The Expository Genius of John Calvin ~ Steve J. Lawson

Published 2007 by Reformation Trust (Hardcover ~ 142 Pages)

rated book in my Pastoral Series favorites. As my friend who gave me this book wrote, “May this book help to equip and encourage you…” I would have to say that after reading this book, I had Calvin on the brain for many days following.

Steve Lawson is the Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile Alabama and guest speaker at many Christian conferences such the annual Shepherds Conference and Expositors Conference. Dr. Lawson has also written several books to include, Foundations of Grace, Faith under fire, and Made in Our image just to name a few.

The aim of this book is not to exalt John Calvin but to glorify Christ through by highlighting men like John Calvin and God’s grace in his life. As Dr. Lawson writes in his introduction,

“The goal here is not to take a sentimental journey-the hour is too desperate for such a triviality. Rather, the aim of this book is too the bar for a new generation of expositors.”

Each chapter in this book takes aim at that principle and gives examples through Calvin’s own practice. I found this extremely helpful in my own life as a way of developing good habits and practice in my own teaching ministry.

What is so unique about this book is how Lawson took biblical principles and practices that Calvin employed and developed his chapters. Kind of a how-to approach for laymen. I’m sure that Lawson would might disagree, but that is the genius of the book. Each point transitions into the next and gives you a framework on how you should think when considering approaching God’s pulpit. Here are some of the chapters to give you an idea.

1. Approaching the Pulpit

* Biblical Authority
* Divine Presence
* Sequential Exposition

2. Preparing the Preacher

* Diligent Mind
* Devoted Heart
* Relentless Will

3. Launching the Sermon

* Direct Beginning
* Extemporaneous Delivery

I think you get the idea…

So how does this book compare with other books in the same topic? This book without a doubt was written about a godly man, John Calvin. But it was more than about his practice of preaching and expositing the bible. It was how those practices shaped his ministry and his life for Christ. Any man that values God’s Word as much as Calvin did is inevitably going to be changed by it. That is why Calvin was able to do what Calvin did. He knew that anything else would have been an offense to God.  As far this book being similar to works that focus on hermenutics and sermon preparation,  I would compare it to John Macarthur’s book on “Preaching”.  This felt more like I was reading Calvin’s diaries more than a book.

How successful was Dr. Lawson at carrying out his purpose? The bar has been raised, as was his stated purpose. Unfortunately, in our age, asking some pastors to spend 5 hours a week in the word would be a difficult. For those who have scheduling difficulties, read this book! I have already repented of my gripping about my “schedule.” This man went to bed it seems most nights ashamed of how little work he thought he was doing in a day, and what he did we do in a week.

Now as far as any negative insights that I may have, I really didn’t keep a pen by my bedside when reading this book. So I can’t really recall any. I was hoping that this book was going to be just a good biography of a pastor. It really was intended to be more than that, and I was pleasantly surprise. Good job Dr. Lawson

Any Last words? Good news for us who enjoy reading about the reformers. This book is one in a series of books that are due out sometime in the future. So stay tuned.

Most of Steve Lawson’s books can be purchased from Reformation Trust.