Category: Expository

“The assumption seems to be that, whereas the preacher is really doing something, the people have a passive role, like so many jugs waiting to be filled.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 48

“They should consider that in the sermon God rules his Church by declaring his will . . . Their representative and leader, the preacher, has been the first to submit completely and unconditionally to the message of Holy Scripture. They can do no less when that message is passed on to them.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 49

“Now, it is a strange fact that, although there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of books written about the preacher, the hearers have been largely neglected.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 48

“In time the amorphous aim will dwindle until neither truth nor personality remain and the sermon will become what it all too often is today, the third-rate conveyance of fourth-rate opinions.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 45

“A proper humility before God and modesty concerning himself and his capabilities are not to hinder the preacher from the bold assertion of the authority of the message he has to deliver. Indeed, it is a dereliction of his duty if he does not claim that authority.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 44

“The Reformers all interpreted the power of the keys as the Church’s preaching.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 43

“This is why Calvin calls the pulpit the throne of God: voila the pulpit, which is the throne (le siege) of God, from which he wills to govern our souls.”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 42

“The preacher needs courage — not courage to believe but courage to proclaim the truth, however unpalatable, and to rebuke where rebukes are necessary. It is inevitable that he will arouse opposition. ‘They that intend to serve God faithfully and to proclaim his Word will never lack enemies.’”

Parker, Calvin’s Preaching, p. 40