The Life and Legacy of John Calvin as a Reformer

 
The Confrontation over the Lord’s Supper
photo courtesy of covenanter.org

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On July 10th, 1509, the reformer John Calvin was born in France. For the last few days we have been learning about his influence as both a pastor and theologian. Today, we look at the life and legacy of John Calvin as a reformer.

Today’s guests include:

1. Dr. D.G. Hart, Historian and Author
2. Dr. Michael Haykin, Professor of Church History & Biblical Spirituality, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
3. Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum Ministries
4. Dr. Steven Lawson, Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, AL

Dr. Lawson has written a wonderful book entitled: The Expository Genius of John Calvin ,published by the Reformation Trust, 2007.

Also, the Reformation Trust released a book in 2008 entitled: John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology. It is edited by Burk Parsons.  In it, you’ll find Dr. D.G. Hart’s chapter entitled: “The Reformer of Faith and Life.”

Finally, Vision Forum Ministries is selling the complete audio recording of the Reformation 500 Celebration through thier website.

 

The Life and Legacy of John Calvin as a Theologian

 

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Yesterday we began a three-part series on the life of reformer John Calvin, as many around the world celebrate the 500th anniversary of his birth tomorrow. Today’s feature is from an extended conversation with Dr. Marcus Johnson, Assistant Professor of Theology at the Moody Bible Institute, about John Calvin’s legacy as a theologian.  

Click here for the complete 20-minute conversation with Dr. Johnson.

 

The Life and Legacy of John Calvin as a Pastor

 
John Calvin

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Friday, July 10th, marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin—the influential pastor, theologian and reformer of Geneva, Switzerland. For the next three days we’ll be examining his life and legacy. This feature with Dr. Steven Lawson, Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, AL, focuses on John Calvin as a pastor.

In 2007 Dr. Lawson wrote a book for the Reformation Trust entitled: The Expository Genius of John Calvin.

He also has a chapter entitled: “The Preacher of God’s Word” included in: John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology published by the Reformation Trust in 2008.

 

Codex Sinaiticus

The Codex Sinaiticus

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A new website was unveiled yesterday that features an online version of the Codex Sinaiticus, a significant 400-page, Greek manuscript.  The website makes this ancient text accessible to a global audience for the first time.  Portions of the translation have been on display in various libraries and institutions around the world for years; but before yesterday, it has not been seen in a complete form for centuries.

The Codex Sinaiticus Project has been sponsored by a number of prestigious institutions including the British Library and the National Library of Russia.  The interface allows the user to examine a digital image of the Greek texts, as well as see a Greek transcription of the portion in the viewer.  It also provides an English translation, just in case you can’t read Greek.

This feature takes a look at some of the claims around this early text with Dr. Michael Wechsler, Associate Professor of Bible at the Moody Bible Institute.

 

The Book of Proverbs

 

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We often encounter the book of Proverbs one or two verses at a time, but is this the best way to understand the larger themes of the book?

This feature highlights a conversation I had recently with Gary Brady, Pastor of Childs Hill Baptist Church in London, England, about this topic.

Gary’s book is entitled: Heavenly Wisdom and is available through Evangelical Press.
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Vindiciae Contra Tyrannos (The Vindication of Liberty Against Tyrants)

photo courtesy of gunpowderplot.paliment.uk 

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In light of the July 4th holiday and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this piece features a conversation with Dr. Joseph Morecraft, pastor of Chalcedon Presbyterian Church in Cumming, GA, and looks at one of the most influential books in the American Colonies in 1776: Vindiciae Contra Tyrannos.

Constitution.com has an online version of the book available here.

I have produced a limited number of paperback versions of the book (101 pages) with footnotes which are available for $15 plus postage.  If interested, email me at: paul.butler@moody.edu and include your address.

Earlier this year Dr. Morecraft and Joe Frazer joined me for a conversation about the French Huguenots, click here to listen:

Also, Dr. Morecraft has offered a free copy of his book: The Reformation of the West: From the 1st Century to the 18th. You can reach Chalcedon Presbyterian Church at (770)205-9390 and request your copy.

 

Fireworks 101

 
photo courtesy of celebrationdayfireworks.com

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For most of us, the events of the weekend will include some sort of fireworks display, whether done by a professional or in our own back yards. This report is on the history of fireworks, how they work and the best ways to stay safe while enjoying the celebrations with Dr. Thomas Tritton, President of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, as well as Ralph Apel, President of National Council on Fireworks Safety.

 

30th Anniversary of the Sony Walkman

 

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On this day 30 years ago, SONY Electronics released the first walkman, making entertainment and information more portable and individual than ever before.

This feature with Dr. Heidi Campbell, Assistant Professor of Communicaiton at Texas A & M University, takes a look at its impact on society and the media industry.

Media In Church and Mission by Viggo Sogaard was published by William Carey Library in 1993.  The book is now out of print but there are many used copies available online.

 

Praying for the Military

 
photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

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Each and every year there are thousands of 4th of July observances all across the country. Military personnel, equipment and stories of bravery are common elements during the many parades and patriotic concerts over the coming days. While it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate our support for our troops, I believe it should also prompt us to pray for those in harm’s way.

Today’s piece features highlights from the May 7, 2009, National Day of Prayer Annual Observance in Washington D.C. with Gen. James F. Amos, Assistant Commandant for the USMC and Brig. Gen. David H. Cyr, Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.

 

Death of a Christian Aid Worker in Northern Africa

Christopher Leggett

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On Tuesday, June 23rd, Christopher Leggett–a Christian Aid worker from Tennessee–was murdered as he arrived at work in the capital city of Mauritania, North Africa.

This conversation with Rev. Jim Gibson, co-pastor of First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN, commemorates Chris’s life and the faithful service of his family to the people of Mauritania.

For more information about Christopher Leggett and how you can help his family, click here.

The funeral will be held at First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN, at 2pm ET on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.  Directions and information available through their website.

The song “He Gave His Life” was written by Eric McNelley, sung by Leo Lametterey.