A Predestined Giveaway to celebrate Calvin's 500th

Yes, it's yet another giveaway thanks to Trish at Fish With Trish, and this time it's been fore-ordained.

Alright, maybe not...but then again, I think it has, as all future events according to Scripture are in God's mind and plan.

Today, the 10th of July, 2009, is what would've been John Calvin's 500th birthday. It's of note to mention that he is actually with the Lord, at least spiritually, so no: he won't be signing this book.

I can say, without hesitation, that apart from Scripture, John Calvin's The Institutes of the Christian Religion have been the most edifying and devotional reading I've done. I still read the Institutes from time to time as part of an overall devotional discipline, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the same to any of you.

As daunting as it may seem, Calvin's style was primarily pastoral, and as you read you just may realize that the rumors about this man aren't true.

My favorite rumor is, "John Calvin taught that since God is so sovereign over man, it doesn't matter if we evangelize or pray: God does what He wants, so what's the point."

To which I say, "Anathema!" and "Bologna!"

Calvin was a praying, evangelistic, pastoral, Christ-focused prayer warrior, who taught from the Bible as if it were actually true and without error. This was back in a time when people actually believed the Word of God, and took it as THE WORD OF GOD, with none of this revisionist, deconstructionist criticism and post modernism.

Alas, all this to say, enter to win a free copy of this great book at Trisha's blog. Take a second look at Calvin, and while you're at it, get a copy of "Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism," a DVD put out by the Apologetics Group.