Saint Dionysius, the Areopagite, is only mentioned once in the New Testament. Acts 17 v33/4 reads That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman called Darnaris and others with them. Dionysius was called Areopagite because he was a member of the Areopagus or Upper Council of Athens. He was one of the first Athenians to believe in Christ. Tradition holds that when he was a boy and visiting Egypt he experienced. on the day Jesus was crucified, From noon until three the afternoon darkness came over all the land . The same darkness that happened in Jerusalem. After meeting Saint Paul he was converted.and he became the first bishop of Athens. He suffered a martyr’s death by burning. Christian historian Eusebuis of Caesarea, preserved the Dionysius’ story in his Ecclesiastical history. Two saints have been given the name of Dionysius. I have concentrated on the Saint Paul converted. wikipedia The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander

George Frisk shortly after his arrival in Borneo commented 'I’ll fly the gospel here ’ watching two hornbills gliding along effortless after they had taken hours to travel, by canoe, only a few hundred yards from their campsite. Born into a godly family in Binghamton , New York 1905 . Aged 8 he attended a circus where he showed a lot of interest in 'Wild Man of Borneo '. He asked his mother if missionaries went there. She replied ’ No '. It planted a seed that he would be the one to take the gospel to them. 16 years later, 1929, he was in Borneo. He had pursued missions and medical studies in college. His first attempts to be accepted for Borneo failed but Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) accepted his application. His comment amount fly the gospel was said in 1932 after carrying boats around an unnavigable section of a Borneo river. George corresponded with Dr. R. A. Jaffrey, the person who had first encouraged him. Jaffrey was now his field director and he was supportive. George in 1935, on his furlough, obtained his pilot’s license and ‘soloed’. In 1938 the board granted George’s proposal to buy an aircraft. The Beechcraft SE 17B was selected. Floats were installed . The plane was then disassembled, crated and shipped to Borneo. where it was reassembled. Paul Robinson, a pilot, listened to George’s presentation before WW11. After the war he was deemed too old to fly but persuaded the Moody Bible Institute to begin a programme to train students to fly and care for airplanes. James Truxton , another pilot,in 1943 heard George speak. He with George and two others formed Christian Airman’s Missionary Fellowship (CAMF) - now MAF. Six mission aviation programmes were created within a short space of time (Read Missionary Aviation Fellowship paragraphs). George’s vision of 1932 was more than fulfilled. In 2013* Arrivals and Departures* under the title * The Plane Truth* tells the story of George Fisk. In 2017, Geogette , his grand daughter, says thanks for keeping his story alive. George’s vision of using aeroplanes to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ is very much alive. Sources used wikipedia Ambassadors for Christ* contribution from John and Steve Wells Mission Aviation fellowship

Benjamin was a Particular Baptist preacher and author in London whose name was given to the Keach’s Catechism. As a prominent nonconformist leader and prolific writer, he helped shape the theological development of the Particular baptists as they struggled through persecution and finally emerged under legal toleration near the end of the 16th century. Benjamin was born in Buckinghamshire and in his early years worked as a tailor. Aged 15 he was baptized and began to preach at 18. His first congregation was in Winslow. In 1668 he became the pastor at Horsleydown, Southwark where he remained for 36 years. Benjamin or William Collins wrote a Catechism which became known as Keach’s Catechism. It was written to clarify the theology of the Second Baptist Confession that was written in 1677 and published in 1689 as The Baptist Confession of Faith… He wrote 60 books of which his Parables and Metaphors of Scripture may be the best known. (See ’ Works’ for list 12 of his books) The Child’s Instructor (1664) resulted in him being persecuted, fined and pilloried (put in stocks) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. *The people, contrary to custom had no words of mockery for the good, persecuted minister and no offensive missile was thrown at him. (See picture) Around 1673 he was amongst those leading a campaign to introduce congregational hymn singing. This left to public discourse on whether or not singing was appropriate in worship, and if so what types of song were acceptable. Benjamin’s hymnbook, published In 1691, provoked heated debate in the 1692 Assembly of Particular Baptists. For many years Benjamin preached powerfully to a large congregations in a building which had to be enlarged several times. His congregation later became the New Park Street Church and then eventually moved to the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Sources GotQuestions.org Metropolitan Tabernacle Theopedia wikipedia

Saint Etheldreda. or Audrey. was a princess. Her father was Anna, King of East Anglia. Saint Etheldreda wanted her to become a nun but her father insisted she married Prince Tondbert in 652. The prince was persuaded to allow Saint Etheldeda to respect her vow of perpetual virginity. He died 3 years after they were married. Saint Etheldreda was then asked to marry Ecgfrith of Northumbria, who was a young teenager,for political reasons, in 660. When Ecgfrith became king in 670 she told her wish to become a nun. One account relates that he initially agreed to letting her remain a virgin but then appealed to Wilfrid, bishop of York, to enforce his marital rights. The final outcome was that Saint Etheldreda, with 2 nuns, fled to the Isle of Ely. She arrived at a headland - Colbert’ Head, jutting into the sea. A high tide, which lasted for 7 days persuaded the king to give up the idea of compelling her to come back. He returned home realizing there was a power greater than his at work. In 673 Saint Ethedreda built a large double monastery. Wilfred never lost sight of her - he made her abbess and gave the veil to her first nuns. She ruled the monastery for 7 years setting a great example of piety and abstinence and other monastic virtues. She lived a life of austerity - wearing only coarse garments - denied herself a hot bath. She had a bath at the four great festivals - using the same bath already served by the other nuns. She died of quinsy - a throat infection on 23rd of June 679. She is the patron saint for throat sufferers… wikipedia The Church’s Year Charles Alexander EBK: St. Etheldreda, Abbess of Ely

The story of the Auca 5 is about 5 Christian missionaries who lost their lives hoping to bring Christianity to the Auca tribe in Ecuador. It happened on January 8th 1956. These young men lost their lives but eventually the Auca tribes people came to know Christ. The 5 widows told how they met people who had of heard of their husbands deaths and how it had affected them. The widows and mission agencies received letters from around the world (read paragraph Far reaching impact). All 5 of the widows have met people who have told them the deaths of the men affected their lives. The story has been turned into both a book and a film Through Gates of Splendor . Their daring mission has been recounted over and over again in Christian books and magazines. Incredible all 5 Indians who had killed the 5 missionaries are not only believers in Christ they are also spiritual leaders among their own people.June 11th 1992 they received the New Testament in their own language. ( read paragraph Where it all began). ** From the very day the men died to the present, God has been at work, lives have been changed, and history testifies that the Auca five did not die in vain. Olive Liefield The first set of notes are from Ambassadors for Christ written by Olive Liefield. The second part from wikipedia is a lot of background to the story. Sources Ambassadors for Christ edited by John D. Woodbridge wikipedia

John Perkins is an American Christian minister, civil rights activist, Bible teacher, best selling author, philosopher and community developer. Despite having been a third -grade dropout he made it Into the Ambassadors for Christ book with recognized for his work for Christ with 16 honourary degrees. John was born in 1930 in rural Mississippi into a family of Sharecroppers. He lived in a world which said to be black was less than whole;maybe about half. In 1957 God showed him how to be truly whole through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God told him to go and share his love with his people in Mississippi. In June 1960 they migrated back to the south. He helped found a nationwide movement called Christian Community Development. The 3 Rs came to the fore- Relocation to a community in need. Reconciliation between the Races and Redistribution of the economic base. In the mid 60’ John was caught up in issues for rights for blacks. The KuKlax Klan were in involved. On February 7th 1970 it exploded. (read build-up in Evangelicals and Justice) John Perkins was arrested and assaulted (read Brutality) He recovered but 5 months later had a heart attack. Whilst recovering he wanted reconciliation this gave rise to Voice of Calvery Missions in 1975. 10 years, to the day of the beating,he was honoured by the governor of Mississippi by being named outstanding religious leader of the year. In 1982 he founded the Harambee Christian Family Center (now Harambee Ministries. In1989 He founded the Christian Community Deveopment Association. On death of his son he established the Spencer Perkins Centre, In 20i6 John became President Emeritus of the John and Vera Mae Perkins foundation their 3 daughters were co-presidents. John continues to call for making real Jesus’ sermons. Sources I have used the chapter ’ Jesus’ Transforming Power ', written by Christine Weerts in ’ Ambassadors for Christ ’ as my main source for John’s first 65 years. wikipedia for the last 25

Saint Edmund, King of East Anglia, also known as Edmund the Martyr was England’s original Patron Saint. Aged just 15 in 856 Edmund became king of East Anglia. He rules his kingdom well and spent times restoring churches and monasteries destroyed in previous wars. In 870 the Danes invaded his kingdom, marching on Mercia. Edmund fought them at Hoxne, about 20 miles from Thetford, and was defeated. After the battle the Danish leader, Hingwar, demanded the king to hand over his treasure and accept the position of vassal. The king accepted the terms on the condition Hingwar would become a Christian. What happened next is uncertain. The Danes/Vikings destroyed any contemporary evidence of his reign. Writers later then produced fictional accounts of his life. Fact or Fiction? Edmund may have been killed in battle. It is uncertain where he actually died. OR, according to pictures depicting his death, this angered Hingwar so much that he had him tied up to a tree, shot at with arrows and was then beheaded. King Edmund became Edmund the Martyr. Taking the story even further Edmund’s head was thrown into the forest. The searchers hearing the sound of ethereal wolves calling out in Latin ’ Hic Hic Hic’ - in English ’ Here ,here ,here ’ found his head. Hingwar is referred elsewhere as Ivar the Boneless. Fact - Edmund’s bones in 902/3 remains were moved to Beodricsworth - modern Bury St. Edmunds where King Athelstan founded a religious community to care for his shrine aaaaand it beacame a place of national pilgrimage. ( read ‘Beodericworth’ paragraph) Where are the remains now ? ( read Where is St. Edmund?) King Edmund was a Christian king. He sacrificed his life because he refused to renounce Jesus Christ as his saviour.

Saint Clement of Alexander also known as Titus Flavius Clemans was a Christian theologian and philosopher who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexander. He was converted to Christianity by his last teacher Pantaenus. He was ordained into the priesthood by Pope Julian. Saint Clement succeeded his mentor as head of the school in about 180. For the next 20 years he was the intellectual leader of the Alexandrian Christian community. The Roman emperor Severus in 201/2 persecuted the Christians in Alexandria so Saint Clement left and sought sanctuary in Palestine with Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem, a former student. Origin, his young and gifted student , took his place in Alexandria. In 211 Alexander wrote a letter commending him to the Church of Antioch which could suggest that saint Clement was living in either Cappadocia or Jerusalem at that time. The date and location of his death are unknown ( c. 215 ?). Saint Clement left many writings which are still studied with care. He had views on many different topics -for wealth he wrote The Discourse Concerning the Salvation of Rich Men. Three of his major works have survived in full. They are called the Trilogy - the *Protrepticus, Paedagogus and Stromate. * ( information only given on the first one). Saint Clement is usually regarded as a Church Father; he is venerated as a saint. Sources used wikipedia The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Martin Luther King was a gifted African- American Preacher and civil rights leader. His sermonic appeals for justice and personal activism helped change the course of American life. His most famous appeal was* I have a dream* speech - a dream for freedom and equality for black people. ( Read I had a dream speech). I have included a brief bibliography of his life written by History . It highlights all the important events of his public life - from his birth to his assassination ( page 1, of 4, lists the highlights). As a preacher his sermons became more Christ centred with a growing emphasis on the cross. He was one of the most compelling speakers of the twentieth century. Michael Duduit in his list of top 10 twentieth preachers in the world ranked Martin 4th. ( Read 4. Martin Luther King, Jr) Martin considered himself a preacher of the gospel rather than a civil rights leader. Fundamentally he was clergyman, a Baptist preacher. He was tragically assassinated in 1968. May his dream one day be fulfilled. I have also included 2 large print pages I used when teaching. Sources History The 10 greatest preachers of the 20th century

Joe Jackson Gibbs is a former professional football coach, a race car team owner and a born again Christian. A few years ago he took his sons out to dinner and told them - Don’t do what I did. He found fame as the Washington Redskins coach but at a cost. He became a Christian at a young age. I made the decision when I was 9 but I spent a part of my lift drifting, you know. I was on God’s team but I wasn’t playing for him. He says he has found comfort amid the turmoil in a renewal of his faith. He and his wife are baptists but they have graduated towards '*Bible believing Churches. I have put together 5 pieces of information. The first piece from wikipedia looks at his success as a player and coach. The second piece is from Ambassadors for Christ which looks at his whole life up until he retired fro the first time in 1993 . (the book was published 1994) The third piece is from the Washington Post *Redskins ’ Gibbs Keeps the Faith * written by David Cho. David writes about Joe as an evangelist and being the coach to the Redskins. Gibbs barely acknowledging his own celebrity, jumped right into the message and urged the masses to give their lives to God He did not preach to his players. * I have my belief, and I am not forcing it on anyone else. That’s the key point when it comes to faith, it’s up to the individual. * The fourth piece is from a CNN belief Blog in 2020 where he explains why he shares his testimony. A testimony which includes his private trials so others can understand his belief that even winners lose when they lose their way. The fifth and last piece is from his book *Racing to Win * Joe has written down his 5 components to winning in life. Joe the winning coach is still out there winning lives for Christ.

James Stuart Stewart was a minister of the Church of Scotland. He taught New testament Language, Literature and Theology at the University of Edinburgh. Preaching Magazine* ranked him Number 1 best preacher of the twentieth century. It said James was committed to expository preaching and preached with an earnestness and energy that was warmly welcomed by his listeners. His sermons were erudite without being stuffy , eloquent though not ornate, moving but not cheaply emotional, eminently practical, often conscience-piercing and above all, God exalting. He was an acclaimed preacher both in his native Scotland and in America. He wrote a number of books. It said his books * have inspired tens of thousands of preachers to strive for greater effectiveness in their effectiveness i the proclamation of God’ s Word * He wrote with H.R. Mackintosh the standard English translation of Friedrich Schleiermacher’s influential book work,* The Christian Faith* . He said the* Church must first and fundamentally and all the time a world missionary Church,* I have included the full commendation written by Michael Duduit. Sources 10 Greatest Preachers of the 20 th century wikipedia

Saint Lucien was one of those who went with Saint Denis to teach Christianity to the French. He made Beauvais (previously known as Caesaromagus) his centre and made missionary journeys round the countryside, living poorly and eating only fruit and roots. According to Rolandus , the author of the Acta Santi Luciani he retired to the mountains near the city living as a hermit on grass and water. There he acquired fame for mortifications (self denial) and penances. He made many converts and as he grew older many young men came to carry on his work. Saint Denis was his great friend and apparently he wore a track to the door of his hut by his frequent visits. Saint Lucien preached against the Roman gods. According to one account he converted 30,00 people to Christianity with the assistance of his two disciples. His good life angered the local rulers and he was seized, accused of being a Christian and martyred about 290 . His * Passo* assigned him two disciples, Maximian and Julian, they also were decapitated on the hill of Montmille. They were martyred during the 3rd century during the Diocletian persecution. Odo, bishop of Beauvais, in the 9th century was the first writer to designate Lucien as the first bishop of Beauvais. The church of Beauvais attempted to claim apostolic origins for itself by saying that Saint Lucien was converted to Christianity by Saint Peter 200 years earlier!!

George Butterick was an English born , American based Christian preacher, author and lecturer. He was born in Seaham Harbour, England and went to Victoria University in Manchester. He emigrated to the USA and for nearly 30 years was pastor at New York’s Madison Avenue Presbyterian church. From that distinguished pulpit he began a teaching career at Union Theological Seminary and then preacher to the University of Harvard. He wanted his preaching to lift up Christ. He believed that only preaching centred on the cross would impact eternity. He had a brilliant career in homiletics - the art of preaching and of writing sermons. His most popular courses had to do with the outling of sermons. For 5 years (1955-1960) he was Plummer professor of Christian Morals and preacher at Harvard University. he went on to lecture in many of the USA universities. He described his voice* as odd sandy voice, the voice of an old nurse* but he was forceful in the pulpit. He became a master at sermon construction and orderly, powerful discourse.His sermons abounded with literary quotations. His teaching influenced all sorts of notable pulpiteers. Twice he delivered the prestigious Lyman Beecher lecture on Preaching at Yale. George also wrote a number of books (see biography list). In 1952 he was the Commentary Editor for * The Interpreter’s Bible* a 12 volume set. George’s poignant love of communication and his devotion to biblical truth, was his gift to preaching in the 20th century. Calvin Miller

According to the Liber Pontificalis Fabian was a noble Roman and his father’s name was Fabius. Nothing more is known about his background The story is told that he lived out in the country and came to Rome to see the election of the new Pope. Fabian walked Into the church where the papal elections were taking place . For 13 days they had been considering names of several illustrious and noble churchmen. A dove landed on Fabin’s head. Those present took it as a sign that the Holy Spirit had made the unexpected choice and he was immediately proclaimed bishop by acclamation… This ’ legend’ was recorded by the 4th century writer Eusebius of Caesarea in Church History V!. 29 During Fabin’s 14 year reign there was a lull in the storm of persecutions. His papacy was characterized by amicable relations with the imperial government. According to the 6th century historian, Gregory of To urs ,he sent seven apostles/bishops to Christianiseparts of Gaul in AD 245. The Liber Ponticalis says the he divided Rome into 7 diaconates (areas run by deacons) and appointed secretaries to collect the record of the martyrs.Little is known about his work but It is thought he did much to teach and help the early church. Saint Pope Fabian was martyred in 250 at the beginning of the Decian persecution, probably by prison rather than execution. Saint Cyprian said that his honourable end corresponded to the uprightness of his administration. The Greek inscription on his tomb in the catacomb of Callixtus in Rome reads Fabian, Bishop, Martyr ( The Coptic orthodox Church teaches that Fabinus was martyred twice in the same week) Sources wikipedia The Church’s Year* Charles Alexander

Pentecost is the birthday of Christianity! This is the day man is given the special present Jesus promised his friends the* Holy Spirit.* Pentecost is when* tongues of fire* came down upon the disciples of Jesus. *Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire and they came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled .them The disciples now went onto the streets of Jerusalem. They were drunk with the spIrit not with wine. Peter stood up and gave his first sermon. Jesus Christ was risen he had defeated death. What he said could be understood by everyone in their own tongue, 3000 joined them that day. Men and women were ’ born again.’ The Holy Spirit gave birth Christianity that day. It is a time to celebrate. We celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. At Pentecost we celebrate the birth of Christianity ** There is an information sheet on Pentecost and Whitsunday. This is when the disciples are given the gift of the Holy Spirit/Ghost. I have included some colourful pictures - art work in the form of flames representing the tongues of fire -would be a craft idea for the children I have created a sheet How many words can you find in _ _ _ _ _ so children can place words found in Pentecost of on the sheet. Their task is then to make up mini crosswords with clues.There are two sets of word lists - the original one I created and the much fuller one I found on Word maker. Sources used wikipedia The Bible Acts chapter 2 Church Dates for Children * Tony Batchelor

Justin was born about AD 100 in Neapolis - modern Nablus- in Samaria. Justin was an uncircumcised Gentile rather than a Samaritan. He was probably one of the earliest and most important, of the Apologists - a spokesmen who gave a reasoned defence of Christianity- in the second century. Raised by pagan parents he sought to find life’s meanings in the philosophies of his day. This only brought disappointment until in about AD 130 he had a conversation with an old man. His life was transformed. I fell in love with the prophets and these men who had loved Christ. Numerous works of Justin have been preserved including a remarkable dialogue with Trypho and 2 apologies. In Ephesus he had a disputation with Trypho. The 3 main points being: the Old Covenant is passing away to make way for the New; the Logos (Word) is the God of the O.T.; and the Gentiles are the new Israel. ( read Dialogue with Trypho and Justin and the O.T.) . Justin moved to Rome where he founded a Christian school and wrote 2 apologies. The one which has gained most attention resembles the order of a church service. (read A picture of worship) In about AD 165 Justin, along with 6 others/disciples, were arrested for their faith. When the prefect threatened them with death he replied *If we are punished for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, we hope to be saved. * They were taken out and beheaded. Justin’s impassioned defence of the Christian truth greatly influenced many other Christian Fathers. Modern scholars have been impressed by Justin’s modesty, honesty and courage. Sources used Christianity Today Great Leaders of the Christian Church edited by Woodbridge

Leslie was an English Christian theologian in the liberal Protestant tradition.He was noted for his preaching ministry at City Temple in London and for his books He trained at Richmond Theological college in south west London. WW! cut short his training and he became Methodist minister at Farnham,in Surrey. After serving in India, Manchester and Leeds he became minister at City Temple , a Congregational Church on Holborn Viaduct in London. He served ‘there’ from 1936 until his retirement in 1960. On April 17th 1941 the church was destroyed by bombs. THe congregation worshipped in 8 different buildings, including the near-by St. Sepulchre-without- Newgate church, until the new City Temple was opened in 1958 in the presence of the Queen Mother. John D. Rockefeller was a major contributor. Today it is called the United Reformed Church. Leslie was a preacher of the first order. His sermons had sound form, logical progression of thought and clear illustrations. He was an expert in arousing great feelings. His eyes fascinated the hearer and his hands played a great part in delivery. For Leslie the pulpit always came first. Leslie had the remarkable ability to ‘hide’ himself while he was preaching so that God might speak to the people. His great friend W.E. Sangster said, If I was to put the secret of his power into one word, I would use the word ‘caring’. He cares for people honestly, personally and in a most costly way. His careful, painstaking, preparation was so he could introduce them to Jesus. The 3 books sermon books Leslie considered his best were *That Immortal sea, Over his Own Signature and Key Next Door. * He wrote 55 books in total. ( See incomplete bibliography) Despite opposition he was elected President of the Methodist Conference for 1955/6. He was highly contraversial figure on account of his questioning some of the central tenets of the Christian faith. John Taylor said he was a great man but remains an enigma. He retired to live at Bexhill -on-Sea.and died in 1976 Sources used wiipedia preaching.com .

John Owen was an English Nonconformist church leader, theologian and academic administrator at the University of Oxford, For a very brief time he was an MP for Oxford University, sitting the First Protectorate Parliament (1654/5) of Oliver Cromwell (disqualified because of his clerical vocation). John was of Welsh descent but was born in Stadhampton, Oxfordshire. He was educated at Queen’s College Oxford (B.A. 1632 M.A. 1635). In 1637 he was driven out of Oxford by Laud’s new laws and became chaplain and tutor to first Sir Robert Dormer , then Lord Lovelace. Between 1642-9 we have the English Civil War. John sided with the Parliamentarians and Cromwell. In doing so he lost the prospect of succeeding to his Welsh Royalist uncle’s fortune. Appointed rector of Fordham, Essex in 1642. In 1644 he married Mary Rooke (they had 11 children but 10 died in infancy). In 1646 he became vicar at Coggeshall after preaching a notable sermon before parliament. His preaching led to him being attached to Cromwell. He became chaplain to Cromwell’s army and accompanied him to Ireland and Scotland (1649-50). He was dean of Christ Church Cathedral (1651-60). He was also appointed vice -chancellor at Oxford (1652-7) . 1654 elected MP for Oxford. He opposed plans for Cromwell to be offered the crown. 1660 he abandoned politics altogether with the Restoration of the monarchy -Charles 11 now on the throne. On the return of Charles 11 he joined nearly 2,000 other Puritan ministers to leave the ministry of the national church. In 1660 he became pastor at a Congrgational church in London (1660-1683). He devoted his time to the production of an array of top-class theological literature. These helped secure his reputation as a great British theologian. Among his works are historical treaties on religion, studies of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and defences of Noncomformist or Puritan views. John died on 4th September 1683 and is buried in Bunhill fields. For the fullest description of John Owen, by someone who knew him, read Robert Asty’s written in 1721, (Read Theologian’s theologian) What is the application and relevance of John to our lives today? John serves as a reminder that Christianity is not to isolated from the world. He prayed, preached and wrote about the glory of God, and for a time served as a aide for Cromwell, and MP. As Christians we can serve God in any position that he placed us in society, community or family. Sources used *Great Leaders of the Christian Church * edited by Woodbridge contribution from Peter Toon wikipedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia Lessons from the life of John Owen

John Calvin was the Reformations supreme Bible teacher. Young John had originally planned a life of of quiet scholarship but a ‘sudden conversion’- his phrase- at age of 20 led him to want God’s will rather than his own. Born a French man he found himself exiled in Geneva, Switzerland for most of his adult life. With maximum public exposure he became a preacher and teacher of the Bible, pastor. reformer, theologian and universal Christian counselor. In the book *Great Leaders of the Christian Church James I. Packer lays a very sound foundation. He writes about Calvin the man, his will. sudden conversion and called to Geneva and Calvinism in Europe (See notes). He also covers John’s Geneva, theology and knowledge of God. John developed hie theology in his biblical commentaries as well as his sermons and treaties but the most concise expression of his views are found in his magnum opus * Institutes of the Christian Religion* It was and is Protestantism’ s classic statement. Over the years the book grew! Edition 1 was 6 chapters (1536), edition 2 - 3 times larger (1539), edition 3 added new material (1543) and finally edition 4 - consisted of 4 books of 80 chapters each (1559) Book 1 God the Creator, bk.2 Redeemer in Christ. Bk.3 Receiving the Grace of Christ through the Holy Spirit bk.4 Society of Christ or the Church The theology of John Calvin has been more influential in both the development of the system of belief now known as Calvinism and in Protestant thought more generally. Anchored in Geneva John became an international figure in his own life time. The modern world can hardly be understood without some knowledge of Calvinism. Sources used wikipedia Great Leaders of the Christian Church edited by Woodbridge Christianity Today What is calvinism? by John Piper Note The wikipedia site has a fantastic amount of information about John and Calvanism.

Alexander was an English non-conformist minister of Scottish origin. Alexander was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His father, David, was a merchant and a Baptist lay preacher. While his father was away in Australia (1837-41) he was converted and baptized into the Hope St. Baptist Church aged between 11-13, He was educated at the Glasgow High school and University. When his father returned they moved to London he entered Stepney College in 1842 aged 16. Dr. David Davies, an eminent Hebrew scholar was a major influence. He took his degree at the university of London before he was 20 winning prizes in Hebrew and Greek. He began his ministry in Portland chapel, Southampton. (1846-58). His first congregation was 20 with seating for 800. During the 12 years he was there it steadied and grew. By the time he left he had developed a reputation as an attractive and powerful preacher. He accepted an invitation to pastorate at Union Chapel in Oxford Road, Manchester where he stayed until his retirement 48 years later. When he retired in 1903 he was made pastor emeritus and retired from active ministry. He then under took the task of writing a 31 volume pastoral commentary entitled Expositions of Holy Scripture. He had only one ministry- preaching. He started a log with his first sermon when he was 17 - recording sermon number, location, text and date. The very last sermon in his log read 6860, November 21, 1904. -almost 61 years after his very first. Maclaren was first and foremost a true expositor of Scripture. He never used a manuscript, preferring just sketchy notes. Yet his sermons recorded by stenographers were masterpieces of compelling, vivid and elegant language. (It is all beautifully explained in * Preaching ) Incredible to believe but after his sermons he suffered after every one -thinking each was a failure. He could only face the awful responsibility of preaching because he so wanted the message to be heard. F.B. Meyer, another prominent preacher of his day, said *As an expository preacher none of them equalled Maclaren of Manchester, and no other sermons were so widely read the world around… Dr. Maclaren is said with truth to have changed the whole style of the British pulpit, and to have influenced it more (than ) any of his predecessors . He died on May 10th 1910. His ashes were buried under a cross he had placed on the family plot years before. The cross bore these words in Christo, in pace, in Spe in Christ, in Peace, in Hope