In The Expository Genius of John Calvin, Dr. Steven J. Lawson delves into the practices, commitments, and techniques that made John Calvin, the great Reformer of the sixteenth century, such an effective preacher during his long pastorate at Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Lawson identifies thirty-two distinctives of Calvins preaching, providing comments from Calvins writings, quotations from Reformation scholars, and examples from Calvins own sermons to reinforce his points. In the end, Dr. Lawson finds in Calvin a strong model for expository preaching and calls on modern pastors to follow the Reformers example.
Hearts are astounded. Souls are arrested. Christians are convicted, encouraged, and invigorated in their faith. These are the effects that the Holy Spirit produces when God's Word is accurately expounded and earnestly proclaimed. This was the kind of preaching that marked the ministry of John Calvin, the great Genevan Reformer. What was it about Calvin's sermons that made him a leading figure in the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation? Why do his biblical expositions continue to rivet and edify Christians to this day? The answer becomes clear when we look at Calvin's approach to the preaching of sacred Scripture. In The Expository Genius of John Calvin, Dr. Steven Lawson delves into the commitments, practices, and techniques that made Calvin such an effective preacher. He identifies thirty-two distinctives of the Reformer's pulpit ministry, providing comments from Calvin's writings, quotations from Reformation scholars, and examples from Calvin's own sermons. In the end, Dr. Lawson calls on a new generation of pastors to follow the Reformer's example of strong expository preaching. This book is part of the Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, edited by Dr. Steven Lawson.
An introduction to the essential life and thought of one of history's most influential theologians, who considered himself first and foremost a pilgrim and a pastor. July 10, 2009, marks the five-hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. As controversial as he was influential, his critics have named a judgmental and joyless attitude after him, while his admirers celebrate him as the principal theologian of Reformed Christianity. Yet his impact is unmistakable-a primary developer of western civilization whose life and work have deeply affected five centuries' worth of pastors, scholars, and individuals. What will surprise the readers of this book, however, is that Calvin did not live primarily to influence future generations. Rather, he considered himself first and foremost a spiritual pilgrim and a minister of the Word in the church of his day. It was from that "essential" Calvin that all his influence flowed. Here is an introduction to Calvin's life and thought and essence: a man who moved people not through the power of personality but through passion for the Word, a man who sought to serve the gospel in the most humble of roles.
One of the best sources for understanding the impact of John Calvin, McGrath's work updates The History and Character of Calvinism by John T. McNeill with a fascinating biography that also explores Calvin's cultural importance.
Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher of nineteenth-century London, is remembered today as "the prince of preachers." However, the strength of Spurgeon's ministry went far beyond simple rhetorical skill. In The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon, new from Reformation Trust Publishing, author Steven J. Lawson shows that Spurgeon fearlessly taught the doctrines of grace and tirelessly held forth the free offer of salvation in Jesus Christ. In thirty-eight years as pastor of the congregation meeting at the New Park Street Chapel and later the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Spurgeon propounded Calvinistic theology with precision and clarity. Yet he always accompanied it with a passionate plea for sinners to come to Christ and be saved. Lawson traces these twin points of emphasis throughout Spurgeon's long, fruitful ministry, showing also that he preached Christ crucified without apology and looked to the Holy Spirit for success in all his endeavors.
Calvin’s Calvinism A Translation of 1. The Eternal Predestination of God 2. The Secret Providence of God By John Calvin and translated by Henry Cole, D.D. This unique book constitutes the only original writings of John Calvin devoted “expressly, exclusively, and purposely” to the capital “Calvinistic” doctrines of The Eternal Predestination of God, and The Secret Providence of God. They are Calvin’s own testimony and real mind concerning the doctrines of God’s electing, predestinating and sovereign grace, constitute his own exposition and expression of faith, and beautifully display the spirit in which he held and taught these great Biblical truths. These important treatises were published in 1552 and 1558 respectively and lay locked in the original language of Calvin’s day until translated by Henry Cole, D. D., 300 years later in 1856 under the present title of Calvin’s Calvinism. The first treatise on Eternal Predestination consists of 131 pages; the second on Secret Providence covers 127 pages, the later embracing arguments (Calumnies) against Calvin and his refutation of each particular point. Illuminating “Dedicatory Prefaces” and prefaces by the translator add significance to the main content of this important volume.
The Genius of Aldous Huxley is an attempt to make a critical analysis of Aldous Huxley’s novels, essays and plays. The significant results of his stance in terms of his critical heritage were threefold: the explicit message of the later fiction struck most readers as being detrimental to its artistry; criticism of Huxley’s craft often became indistinguishable from criticism of his ideas; the popular response to Huxley’s work continued to grow, but the critical reception declined. While they were looking to him for guidance, practically none of Huxley’s readers were prepared for the directions he took in the coming books. His critics had so consistently overlooked the deeper import of the earlier work that the new outspoken idealism seemed an abrupt reversal, if not a contradiction of attitudes. The shift of emphasis in Huxley’s work introduced during the war years a period of new ferment and trial for his critical reputation. The volume of response never slackened; if anything, it increased. He has revealed himself as one of the few capable makers of cultural synthesis in our time. His concern for mankind is so obvious that one can only think readers who see nothing in his later fiction but obsessions and bitterness are incapable of appreciating his intentions or his powers.
A vast reservoir of knowledge and experience from one of America's foremost speakers, this definitive book touches every base from the history of expository preaching to the mandate for Biblical inerrancy. MacArthur's goal is to motivate and equip the next generation of Christian leaders who want to provide wholesome spiritual nourishment for God's people from His Word.
This book concerns true salvation. Many original Christian writings were written to refute false teachings or heresy. This is the justification for this book. The heresy of Calvinism has risen and fallen several times since its origin. The concept of predestination is noted by several people in the 1000 years before Calvin. Muslims believe in predestination. Calvin had no original thoughts. He invented a system of terror to force his beliefs. The belief that some babies are born to go to hell to show God's glory (Calvin) is horrible. This book refutes those false interpretations. Reforms have occurred since the beginning. Adam and Eve reformed to become closer to God. Peter, John, and Paul fought Gnosticism in the early Church. Justin Martyr, Charlemagne, Constantine, Augustine, Patrick, Bede, Eriugena, King Alfred, Dustan, (the Tenth-Century Reformation), Anselm, Ockhan, Wyclif, Waldo, Hus, Gutenberg, (The printing press was the most powerful influence in the Reformation.), Wesel, Gerson, Luther, Melanchthon, Oecolampadius, Zwingli, Farel, Bullinger, Calvin, Beza, Bucer, Larimer, Hooper, Rildey, Knox, Erasmus, Paracelsus, Durer were all reformers (There are others not listed here.) In a review of the history of all the reformations in religion Calvin was only a speck. Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion is reviewed in some detail. This reveals a distortion of Scripture, a lack of knowledge of the love of Christ, and ignorance that Christ died for "the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:2) This book gives the simple process of true salvation and also an in-depth review for those who like to explore the deep recesses of knowledge.
