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 Calvins preaching, providing comments from Calvins writings, quotations from Reformation scholars, and examples from Calvins 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 Reformers example.

Hearts are astounded. Souls are arrested. Christians are convicted, encouraged, and invigorated in their faith. These are the effects that the Holy Spirit produces when God's Word is accurately expounded and earnestly proclaimed. This was the kind of preaching that marked the ministry of John Calvin, the great Genevan Reformer. What was it about Calvin's sermons that made him a leading figure in the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation? Why do his biblical expositions continue to rivet and edify Christians to this day? The answer becomes clear when we look at Calvin's approach to the preaching of sacred Scripture. In The Expository Genius of John Calvin, Dr. Steven Lawson delves into the commitments, practices, and techniques that made Calvin such an effective preacher. He identifies thirty-two distinctives of the Reformer's pulpit ministry, providing comments from Calvin's writings, quotations from Reformation scholars, and examples from Calvin's own sermons. In the end, Dr. Lawson calls on a new generation of pastors to follow the Reformer's example of strong expository preaching. This book is part of the Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, edited by Dr. Steven Lawson.

An introduction to the essential life and thought of one of history's most influential theologians, who considered himself first and foremost a pilgrim and a pastor. July 10, 2009, marks the five-hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. As controversial as he was influential, his critics have named a judgmental and joyless attitude after him, while his admirers celebrate him as the principal theologian of Reformed Christianity. Yet his impact is unmistakable-a primary developer of western civilization whose life and work have deeply affected five centuries' worth of pastors, scholars, and individuals. What will surprise the readers of this book, however, is that Calvin did not live primarily to influence future generations. Rather, he considered himself first and foremost a spiritual pilgrim and a minister of the Word in the church of his day. It was from that "essential" Calvin that all his influence flowed. Here is an introduction to Calvin's life and thought and essence: a man who moved people not through the power of personality but through passion for the Word, a man who sought to serve the gospel in the most humble of roles.

One of the best sources for understanding the impact of John Calvin, McGrath's work updates The History and Character of Calvinism by John T. McNeill with a fascinating biography that also explores Calvin's cultural importance.

Calvin’s Calvinism A Translation of 1. The Eternal Predestination of God 2. The Secret Providence of God By John Calvin and translated by Henry Cole, D.D. This unique book constitutes the only original writings of John Calvin devoted “expressly, exclusively, and purposely” to the capital “Calvinistic” doctrines of The Eternal Predestination of God, and The Secret Providence of God. They are Calvin’s own testimony and real mind concerning the doctrines of God’s electing, predestinating and sovereign grace, constitute his own exposition and expression of faith, and beautifully display the spirit in which he held and taught these great Biblical truths. These important treatises were published in 1552 and 1558 respectively and lay locked in the original language of Calvin’s day until translated by Henry Cole, D. D., 300 years later in 1856 under the present title of Calvin’s Calvinism. The first treatise on Eternal Predestination consists of 131 pages; the second on Secret Providence covers 127 pages, the later embracing arguments (Calumnies) against Calvin and his refutation of each particular point. Illuminating “Dedicatory Prefaces” and prefaces by the translator add significance to the main content of this important volume.

Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher of nineteenth-century London, is remembered today as "the prince of preachers." However, the strength of Spurgeon's ministry went far beyond simple rhetorical skill. In The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon, new from Reformation Trust Publishing, author Steven J. Lawson shows that Spurgeon fearlessly taught the doctrines of grace and tirelessly held forth the free offer of salvation in Jesus Christ. In thirty-eight years as pastor of the congregation meeting at the New Park Street Chapel and later the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Spurgeon propounded Calvinistic theology with precision and clarity. Yet he always accompanied it with a passionate plea for sinners to come to Christ and be saved. Lawson traces these twin points of emphasis throughout Spurgeon's long, fruitful ministry, showing also that he preached Christ crucified without apology and looked to the Holy Spirit for success in all his endeavors.