November 2009 Ordained Servant

From the Editor. In this issue we continue to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth. Professor Richard Gaffin explores the structure of Calvin's soteriology in the Institutes in an article that was first presented on May 27, 2009 at the Pre-Assembly Conference of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Richard Gamble reviews an important new book on Calvin's doctrine of the state. Darryl Hart contrasts two recent books in terms of their views of Calvinists and in light of the recent resurgence reported in Time magazine. What part might the OPC and Westminster Theological Seminary be playing in this revival? Finally, I review a fine new biography of Calvin by Robert Godfrey.

I should point out that while some of the books that I choose to review in OS online are well known to readers, we simply do not have resources to review all that find their way to my desk. So, I have to be selective and will focus on less familiar books. I am always interested in your suggestions and even unsolicited reviews.

Special Announcement. As more of our officers are discovering that they are entitled to a free subscription to Ordained Servant, the demand has increased. However, we have run out of copies of the 2008 edition very early this year. We have ordered more, but this is more expensive in smaller quantities. So, we need more of those elders and deacons who wish to have a copy sent annually to subscribe (directions below), so that we can more easily determine the numbers to be printed each year. This saves us money in two ways. It saves on distribution and saves on having to have a second print run for a smaller number.

Copies of the annual edition of Ordained Servant are sent to each ordained minister, each organized congregation, and each designated mission work of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and are paid for by the Committee on Christian Education. Ordained elders, deacons, and licentiates of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church may receive copies gratis upon request. These free copies may be obtained by sending your request to: Pat Clawson, Ordained Servant, The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton Rd., Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539; or through our publications page at opc.org.

Blessings in the Lamb,
Gregory Edward Reynolds

Ordained Servant exists to help encourage, inform, and equip church officers for faithful, effective, and God glorifying ministry in the visible church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Its primary audience is ministers, elders, and deacons of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as well as interested officers from other Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Through high quality editorials, articles, and book reviews we endeavor to stimulate clear thinking and the consistent practice of historic Presbyterianism.