Enter to Win "John Calvin A Heart for Devotion Doctrine & Doxology

Did you know that it's been 500 years since John Calvin, the reformer, was born?

In commemoration of his life my husband donated a copy of this book from his library for this give-a-way. The good news is that he had two copies so don't worry, the one we're giving you is shrink wrapped and is brand new!

An excerpt from the book, "John Calvin A Heart for Devotion Doctrine & Doxology":

"John Calvin excelled in every ministerial duty he ever set his hand to. He stood out in his own generation for the sheer power of his preaching and his amazing command of Scripture. His skill as an exegete and biblical commentator surpassed anyone the church had ever seen. His proficiency as a teacher of theology was likewise superior to all who came before him. His influence as a discipler of young men bore fruit that is still multiplying today. His competence as a church leader, his forcefulness as an apologist for the truth, and his remarkable ability to educate and motivate others were all highly renowned. In the words of William Cunningham, "Calvin was by far the greatest of the Reformers with respect to the talents he possessed, the influence he exerted, and the services he rendered in the establishment and diffusion of important truth." (Phil Johnson, Pyromaniacs)

To enter the contest simply leave a comment on this post. That's all you have to do! To double your entry, simply blog and/or put it on your website, facebook, twitter, or any other networking site you have. Then leave the link below. Contest is open through July 26th 2009, winner will be announced on Monday July 27th!

Did you know that Calvin regarded the disregarding of evangelism as inconsistent with saving faith? He believed that the greater a man's eminence (prominence or superiority)...the more diligently he was to labor:

And shall say, Come. By these words he first declares that the godly will be filled with such an ardent desire to spread the doctrines of religion, that every one not satisfied with his own calling and his personal knowledge will desire to draw others along with him. And indeed nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren, and to keep the light of knowledge choked up within his own breast. The greater the eminence above others which any man has received from his calling so much the more diligently ought he to labour to enlighten others. (John Calvin, Comments on Isaiah 2:3)

Calvin urged his people to preach the gospel with such diligence that it would be unstoppable and that's how we should be as Christians--unstoppable!:

"Now we know that God prizes nothing above his honour, which lies mainly in men's knowing him and poor souls' being brought to salvation. So let us not be surprised if our Lord wants his gospel to be proclaimed with such diligence that nothing can hinder its course. For the only way men can come to salvation is through instruction in what the Bible teaches. Now since this is God's will, let us follow it." (John Calvin, Sermons on Acts 1-7 BOT p325)