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Every faction in today's church-and-state wars has a Calvin: the Christian nationalist Calvin, the two-kingdoms Calvin, the theonomist Calvin. But what if they're all working with a myth? The real Calvin was a French immigrant with no voting rights, frequently at odds with Geneva's city council, and ultimately exiled from the city. In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer and Dr. Venema cut through the legends surrounding Geneva to recover Calvin's political theology, and what it might (and might not) have to say to a church that is tearing itself apart over politics.

The devotional centers on the reality that faithful obedience to God's call often invites opposition, even from well-meaning believers and respected Christian leaders. Drawing from Peter's experience in Acts 11 and personal testimonies of stepping into uncertain ministries, it emphasizes that divine direction may require leaving security, facing criticism, and enduring isolation. The speaker underscores that such resistance, while painful, can refine one's conviction when met with prayerful discernment and a commitment to God's approval over human approval. Through examples from biblical figures like Paul, William Carey, and Jesus Himself, the message affirms that true faithfulness involves trusting God's leading even when it defies conventional wisdom. Ultimately, the call is to persevere in obedience, grounded in Scripture and personal conviction, knowing that God's blessing far outweighs the cost of worldly or familial approval.

Did you know there are 19 commands in Jesus' teaching about the end times in the Olivet Discourse in Mark 13? Are you keeping them? The disciples asked Jesus for signs of the end of the age. Jesus responded by giving some non-signs—events that false teachers will tell you are signs, but are not. The first thing Jesus did when they asked for signs and times was to look them in the eye and say, "Watch out that no one deceives you." This message will help you keep from being deceived by popular but misguided claims about the signs of the end, and it may revolutionize your way of reading the Olivet Discourse. In this expository study of Mark 13:5-6, we examine the structure and purpose of the Olivet Discourse. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

This Sunday evening Pastoral Assistant and Intern Steven Tavel preaches from Psalm 103. Steven is currently a student at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), devoted to the pursuit of Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and worship as we seek to faithfully reach our community for Christ.