The name John Calvin is well-known to us all. His name is a “household word.” But I don’t think much is known concerning his life. My purpose in writing this, is to make him a little clearer, both to myself and to others. John Calvin was born in Noyon, Picardy, in the northern part of […]
September 15 Read Isaiah 1:1-9 Isaiah means “The salvation of the Lord.” It is a fitting title as the prophet must bring to God’s people the hope of salvation. Judah was going through a very trying period in its history. The nation was wealthy but poor. It had gained much riches and power, but it had […]
We made the decision to try some hiking in Northern Minnesota. After asking if there were any trails around in the area, the only two mentioned were about an hour away on gravel roads. Of the two suggested we decided to try climbing Eagle Mount, which is the highest point in Minnesota. “A mountain in […]
A very rich young Israelite came running to Jesus. We read that Jesus loved this young man. Every word which he spoke to him was infinite love in the form of instruction and correction. Strange as it may sound, this young man has a troubled soul, a troubled and accusing conscience. He did not yet […]
At this same time each year, it seems that the world is morbidly preoccupied with death. A favorite name for the season is fall, something leaves do after they shrivel up and die. A celebrated holiday, Halloween is merely a weak attempt to mock death and hell—and by implication Jesus who has the keys of […]
How wonderful in meaning are Paul’s words to Timothy as recorded in II Timothy 3:15: ”And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Equally meaningful are the same words as applied to our covenant children today. For […]
The members of two local churches shake off the dust from their clothes, look at each other with silly grins, and then laugh at themselves. It takes some work to even remember what the fight was all about—something about “predestination” they reckon. Now it all seems pretty silly. After all, we’re all decent people and […]
In the golden hush of autumn Wandering down a pathway rude, The serenity and beauty Fill my heart with solitude. See the mist above the water, Feel the cool of summer’s end. Fallen leaves become a carpet As my footsteps homeward wend. I’m enchanted by the grandeur Of an ordinary scene Where the reds and […]
The truth was there. John Calvin had found it. The burning question for him now was—how to clearly and logically set it forth. He was the man who saw this need. He was the man to do it. The doctrines of the Reformed faith were new. No, they were of old—did not Augustine, centuries ago, […]