Mining Grace

Piper on the Protestant Work Ethic

Enjoyed this succinct statement tracing the Protestant work ethic from Scripture.  A great listen for your Labor Day. 

Ligon Duncan's Historical Analysis of the Resurgence of Calvinism

This is an excellent summary of the history of the resurgence of Calvinism by Ligon Duncan.  I've heard Ligon give pieces of this talk in different settings but never altogether.  I can't wait to get the audio when its available.

Dr. Ligon Duncan: The Resurgence of Calvinism in America

Take Away a Drop From His Fullness

I love this quote from Calvin. 

He [Paul] shews us, however, at the same time, that we must draw from the fullness of Christ everything good that we desire for our salvation, because such is the determination of God — not to communicate himself, or his gifts to men, otherwise than by his Son. “Christ is all things to us: apart from him we have nothing.” Hence it follows, that all that detract from Christ, or that impair his excellence, or rob him of his offices, or, in fine, take away a drop from his fullness, overturn, so far as is in their power, God’s eternal counsel.

14 Reasons I'm Grateful for John Calvin

On the 500th anniversary of his birth here are 14 Reasons why I'm grateful for John Calvin.

1. He helps me to see the bigness of God.
2. He helps me to taste the sweetness of Christ.
3. No one has shown me more how sinful I am.
4. No one has shown me more how hopeless I am without God.
5. No one has shown me more how much God loves me, accepts me, and saves me through the work of Christ on the cross.
   
6. I have never read someone who so clearly articulates the gospel from the Bible.
7. I have never read someone who was so careful not to say more than the Bible says.
8. He had a pastor's heart and a scholar's mind.
9. He wrote the first systematic theology I was ever able to read cover to cover.
10. He loved reading old theology books like Augustine's works.
11. He trained more pastors and missionaries than I've met.
12. He showed me that my heart was an idol factory.
13. His commentaries have proved invaluable resources for my own ministry.
14. I've yet to even scratch the full weight and import of his works.