2024 Calvin Lectures
Calvin Lectures
The Calvin Lectures at First Presbyterian Church were established to provide the congregation with a continuing focus on the Bible and its practical theological application. The series is funded by generous gifts from our members and guests who would like to see the series continue. Our mission at First Presbyterian Church is to serve Jesus Christ and share His gospel through meaningful worship, loving fellowship, spiritual growth, and compassionate outreach within our community and throughout our world.
The Calvin Lectures at First Presbyterian Church were established to provide the congregation with a continuing focus on the Bible and its practical theological application. The series is funded by generous gifts from our members and guests who would like to see the series continue. Our mission at First Presbyterian Church is to serve Jesus Christ and share His gospel through meaningful worship, loving fellowship, spiritual growth, and compassionate outreach within our community and throughout our world.
Our Focus
This Calvin Lectures series is a Biblically based discussion of Christianity’s response to politics in today’s United States. This class explores the Biblical foundations of government, the role God has ordained for civil authority, the limits he has placed on that authority, the dangers and temptations Christians face in today’s public square, and our responsibility as Christian citizens, sojourners, and exiles until God’s Kingdom comes.
This Calvin Lectures series is a Biblically based discussion of Christianity’s response to politics in today’s United States. This class explores the Biblical foundations of government, the role God has ordained for civil authority, the limits he has placed on that authority, the dangers and temptations Christians face in today’s public square, and our responsibility as Christian citizens, sojourners, and exiles until God’s Kingdom comes.
Series Overview
Saturday, September 14th
8:30 a.m. Check-in & Refreshments
9 a.m. Opening Prayer, Chapel
9:15 a.m. Lecture 1, Chapel
10:30 a.m. Break, Eller Hall
10:45 a.m. Lecture 2, Chapel
12 p.m. Lunch, Fellowship Hall
1 p.m. Lecture 3, Chapel
Sunday, September 15th
9 a.m. Worship and Sermon, Chapel
10 a.m. Q&A Session, location TBA
11 a.m. Worship and Sermon, Chapel
8:30 a.m. Check-in & Refreshments
9 a.m. Opening Prayer, Chapel
9:15 a.m. Lecture 1, Chapel
10:30 a.m. Break, Eller Hall
10:45 a.m. Lecture 2, Chapel
12 p.m. Lunch, Fellowship Hall
1 p.m. Lecture 3, Chapel
Sunday, September 15th
9 a.m. Worship and Sermon, Chapel
10 a.m. Q&A Session, location TBA
11 a.m. Worship and Sermon, Chapel
Our Speaker - Dr. Paul D. Miller
Dr. Paul D. Miller is a former White House staffer for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, a professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, an active lay leader and guest preacher at Franconia Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. Dr. Miller is the author of The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism (2022, IVP) and a contributor to Christianity Today, The Dispatch, Foreign Affairs, and The Washington Post.
Lecture Series, Lunch &
Childcare Registration
Dr. Paul D. Miller's Media
There is no fee to attend the Calvin Lecture Series. $12 boxed lunches are available for purchase for Saturday, September 14th and must be purchased in advance.
Limited childcare is also available.
Please register by September 12th.
Click here to register online.
Limited childcare is also available.
Please register by September 12th.
Click here to register online.
Dr. Paul D. Miller's Book:
The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism
Christianity Today articles:
"The Problem with Anti-Anti-Christian Nationalism"
"Our Civic Leaders Are Not Above the Law"
"Christianity Is Not Necessary For Democracy"
"People Are Still Confused About Christian Nationalism"
"What Is Christian Nationalism?"
On Youtube:
For God and Country with Dr. Paul Miller
Pastors, Patriots & Politics: Ministry in Divisive Times
Podcasts:
The Holy Post - Episode 531: What's Wrong with Christian Nationalism?
NAE Podcast - Nationalism vs. Patriotism: What's the Difference?
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other - The Religion of American Greatness: What's Wrong With Christian Nationalism
The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism
Christianity Today articles:
"The Problem with Anti-Anti-Christian Nationalism"
"Our Civic Leaders Are Not Above the Law"
"Christianity Is Not Necessary For Democracy"
"People Are Still Confused About Christian Nationalism"
"What Is Christian Nationalism?"
On Youtube:
For God and Country with Dr. Paul Miller
Pastors, Patriots & Politics: Ministry in Divisive Times
Podcasts:
The Holy Post - Episode 531: What's Wrong with Christian Nationalism?
NAE Podcast - Nationalism vs. Patriotism: What's the Difference?
Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other - The Religion of American Greatness: What's Wrong With Christian Nationalism
Saturday, September 14th
Lecture - What is Government For?
9:15 a.m. | Chapel
Romans 13 reminds us that “governing authorities” exist because God allows it. How should they further the plans and purposes of God? This lecture will provide insights from the Bible and Christian tradition on the purpose of government and civil authority. How should our government support the Church and people of faith?
Romans 13 reminds us that “governing authorities” exist because God allows it. How should they further the plans and purposes of God? This lecture will provide insights from the Bible and Christian tradition on the purpose of government and civil authority. How should our government support the Church and people of faith?
Lecture 2 - What is Government Not For?
10:45 a.m. | Chapel
What are we saying if we claim to believe in the separation of church and state? This lecture will discuss the limits of the government’s role in supporting the Church and its mission. We’ll consider Matthew 16 and 22, and the current challenges presented by Christian nationalism.
What are we saying if we claim to believe in the separation of church and state? This lecture will discuss the limits of the government’s role in supporting the Church and its mission. We’ll consider Matthew 16 and 22, and the current challenges presented by Christian nationalism.
Lecture 3 - The Practice of Christian Citizenship
1 p.m. | Chapel
Jesus famously said, “Give back to Caesar what is Ceasar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) We need to get specific. This lecture will present faithful and practical ways Christians can live out their citizenship in our time.
Jesus famously said, “Give back to Caesar what is Ceasar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) We need to get specific. This lecture will present faithful and practical ways Christians can live out their citizenship in our time.
Sunday, September 15th
Sunday Sermon - "The Keys of the Kingdom"
9 a.m. & 11 a.m. | Chapel
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” - Matthew 16:19
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” - Matthew 16:19