In this chapter the author first shows that prayer is an important key to understanding Martin Luther as a Reformer and theologian. He further addresses Luther’s basic theology of prayer, his emphasis on the Trinity in prayer, and his personal prayer life.

Why is John Calvin important today? What did he teach and does that encourage remembrance in the church of Jesus Christ? Beeke identifies twelve roles of Calvin that make him relevant for the church today: his role as educator, socio-theologian, evangelist, pastor, pietist, commentator, churchman, trinitarian, preacher, Christian, theologian, and exegete.

How should we understand biblical texts that speak of development and struggle in the life of Jesus Christ? Luke 2:40, 52, for example, speak of Jesus growing and maturing, and increasing in favour with both God and man. Hebrews makes it clear that the dynamism of Christ’s life is essential to his role as the believer’s heavenly high priest (Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 5:14-16).

This essay considers the love of the Father for the Son (John 3:35). It explores how the Gospel of John views the relationship between the Father and the Son and the significance of this relation for man as son of God. This leads to a consideration of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ as God’s beloved Son.

Many believers use the Psalms as a prayer book. It is also primarily God’s hymn book. From the early church the Psalter has been both the prayer and hymn book of the church. The author indicates this for the apostolic church and the church of the early church fathers. He continues with the Middle Ages and the Reformed tradition.