Confessing Our Hope: The Podcast of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Dr. Jonathan L. Master (President) and Mr. Pat Daly (Vice President) join longtime host Zachary Groff (Director of Advancement & Admissions) in the studio for Zack's final episode as the host of Confessing Our Hope. They discuss Mr. Daly's new role as Vice President, the Seminary's new partnership with Radius International, the future of the podcast, and Zack's new call as Pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church (PCA) in nearby Cashville, SC.

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions from listeners, and the hosts make an important announcement about the future of the podcast. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Jon D. Payne (Senior Pastor, Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA); Executive Coordinator, Gospel Reformation Network) about the upcoming 2022 GRN National Conference, "The Church's One Foundation" to be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Alabama on May 4-5, 2022. For more information on the Conference and how to register yourself or your congregation, please visit gospelreformation.net/events.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor Brett Mahlen (Associate Pastor, Covenant OPC - Orland Park, IL) and Pastor Christian McShaffrey (Five Solas Church OPC - Reedsburg, WI) about the "Kept Pure in All Ages" conference on confessional bibliology and arguments in favor of the Received Text. The "Kept Pure in All Ages" Conference will be held on July 22-23, 2022 at Five Solas Church in Reedsburg, WI. For more information on the Conference and how to register yourself or your congregation, please visit https://keptpure.com.
Resource Link: https://www.fivesolas.church/received-text-reading-list/

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Terry L. Johnson of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA about his recent book, Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology and Practice (Christian Focus Publications: 2022).

There are few sustained treatments available today on the "sealing of the Holy Spirit." This sermon from Benjamin Morgan Palmer (preached at First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans) clearly and powerfully explains the various dimensions and doctrinal importance of this truth for the life of the believer.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Brandon D. Crowe of Westminster Theological Seminary about his recent book, Why Did Jesus Live a Perfect Life? The Necessity of Christ's Obedience for Our Salvation (BakerAcademic: 2021).

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions dealing with ecclesiology, Isaiah 9:6, Christology, worship, spirituality of the church, and sabbath-keeping. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 84th Stated Meeting of the General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC) with Dr. Kevin M. Backus of the Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, NY.

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 87th Stated Meeting of the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) with Pastor Peter Van Doodewaard of Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church (Taylors, SC).

This special Thanksgiving edition of Confessing Our Hope features a read sermon of Thomas Watson's, "The Saint's Spiritual Delight." This sermon is on Psalm 1:2 and ends on a note of thankfulness. From all of us at Greenville Seminary, may the Lord bless you with a very happy Thanksgiving!

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions dealing with covenant theology, baptism, and ecclesiastical polity. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Donald John MacLean about his recent book, All Things are Ready: Understanding the Gospel in its Fullness and Freeness (Christian Focus Publications: 2021).

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 189th Stated Meeting of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) with Dr. Barry York of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Pittsburgh, PA).

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 48th Stated Meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) with Dr. Robert Cathcart of Friendship Presbyterian Church (Hickory Tavern, SC).

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles a variety of questions dealing with worship and with the doctrine of sin. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 275th Stated Meeting of the Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) with Pastor Travis Grassmid of Zion Reformed Church (Menno, SD).

In this edition of the podcast, Zack Groff discusses the 217th Stated Meeting of the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC) with Pastor Benjamin Glaser of Bethany ARP (Clover, SC).

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary President Dr. Jonathan L. Master about his recent book, Growing in Grace: Becoming More Like Jesus (Banner of Truth Trust: 2020), a volume in the new Banner miniGUIDE series.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor C.R. Wiley (Westminster Presbyterian Church, PCA - Vancouver, WA) about an approach to apologetics and cultural engagement which he calls "The Boniface Option." C. R. Wiley is the author of several books, including "Man of the House" (Wipf & Stock, 2017), "The Household and the War for the Cosmos" (Canon Press, 2019), and a forthcoming book from Canon Press about J.R.R. Tolkien's enigmatic character, Tom Bombadil.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Shawn Brower (Briarwood Christian School - Birmingham, AL) about his recent book, Stand To: Finding Masculine Courage in a Stand Down World (WestBow Press: 2021).

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor Sean McGowan (Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) - Tallahassee, FL) about his recent book, Infant Baptism: An Introductory Sprinkling for Parishioners (Ichthus: 2020).

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Pastor J. Brandon Burks (Westside Reformed Church (URCNA) - Cincinatti, OH) about his recent book, Thinking God's Thoughts: An Introduction to a Pilgrim Worldview (Fontes, 2021).

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope begins our 2021-22 season with a sermon from Samuel Davies, "The Divine Government the Joy of Our World." This sermon is on Psalm 117:1 and is featured in Volume One (of three) of "The Sermons of Rev. Samuel Davies," reprinted this year by Reformation Heritage Books under the Soli Deo Gloria Publications imprint. Davies's purpose in this sermon "is to illustrate this glorious truth, that Jehovah's supreme government is a just cause of universal joy." He prosecutes his task by considering God's government in four views or aspects: as legislative, providential, mediatorial, and judicial. Davies ably demonstrates from Scripture "that in each of these views the divine government is matter of universal joy."

In this episode of the Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles questions dealing with the Sabbath, pastoral care, and the right application of the moral law in today's world. To submit a question, please contact info@gpts.edu or visit gpts.edu/gpts-podcast.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope is the second in a series of episodes featuring content from Greenville Seminary's 2021 Spring Theology Conference, "Who is God? The Trinity, the Gospel, and the Christian Life." In this episode, we hear from recent graduate Mr. Ethan Bolyard (Pastor, Heritage Orthodox Presbyterian Church; Wilmington, NC) in his address entitled "Circle of Glory: Trinity & the Christian Life." Mr. Bolyard draws from John 17, among other texts.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope is the first in a series of episodes featuring content from Greenville Seminary's 2021 Spring Theology Conference, "Who is God? The Trinity, the Gospel, and the Christian Life." In this episode, we hear from Dr. Pipa in his Pre-Conference Lecture, "Examining the Eternal Subordination of the Son." Dr. Pipa's lecture is a critical appraisal of a now-popular doctrinal error regarding the Trinity.

In this episode, host Zachary Groff interviews author Zachary Garris (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary; JD, Wayne State University) on his latest book, Masculine Christianity (Zion Press, 2020). Tune in as the ZGs discuss the book, its usefulness, and its call to return to the Bible's teaching on men and women.

Please note: In answering the first question about the content of the book, Mr. Garris draws from the opening chapter of his book to make an historical point about women's suffrage being an expression of individualism in American political life. Mr. Groff echoes this historical observation. Neither man makes a proscriptive or ethical point regarding women's suffrage. Rather, Mr. Garris and Mr. Groff make the same historical point observed by historians of the American nineteenth and twentieth centuries that with the advent of women's suffrage in the United States of America, political life was no longer organized by voting households, but rather organized by voting individuals.

President Emeritus Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zack Groff field listener questions relating to biblical interpretation, political theology, worship, ecclesiology, covenant theology, paedobaptism, the application of the moral law of God (esp. the second commandment), confessional subscription, and pastoral concerns in administering the Lord's Supper.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Jon D. Payne (Senior Pastor, Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA); Convener, Gospel Reformation Network) about the Presbyterian Church in America, the Gospel Reformation Network, and the upcoming "O Church, Arise!" Conference to be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Alabama on May 5-6, 2021. For more information on the Conference and how to register yourself or your congregation, please visit gospelreformation.net/events.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope features a read sermon of John Lafayette Girardeau's, "Christ's Pastoral Presence with His Dying People." This sermon is on Psalm 23:4 and was published in a book of sermons entitled, "Southern Presbyterian Pulpit: A Collection of Sermons by Ministers of the Southern Presbyterian Church," produced and distributed in 1896 by the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) Committee of Publication headquartered (at the time) in Richmond, Virginia. When the time comes to pass into glory, may you rest in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Podcast host Zack Groff welcomes GPTS student Zach Dotson into the studio to discuss the Federal Vision heresy. You might call this a "Zack/h Attack." Tune in for an overview, critique, and current appraisal of the Federal Vision movement and its influence in Reformed churches today.

President Emeritus Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zack Groff field listener questions relating to creation care, mask mandates, the Westminster Standards, Christ's miracles, the Sabbath, women teaching in Sunday School, worship, and more!

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Carl Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College) about his recent book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Crossway, 2020).

This special Thanksgiving edition of Confessing Our Hope features a read sermon of George Whitefield's, "Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty - A Farewell Sermon." This sermon is on Psalm 107:30, 31 and was preached on board the Whitaker, at anchor near Savannah, GA on Sunday, May 17, 1738. From all of us at Greenville Seminary, may the Lord bless you with a very happy Thanksgiving!

In this edition of Confessing Our Hope, Zachary Groff interviews GPTS Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Ryan McGraw on the subject of Pneumatology, the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. For more information about GPTS, please visit gpts.edu.

In this edition of Confessing Our Hope, Zachary Groff interviews GPTS President Dr. Jonathan L. Master about "The Master Plan for GPTS" now that Dr. Master has been at the helm for a few months. For more information about GPTS, please visit gpts.edu.

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. Ryan M. McGraw (Academic Dean and Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) about the recently republished Complete Works of Thomas Manton (Banner of Truth, 2020). For more information about the set, or to purchase the set, please visit https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/collected-workssets/the-works-of-thomas-manton/

In this episode of the podcast, Zachary Groff interviews Dr. L. Michael Morales (Professor of Biblical Studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) about his recent book, Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption (IVP Academic, 2020). For Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 2020), InterVarsity Press is offering a 40% coupon code for book purchases through ivpress.com. The code is 915BD64.

This special edition of Confessing Our Hope contains audio from a Sunday School hour presentation delivered by podcast host and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zachary Groff entitled "The Mission & Mechanics of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary." This presentation and discussion was conducted at Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vancouver, WA on August 2, 2020, and is reproduced here with some modification. For more information about GPTS, please visit gpts.edu. For more information about Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vancouver, WA, please visit www.solochristo.org.

In this episode, host Zachary Groff interviews Charlie Nave (Executive Director, MOREinthePCA) and Bruce Kirby (Director, Firm Foundation Partnership) about their respective efforts of grassroots promotion of biblical fidelity in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). For more information about these efforts, please visit: moreinthepca.org and firmfoundationpartnership.com.

President Emeritus Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Director of Advancement & Admissions Zack Groff field listener questions relating to PCA General Assembly Ruling Elder participation, the function(s) of church officers, pastoral titles, the covenant of works, republication, qualifications of church officers, patriarchy, complementarianism, sabbath rest, pneumatology, sacraments, diaconal care, and more! For Dr. Pipa's recorded lecture critiquing Klinean Republication, please visit https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4615182462.

In this episode of the podcast, Zack interviews Pastor Bill Hill (BDiv '16) and MDiv student Zach Dotson in a true Prince & the Pauper setting of two strangers in very different strange lands. Pastor Hill is from Rochester, NY, and he ministers at Fellowship PCA in Newport, TN. Mr. Dotson is from Wise County, VA, and serves as student supply at Coldenham-Newburgh Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA) in Walden, NY. Tune in for an off-beat conversation about "a different kind of" cross-cultural ministry.

Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Zack Groff field listener questions relating to cloning, predestination, the final judgment, covenant theology, Reformed and Presbyterian denominations, humanism in the church, and theological books authored by women.

Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. and Zack Groff field listener questions relating to the current COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) pandemic which has so dramatically disrupted everyday life for Christians and churches around the world. Recommended article by Dr. Pipa: The Lion Roars, available at https://gpts.edu/the-lion-roars-thoughts-on-covid-19/

In this episode, Dr. Pipa addresses listener questions regarding ontological differences between men and women, the encroachment of feminism in Reformed denominations, heresy and error regarding the doctrine of the Trinity, demonology, best/biblical practices in worship, the second commandment, adult coloring books, and appropriate levels of political engagement for pastors.

In this edition of the podcast we talk with current ThM student Pastor Francisco Cardoso, presently serving in a missionary work of the Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church in Recife, Brasil. For more information about Pastor Cardoso's dynamic church-planting work, visit woodruffroad.com/missions-to-latin-america. To support financially the work, please contact office@woodruffroad.com or info@gpts.edu.

We continue our series highlighting the personal testimonies and ministries of the faculty of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary by catching Dr. Benjamin Shaw (Old Testament & Hebrew) before he moves to Sanford, Florida to take up a position at Reformation Bible College. In this episode, Dr. Shaw recounts his childhood in Roswell, New Mexico; seminary experience at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary under John Gerstner and Ford Lewis Battles; advanced degree-work at Princeton Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School; seminary service at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; and hopes for the future at Reformation Bible College.

In this episode, longtime GPTS Professor of Hebrew & Old Testament Dr. Benjamin Shaw discusses his recent book, Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World, published by the Banner of Truth Trust (2019). As of January 1, 2020, Dr. Shaw will be Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College in Sanford, FL.

Building on an interview with Dr. James E. McGoldrick in May 2017, we are continuing a series highlighting the personal testimonies and ministries of the faculty of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In this episode, Dr. Pipa recounts his childhood, conversion to Christ as a young man in Pensacola, FL; seminary experience at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA; ministerial experience in Tchula, MS, Houston, TX, and Escondido, TX; and seminary service at Westminster Seminary California and Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. 

In this brief special feature, Zack describes the intensive GPTS course offerings available to students and the public in January and July 2020. For more information, visit gpts.edu/winter and gpts.edu/summer.

In this special edition of Confessing Our Hope, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (GPTS) and the Blue Ridge Institute for Theological Education (BRITE) partnered together for a "Pastors' Panel" hosted over lunch during the 47th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Participants in the panel discussion included moderator Pastor Sean Morris (Westminster PCA & BRITE - Roanoke, VA), Pastor Richard "Dick" Davies (Grace PCA - Metairie, LA), Pastor Roland Barnes (Trinity PCA - Statesboro, GA), Pastor Carl Robbins (Woodruff Road PCA - Simpsonville, SC), and Pastor Robert "Bob" Davis (Draper's Valley PCA - Draper, VA).

In this episode, Dr. Pipa addresses listener questions regarding the Trinity, biblical masculinity and femininity, the PCA, tithing, the Sabbath, and more.

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Pipa sits down with his anticipated successor (as Seminary President), Dr. Jonathan Master. Dr. Master visited campus on Friday, September 6, 2019 to meet with different members of the seminary community (faculty, staff, and students). As part of his visit, he was happy to take some time to record this podcast episode. Please note that Dr. Master was suffering from a head cold, and that his voice was suffering from fatigue as a result.

In this edition of the podcast, the co-hosts of The Jerusalem Chamber podcast discuss the 188th Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), held June 11-13, 2019.

In this special edition of Faith & Practice, Dr. Pipa analyzes the 47th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, answering listener questions along the way.

In this edition of the podcast, Pastor Phil Proctor (MDiv '03) discusses the 86th Stated Meeting of the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, held June 5-11, 2019.

In this edition of our monthly Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles listener questions regarding elder rotation, cessationism, membership vows, pursuing reform, building a good reading list (for pastors, elders, and laypeople), forgiveness, and more!

Dr. Guy Prentiss Waters (New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary) is the guest on the podcast to discuss relevant biblical data regarding the diaconate, and whether or not Christ directs us in His Word to ordain women into the office of Deacon in the church.

In this special edition of "Faith & Practice," Dr. Pipa handles questions dealing with the various overtures before the 47th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (2019). Includes extended discussion of overtures dealing with sexual ethics, the role of women in the church, and supra-ecclesiastical organizations with which the PCA is affiliated/associated.

In this edition of our monthly Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles listener questions regarding Christian observances of Jewish holidays, the place of blessings in the New Covenant community, demons, past experiences of charismatic gifts, Christ's healing of the leper in Luke 8:1-4, whether or not churches should pursue incorporation under federal law in the United States, elder rotation, and church athletic leagues.

Pastor Caleb Cangelosi (Associate Pastor, Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church, PCA in Richland, MS) joined us in the studio to talk about The Log College Press (https://logcollegepress.com). Pastor Cangelosi is the founder/owner of The Log College Press, a collaborative retrieval effort focused on the publication of 18th and 19th Century American Presbyterian works.

In this edition of our monthly Faith & Practice segment, Dr. Pipa handles listener questions regarding covenant theology, tithing, divorce, modernizing the language of the Westminster Standards, and more.

Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. (President, GPTS) answers listeners' questions dealing with preaching, Scholasticism and Humanism, Serpents and Scorpions, doctrinal drift in the PCA, the Apostle Peter's family, Omniscience and the Problem of Evil, Covenant Theology, Theonomy, and more!

Interview with Dr. Barry York (President, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary) about his new book, "Hitting the Marks" (Crown & Covenant Publications, 2018).

"Why would (or should) Christians prefer the Majority Text?" asked a podcast listener. Dr. Benjamin Shaw (Hebrew & Old Testament) and Dr. Sidney Dyer (Greek & New Testament) join forces to address this question, and discuss their shared preference for the Majority Text.

"What marks the ministry of the Reformed pastor?"

GPTS Trustee and Adjunct Professor of Applied Theology Dr. Ian Hamilton sits down for an interview about his January term intensive course, The Reformed Pastor.

Dr. Ryan M. McGraw steps into the studio to discuss his book "The Ark of Safety" (2018), published by Reformation Heritage Books in the Explorations in Reformed Confessional Theology series. In it, he explains, defends, and applies the doctrine expressed in Westminster Confession of Faith 25.2, which states that outside of the visible church there is "no ordinary possibility of salvation."

A roundtable discussion with two first year seminary students, Mr. John Blevins and Mr. Jim McCarthy.