At the outbreak of the first world war in 1914, Archibald McNeilage of the Free Church of Scotland wrote, "War, no matter how just soever it may be, is a national calamity and a divine judgment. It is placed by the Holy Spirit on the same plane as pestilence and famine. All these are servants …
Do I Belong to Jesus?
The Marks of the Lord's People: 1. A certain love for God's word, house and day. 2. A desire for holiness. 3. A longing to be able to pray. 4. A mourning over a carnal heart. 5. A desire to love Christ. 6. A desire for fellowship with Christ. 7. A fear lest, these evidences …
Love Not the World!
Love Not the World! (1John 2:15). What is the world? A shadow; a deception; the enemy of God. What can it do for us? It may enchant, but it will deceive. It may please for a time but will sting in the end. It is an enemy's country; we must pass through it, but we should …
Preaching & Persecution!
To Prison and Death When five men were arrested and imprisoned in Lyon, John Calvin didnʼt leave them to their own fate, he wrote to them with the same message, “stand firm men", he said, "stand firm.” And he made it known personally that he was praying for them and that he was making representation …
Preaching & Purpose! (3)
Pastoral Element There was much pastoral purpose too in Calvinʼs ministry. He sought to advise local and national churches. John Calvin sought to advise the Duke of Somerset under Edward VI, he sought to present him with a scheme of reform that would reform the English church. Unfortunately, Somerset died before the reforms could be …
Preaching & Purpose! (2)
Fruit of Reformation So reformation is brought about by the living voice of God in Christ coming to us, thus the church is reformed, it is built up. God breathes faith into his church. In the preaching of the word of God resides the power to save and restore the church. John Calvin appeals to …
Preaching & Purpose!
John Calvin speaks about the purpose of preaching. For Calvin it is the main means of grace, it is the dynamic of Godʼs grace, enabling repentance and faith. Calvin never despaired, even when he went back to Geneva, he hated the place, didnʼt want to go, but he never despaired of the circumstances in which …
