Tag Archives: John Calvin

Holding Fellowship With the Sufferings of Christ

From John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion , Book 3, Chapter 8: On Bearing the Cross–One Branch of Self Denial. *** THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples when he says, that every one … Continue reading

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The Secret Bridle of God

John Calvin helps us understand how it was that Thomas, one of the twelve, didn’t finally fall away from faith even as he doubted (see, John 20:24-29): . . . the infinite goodness of God prevents the elect from falling so … Continue reading

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We Are Not Our Own

John Calvin on the Christian life: If we, then, are not our own [cf. 1 Cor. 6:19] but the Lord’s, it is clear what error we must flee, and whither we must direct all the acts of our life. We … Continue reading

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Humility as Supreme Virtue

Last week I had the privilege of “guest lecturing” in a comparative religion class of (mostly) seniors at Squalicum High School here in Bellingham. The class, taught by Squalicum’s basketball coach Dave Dickson, was a great opportunity to outline for … Continue reading

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In Praise of the “Bible-Oriented Preacher”

John Piper, taking his cue from John Calvin, makes an essential distinction between the “Bible-oriented preacher” and the “entertainment-oriented preacher.” The following is an excerpt from, “In Honor of Tethered Preaching: John Calvin and the Entertaining Pastor.” **** The difference … Continue reading

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