Drawing from Calvin's seminal work, "Institutes of the Christian Religion," Lawson highlights Calvin's critique of those who wrongly appeal to the Holy Spirit while forsaking Scripture. Calvin refers to them as spiritual lightweights, individuals who desire direct revelation from God without the diligent study and exposition of His Word. Calvin's scathing words emphasize the importance of grounding one's faith in the certainty of Scripture and the danger of abandoning its authority.Central to Calvin's message is the exclusivity of biblical authority. He ardently believed that there is only one stream of revelation: the Bible. In contrast to the two streams proposed by the Catholics and Charismatics of his time, Calvin adamantly asserted that the written Word of God alone should guide the church. This exclusivity of Scripture forms the foundation of Calvin's theological convictions.Furthermore, Lawson delves into Calvin's emphasis on the priority of biblical preaching. Calvin recognized that the diminishing of the pulpit occurs when two streams of revelation are accepted. By upholding the primacy of the written Word of God, Calvin underscored the crucial role of biblical preaching in nurturing the faith of believers and combating false doctrines.Lastly, Lawson explores Calvin's conviction regarding the unity of the Spirit and the Word. Calvin understood that the Spirit and the Word are inseparably joined together. Rejecting the division caused by two streams of revelation, Calvin maintained that the Spirit works through the written Word of God. The unity of the Spirit and the Word in biblical teaching and preaching was paramount to Calvin's theology.Throughout the episode, Steve Lawson's insightful commentary illuminates Calvin's unwavering commitment to Scripture and his unwavering defense of its authority. By highlighting Calvin's timeless convictions, Lawson challenges listeners to consider the importance of biblical authority and biblical preaching in their own lives and in the church today.Join us on this enlightening journey as we delve into the rich tapestry of John Calvin's teachings and the enduring impact of his emphasis on the priority of Scripture and biblical preaching. "Men Who Rocked the World" presents the extraordinary stories of individuals who made an indelible impact, and this episode on the legacy of John Calvin will inspire and encourage all who seek to follow in his footsteps.

Delving into the heart of the episode, Lawson explores the historical context of the Puritan Movement. This pivotal period emerged during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England, following the terror and persecution inflicted by Bloody Mary, who executed numerous preachers and believers. The Puritans arose as a force seeking to purify the Church of England and restore it to the core principles of Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria.Guided by Steve Lawson's expertise, we examine the key theological tenet of Sola Scriptura, emphasizing its definition as outlined by the Westminster Divines. Lawson highlights the distinguishing marks of Sola Scriptura, drawing from the Bible itself to showcase the divine inspiration of Scripture. Through biblical passages, he establishes the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, emphasizing its pivotal role as the foundation of faith.Furthermore, Lawson explores how the Reformers upheld the primacy of Scripture against the backdrop of opposing traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, Anabaptists, and Libertines. He unpacks the significance of the three pillars supporting the Gospel message—Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Solus Christus—emphasizing their rejection of extraneous additions and unwavering commitment to the saving gospel Jesus Christ.Throughout the episode, Lawson highlights the contributions of influential figures who defended Sola Scriptura during the Puritan era. Notably, he focuses on the esteemed theologian John Owen, known as England's Calvin, who championed the cause of Scripture alone with great fervor and conviction.Join us on this captivating journey as we delve into the rich tapestry of the Puritan Movement and the enduring impact of their commitment to Sola Scriptura. Steve Lawson's passionate delivery and expert analysis will inspire listeners to reflect on the significance of Scripture in their own lives and to appreciate the steadfastness of those who shaped history. "Men Who Rocked the World" presents the extraordinary stories of individuals who made an indelible impact, and this episode on the Puritan Commitment to Sola Scriptura is a testament to their enduring legacy.

In this episode of "Men Who Rocked the World: Learning from the Giants of Church History," Steve Lawson dives into the importance of studying great men from the past, as he speaks to The Masters Seminary. He highlights the profound impact these historical figures have had on Christianity and how their legacies can help us mature in our faith. From reformers and Puritans to preachers of the Great Awakening and beyond, Steve discusses how these men have been used by God to turn the world upside down. Drawing from his extensive research and experiences, including writing biographies and lecturing in seminaries, Steve encourages us to learn from these giants, who can serve as mentors and examples in our own spiritual journeys. Tune in to discover the value of studying church history and how it can make us wise beyond our years, providing a wealth of knowledge and guidance for our lives.