Forest Hills Baptist Church

Bringing glory to God by contending for His truth, multiplying servants of Jesus Christ, and caring for one another.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • New Here?
  • Connect
    • Hub Groups
    • Kids
    • Students
    • 1829
    • Wednesday Family Nights
    • Men
    • Women
    • Missions
    • ESL Conversation Class
    • Olivia’s Gift
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Beliefs
    • Service Times
    • Location
  • Resources
    • Live Stream
    • Sermons
    • RightNow Media
    • Documents and Forms
  • Give
  • The Path
  • Contact

The Varied Contributions of the Body

October 15, 2017 Leave a Comment

John CalvinWhen we think of the Protestant Reformation, we might think primarily of the bombastic, outspoken personality of Martin Luther. But some of the other reformers made equally valuable (albeit very different) contributions. John Calvin was born in France to an affluent family in 1509. He left France as a young man due to religious persecution. He would have his greatest influence in Geneva, Switzerland.

While Luther seemed to thrive on confrontation, Calvin preferred a quiet life. He had intended to move to Strasbourg, where he could study in peace and live a secluded life as a scholar. In a rare moment of public self-analysis, Calvin wrote, “Being of a disposition somewhat unpolished and bashful, which led me always to love the shade and retirement, I then began to seek some secluded corner where I might be withdrawn from the public view…” But it was not to be.

Calvin was challenged with the unique need for spiritual instruction in the bustling city of Geneva. Geneva was a melting pot. Nearly half the population of the city was made up of refugees – individuals fleeing religious persecution. Geneva was going to a play a crucial role and needed a strong leader. And Calvin was compelled to serve Christ’s church where needed.

Calvin was twenty-six years younger than Luther. While the two never met, Calvin had been influenced by Luther’s writings and respected him greatly. Luther had put forward a great many important, but undeveloped ideas. Calvin had a strong mind for theology and was able to bring definition and clarity to these important issues.

We can be thankful that both Luther and Calvin used their unique gifts for the preservation of the gospel. And we should strive to use our unique gifts as well. It is easy to look with envy upon another believer and to minimize what we perceive to be our lesser gifts. But every contribution is important. God has designed us to be interdependent – complementing one another for the building up of the church.

Pastor Jeff

 

Photo credit: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Calvin_21.jpg

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Pastor Jeff's Weekly Tagged With: John Calvin, Service, Spiritual Gifts, the church

What to expect when you visit FHBC

FHBC Worship Team
We welcome you to join us for either of our services, and to come as you are!
Learn more about the atmosphere and worship service style at FHBC »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Watch / Listen Online

Podcast and Live Video Stream

The Path

The Path – Forest Hills Baptist Church

An online community where church members can connect with other church members, groups, events, and calendars.

Log on to The Path »

About FHBC

  • New Here?
  • Service Times
  • Our Faith
  • Our Leadership
  • Our Mission

Members

  • The Path
  • Online Giving
  • Photo Directory

COVID Guidelines

As of July 18, 2021, we are lifting all COVID guidelines.

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Forest Hills Baptist Church is a church in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on gospel-centered teaching, worship, spiritual growth in the context of community, and reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Forest Hills Baptist Church · 3900 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Copyright © 2023 · Log in