Tag: note

Quotes to Note 38: Calvin on Evangelism

~ Bob Hayton

I am in the middle of reading a magesterial work on definite atonement titled, From Heaven He Came and Sought Her (Crossway, 2013). The book explains and defends the most misunderstood “point” of Calvinism: limited atonement (better described as definite atonement or particular redemption). In this book I came across a simple and extremely clear quote by John Calvin on why the doctrine of election should not squelch our evangelism. I share the quote below, but if you want to explore this topic more, see my post “Calvinism & Evangelism.

Since we do not know who belongs to the number of the predestined, and who does not, it befits us so to feel as to wish that all be saved. So it will come about that, whoever we come across, we shall study to make him a sharer of peace.

— from John Calvin, Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God, p. 138, (trans. J.K.S. Reid; originally published 1552; republished London: James Clarke, 1961); quoted in From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective, Kindle location 2227, (edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson; Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), emphasis added

Quotes to Note 34: A Puritan Gem on Preaching

~ Bob Hayton ~ 2 Comments

I came across a jewel of a quote in a biography of Matthew Henry that I was recently reading — Matthew Henry: His Life and Influence by Allan Harman (Christian Focus, 2012). Henry’s dad Philip, also a minister, kept a detailed diary and numerous papers.  In them, Philip Henry preserved some words from a Rev. Thomas Porter on preaching, that he sought to emulate.

Let your preaching be plain. Painted glass is most curious; plain glass is most perspicuous. Be a good crucifix to your people. Preach a crucified Saviour in a crucified style. Paul taught so plainly, that the Corinthians thought him a dunce. Let your matter be substantial; wholesome food; God and Christ, and the gospel, faith, repentance, regeneration. Aim purely at god’s glory and the salvation of souls. Study, as if there were no Christ; preach, as if there had been no study. Preach plainly, yet with novelty; preach powerfully, as Micah; — as Paul, in intension of spirit, not extension of voice. To this end get your sermons into your own souls. It is best, from the heart, to the heart. Preach prudentially, — as stewards, to give each their portion….

Book Briefs: “The Best of The Reformed Journal” by James D. Bratt and Ronald A. Wells

~ Bob Hayton ~ 1 Comment

The back cover of this handy book explains that The Reformed Journal “set the standard for top-notch, venturesome theological reflection on a broad range of issues.” Unfortunately, the journal was somewhat before my time: its print run spanning 1951 to 1990. This makes the anthology brought together by James D. Bratt and Ronald A. Wells all the more valuable. Wells was an editor of this journal at one point, and both of these men have a long history on the faculty at Calvin College, which published the journal.

The Best of The Reformed Journal collects poignant pieces from the history of the journal in an easy to browse collection, handily contained in a softcover volume. Arranged by topic and time period, the articles run the gamut from theology and politics, art and culture, to race and social concern. Cornelius Plantinga, Richard Mouw, Carl F. H. Henry, Mark Noll, George Marsden, Lewis Smedes, and Nicholas Wolterstorff are just some of the more well-known authors included in the collection.

These pages include reflections on Calvinism and democracy, the legacy of T.S. Eliot, reflections on the atomic bomb, commentary on the civil rights movement and Apartheid, and thoughts on pro-life issues and women’s liberation. Interesting article titles include “On Looking at Paintings”, “Common Grace versus Individualism”, “Navel Theology”, “Humanitarian Snobs?”, “Star Wars in Beulah Land”. The selections are usually abbreviated to be a page or two in length, sometimes more. And occasionally a series of articles that spans several Journal editions is found, such as the back and forth between Lewis Smedes, Carl F. H. Henry and Richard Mouw on “Evangelicalism and the Social Question”.

If you are looking for enlightened yet easy reading, or if you are up for a look back at how leading Christian thinkers were addressing the problems facing the last half of the 20th Century, then you should pick up this book. At the very least, it will stimulate your curiosity, and it may just add some context to the problems of today.

Pick up a copy of this book: ChristianBook.com, Amazon.com, or direct from the publisher.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Eerdmans Publishing Company. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

About Book Briefs: Book Briefs are book notes, or short-form book reviews. They are my informed evaluation of a book, but stop short of being a full-length book review.

Advertising on Fundamentally Reformed: An Update

~ Bob Hayton

I wanted to make my readers aware of some advertising they’ll be seeing around my site. I use the Beacon Ad Network to bring quality, wholesome, Christian advertising to my readers. The revenue I’ll be raising won’t be very much, but it will help me recoup some of the costs of hosting and operating the site.

I’m aiming for the advertising to be unobtrusive and tame. I hope it blends in to my overall site design and that it also can be noticed and bring the advertisers people who are interested in their products.

Let me thank BaptistHost.net publically for being the first official advertiser on my site. If you scroll down past this post you’ll see their 468 x 60 (pixels) ad. I encourage you to visit their site, and see their offer on quality web hosting.

I have long thought my site would be perfect for authors or Christian publishers to advertise new books that would be of interest to my audience. Christian ministries or vendors may also fit my site well. Current advertising options are as follows:

6 – 125 x 125 (pixels) ads in the top right of my sidebar – $12 per 30 days. (these can be combined to make 250 x 125 or 250 x 250 ads also)

2 – 468 x 60 (pixels) ads below the first post on all blog pages – $22 per 30 days

I’m currently averaging around 11,000 ad impressions a month. I still have lots of space available (the sponsors in my sidebar are sample ads). Click here to purchase advertising through my account at Beacon Ads. Feel free to contact me about other possibilities or with any questions.