The Lamb's High Feast: Good Reasons For Weekly Communion
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from visitors is, “Why does your church celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday?” There are several reasons for our practice and I organize them under three categories: Biblical/Exegetical, Theological/Practical, and Historical.
Since I serve in a Reformed congregation, visitors sometimes assume that we celebrate the Lord’s Supper 3, 4, 6, or 12 times a year. Some are genuinely puzzled that we would embrace a practice that is at odds with the practice of other local Reformed churches. I remind them that John Calvin advocated the “at least once a week” position.
John Calvin On The Sacraments As Offers Of Mercy & Pledges of Grace
In this passage from the Institutes IV.14.7, Calvin argues that the rejection of Christ in the sacraments does not imply that the sacraments are not efficacious. Instead, to those who receive them in faith, the sacraments are evidences of God's grace to us, "seals of the good-will which he entertains toward us." They "nourish, confirm, and increase our faith."
John Calvin on Obedience to the Law
"It is our wisdom by which we are formed and instructed to complete uprightness. It is our discipline which does not permit us to abandon ourselves in more wicked license." - John Calvin
The Honor Due Her: Bavinck on Mary
Christ's family was really normal except for all the ways it wasn't. In Luke 1, Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit at the mere sound of Mary's greeting, and the unborn prophet jumped for joy too. What kind of woman is Mary that the sound of her greeting brought such joys?
John Calvin on the Perpetual Virginity of Mary
One is certainly inclined to disagree with the analysis of Calvin. But perhaps it would be wise to acknowledge his warning about those with "an extreme fondness for disputation."
Brokenness and the Geneva Catechism
If we are to glory in our weakness, as Paul says, let it be because this is our desire.
The Baptisms of Jesus & John
In conclusion, the gospels themselves present a uniformed baptism of Jesus and John. There is no articulated distinction between the two.
Giveaway of Calvin's Geneva Catechism
We are excited to make this available to the Reformed world once again. We look forward to the many insights that can be garnered from the words of the venerable John Calvin.
Calvin on the Importance of Signs
For Calvin, baptism is at least a "promise of salvation" and this is in its application to children.
An Introduction to Calvin's Geneva Catechism
For all the clamor over his name, many continue to only read and apply popular portions of his thought. Hopefully, this catechism can work as a gateway to a renewed emphasis on truly Calvinistic thought.
Calvin on Spirit and Word
"Hence we infer that this is a most valuable treasure of the Church, that he has chosen for himself a habitation in it, to dwell in the hearts of believers by his Spirit, and next to preserve among them the doctrine of his gospel." - Calvin
Calvin on Science and Sight
"He does not call us up into heaven, he only proposes things which lie open before our eyes." - John Calvin
Calvin on Baptism in 1 Peter 3:21
We then cannot otherwise derive benefit from baptism, than by having all our thoughts fixed on the death and the resurrection of Christ.
John Calvin on Our Invincible Weapons
"We are really and effectually supplied with invincible weapons to subdue the flesh, if we partake as we ought of the efficacy of Christ’s death." - John Calvin
God's Gracious Giving
“The rich, equally with the poor, should remember that none of the things which they have will do them good, unless God grant them the use of them” - John Calvin
Calvin on Love, Righteousness, and Merit
Love assuredly is the chief commandment in the Law, and since the Spirit of God trains us to love, it cannot but be a cause of righteousness in us, though that righteousness even in the saints is defective, and therefore of no value as a ground of merit.
Calvin on Justification in the Epistle of James
"James will not allow any to be regarded as justified who are destitute of good works." - John Calvin
Use our archive link above to find all of our available blog content, or search for your topic or author of interest.
Featured Posts
We need not reinvent Christianity or carve out ever-smaller enclaves to prove our faithfulness. We do not need to imitate the liberal order’s obsession with identity and control. We can return to nature, heritage, tradition, fathers, and our faith. Sectarian comfort is a false security for a people who have forgotten how to receive life from God’s hand. It will take Christian courage in an age of liberals and sects to grow deeper roots and provide a more secure and fruitful future.
Follow us on social media:
