Martin Luther (1483-1549). Martin Luther taught the Bible and theology at the University of Wittenberg. When he studied the Bible, he realised that the gospel preached by the popes during the ancient Roman Empire was a false gospel. Thus, it was through studying the Bible for himself that he understood the true gospel. Martin Luther, however, was not only intellectually able, but he was also a brave man: he exposed the errors of the false gospel although he knew many in the past who tried to do that were burnt alive.
Katharina von Bora (1499-1552). As Martin Luther’s wife, her calling as a wife involved caring for Luther, supporting his work and travels, nurturing their children, and a wide variety of tasks involving their parsonage. She renovated the abandoned Augustinian monastery that served as their home; hosted the guests that stayed in their forty rooms; served meals to thirty or forty people regularly and banquets for more than a hundred; and created a self-sustaining household by purchasing and cultivating farmland for gardens, orchards, and animals to provide food for family and guests. In keeping with the Reformers’ view that all of life is spiritual, Katharina did not distinguish between “practical” and “spiritual” tasks, but found fuel for her daily work in that she served God in all tasks. Her engagement in theology was limited to her participation in the “table talks” that the Luthers hosted in their parsonage. She knew enough Latin and Scripture to engage in heated dinnertime debates, a habit Luther apparently encouraged.
John Calvin (1509-1564). John Calvin was a brilliant theologian and a Pastor. He gave the Christian world The Institutes of the Christian Religion. It overarching theme is the sovereignty of God: God is in full control of every event that happens, including our choice to believe in Jesus. Calvin taught that humankind’s sinful nature has made us unable to accept Jesus as Saviour. Only God can make us willing such that we will be saved. Calvin also taught the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, that is, Christians will never lose their salvation when they believed in Jesus as Saviour. Calvin did not only teach the sovereignty of God. He lived out the doctrine. Because he believed God is in full control, in adverse situations he did not react in unbelief but in godly ways. John Calvin was not only intellectually able, despite his ill-health, he worked tirelessly in preaching, teaching, writing and as a pastor.
Idelette Calvin (ca 1509-1549). Idelette was a wonderful wife and companion for Geneva’s most prominent pastor, John Calvin. When Calvin’s work as a pastor, writer, and civil servant threatened his health, Idelette proved to be a much-needed confidant, counselor, and sounding board. She tended to his downcast spirit and his fragile health, and visited the sick in his place. She also went out of her way to assure Calvin that she respected him for remaining true to God and Scripture, no matter the cost. Idelette was willing to share with him whatever burdens he carried and assured him that he should never be tempted to shrink from his duties for the sake of her ease and comfort. She was deeply committed to Calvin’s ministry as a preacher and teacher as well as to his organisation of a form of church-state government founded on the principles of Scripture.
George Whitefield (1714-1770). George Whitefield, a convinced Calvinist, is widely regarded as a powerful preacher and the greatest evangelist of modern times. His open-air preaching ministry consisted of innovative methods to reach the masses and tireless travels to spread the gospel. He took every opportunity to share the gospel. He once said, “God forbid, I should travel with anybody a quarter of an hour without speaking of Christ to them.” Of all the great preachers raised up in the transatlantic Great Awakening, none gripped the public mind and imagination more than Whitefield.
John Sung (1901-1944). Someone said of John Sung, “Dr John Sung was probably the greatest preacher of this century. I have heard almost all the great preachers from 1910 until now . . . Yet John Sung surpassed them all in pulpit power, attested by amazing and enduring results.” John Sung’s converts bear lasting testimony to his astonishing ministry. John Sung fruits were scattered everywhere, faithfully serving the Lord in every nook and corner of Southeast Asia.