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Lessons from John Calvin for Christians Today
John Calvin’s life and ministry offer valuable lessons about the authority of Scripture, sound doctrine, pastoral care, and faithful perseverance. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explores lessons from John Calvin that encourage Christians to grow in biblical truth and serve Christ faithfully.Listen or Watch
Lessons from John Calvin for the Church Today
Calvin is often associated with theological debates and the Protestant Reformation. This episode focuses on his work as a pastor and preacher committed to explaining and applying God’s Word.Acts 20:28 calls church leaders to care for the flock of God, while 2 Timothy 4:2 charges Timothy to preach the Word faithfully. These passages provide a biblical foundation for considering the relationship between Scripture, doctrine, and pastoral ministry.Four Lessons for Faithful Christian Living
- Submit to the authority of Scripture. God’s Word is the final authority for faith and practice.
- Recognize the importance of sound doctrine. What we believe about God shapes how we live before Him.
- Connect theology with discipleship. Biblical doctrine should strengthen the church and help believers grow in holiness.
- Persevere in serving Christ. Faithfulness requires continuing in the work God has given us, even through opposition and hardship.
Learning from an Imperfect Servant
Calvin was not flawless. Like every historical figure apart from Christ, he had weaknesses and limitations. Christians can learn from his commitment to biblical truth while keeping Scripture as their final authority.The practical call of this episode is to grow in God’s Word, pursue sound doctrine, serve the local church, and persevere faithfully in following Christ.Key Scripture References
- Acts 20:28
- 2 Timothy 4:2
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
