On the 100th anniversary "Christianity and Liberalism"

 On the 100th anniversary of the publication of Christianity and Liberalism...

 

The New Testament Use of the Old Testament - G.K. Beale

 

"Industrial Strength Biblical Theology" - I love it.

Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul: Covenantal Nomism versus Reformed Covenantal Theology by Robert Cara

For an insightful author interview on the New Perspectives on Paul, check out the Reformed Forum's podcast with Robert Cara, author of  Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul: Covenantal Nomism versus Reformed Covenantal Theology.

Book Review: No Uncertain Sound

I guess it was in 2008 or so that I had been looking on the internet for something to listen to. Any good Reformed sermon or lecture would do. At the time at I had an annoyingly long drive to work and detested the waste of time. I would find a sermon and burn it to a CD (that's as high tech as I could get then). At some point I came across the Reformed Forum podcast. I remember thinking this is what I've been looking for - some well educated, well spoken guys recording their theological conversations. Eureka! I was hooked. Since that time I have had the privilege to watch Reformed Forum grow into a multi-faceted, multi-platform ministry to aid the discipleship of Reformed Christians worldwide.

Their latest foray is a small tome entitled, No Uncertain Sound. It is a small collection of essays that "...set forth the salient features  of our Reformed identity" (pg. 3). Each chapter, authored by a podcast regular, is concise, well written, easy to understand, and well edifying.

Chapter Highlights

In chapter one, Camden M. Bucey, president of Reformed Forum, gives the reader the origins and impetus for Reformed Forum. It is now well beyond its humble beginnings.

Lane G. Tipton authors chapter two and begins the theological background necessary for comprehension of their Reformed identity. In "Jesus in the Old Testament," Tipton considers the Christocentric and Christotelic understanding of Christ in the Scriptures. Don't let those theological terms scare you off.

At stake in the debate is whether the church receives the Christ who is revealed in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments by the supernatural agency of the Holy Spirit, or whether we are to receive the imaginative construal of the religious experience of ancient Hebrews or Second Temple Jews (pg. 22).

Camden M. Bucey explains the necessity of Biblical and Systematic theology to work in harmony, rather than independently,  in chapter three.

Systematic and biblical theology are not antagonistic. Both rely upon exegetical theology, and they mutually contextualize, regulate, and inform each other. Systematic theology should never be engaged apart from biblical theology, and vice versa (pg. 30).

Jeffrey C. Waddington takes the next chapter where he "...unpacks[s] the meaning and significance of union with Christ..." (pg.32).

"Communion with God in worship is of the very essence of the covenant and goal of man's eschatology" (pg. 52)  writes Glen J. Cary in chapter six with a view of Covenantal worship.

In chapter seven James J. Cassidy explains the relationship that believers have in this world vs. the next.

Heaven is your home. Heaven is your city. And heaven is where you have your citizenship (pg. 73).

Jeff Waddington returns to author chapter eight on Reformed Covenantal Apologetics. Waddington clearly lays out the basics and elements of a Reformed Covenantal Apologetics method.

Other Observations

It is difficult to take issue with this work; either in content or format. It is well footnoted and has a listing of related podcasts at the end of each chapter. The work concludes with a recommended reading list and Scripture index.

I heartily recommend No Uncertain Sound. It would be an outstanding work to add to any church library and one to hand out to members and visitors. Get it now. The first printing is almost gone.

The author has provided a complimentary copy of this book. The views expressed are my own.

Reformed Forum 2014 Books

This past weekend the Reformed Forum held their first conference. Plenary speakers included Dr. Lane G. Tipton and Dr. K. Scott Oliphint. The conference was fantastic and a good time was had by all. Though intentionally small in number, attendees came from Texas, California and Massachusetts. Many of us met for the first time and many of us renewed old friendships.  Reformed Forum has made available the videos and audio. Check 'em out. And, have a look at some of the books that were referenced and offered at the conference here. I'm already looking forward to next years conference.

Book Study: Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos

If you're not following along and studying with the Vos Group you should be. Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton walk the listener through Vos' Biblical Theology a few pages at a time. So far, its been nothing but top-notch.

From the website

Roughly each month, Lane and Camden will work through the pages of Vos’ Biblical Theology. While Vos’ book is foundational, it’s tough for the “uninitiated” to access. This will be a great opportunity for study groups to listen to our discussions and work things out together. We hope everyone who participates will learn more about Reformed biblical theology. Pick up a copy of Biblical Theology and get on the BT wagon!

Purchase a copy of Biblical Theology here or preferably at  the Reformed Forum website. Join us as we follow along this insightful and important study.