iTunes "Religion & Spirituality Barometer" - 9/9/08

Barometer Reading 9/9/08



This Week's Winner: Joel Osteen! I'm starting to wonder if I am going to be writing that name a lot over the next few weeks.

Honorable Mention: John Piper and Mark Driscoll in the Top Ten! Maybe John Piper needs to come out with a magazine like Oprah. Yes...I can see it now.

A Prayer of John Calvin - Commentary on the Book of Jonah

I was reading through Calvin's commentary on Jonah and came across this prayer. I hope it blesses you.

Grant, Almighty God, that as thou sees us implicated in so many errors, that we often fall through want of thought, and as thou also sees that the violent emotions of our flesh wholly blind whatever reason and judgment there is in us, — O grant, that we may learn to give up ourselves altogether to obey thee, and so honor thy wisdom as never to contend with thee, though all things may happen contrary to our wishes, but patiently to wait for such an issue as it may please thee to grant; and may we never be disturbed by any of the hindrances which Satan may throw in our way, but ever go on towards the mark which thou hast set before us, and never turn aside from thee, until, having gone through all dangers and overcome all impediments, we shall at length reach that blessed rest, which has been obtained for us by the blood of thy Son. Amen.

John Calvin: Church Planter

One complaint that I hear over and over again about Calvinist's is that they don't see any need for evangelism. The thought must be that because of the Calvinist's disposition towards predestination, there is no reason to share the gospel. God has chosen everyone already so what is the point? I can't help but think that if people actually read Calvin, the controversy over Calvinist doctrines would not be as intense. Unfortuantely, most people who disagree with Calvin have never actually read anything by the man, and all of their frustration comes from an argument that they had with an uneducated "Calvinist" trying to defend himself against an "Arminian" that has never actually read Arminuis. It is a shame really. It reminds me a lot of how the world views Christianity. The world sees a bunch of sinful people calling themselves Christians and therefore for them Christ either didn't exist or his teachings don't hold water. The world judges Christ by how his people act. Sad...so very sad. Their whole perception of Jesus is then skewed. If only Christians actually read the Bible we might not make Jesus look as bad as we do...

I digress.

Calvin was not opposed to evangelism. He was not opposed to missions. He was definitely not opposed to church planting. I would encourage you to read through this article (link below) written by Frank James of Reforemed Theological Seminary about Calvin's evangelistic efforts. It was quite encouraging and exciting, and it is definitely worth your time if you appreciate historical Christianity in action.

CLICK HERE FOR SOME CHURCH PLANTING GLEE!!!