Book 3 Chapter 20 Section 1-52 In this epic chapter on prayer (a total of 52 sections over 58 pages) Calvin outlines his four golden rules for entering the throne-room of God. But before these four steps to heaven, Calvin outlines the reasons why we should pray at all. Firstly, we should pray so that … Continue reading »
Posted in August 2009 …
When dad lets go of the bike
Book 3 Chapter 19 Section 1-16 Three weeks ago I reached a milestone in my parental life. At the start of the summer I had taken the stabilisers off my daughter’s bike and had been teaching her how to ride on her own. Over the summer I have been running alongside her holding onto the … Continue reading »
The whispered promises of a betrothed groom
Book 3 Chapter 18 Section 1-10 How willingly we make promises to each other when we are in love. Nothing compels us to commit ourselves to each other apart from our desire to intertwine our lives so they can never be separated. On the marriage day we say our vows that promise provision, protection and … Continue reading »
Don’t forget to count your laps
Book 3 Chapter 17 Section 1-15 My highlight from a great weekend for British sport was Alistar Brownlee’s victory in the Hyde Park Triathlon World Championship Series. A fellow Yorkshireman, Brownlee is only 21 and already tops the world ranking. He ran a fantastic race and was simply too good for the competition. However, the race … Continue reading »
There is no such thing as safe grace
Book 3 Chapter 16 Section 1-4 In this very short chapter on Justification by Faith Calvin addresses two objections that people raise against this teaching – firstly that this doctrine destroys our motivation for good works and secondly, by making salvation too easy, people will be emboldened to sin more. The question at the heart … Continue reading »
10/10 for effort!
Book 3 Chapter 15 Section 1-8 This is the fifth chapter (of 7) in Calvin’s discussion of Justification by Faith. In this chapter Calvin addresses the objection of those who think they are justified by works when they appeal to the passages in scripture that talk of our works being rewarded. If our works are … Continue reading »
