Happy Birthday John Calvin

The Reformer John Calvin was born 500 years ago today in Noyon, France. Much is being made of this historic occasion. You can read more at Calvin 500.

W. Robert Godfrey, President of Westminster Seminary in California has a great article, Calvin: Why He Still Matters which I found very helpful.

It has been interesting to see the outpouring of good articles about Calvin and also to observe the bile that comes from others at the mention of his name. I blog over at WORLD magazine in my alter ego. One blogger cannot let go of the Servetus issue and has been very uncharitable, even to the extent of implying since Calvin did not repent of the execution of Servetus he may not be in heaven.

Well, we celebrate his birth even though Calvin himself would be appalled at the fuss. Happy 500th John Calvin!

From the pen of John Calvin:

On the Strength of the Church

No matter how many strong enemies plot to overthrow the church, they do not have sufficient strength to prevail over God’s immutable decree by which he appointed his Son eternal King. (From Institutes of Christian Religion) HT: Ligonier

Happy Birthday USA!

Happy 233rd Birthday to the United States of America.

Calvin on Salvation

Let us, therefore, understand that there is no salvation whatsoever outside of Jesus Christ, for He is the beginning and the end of faith, and He is all in all. Let us continue in humility, knowing that we can only bring condemnation upon ourselves; therefore, we need to find all that pertains to salvation in the pure and free mercy of God.(From John Calvin’s Sermons on Galatians)

Anglican Church in North America

Former Episcopalian leaders from across North America gathered in Bedford, Texas on Monday to launch the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), described as an “alternative” to the U.S. Episcopal Church within the Anglican Communion.

The new denomination claims 100,000 members from several varieties of Anglican spirituality described as evangelical, charismatic or catholic. A union of eight groups, it is seeking recognition as part of the Anglican Communion.

The new denomination's constitution emphasizes biblical authority, church discipline and evangelical missionary outreach.

The Episcopal Church has been afflicted by controversies over theological and moral issues, including the authority of Scripture, the ordination of women and the ordination of an openly homosexual man as bishop.

Former Episcopalian Bishop of Pittsburgh Robert Duncan leads the group, which expected 300 delegates including 50 bishops for its meeting.

Bishop Duncan addressed a crowd of leaders in St. Vincent’s Cathedral, telling them that it is a “new day” in which God the Father is “drawing His children together again in a surprising and sovereign move of the Holy Spirit. He is again Re-forming His Church."

The foregoing from the Catholic News Agency. I wish this new denomination well. In many respects they are like my own Presbyterian Church in America; seeking to be faithful to Scripture and church polity. God Bless them.

37th General Assembly of the PCA

Well, the Assembly is history and some of the actions were fit for our being in the land of Mickey Mouse (Orlando - Disney World Convention Center). Everything was overpriced. I had the opportunity to renew a friendship from Covenant College; I'd not seen David in 40 years - since graduation. Good friends in Christ are to be cherished! Home tomorrow to see how much Caitlyn, our brand new grand daughter, has grown this week.

Happy Birthday US Army

Happy Flag Day as well.