Devotions From Calvin

From Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 Chapter X Part 16

But the Lord often leaves his servants, not only to be annoyed by the violence of the wicked, but to be lacerated and destroyed; allows the good to languish in obscurity and squalid poverty, while the ungodly shine forth, as it were, among the stars; and even by withdrawing the light of his countenance does not leave them lasting joy. Wherefore, David by no means disguises the fact, that if believers fix their eyes on the present condition of the world, they will be grievously tempted to believe that with God integrity has neither favour nor reward; so much does impiety prosper and flourish, while the godly are oppressed with ignominy, 381poverty, contempt, and every kind of cross.

Devotions From Calvin

From Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 Chapter VIII Part 51

“First, our mind must be completely filled with love to God, and then this love must forthwith flow out toward our neighbour. This the Apostle shows when he says, “The end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned,” (1 Tim. 1:5). “

He continues to explain, “You see that conscience and faith unfeigned are placed at the head, in other words, true piety; and that from this charity is derived.”

Devotions from Calvin

From Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 Chapter VIII Part 55

“But I say that the whole human race, without exception, are to be embraced with one feeling of charity: that here there is no distinction of Greek or Barbarian, worthy or unworthy, friend or foe, since all are to be viewed not in themselves, but in God.”

This quote comes from a reading of Luke 10:36,37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. So who is our neighbor?

The GA Junkie: The Future of the Mainline Church

As a beginning bloger one of the sites that I look to as an example is GA Junkie.  In The Future of the Mainline Church he reviews the recent pew poll on religion in public life.  Anyone interested in the future of the PC(USA) should read this post.   

I have bean reading this site for a couple of months and must compliment Steve for the tone of his site.  He does not shy from controversial issues but is able to express his opinion in a mater befitting discussions of Christ’s Church.

Introduction

In the opening of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion Calvin says, “Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.”  I point this out in order to explain three aspects of this blog.  First if you are looking for anything as profound as Calvin’s remarks you are in the wrong place.  Second I believe that Calvin was correct that wisdom comes first from a knowledge of God and then from a knowledge of ourselves.  Finally, this is the direction that I plan to take this blog, a search for wisdom.

 I know that tis may appear a little narcissistic, a search for wisdom, but that is the furtherest thing from my intent.  I am looking for an outlet to reflect on my thoughts about God, theology, politics, current affairs and history.