In the Power of the Spirit
Sermons on Matthew, Mark & Luke
| Weight | 1.05 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.8 × 5.6 × .9 in |
| ISBN | 9781800404281 |
| Binding | Cloth-bound |
| Page Count | 320 |
| Scripture | Matthew, Mark, Luke |
| Original Pub Date | 1562 |
| Banner Pub Date | 2024 |
Book Description
Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White
‘We cannot cleanse ourselves; God must work in us with power. That is why the Holy Spirit is fire. We must go back into the oven when God chooses to make us new.’
— John Calvin
Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on the Synoptic Gospels, only the first sixty-five were recorded and published, under the title Sermons on the Harmony or Concordance of the Three Evangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke (1562). Eighteen of these sermons appear here, for the first time in English translation. They focus on the events of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee: his baptism, his testing by Satan, the calling of his first disciples, his teaching and his works of healing.
In consecutive sermons the preacher traces the drama of Jesus’ confrontation with the forces of darkness and unbelief, which make him a prophet without honour in his own country. For the time being, his identity as Messiah remains hidden. Already, however, he is filled with the Spirit of God who empowers and directs him; already Satan must contend with one stronger than he; already the poor have good news preached to them; already God’s kingdom is present in Jesus’ gracious words and mighty works.
These sermons, the last Calvin was to preach on a New Testament text, reveal the Reformer at his best: a lucid interpreter of Scripture, an engaging preacher, and a pastor passionate to present every soul in his care mature in Christ.
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Book Description Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White ‘We cannot cleanse ourselves; God must work in us with power. That is why the Holy Spirit is fire. We must go back into the oven when God chooses to make us new.’ — John Calvin Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on […]
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From: $13.50
Description
Book Description Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White ‘We cannot cleanse ourselves; God must work in us with power. That is why the Holy Spirit is fire. We must go back into the oven when God chooses to make us new.’ — John Calvin Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on […]
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Description
Book Description Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White ‘We cannot cleanse ourselves; God must work in us with power. That is why the Holy Spirit is fire. We must go back into the oven when God chooses to make us new.’ — John Calvin Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on […]
price
From: $2.00
Description
Book Description Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White ‘We cannot cleanse ourselves; God must work in us with power. That is why the Holy Spirit is fire. We must go back into the oven when God chooses to make us new.’ — John Calvin Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on […]
price
From: $2.00
Description
Book Description Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White ‘We cannot cleanse ourselves; God must work in us with power. That is why the Holy Spirit is fire. We must go back into the oven when God chooses to make us new.’ — John Calvin Of the many sermons which Calvin preached on […]
marcdanielrivera –
The sermons compiled in this volume are significant not only for their content but for the context in which they were preached. Calvin was nearing the end of his life, physically frail yet spiritually vigorous. These sermons, preached from 1559 to 1560, demonstrate Calvin’s depth of knowledge and his commitment to biblical exposition. The collection focuses on the early chapters of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and covers key events of Jesus’ ministry, including His baptism, the temptation in the wilderness, and the calling of the first disciples.
Calvin does not merely retell the events of Jesus’ ministry but emphasizes the spiritual battles at play. Jesus’ confrontation with the forces of darkness and His quiet, yet powerful, messianic identity are recurrent themes throughout. Even in his weakest physical condition, Calvin’s passion for the gospel and his conviction of Christ’s sovereignty shine through each sermon.
Furthermore, Calvin’s preaching is both pastoral and doctrinal, addressing the immediate needs of his congregation while presenting the theological dimensions of the gospel accounts. As Calvin expounds on passages like Jesus’ baptism and temptation, he highlights not only the historical significance but also the spiritual warfare between Christ and the powers of evil. Calvin masterfully brings out the Trinitarian nature of the events, emphasizing the Father’s providential plan, the Son’s authority, and the Spirit’s empowering presence.
Repentance and faith are at the heart of Calvin’s message, and these sermons are no exception. From John the Baptist’s call to repentance to Jesus’ own proclamation of the kingdom, Calvin repeatedly urges his congregation to confront their sin and turn to Christ. His sermons often begin with a reminder of human sinfulness, yet they never fail to point toward the grace and mercy found in Jesus. For Calvin, the gospel is both a message of judgment and of hope. Sin is real and its consequences dire, but through Christ’s redemptive work, there is forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Calvin’s pastoral tone is evident throughout. He does not preach from a position of judgment but from one of compassion, reminding his listeners that repentance is not merely an emotional response but a life-changing commitment. His emphasis on faith is equally prominent, defining it not as mere intellectual assent but as a deep trust in God’s promises. His call to his congregation is clear: turn from sin, trust in Christ, and live in light of the gospel.
Sunny Olsen –
These sermons are wonderful! Any sermon by Calvin is loaded with red meat for spiritual growth and a joy to read. I hope more of them are published. We cannot have too many Calvin sermons. They are worth reading repeatedly and gaining more each time.
Sunny Olsen –
These sermons are wonderful! Any sermon by Calvin is loaded with red meat for spiritual growth and a joy to read. I hope more of them are published. We cannot have too many Calvin sermons. They are worth reading repeatedly and gaining more each time.