The expository genius of John Calvin

by Steven J. Lawson

Hardcover, 2007

Series

Description

In The Expository Genius of John Calvin, Dr. Steven J. Lawson delves into the practices, commitments, and techniques that made John Calvin, the great Reformer of the sixteenth century, such an effective preacher during his long pastorate at Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Lawson identifies thirty-two distinctives of Calvin s preaching, providing comments from Calvin s writings, quotations from Reformation scholars, and examples from Calvin s own sermons to reinforce his points. In the end, Dr. Lawson finds in Calvin a strong model for expository preaching and calls on modern pastors to follow the Reformer s example.

Details

Preface: Standing on holy ground -- Calvin's life and legacy -- Approaching the pulpit -- Biblical authority -- Divine presence -- Pulpit priority -- Sequential exposition -- Preparing the preacher -- Diligent mind -- Devoted heart -- Relentless will -- Launching the sermon -- Direct beginning -- Extemporaneous delivery -- Scriptural context -- Stated theme -- Expounding the text -- Specific text -- Exegetical precision -- Literal interpretation -- Cross references -- Persuasive reasoning -- Reasonable deductions -- Crafting the delivery -- Familiar words -- Vivid expressions -- Provocative questions -- Simple restatements -- Limited quotations -- Unspoken outline -- Seamless transitions -- Focused intensity -- Applying the truth -- Pastoral exhortation -- Personal examination -- Loving rebuke -- Polemic confrontation -- Concluding the exposition -- Succinct summation -- Pressing appeal -- Climactic prayer -- Conclusion: "We want again Calvins!"