D. G. HartUniversity of Notre Dame Press interview with D. G. HartAmerican Heretics by Jerome CopulskyTwo Sons of Oil by Samuel B. WylieIndependence National Historical Park Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events
Jun 5

Act Like a Man: Biblical Masculinity with Matthew Adams

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Matthew Adams, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dillon, South Carolina, to discuss his book Act Like a Man: Understanding the Biblical Call to Masculinity, published by Christian Focus. Adams argues for a vision of manhood grounded in Scripture and formed by the Holy Spirit rather than by cultural capitulation, reactionary posturing, or online personality-driven models of masculinity. The conversation considers why the doctrine of Scripture and the work of the Spirit must come before any faithful account of biblical masculinity. Adams unfolds five marks of manhood—righteous living, sacrificial love, dependent leadership, courageous zeal, and humble servanthood—using David’s life as both a positive and negative example that ultimately points to Christ. The episode also addresses contemporary challenges in the church, the need for fathers and elders to disciple younger men, and the importance of presence, faithfulness, and generational responsibility in the home and covenant community. Participants Camden BuceyMatthew Adams Resources mentioned Act Like a Man: Understanding the Biblical Call to Masculinity by Matthew AdamsChristian Focus PublicationsReformed Forum EventsReformed Academy Mentioned in this episode: Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum Events Before today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events

See All (970)

4.9

out of 5

137 Ratings

Best show

04/21/2022

KB Brown

Fantastic show.
Top quality content

06/11/2021

Josef Urban

I’ve been listening to Reformed Forum for the past 7+ years. There is no other program out there that consistently engages in such in-depth theological discussion. Dr. Lane Tipton is one of the best teachers in the world on biblical theology (redemptive-historical hermeneutics). Dr. Camden Bucey is a fine teacher as well, thoroughly conversant with the best authors. Dr. Waddington is also a fine fellow, very knowledgeable and kind. This content is the gold standard for heavy hitting theology from the Westminster and OPC perspective. I have enjoyed fellowship with these brothers on a couple of occasions and they are humble and down to earth—fraternal rather than merely ‘professional.’ This ministry is worth supporting; a clear voice of refreshing truth in the midst of the incessant clamor of internet noise. Thanks brothers. Keep pressing on, for the Lamb is worthy.
Like you’re back at Old Princeton

01/23/2019

Reformer1689

The kind folks at Christ the Center are solid reformed and confessional saints. If you are looking for Rich theological dialogue grounded in Scripture and the confessions, then you won’t find a better podcast than this. Consistent, edifying, challenging, yet not pretentious and even fun at time. It’s like you’re back at old Princeton with Vos and the rest of them. This is a rare find, and I beg Camden and the guys to stay true to the mission of simple, lovely, confessional, already / not yet content focused on the eschatological Lamb.
Where are old episodes?

09/01/2019

BlueJeans501

I can never browse older episodes by subscribing to this podcast. I have to subscribe to the catch-all Reformed Forum podcast but that makes it hard to manage playlists.