You Will Be My Witnesses

02/21/25 • -1 min

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey speaks with Brian DeVries, a theologian and pastor in South Africa, about his new book, You Will Be My Witnesses, which explores the biblical and theological foundations of Christian witness, emphasizing the church’s role in participating in God’s redemptive mission. They discuss the Christian and Reformed landscape in South Africa, the importance of witness in missions, and the connection between worship and witness. DeVries emphasizes the need for a solid theology of mission and the role of every believer as a witness to Christ.

In this conversation, we explore the multifaceted nature of Christian witness, emphasizing its historical significance, the interplay of suffering and evangelism, and the importance of both word and deed in the church’s mission. They discuss the need for boldness in witness, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the impact of personal experiences on understanding witness. Additionally, they highlight the work of Mukhanyo Theological College in training leaders for ministry in Southern Africa.

Dr. Brian A. DeVries is a theologian, educator, and pastor with extensive experience in theological education and church planting. He earned his PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently serves as the president of Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. DeVries is an adjunct professor of missiology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Dr. DeVries has led three multiethnic church-planting teams in South Africa and currently serves as the pastor of Grace Reformed Church in Pretoria. He and his wife, Lanae, are blessed with five children.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

00:07 Introduction
02:18 The Christian and Reformed Landscape in South Africa
05:41 Exploring the Book: You Will Be My Witnesses
10:10 The Theology of Witness in Missions
17:13 Witness Is Part of Christian Identity
26:54 Witness in the Old Testament
30:40 The Connection Between Worship and Witness
32:26 Historical Patterns of Witness and Suffering
37:58 Regaining Boldness in Witness
41:16 Word and Deed in Witness
44:38 Personal Experiences Shaping Understanding of Witness
48:54 Demystifying Evangelism and Apologetics
51:05 Mukhanyo Theological College
54:56 Conclusion

Participants: Brian DeVries, Camden Bucey

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

00:07 Introduction
02:18 The Christian and Reformed Landscape in South Africa
05:41 Exploring the Book: You Will Be My Witnesses
10:10 The Theology of Witness in Missions
17:13 Witness Is Part of Christian Identity
26:54 Witness in the Old Testament
30:40 The Connection Between Worship and Witness
32:26 Historical Patterns of Witness and Suffering
37:58 Regaining Boldness in Witness
41:16 Word and Deed in Witness
44:38 Personal Experiences Shaping Understanding of Witness
48:54 Demystifying Evangelism and Apologetics
51:05 Mukhanyo Theological College
54:56 Conclusion

Participants: Brian DeVries, Camden Bucey

Previous Episode

Vos Group #94 — Jesus’s View of the Old Testament and Doctrine of God

In this episode, we open pp. 360–365 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology to discuss his profound insights into Jesus’s relationship with the Old Testament. How did Christ use the Scriptures in his teaching? What did he mean when he said he came to “fulfill” the law? And how does his doctrine of God affirm the continuity of divine revelation from the Old to the New Testament?

Whether you’re a student of Reformed theology, a pastor, or simply curious about the biblical foundations of Christ’s teaching, this episode offers a rich and insightful exploration of key theological themes. Tune in now and be equipped to see Scripture through the lens of redemptive history.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

00:07 Introduction
09:08 Claims that Questions the Authenticity and Historicity of the Gospel of John
15:20 Disjunctive Views of the Old and New Testaments
21:04 Spirit and Truth
28:25 Jesus as Fulfillment of the Old Testament
38:46 Continuity between Old and New Covenants
42:44 Jesus’s Doctrine of God
49:11 Recap of Major Points
51:01 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

Next Episode

Redemptive-Historical Interpretation

In this special live recording of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey, Lane Tipton, Jim Cassidy, and guest Marcus Mininger explore the vital topic of redemptive historical interpretation. Dr. Mininger is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Mid-America Reformed Seminary and author of Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16–3:26: Discovering a New Approach to Paul’s Argument (Mohr Siebeck).

Recorded in Oklahoma City as part of Reformed Forum’s Redemptive History Seminar, this discussion examines how Scripture should be read and understood through the lens of God’s unfolding revelation in Christ.

Dr. Mininger provides fresh insights into Romans 1–3, uncovering the biblical theme of revelation and how it shapes our understanding of God’s righteousness. The conversation also tackles Hebrews 6, a notoriously difficult passage, through a redemptive historical framework—showing why a return to the Old Covenant is both impossible and perilous.

Throughout the episode, the panel reflects on the importance of a Christ-centered hermeneutic, the role of Scripture as its own interpreter, and how biblical theology helps believers grasp the grand narrative of redemption. The discussion concludes with engaging audience questions, further unpacking key interpretive challenges.

Join us for this rich theological discussion and discover how reading Scripture in its redemptive historical context deepens our understanding of God’s Word.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.