John Calvin Reading Group - Began March, 2010

Led by Pastor David Inks - 425-355-9570

There is time and openings in Everett, Snohomish, and Mukilteo for late comers to make the commitment and take the plunge to reading through the Institutes.

For those who desire to grow in the richness of the theological heritage of Protestantism as expressed in the Reformed faith, including its Biblical fidelity, Pastor Inks is offering an edifying, if not life changing adventure through a biography of John Calvin and through Calvin's The Institutes of the Christian Religion. These small groups read about 100 pages then meet in Everett or Monroe once per month 18 times from beginning to end. That's right, a year and a half! At the monthly meetings we pose questions, share comments, and Pastor Inks gives a brief teaching of 10-15 minutes. Each group will consist of four to eight people who are motivated to do the assigned reading. You will need to acquire the set of the Institutes before mid May. The opening meeting to discuss the first half of the biography was in April. The biography is John Calvin: A Pilgrim's Life by Herman J. Selderhuis, published by Inter-Varsity Press, 2009. The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, which the group will be reading, is the two volume set from the Library of Christian Classics edited by John T. McNeill, and published by The Westminster Press. (Don't get any other edition. Otherwise we won't be on the same page. Literally!) Both books can be purchased at Amazon. But the best deal is from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia (www.wtsbooks.com). Not only are they fast but also any order over $35 has a flat shipping rate of $4. The biography is $16.25, the Institutes is $50, so the total is $70. You might find a used set of the Institutes somewhere cheaper. But as Calvin used to say, "Good luck!" If you are weary with Christian weightlessness and wish to find a firm anchor for your soul, you will find substantive material here. If you are hungry of heart and eager to engage your mind with an hour of serious reading once a week you won't be disappointed. If you are pondering this plunge, or ready to dive in, call me for further information at 425-355-9570. Then, let's feast on the rich pastures and drink the refreshing waters of God's truth and grace together.

Current Small Groups:

Current Reading Schedule - Assignments from the Institutes (McNeil edition):