Christ the Center

Dr. Robert Letham joins Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey to discuss Dr. Letham’s recent book The Eternal Son (P&R Publishing). Their conversation presses into a simple but urgent claim: Christology […]

In this episode, we continue engaging Geerhardus Vos’s treatment of repentance and the righteousness of the kingdom. The discussion begins by clarifying the close relationship between faith and repentance: Both […]

In this episode we welcome church historian Stephen O. Presley to explore the life, theology, and enduring relevance of Irenaeus of Lyons. Writing in the latter half of the second […]

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton discuss a deceptively brief but theologically weighty section of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology, exploring Jesus’s critique of first-century […]

In this episode of Christ the Center, we welcome Josiah Leinbach to discuss William Whitaker’s A Disputation on Holy Scripture—a monumental sixteenth-century defense of sola Scriptura, newly edited and republished […]

Dr. C. N. Willborn, pastor of Covenant PCA in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, speaks about the life, ministry, and enduring theological legacy of John Lafayette Girardeau—a figure often hidden in the […]

In this conversation from Austin, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey reflect on the abiding value of the Westminster Shorter Catechism as a tool for cultivating a God-centered, covenantally […]

In this installment of Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore pages 392–395 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology and his rich, God-centered understanding of righteousness within the kingdom of […]

In this episode, Dr. Harrison Perkins speaks about his new book A Penitent People: The Doctrine of Repentance (Christian Focus). Perkins brings the warmth of pastoral ministry together with the […]

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore Geerhardus Vos’s profound treatment of faith in the Gospel of John (pp. 390–392 of Biblical Theology). Vos […]

In this conversation from the Reformation and Worship Conference, Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life. […]

In this episode, Camden Bucey speaks with Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the OPC Committee on Christian Education, about his new book Christ and His Church-Bride: Meredith G. […]

Dr. O. Palmer Robertson joins Camden Bucey to discuss his newest book, Christ of the Consummation, Volume 2: The Testimony of Acts and Paul. Building on the legacy of Geerhardus […]

In this installment of Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore Geerhardus Vos’s treatment of “faith as the correlate of kingdom power” from pages 387–390 of Biblical Theology. Moving […]

What role do historic confessions play in the life of the Church today—and why should we care? In this episode we welcome Dr. D. Blair Smith, President and Associate Professor […]

What does it mean to be truly blessed in the kingdom of God? In this episode, Camden Bucey welcomes back pastor and author Jonathan Cruse, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church […]

In this installment of the Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton continue their deep dive into Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Together they explore Vos’s treatment […]

What does it mean to see work not as a curse but as part of God’s original design? In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by […]

In this milestone 100th installment of Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton turn to page 381 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to explore the “two-sided […]

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy engage in a lively and theologically rich conversation. Fresh from attending Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s summer seminar with […]

David W. Saxton’s God’s Battle Plan for the Mind (Reformation Heritage Books, 2015) presents a compelling argument for recovering the lost art of biblical meditation, a discipline once central to […]

In this episode, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. David VanDrunen to discuss his new book, Faith in Exile: Psalm 119 and the Christian Life (Christian Focus). VanDrunen shares the backstory behind […]

Dr. Guy Waters is the Professor of New Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi and a teaching elder in the Mississippi presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America. […]

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 […]

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 […]

Leonardo De Chirico and Mark Gilbert join the program to discuss the enduring significance of the Nicene Creed as it marks its 1700th anniversary. Drawing from their recent edited volume, […]

In this episode Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and host of the new podcast Dead Presbyterians Society. Together, they reflect on the theology […]

What did Jesus mean when he spoke of “the kingdom of God” or “the kingdom of heaven?” In this episode, we turn to Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology, pages 375–378, where […]

In this rich theological conversation, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. Harrison Perkins—pastor, scholar, and author—to discuss his two latest books: Righteous by Design: Covenantal Merit and Adam’s Original Integrity (Christian Focus) […]

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. J. Brandon Burks, pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Florence, Kentucky, to discuss his recent article published in […]

In this episode of Christ the Center, we’re joined by Kurt Vetterli, pastor of an ERKWB congregation in Basel, and Florian Weicken, pastor of an EPCEW congregation in Zürich, for a rich conversation on the legacy and ongoing work of the Swiss Reformation. We begin with a guided historical survey of the Reformation in Zürich and Basel, highlighting key figures such as Huldrych Zwingli, Johannes Oecolampadius, and Heinrich Bullinger. From the Affair of the Sausages to the formation of the Second Helvetic Confession, we explore how these cities shaped the theology, worship, and church life of the broader Reformed tradition. Turning to the present, Kurt and Florian share about their ministries in Switzerland today—what gospel ministry looks like in a post-Christian context, the challenges and encouragements they experience, and how the Reformation heritage still speaks into their work. We conclude with a call to pray for the Reformed churches in Switzerland and to consider how listeners might support or participate in this important kingdom work. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:07 Introduction 06:50 The Historical Context of the Swiss Reformation 21:01 Challenges Facing Confessional Swiss Churches Today 24:21 The Legacy of Zwingli in Zürich 30:33 The Reformation in Basel 39:25 Heinrich Bullinger in Zürich 44:25 The Second Helvetic Confession 47:45 The Loss of the Reformation in Switzerland 52:52 The Swiss Church’s Present Needs 57:16 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Florian Weicken, Kurt Vetterli

In this installment of our Vos Group series, Camden Bucey welcomes Lane Tipton back to the studio for an in-depth discussion on Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology (pp. 372–374), focusing on the Kingdom of God. Together, they explore how the concept of the kingdom is foundational to Jesus’ public ministry and central to redemptive history. Drawing from Vos’s text and the broader Reformed tradition, Lane and Camden unpack the eschatological character of the kingdom, its redemptive nature, and its Old Testament foundations. They trace how this theme unfolds from the prophets to the teachings of Christ, addressing modern misconceptions—ranging from liberal moralism to dispensational literalism—and emphasizing the kingdom’s spiritual and heavenly dimensions. Listeners will gain fresh insight into key theological categories such as inaugurated eschatology, the continuity of redemptive history, and the contrast between earthly and heavenly expectations of the Messiah. Whether you’re new to Vos or a long-time student of Reformed theology, this episode offers deep encouragement and clarity on a subject that lies at the very heart of Scripture. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:07 Introduction 04:35 The Kingdom of God in the Ministry of Jesus 07:12 The Eschatological and Redemptive Nature of the Kingdom 19:08 Kingdom Language in John vs. Synoptics 28:01 Salvation, Discipleship, and the Call to Radical Obedience 34:19 Kingdom in the Old Testament: Present and Future Dimensions 40:59 Future Kingdom in the OT: Abstract, Historical, Messianic 45:57 Jewish Expectations vs. Jesus’ Teaching on the Kingdom 52:13 Christ’s Kingdom: Heavenly, Spiritual, and Redemptive 57:08 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode, Danny Olinger and Camden Bucey explore a pivotal moment in the history of American Presbyterianism: the Special Commission of 1925 and its investigation into the doctrinal unrest within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Appointed to address the growing tension between modernists and conservatives, the Commission aimed to preserve the church’s “purity, peace, unity, and progress.” However, for J. Gresham Machen, the Commission’s recommendations represented a profound failure to uphold biblical orthodoxy. We explore how the Special Commission, composed of fifteen prominent ministers and ruling elders with deep ties to denominational institutions, prioritized unity over doctrinal clarity. Its influential members—such as Robert Speer, Mark Matthews, and Stated Clerk Lewis Mudge—were largely institutional loyalists who sought to preserve the church’s structural integrity and foster reconciliation rather than enforcing confessional standards. Despite Machen’s compelling plea for doctrinal faithfulness, the Commission framed the controversy as a misunderstanding of tolerance and authority rather than a fundamental theological crisis. We’ll examine how Machen’s uncompromising opposition to modernism ultimately led to his suspension from the PCUSA and the formation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1936. Along the way, we’ll discuss the broader implications of this controversy for American Presbyterianism, and how the decisions made during this period continue to influence Reformed denominations today. Join us as we unpack the significance of the Special Commission of 1925 and consider what lessons it holds for maintaining orthodoxy in the midst of institutional pressure and theological compromise. Links Report of the Special Commission of 1925 Weston, Presbyterian Pluralism: Competition in a Protestant House Watch on YouTube. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:06:36 Setting the Stage: Presbyterian History and Tensions 00:16:32 The Five Fundamentals and the Auburn Affirmation 00:35:40 Erdman’s Motion at the 1925 General Assembly 00:40:02 The Makeup of the Commission of 1925 00:51:49 The Work of the Commission 01:00:58 The Sine Qua Non of Presbyterianism 01:07:38 The Aftermath 01:20:52 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome back Dr. Leonardo De Chirico, a leading Reformed evangelical theologian and pastor in Rome, for a consideration of the legacy and ongoing influence of Thomas Aquinas. Drawing from his recent book, Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (Apollos), Dr. De Chirico offers a critical yet charitable appraisal of Aquinas’s theological architecture and enduring impact on Roman Catholicism. Together, Camden and Leonardo explore key themes such as the Catholic Church’s dual nature—Roman and Catholic—the evolving role of Thomism across church history, and the tensions within Roman Catholic thought on Vatican II and modernity. Listeners will also hear how Protestants have historically interacted with Aquinas and why an eclectic, biblically grounded engagement remains vital today. This episode offers not only theological clarity but pastoral wisdom for evangelicals navigating the complexities of tradition, authority, and theological retrieval in a post-Reformation world. Links Leonardo De Chirico, Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (Apollos) Vatican Files The Reformanda Initiative Rome Scholars and Leaders Network The Reformanda Initiative podcast Watch on YouTube. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 11:09 Engaging with Thomas Aquinas 17:53 Thomas Aquinas’s Lasting Influence 29:07 Approaching Thomas Critically 37:00 Thomas as an Architectural Thinker 41:46 A Protestant Perspective 53:54 Five Guidelines for Evangelicals Engaging with Aquinas 58:53 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Leonardo De Chirico

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Nicholas G. Piotrowski to discuss his book, Return from Exile and the Renewal of God’s People (Crossway). Throughout our conversation, Dr. Piotrowski unpacks the biblical theme of exile and return, demonstrating how it forms the central drama of Scripture—from Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden to the final restoration of God’s people in the new creation. We explore how this theme echoes through the Psalms, the prophetic literature, and, most importantly, in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Dr. Piotrowski explains how Christ embodies the ultimate return from exile, fulfilling Israel’s hopes and opening the way for the church to experience renewal in the presence of God. We also discuss the implications of this theme for the mission of the church today, culminating in the final hope of God’s people dwelling with Him forever. Join us as we trace this rich biblical-theological theme and consider how understanding exile and return shapes our reading of Scripture and our Christian walk. Nicholas G. Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president of Indianapolis Theological Seminary where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament courses. His other books include In All the Scriptures and Matthew’s New David at the End of Exile. Watch on YouTube and Vimeo. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 07:28 The Theme of Exile and Return 11:23 Why Is Exile and Return a Central Theme in Scripture 14:20 Exile and Return as the Bible’s Principal Theme 24:44 The Theme in the Psalms 29:29 Jesus’s Ministry as the Foreshocks of Return from Exile 35:02 Exilic Themes in the Ministry of Christ 44:19 The Mission of the Church and the Theme of Exile and Return 52:30 Coming Home 57:00 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Nicholas Piotrowski

In this episode Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey continue their discussion of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology, focusing on pages 369–371. This section addresses Jesus’ teaching on the divine majesty and greatness, the retributive righteousness of God, and the implications for true religion. Lane Tipton explains how Vos maintains the biblical tension between God’s transcendent majesty and his loving condescension. They discuss how Vos’s doctrine of God stands against the errors of theological liberalism, which often reduces the divine character to a single attribute of love divorced from holiness and righteousness. The conversation highlights how Jesus’ teaching does not abandon the concept of divine retribution but presents it as an essential and irreducible aspect of God’s nature. Drawing connections to the contemporary theological landscape, Camden and Lane address modern tendencies to elevate divine love to the exclusion of justice. They also explore the ways in which Reformed theology provides a robust foundation for understanding God’s attributes in their fullness, without compromising his immutability or impassibility. Listen in as they unpack Vos’s profound insights and demonstrate how they continue to speak to modern theological debates. Watch on YouTube. Chapters 00:07 Introduction 07:41 Vos’s Critique of Liberalism 11:32 The Attributes of God 17:02 The Impassibility of God and Its Importance 28:19 True Religion and God’s Transcendence 33:04 The Retributive Righteousness of God 44:51 Practical Application 49:53 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this special episode of Christ the Center, we commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) with special guests Dr. Maynard Koerner and Wayne Johnson. Dr. Koerner and Mr. Johnson take us on a historical journey through the origins, theological developments, and challenges that have shaped the RCUS over the past three centuries. From the church’s humble beginnings in colonial Pennsylvania, through the Mercersburg controversy, to the influx of Volga German immigrants, we explore how the RCUS has maintained a steadfast commitment to confessional Reformed theology. We also discuss the upcoming tricentennial celebration in Rapid City, South Dakota, and reflect on the church’s present and future, its global mission work, and its deep connections with other Reformed bodies, including the OPC and Westminster Seminary. Wayne Johnson is the Provost of City Seminary of Sacramento. He served as the editor of Leben Magazine from 2008–2018 and retired as CEO of Gateway Media in 2019. He has a BA in European History from Purdue University. Dr. Maynard Koerner is President of Heidelberg Theological Seminary and Associate Pastor of Trinity RCUS in Sioux Falls. Watch on YouTube and Vimeo. Chapters 0:07 Introduction 3:32 The Tricentennial Celebration 4:50 The Colonial Era 11:06 Ecclesiastical Ties and Ministerial Training 20:07 Organization in 1747 28:23 The Mercersburg Controversy 38:46 The Volga/Black Sea German Immigration 42:31 The 1934 Merger 52:25 The RCUS Today 1:02:16 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Maynard Koerner, Wayne Johnson

In this episode, we explore the biblical and historical foundations of Presbyterian church government through the lens of the three-office view—minister, ruling elder, and deacon. Joining us are two distinguished guests: Mark R. Brown, editor of and contributor to Order in the Offices, and Greg Reynolds, contributor to the volume. Together, we discuss the scriptural and theological arguments for distinguishing the minister of the Word from the ruling elder, why this distinction matters for the health of the church, and the modern challenges facing Presbyterian polity. Brown shares insights from his decades-long defense of the three-office view, while Reynolds unpacks his essay, “Democracy and the Denigration of Office,” explaining how cultural influences have shaped and distorted church governance. Whether you’re a church officer, seminarian, or simply interested in Reformed ecclesiology, this conversation offers a compelling case for recovering the historic Presbyterian model of church leadership. Mark R. Brown is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He is a graduate of Geneva College and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. After completing his seminary education in 1977, he planted Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he faithfully served as pastor for forty years until his retirement in 2017. Greg Reynolds is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church who has served as a church planter and pastor in both New York and New Hampshire. Before entering the ministry, he worked in the field of architecture. In addition to his pastoral work, he is the editor of Ordained Servant: A Journal for Church Officers, where he has contributed numerous essays on ecclesiology and pastoral ministry. Reynolds is the author of The Word Is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age, which explores the impact of media on preaching and worship. His academic background includes studies at the Boston Architectural College, the L’Abri Fellowship, Covenant College (BA, 1975), Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv, 1979), and Westminster Seminary in California (DMin, 2001)​. Use coupon code order25 to save 25% on the book at our website. The coupon is good for one week, from March 21–28, 2025. You may also purchase the book from our partner booksellers: Reformation Heritage Books Canon and Creed Reformed Books Reformed Book Services (our Canadian bookseller) Watch on YouTube and Vimeo. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:04:28 The Story of the First Edition of Order in the Offices 00:14:24 Influential Theologians on the Topic 00:22:44 Misunderstandings about the Offices 00:29:31 The New Testament Terms for Ministers and Elders 00:32:57 Cultural Influences against Presbyterian Government 00:42:58 The Forgotten Thomas Smyth 00:52:31 Teaching and Implementing a Three-Office View 00:58:52 Final Comments 01:01:44 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Greg Reynolds, Mark R. Brown

In this episode we welcome Dr. Jean Decorvet and Dr. Kenneth Stewart to explore The Geneva Réveil, a significant yet often overlooked nineteenth-century evangelical revival that reshaped French-speaking Protestantism and left a lasting global impact. We discuss the origins, theological dynamics, and international reach of this movement, featured in the new volume, The Geneva Réveil in International Perspective. Dr. Decorvet shares personal insights, including his family’s connection to Adolphe Monod—known as “the voice of the revival”—while Dr. Stewart highlights the fascinating transatlantic ties between the Réveil and American Presbyterianism. The conversation considers the blend of warm piety and Reformed orthodoxy that fueled the movement, its influence on hymnody, social reform (including the founding of the Red Cross), and the broader currents of nineteenth-century evangelicalism. Kennneth J. Stewart is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Until 2019, he was professor of theological studies in Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Jean Decorvet is president and professor of theological studies at the Haute école de théologie, St-Légier, Switzerland. He is also a visiting professor in historical studies at the Faculté Jean Calvin. Listen to discover how the Geneva Réveil not only revitalized Francophone Protestantism but also shaped the course of global missions, theological education, and the enduring legacy of Reformed thought. Links Haute-École Editions Le Réveil de Genève Perspectives internationales French edition of the book Watch on YouTube and Vimeo. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:05:32 Familiarity with the Genevan Reveil 00:11:31 European Roots of the Evangelical Free Church 00:12:50 Historical Background and Context 00:17:52 Unique Aspects of the Genevan Reveil 00:22:02 Pietism and Calvinist Orthodoxy 00:28:53 The Reveil and Theological Liberalism 00:31:33 The Far-Reaching Effects of the Reveil 00:38:12 Roman Catholicism and the Reveil 00:44:17 American Presbyterian Influence on the Reveil 00:50:41 Louis Gaussen’s Influence 00:58:49 Looking to the Future 01:01:59 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jean Decorvet, Kenneth J. Stewart, Ryan Noha