God's Call for Reformation

That John Calvin ever lived in Geneva at all was the result of a series of unusual events that form the basis of this message. While trying to return to Basel to continue his life of study, Calvin was forced into a very long detour because of military hostilities between Charles V and Francis I. The added journey required him to spend a single night in Geneva before continuing on to Basel. But William Farel learned that Calvin was in the city and went to meet him for the first time and to urge him that he must remain, at the call of God, to help in the reformation of Geneva. Farel's strong warnings of what would befall Calvin should he decline the call persuaded him to stay. But after a year and a half, a rebellion by the group of Genevans called the Libertines led to the explusion of both Calvin and Farel from the city.