Providence Points: A Short Review 3

[shawn...@gmail.com]

Providence Points:
Biblical, Devotional & Informational
January, 14 2007
Vol. 3, No. 2
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The books I have reviewed over the years were picked for specific
reasons: they are shorter works (for our busy lifestyle); they are
foundational books (mostly), so that the basics are reviewed; they are
relatively easy reads, so that some of the children can read them. Be
that as it may, these reviews are short so that they can fit into the
church bulletin--and if your church wants to use these reviews, be my
guest. Just use my name and church please! (more reviews are online:
denverprovidence.org )

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A Short Review 3: The Mystery of Godliness, John Calvin

This collection of sermons is based upon the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2
Timothy and Titus) and expounds a wide variety of doctrine and
practices. From the truth of election and salvation to the requirement
of godliness and prayer, Calvin's addresses clearly express a pastor's
heart while articulating a scholar's grasp of the Bible. With fourteen
sermons at about fifteen pages apiece, this book becomes good food for
meditation and contemplation.

Being a translation from 1580 and transported to America in 1830, it
is written in the style of the King James Bible, but without much of
the grammatical oddities. Calvin's sermons are also more direct than
our sensitive ears may be accustomed to hear (as even the original
preface of this book points out). He spoke and wrote during a time of
great upheaval and direct confrontation with heresies and lies; thus,
he was very zealous to comfort and guard the flock, "Let us therefore
endeavor to bring back those that have strayed...but when [some]...make
confusion in the church...we must not spare them, because the whole
salvation of the people of God is in danger." (p.172). He also has no
problems calling public enemies of the gospel "mad beasts" (p.40).

For those without a fear of older writing styles and plain speech,
this little treasure will encourage the reader to take the biblical
commands of truth and obedience to heart.