John Calvin's 500th Birthday

Next month marks the 500th birthday of one of the most important and most influential men in the history of Christianity: John Calvin. Love him or hate him (and shame on you if you hate him), John Calvin was used mightily by God in helping to solidify and systematize all of the biblical truths that were fought for and recovered during the 16th century Protestant Reformation.

If Martin Luther can be compared to a courageous point-man who pushes the front lines forward with zeal and boldness while shooting in every direction, then John Calvin can be compared to the brilliant field-general who comes behind and

strategizes the battle plan, organizes it on paper, and articulates it to the commanders so the army can march forward in strength.

Calvin's magnus opus "Institutes of the Christian Religion" was a detailed and powerful organization of the dynamic biblical truths that marked the Protestant Reformation and formed the long-standing theological groundwork for the advancing of Protestantism. The Church of England's Thirty-Nine Articles as well as the Westminster Confession of Faith (and thus the London Baptist Confession of Faith, 1689 as well) all find their theological pedigree in the scholarly work of Calvin's Institutes, which he spent his entire lifetime revising and refining.

Since this is the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth, I invite you to spend some time acquainting yourself with this hero of the faith. A great place to begin would be to download (for FREE) T.H.L. Parker's short 128-page biography "Portrait of Calvin" which is being re-printed this year and made available as a free download from John Piper's ministry Desiring God.

In this brief video below John Piper summarizes the powerful impact of Calvin's life and why he is being heralded in a national conference:

I Woke Up Nervous That Day

Fifteen years ago today (June 18), I woke up with a racing mind and a heart full of nerves. It was my wedding day, and I couldn't believe it had finally arrived. This beautiful girl from Oil City, PA was going to be my bride in just a few hours and I couldn't wait. This was really happening! The anticipation was unbelievable. I still remember ten minutes before the ceremony began, my palms were sweaty and my knees were trembling. In a small room behind the piano Pastor Dave Childs wanted to pray with me. YES, please pray, brother!

Well, here I am--- fifteen years later--- with a wife, four children, a mortgage, and a full-time ministry---and I wouldn't change it for the world. I praise God for such a wonderful wife and that we are enjoying a happy and fulfilling marriage marked by intimacy, love, forgiveness, and team-work.

Thank you, Lord. It's by your grace and help that this marriage stands strong and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. This wonderful woman You gave me is the ultimate crown (Prov. 12:4) and her worth is far above rubies (Prov. 31:10). I have found such a good thing and obtained Your great favor (Prov. 18:22).

Happy anniversary, Heather! I love you!

Proverbs 16:18

Twittering in Church: Knock It Off

Twitter is all the rage right now, as it seems almost everyone (celebrities, NBA athletes, even TV shows) has one of the "micro-blogging" websites where the owner can post short sentences and quickly provide updates to the ongoing question, "What are you doing right now?"

I certainly have no problem with Twitter--- but Twittering in church? Not good.

Last month Time Magazine.com ran an article describing the growing phenomenon of Twittering in church---- not only with congregation members keystroking during the middle of the service--- but some churches even embracing Twitter to the point of broadcasting "tweets" on video screens for everyone to read during the pastor's sermon. (Wince) Here's a video describing the Twitter promotion taking place at Mars Hill Church, Seattle.

Listen, people. Twitter is cool. We get it. But twittering in church is over the line.

When the Word of God is being explained and applied, that is the time to give your ultimate focus to what you are hearing from the inspired Scriptures--- not dividing your attention between the keynote speaker in front of you and the keystrokes coming from your fingers.

The issue here isn't your tweets, per say. Your heartfelt statements, questions, updates, thoughts, feelings, surely do have value-- but in another setting where that kind of dialogue is appropriate.

Remember, coming to church and worshipping God is about God--- His truth, His greatness, His Word, and His supremacy --- its not about you. It's about Him speaking and you being quiet---you humbly submitting to His communication. The bottom line is you can't possibly hear when your heart is bent on being heard.

So for all you Twitter people out there keystroking in the pews---enough is enough already. We forgive you. Now put your keyboard away.

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

Ryan with Alistair Begg

Last week I attended the Banner of Truth Ministers Conference on the campus of Messiah College just south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  The main speaker at the evening sessions was Alistair Begg from Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio.  His sermons are also heard nationwide on his radio broadcast "Truth for Life".  He is an excellent teacher, and possesses a keen sense of humor and delightful Scottish accent.  His two conference messages on 'Persuasive Preaching' were excellent and a great reminder of the preacher's task.  Alistair was very gracious and we had this picture taken on Wednesday morning of the conference.