Resources

It began five hundred years ago and it still matters—someone rediscovered grace. What was the Great Reformation? Why did this change happen? This opening presentation will define the event, lament the errors of the medieval church, rejoice in the scriptural incentive for reform, and review the many ways the Spirit used the reformers (preaching, prayer, publications, psalm singing, etc.). A dynamic and exciting picture will emerge to motivate us to keep spreading the gospel of grace today. Audio only.

The Reformation made it abundantly clear that we are saved by faith, not by works. At the same time, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (Heb. 11:1). But what if I don’t always feel so assured in my faith? Must I be certain in my faith to be certain of my salvation? Following John Calvin as our theological guide, we will explore the challenging terrain of faith, assurance, and justification, with a special focus on comforting those who struggle “with various doubts of the flesh” (Canons of Dort, 5.11). Audio only.

The overarching goal of early Reformed theology was the guarding of God’s glory. Early French-language reformers like Guillaume Farel and John Calvin focused their critique upon all teachings and practices that—whether directly or indirectly—in their view detracted from God’s glory. Late medieval Christianity in particular had established practices that diverted recognition from God to the person. Farel and Calvin maintained that one must listen to God himself via Scripture in order to understand how God’s glory is robbed and how it ought to be acknowledged. Thus the conference will close with Soli Deo Gloria.