The Genevan Foundation

How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

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Rev. George Mueller: Minister to Street Children in Victorian England

January 5, 2026 /

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil. 4:6

George Mueller (1805-1898), in my opinion, is one of the most remarkable men of faith in the 19th Century. Following his conversion in a prayer meeting at age twenty, he began to develop a great passion for the evangelization of the Jews. He subsequently left his native Germany and traveled to England to be trained as a missionary. In 1829 he associated with The London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews. After relating to the society for less than a year, he received formal notice that they felt he was unfit to be a missionary because of his unwillingness to submit to the leadership of the society. This was an extremely humbling blow to his dreams and aspirations, but it can now be seen in hindsight that this was God’s way of breaking him of his pride and fierce independence. In George Mueller’s Bible the following verse is underlined, “The steps of a man are ordered by the Lord” (Ps. 37:23) and then in his own handwriting, “as well as his stops.” God’s providential hand had firmly closed the door on George Mueller becoming a missionary to the Jews—but what door would the Lord now open for him?

Shortly after his dismissal George Mueller started preaching in a small Plymouth Brethren congregation. There in 1830 he met and married his life’s partner, Mary Groves, and also made a life-time commitment to receive no salary from his ministry, simply living “by faith.” Little did he know that God was already preparing him for a ministry that would focus on meeting the needs of one of the most disadvantaged groups of society; the homeless “street children” of Victorian England. After witnessing first hand the deplorable state that many young children were in, Mueller determined—with God’s help—to be a “Father of the fatherless” (Ps. 68:5). What began as a small effort in 1832, when the Mueller’s opened their home for children to sleep on the floor at night and to receive a warm breakfast the next morning, eventually grew into five large homes on Ashley Down in Bristol, England. These purpose built dormitories cared for as many as 2,000 orphaned and abandoned children all at one time. Besides providing food for the orphans, Mueller’s ministry was also committed to providing clothing, Christian education, and vocational training. All this was accomplished “by faith” without any public solicitation for funds.

A girls class at the Bristol orphanage from the 1840’s 

Consider these typical examples of God’s provision from Mueller’s detailed diary,

August 18, 1838. I have not one penny in hand for the Orphans. In a day or two again many pounds will be needed. My eyes are up to the Lord. Evening. Before this day is over, I have received from a sister λ5. She had some time since put away her trinkets, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans. This morning, whilst in prayer, it came to her mind, “I have this λ5, and owe no man anything, therefore it would be better to give the money at once, as it may be some time, before I can dispose of the trinkets.” She therefore brought it, little knowing that there was not a penny at hand, and that I had been able to advance only λ4 15s 5d for housekeeping in the Boy’s Orphan House, instead of the usual λ10; knowing also, that within a few days many pounds more will be needed.

August 20, 1838. The λ5 which I had received on the 18th, had been given for housekeeping, so that today I was again penniless. But my eyes were up to the Lord. I gave myself to prayer this morning, knowing that I should want again this week at least λ13, if not above λ20. Today I received λ12 in answer to prayer, from a lady who was staying at Clifton, whom I had never seen before.

August 23, 1838. Today I was again without one single penny, when λ3 was sent from Clapham, with a box of new clothes for the Orphans.

— Roger Steer, George Mueller: Delighted in God!, 89

These are the buildings that served the orphanage in Bristol, England. Today, they house a museum dedicated to the life and work of George Mueller, and a local Community College.

Mueller was convinced that God had “a bank which cannot break.” After the first five years of operating the orphan home “by faith” Mueller explained,

The chief end for which the Institution was established is that the Church of Christ at large might be benefited by seeing manifestly the hand of God stretched out on our behalf in the hour of need, in answer to prayer. Our desire, therefore, is not that we may be without trials of faith, but that the Lord graciously would be pleased to support us in the trial, that we may not dishonor Him by distrust. This way of living brings the Lord remarkably near. He is, as it were, morning by morning inspecting our stores, that accordingly He may send help. Great and more manifest nearness of the Lord’s presence I have never had, than when after breakfast there were no means for dinner, and then the Lord provided the dinner for more than one hundred persons; or when after dinner, there were no means for tea, and yet the Lord provided the tea; all this without one single human being having been informed about our need…

— Roger Steer, George Mueller: Delighted in God!, 107

During the course of sixty-six years of ministry there was never a day that the orphans went hungry or were ill-dressed. A debt never went unpaid. Through his ministry, the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, he tabulated that 1,453,153 pounds was raised for the work of the gospel. Asked his secret, Mueller replied, “There was a day when I died, utterly died,” and, as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor, “died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will—died to the world. Its approval or censure—died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends—and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.” Here was a humble man of faith who served a faithful and generous Lord. He carried out his life and ministry by trusting God for the results, and therefore he became a powerful example of Christian piety to the entire world. His motto was simple: “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” The Lord blessed him in all that he endeavored. When anxious, he simply got on his knees and prayed that God would meet the need. And it can be demonstrated that the Lord never let him down.

Here is a picture of Rev. George Mueller and a favorite quote

Sources of Information:
Davey, C. “George Mueller: Brethren Philanthropist” in Great Leaders of the Christian Church. Edited by John D. Woodbridge. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1988.

Douglas, J. D., ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Revised edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

  • “George Mueller” by J. G. G. Norman
  • “Plymouth Brethren” by G. C. D. Howley

Douglas, J. D. and Philip W. Comfort, eds. Who’s Who in Christian History. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992.

  • “George Muller” by Norman Hillyer

Steer, Roger. George Muller: Delighted in God! Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1975.

Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin

The Genevan Foundation – Copyright 2026 – All Rights Reserved


Is the Kingdom of God a Present-day Reality?

January 3, 2026 /

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Matthew 12:28

Jesus Christ instructs his followers to pray in this manner, “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:9-10). Some Bible teachers have boldly taught that the Lord’s Prayer is not for this present age, but only for a future age (i.e. during an earthly millennium). I believe that their conclusion is a mistaken interpretation of the text. Jesus is clearly instructing his listeners—in their present-day circumstances—how they should pray to God. They are not to pray “like the hypocrites” so that “they may be seen by others,” but “in secret” so that “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:5-6). The context is entirely contemporaneous. It is spoken for Jesus’ followers in this present age. Therefore, the phrase “Your kingdom come, your will be done, as it in heaven” must also be interpreted as a present-day reality with the expectation that God’s kingdom will progressively grow during this current age. Moreover, the implication of this prayer is that the followers of Jesus will actually participate in kingdom-activity, not only by their prayers but by their work as “witnesses” (Acts 1:8) and as “ambassadors of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20).

The question surrounding the present-day reality of the kingdom of God is a vital one for all Christians to answer. Generally, there have been two answers: (1) that the kingdom of God is entirely in the future and begins when Jesus Christ reigns in Jerusalem during an earthly millennium; or (2) that the kingdom of God is a present-day reality that is growing and expanding while Jesus Christ reigns at the right hand of God the Father in heaven (cf. Ps. 110:1; Matt. 12:28-29; Rev. 20:1-3). In my opinion, it is the second answer that makes the most sense in the immediate context of Jesus’ instructions about prayer—that the kingdom of God is a present-day reality. Consider the wise and thoughtful exegesis that Dr. Herman Ridderbos puts forward on this subject:

Dr. Herman Ridderbos (1909-2007)

“The question as to what constitutes the great change, viz., the coming of the kingdom which has begun with Jesus’ activity, finds its fundamental and unmistakable answer in the statement made in Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20. Here Jesus speaks very emphatically of the presence of the kingdom: “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God (Luke has: ‘with the finger of God’), then the kingdom of God has come unto you.” That the last words of this text must be rendered by the perfect “has come” is pretty well certain, in spite of the criticism of some writers. Apart from the linguistic question, it may be seen from the whole context, especially from what follows in Matthew. Jesus here answers the slander of the Pharisees who had said that he cast out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. He shows the absurdity of the accusation by comparing the power of the devil with that of a kingdom or a town or a house, i.e., with an organically coherent unity. If one devil should cast out another, the kingdom of the devils would not stand but would fall asunder. But this does not happen. That is why there is only one explanation for Jesus’ power over the demons, viz., that by the Spirit (or the finger of God) he was able to cast them out. The opposite to Satan and his kingdom is God and the dominion that is at his disposal, viz., the kingdom of God. Its power and so its presence is the explanation of Jesus’ dominion over the demons. All this is further confirmed in Matthew 12:29 (cf. Mark 3:27) by what is said of the strong man whose house can only be looted after he himself has first been bound. In the same way the casting out of the devils proves the victory over the devil gained by Jesus and thus the break-through by the kingdom of heaven.”

— Herman Ridderbos, The Coming of the Kingdom, 61-62

Ridderbos offers a “rock-solid” exegetical explanation of the present-day reality of the kingdom of God. He doesn’t just offer his opinion, but he puts forward a clearly articulated defense of the subject based on the exegesis of several scriptural passages. This does not mean that all aspects of the kingdom of God are currently present. But that the kingdom of God “has come” [note the perfect tense of this verb, which refers to a past event but with ongoing results] while we live here on the earth (Matt. 12:28), and that in the future it will be fully consummated. This is a helpful alternative, I believe, to the wrong-headed view that the kingdom of God is entirely in the future. The truth is this–that the kingdom of God is present now during this current age (Mark 1:14-15; Luke 17:20-21), and by grace we who are alive get to participate in its growth and expansion (Matt. 5:14-16; Matt. 13:31-32; 2 Cor. 10:3-6). And that is a great privilege!

Here are four volumes by Herman Ridderbos that I greatly value!

Source: Ridderbos, Herman N. The Coming of the Kingdom. Translated by H. de Jongste. Edited by Raymond O. Zorn. Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1962.

Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin

The Genevan Foundation – Copyright 2026 – All Rights Reserved

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Also, here is a related article on the “this age” and “the age to come” concept:

“This Age” and “the Age to Come”

R. B. Kuiper on Apostolic Succession

November 12, 2025 /
St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. John Knox faithfully served here as Pastor from 1559-1572.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” Acts 2:42a

The quote below from R. B. Kuiper’s classic treatise, The Glorious Body of Christ, really resonated with me. He powerfully argues that, “Organizational succession without doctrinal succession is worthless.” Those churches who have departed from the teaching of the Apostles have no real connection to the true Christian faith. They are mere counterfeits and shadows of what our Lord Jesus Christ intended. Let us, then, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3b). It is only those who have remained faithful to the teachings of the Lord and the Apostles who should be considered as legitimate churches of Jesus Christ.

Prof. R. B. Kuiper (1886-1966)

Certain churches lay claim to apostolicity in the sense of their being exclusively, or nearly so, the uninterrupted continuation of the organized church as it existed in the days of the apostles. Particularly do they boast of their clergy as the unbroken succession of the bishops ordained by the apostles. This view is known as “apostolic succession” and is held by the Greek Catholic, the Roman Catholic and the Anglican churches…One serious fallacy in these claims to apostolic succession is that they completely overlook the fact that organizational succession does not guarantee doctrinal succession. To say nothing of the other communions just named, the Roman Catholic Church has departed very far from the teaching of the apostles. Does it not deny that doctrine which lies at the very heart of apostolic teaching—justification by faith only? For that reason, among others, the Reformers of the sixteenth century did not hesitate to pronounce Rome a false church. Organizational succession without doctrinal succession is worthless. A church that possesses the former but has lost the latter is no longer a church of Jesus Christ. Our Reformed fathers were right when they said that ‘succession of doctrine’ rather than ‘succession of persons and places’ is a mark of the true church. [See Bavinck, Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, Vol. IV, p. 353]”

— R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ, 64-65.

Remember the distinction made in Kuiper’s quote–that the difference between “organizational succession” and “doctrinal succession” is the determining factor between truth and error. It is only faithful “doctrinal succession” that is worth fighting for. Moreover, upholding the “apostles’ teaching” is a mark of the true church of Jesus Christ.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source: Kuiper, R. B. The Glorious Body of Christ: A Scriptural Appreciation of the One Holy Church. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1967.

Biographical Statement: Prof. R. B. Kuiper served as the President of Calvin College for 22 years (1930-1952). He then taught at Westminster Theological Seminary for 14 years as the Professor of Practical Theology (1952-1966). He was well-loved for his zeal in teaching the Bible and for the application of its principles to the doctrine of the Church. “Well done good and faithful servant” (cf. Matt. 25:21).

Girolomo Savonarola: A Fiery Italian Reformer and Martyr

October 29, 2025 /
The Basilica Santa Maria Novella lies in the very center of Florence, Italy–it is such a beautiful, inspiring, and majestic city!

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“For we are an aroma of Christ to God among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” 2 Cor. 3:15-16

Who was Girolamo Savonarola (A.D. 1452-1498)? Briefly stated, he was an Italian monk and preacher who arose just prior to the Reformation. Savonarola was under Dominican orders and vows throughout his adult life (from 1474); although he grew somewhat more independent as he became better known throughout Italy. Born in Ferrara, from 1482 he made his home and base of operations in Florence. There he became the Prior of the convent of San Marco and began to preach in the cathedral. Church historian, S. M. Houghton observes,

But whereas Wycliffe and Huss were involved in attacking the unbiblical teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, Savonarola was not a doctrinal reformer. He was a man who attacked the evil lives and immoral habits of many of his fellow countrymen. God had used the writings of Augustine of Hippo to open his eyes to the moral apostasy in the Church.

— S. M. Houghton, Sketches in Church History, 72

One artist’s depiction of Girolamo Savonarola preaching his message of reform to the people of Florence, Italy

He called the city and the Roman Catholic Church to moral reform by a series of scathing sermons on a coming Apocalypse. This apocalyptic theme, which he garnered from reading the Old Testament prophets and the Book of Revelation, dominated his preaching and became his lifetime message. For example Savonarola proclaimed in one fiery sermon, “In the primitive church the chalices were of wood, the prelates of gold; in these days the church hath chalices of gold and prelates of wood.” This kind of direct confrontation of church leaders brought forth both praise from some and opposition from others. Moreover, Savonarola embraced an early version of the doctrine of biblical authority (Lat. Sola Scriptura = “by Scripture Alone”) and called the Church to reject the authority of the Pope by looking to the Bible alone.

Girolamo Savonarola in his maturity (1452-1498)

In 1494 Charles VIII, King of France, sent his armies ravaging throughout Italy and twice spared Florence due to Savonarola’s requests. The people of Florence interpreted this to be an example of God protecting the city from judgment. Savonarola used this “victory” to call for further moral reforms in Florence, which were enforced at times with a strong hand—for example during the Carnival of 1496 many profane and lewd books were publicly burnt in a “bonfire of vanities.” Some people welcomed these changes, but others resisted his efforts at reformation. He was openly opposed by the rival Franciscans, and by citizens who were still loyal to Piero de’ Medici (who had fled when Charles VIII threatened the city with destruction).

Pope Alexander VI (1431-1503)

Pope Alexander VI (also known as Alexander Borgia) responded to Savonarola’s criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church by threatening to place Florence under an interdict if they allowed Savonarola to continue his preaching. The Pope referred to Savonarola as “that meddlesome friar” and in 1497 excommunicated him. Savonarola responded with the charge that the Pope was “a representative of Satan not of Christ.” This led to Savonarola’s arrest in 1498, a trial for sedition and heresy, an extensive time of torture, and finally on May 23 a martyr’s death. Between episodes of torture he wrote meditations on Psalm 32 and 51, which Martin Luther later published and referred to them as “a piece of evangelical testing and Christian piety.” At his execution, Savonarola was stripped of his priestly vestments. The presiding Bishop said, “I separate thee from the church militant and from the church triumphant.” Savonarola boldly replied, “Militant, not triumphant, for you have no power to separate me from the church triumphant to which I go.” He was then hanged, and his body was burned at the stake. His remains, and those of two other men who were killed alongside of him, were thrown into the river Arno so that no relic of his life could be preserved. Dr. Howard F. Vos summarized Savonarola’s life with these words,

While Savonarola demanded reform in the church, he never took the more advanced position of Wycliffe and Huss. He had no quarrel with the teaching or the organization of the church, but seems to have believed in justification by faith. He was characterized by religious zeal and personal piety.

— Howard F. Vos, Who’s Who in Christian History, 607-608

Thus, a remarkable man passed from the scene. Yet, his energetic preaching, biblical teaching, and personal zeal laid the ground work for the Reformation which would spring forth into existence from the religious awakening of another monk in twenty years time–and that man was Martin Luther.

Here is the execution of Savonarola in the public square of Florence (May 23, 1498). In God’s providence he preceded the beginning stages of the Reformation by twenty years. Many of the Protestant Reformers greatly esteemed him!

Resources for Further Study:

Douglas, J. D., Gen. Edit. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

  • “Alexander VI,” by Robert C. Clouse
  • “Dominicans” by A. S. Toon
  • “Papal States,” by Marvin W. Anderson
  • “Reformation, The” by Robert D. Linder
  • “Roman Catholicism” by H. M. Carson
  • “Savonarola, Girolamo,” by Robert C. Clouse

Houghton, S. M. Sketches from Church History. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1980.

Kuiper, R. B. The Glorious Body of Christ. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1966.

Sheldon, Henry C. History of the Christian Church. Vol. 2, “The Medieval Church.” New York, NY: Thomas Y. Crowell and Co., 1895; Peabody, MA: Hendricksen Publishers. Reprint, 1988.

Vos, Howard F. “Savonarola” in Who’s Who in Christian History. Douglas, J. D. and Philip W. Comfort (Co-editors). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale Publishers, 1992.

Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin

The Genevan Foundation – Copyright Nov. 2025 – All Rights Reserved

B. B. Warfield on the Doctrine of Assurance

October 28, 2025 /
Archibald Alexander Hall at Princeton Theological Seminary

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…” Rom. 8:16-17a

A close family friend sent this powerful quotation from Dr. Benjamin B. Warfield to one of my family members who has been struggling with her health. What an encouragement it was to her and to all of us! This citation is from a sermon given by Dr. Warfield in Miller Chapel to his students at Princeton Theological Seminary. Over the course of his lengthy ministry of teaching systematic theology in the classroom (1887-1921), he also passionately exhorted his students from the pulpit. Let me share it with you…

Dr. B. B. Warfield (1851-1921)

“If God be for us who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31) Let our hearts repeat this cry of victory today. And as we repeat it, let us go onward, in hope and triumph, in our holy efforts. Let our slack knees be strengthened and new vigor enter our every nerve. The victory is assured. The Holy Spirit within us cannot fail us. The way may be rough; the path may climb the dizzy ascent with a rapidity too great for our faltering feet; dangers, pitfalls are on every side. But the Holy Spirit is leading us. Surely, in that assurance, despite dangers and weakness, and panting chest and swimming head, we can find strength to go ever forward.”

— Warfield, Biblical and Theological Studies, 558

I pray the Lord will encourage and strengthen you to go forward by faith in the Christian life. The Holy Spirit who dwells within you, is stronger than all of the temptations and trials of this present world (1 Cor. 3:16 and 6:19-20; 1 John 4:4). His presence in our life is a great blessing, and one that we should regularly remind ourselves of. Recall as well, this ringing exclamation: “If God be for us who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source: Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge. “A Sermon: The Leading of the Spirit” in Biblical and Theological Studies. Edited by Samuel G. Craig. Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1968. [page 558] 

This is not a very clear photo–but here is my family and some dear friends gathered at the graves of B. B. Warfield and his wife in the Old Princeton Cemetery (“Heroes, History, and Hope Tour” 2013)

A Reformation Day Sermon: “The Lord is our Fortress” Psalm 46

October 27, 2025 /
The Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, Germany, is where Dr. Martin Luther was safely held for nearly a year in 1521-1522

“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:11

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to preach for Reformation Sunday at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin, Texas. We have four pastors at Redeemer, and since I am the only one who is “semi-retired” I usually preach once or twice a year. Instead, my main role at Redeemer is focused on teaching. I regularly instruct adults in our School of Discipleship classes on Sunday mornings. Beyond that, I am the director of Redeemer Theological Academy teaching college-level courses in Biblical studies, Systematic Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry. This suits me quite well, and I am grateful to focus my energies on teaching at this point in life. Nonetheless, below is an audio file of my most recent sermon. Also, you will find an introduction to the sermon and an outline of the text. I hope you enjoy it!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

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“The Lord is our Fortress” – Psalm 46:1-11

Direct, succinct, and pastoral–it is hard to beat Derek Kidner’s fine commentary on the Psalms.

Introduction: The image of a “fortress” or “stronghold” in relation to the Lord shows up in many passages in the Old Testament (e.g. 2 Sam. 22:1-4; Ps. 9:9; 18:2; 31:3; 71:3; 91:2; 144:2; Prov. 18:10; Jer. 16:19). It is a portrait of strength, security, and safety for the people of God. Indeed, the Lord is the only one who could provide such protection in times of trouble. He is the one who created all things and also controls all things (Ps. 103:19). Essentially, this word-picture of a “fortress” and “stronghold” teaches us the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. In other words, we can believe that when everything in our world seems to be falling apart we can take comfort from the fact that all things are firmly under the control of the Lord. Even when misfortunes come our way, or when wickedness is exalted, we can be confident that “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Prov. 16:4). This doesn’t mean that we never experience any difficulties and trials in life. It does mean, however, that God is in the midst of these difficulties and trials, and that he is able to bring good out of them (Rom. 8:28). Let us, then, go forward as those who trust in the sovereign rule of the Lord over all things in our own personal circumstances and in the tumultuous events of this world. Soli Deo Gloria!

Here is an outline of my sermon:
1. The Lord is our Refuge and Strength, (vs. 1-3)
2. The Lord is the Source of All Blessings, (vs. 4-5)
3. The Lord is the Ruler of the Nations, (vs. 6-9)
4. The Lord is the King of His Saints, (vs. 10-11)

These four volumes are good places to start if you want to know more about Martin Luther

Also, here is a short article about the fateful day that Martin Luther was kidnapped and taken to the Wartburg Castle.

The Day Martin Luther was Kidnapped!

Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf & the Moravian Missionaries

September 30, 2025 /


Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

As a young man Nicholas Von Zinzendorf (1700-1760) struggled with what the Lord would have him do in his life. He thought, “Perhaps I should be a missionary, or a minister, or an evangelist. How can I decide between these three?” But his wise and pious Grandmother urged him to accept the fact that he had been born a Prince who in time would become a very powerful Count amongst the nobility in Saxony, Germany. In God’s providence he would inherit thousands upon thousands of acres of land, several fortified castles, and an immense fortune. He would be a ruler over many subjects, and if he followed his father’s example he would be a wise and compassionate leader. He still, however, questioned his calling as a future ruler.

Count Nicholas Von Zinzendorf’s impressive estate in Herrnhut, Saxony

Going off to foreign lands with the gospel seemed so much more exciting and glamorous to him! He dreamed of serving the Lord and sharing the gospel with the heathen tribes all around the world. One day when Zinzendorf was eighteen years old he was touring a museum in Dusseldorf, Germany when he came across a famous painting—Ecce Homo (“Behold the Man”) by Domenica Feti. In the title the artist quotes the mocking words of Pontius Pilate as he presents Jesus Christ to the hostile crowd in Jerusalem before sending him off to be crucified–“Behold the Man!” (see: John 19:5). The artist also gives his painting the caption, “This I have suffered for you; now what will you do for me?” This painting and the challenging question attributed to Jesus deeply stirred the young man. As he reflected upon this experience, along with his Grandmother’s wise counsel, he realized that he could serve God as a Count just as well as serving Him as a missionary, minister, or evangelist. Zinzendorf wrote in his diary, “I have loved him [Jesus Christ] for a long time, but I have never actually done anything for Him. From now on I will do whatever He leads me to do.” He determined at that moment to fulfill his destiny and become a wise and compassionate ruler just like his father.

The Czech Preacher & Martyr, Jan Hus (1369-1415)

In time, Zinzendorf legally inherited the land, the castles, and the wealth. He took his place amongst the German nobility as the Count of Saxony. About the same time he also became aware of the many trials and tribulations of a small group of Christian refugees in nearby regions. What exactly was their story? Two hundred and fifty years before, the ancestors of these refugees had come to Christ through the powerful preaching ministry of the Czech minister Jan Hus (1369-1415). Ever since Jan Hus had been betrayed and put to death, his followers had been harassed and persecuted so much that they fled into the forests of Bohemia never settling but moving from place to place. They became known as the “Bohemian Brethren” and eventually sought refuge in Austria, Poland, Southern Germany, and Moravia. In 1722 when Zinzendorf heard about their sufferings his heart was broken and he invited these religious refugees to settle on his land. He called the settlement Herrnhut (lit. “under the Lord’s watch”) and eventually they became known as the Moravians. While they were under Count Zinzendorf’s protection, they flourished and began earnestly training to go to far-away lands as missionaries to preach the gospel, make disciples, and establish churches.

Moravian Missionaries preaching the Gospel to the natives in North America

Where did the Moravians go? In 1732 some went to the West Indies to evangelize the African slaves of the Caribbean. Some went to the frozen lands of Greenland and Labrador to preach to the Eskimos. Some went to the South Sea Islands to minister to the native tribes and fierce head-hunters. Some went to India to proselytize the Hindus. And some went to the American colonies to bring the gospel to the native Indians. In 1735 John Wesley—the famous preacher and evangelist of the 1st Great Awakening—encountered Moravian missionaries on the same ship that he was traveling on when he sailed to Georgia as a missionary.

A year later after a dismal experience in Georgia Wesley encountered some Moravian missionaries once more when he returned to England. He recorded in his personal Journal how impressed he was with their piety and courage during a life-threatening storm at sea. He also reflected in his Journal, “I went to Georgia to convert the Lost, but Oh who will convert me?” Once he arrived back in England, Wesley sought out a Moravian gathering at the Fetter Lane Chapel in London. There he heard the fiery Moravian preacher, Peter Boehler, read from Martin Luther’s Commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Romans and give a short message on Romans 1:16-17. As a result, Wesley’s “heart was strangely warmed” and by the regenerating power of God he was thoroughly converted. Throughout the remainder of his life Wesley conducted extensive preaching missions in England and America. From this effort the Methodist Church was established. The simple witness of the Moravians had an absolutely huge impact upon his life and future ministry.

Nicholas Von Zinzendorf in his maturity (1700-1760)

And so, did Nicholas Von Zinzendorf make the right decision? It turned out that he found great purpose and intense satisfaction in doing the very thing that was right in front of him—fulfilling his call to become a Count, a kind-hearted ruler, and a member of the German nobility. Given his immense wealth and extensive properties he was able to minister to fellow Christians who were persecuted and afflicted. He provided safety and security at Herrnhut so that the Moravians could equip themselves as missionaries, ministers, and evangelists. He died a happy man knowing that the Lord had used his service as a Count in a remarkable and lasting way. Truly, he “trusted the Lord with all his heart…and the Lord made straight all his paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). Let each one of us resolve to do the same—to trust the Lord to direct our steps, and to be faithful at doing what lies right in front of us.

Hernhut as it looks today: “The little village that changed the world”

Resources for Further Study:

Douglas, J. D. ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

The seal and motto of the Moravians
  • “Bohemian Brethren” by Peter Toon
  • “Boehler, Peter” by J. G. G. Norman
  • “Constance, Council of” by Robert G. Clouse
  • “Czechoslovak Church” by J. G. G. Norman
  • “Hus, Jan” by Matthew Spinka
  • “Luther, Martin” by Carl S. Meyer
  • “Moravian Brethren” by J. G. G. Norman
  • “Pietism” by Robert G. Clouse
  • “Wesley, John” by A. Skevington Wood
  • “Zinzendorf, Nicholas Von” by Richard V. Pierard

Firak, Tom. “Zinzendorf, Nicholas Von” in Who’s Who In Christian History. J. D. Douglas, ed. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992.

Houghton, S. M. Sketches from Church History. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1980.

Neill, Stephen. A History of Christian Missions. Second Edition. New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1986.

Outler, Albert C., ed. John Wesley. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1964.

Schattschneider, Allen W. Through Five Hundred Years: A Popular History of the Moravian Church. Fourth Edition. Bethlehem, PA: The Moravian Church in America, 1996.

Serven, Marcus J. “Jan Hus (1373-1415): Bohemian Reformer and Martyr” on The Genevan Foundation Website, 2012. (Here)

Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin

The Genevan Foundation – Copyright, Sept. 2025 – All Rights Reserved

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr. passes into Christ’s Presence

September 27, 2025 /

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Ps. 116:15

I’ve only known Voddie Baucham through his fine books on the Christian family and the fact that my daughter-in-law, Micaela, grew up under his pastoral ministry at Grace Family Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Briefly stated, he had a stellar impact upon the Southern Baptist Convention (through the Founders Ministry and his overseas teaching in Zambia). Moreover, he was an encouraging voice to many families in the broad home-schooling movement. Voddie was widely known as a persuasive and engaging preacher. He boldly addressed many conferences on the benefits of marriage and family, and he lived out these biblical admonitions in his own life by raising a solid Christian family.

Voddie was not shy about making controversial statements. For example, here is his rationale for male headship in the church and the home:

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr.

“When Paul argues for male headship in the church in 1 Timothy 2:12-13, he bases his argument on the Genesis account. Paul sees Adam’s headship in the garden of Eden as the basis for male headship today in the church and the home. The issue for Paul in marriage is not who’s smarter, stronger, or more important; for him, as well as for the other biblical writers, the question is one of God-ordained order. Thus Paul declares that ‘the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God’ (1 Cor. 11:3). This is a crucial point. If male headship is merely a preference, we have no right to argue for it as an essential element of family shepherding. If, however, it’s a truth based on God’s decree and design, we have no right to argue for anything else.”

— Voddie Baucham, Family Shepherds, 101  

This kind of argumentation is biblical, experiential, and rational. Many young Christian men have greatly benefited from Voddie’s clear articulation of the Bible’s teaching about male and female roles in marriage. His books have been like a fresh breeze that blows away all the smoke of a smoldering fire. The sad reality is that God’s structure for the family has been under attack for decades. Voddie has certainly done his part in reversing the trend by putting forward the Bible’s instruction for men as family shepherds. I pray others will now take up the mantle given that Voddie’s voice has been silenced.

Without question, his untimely death is a consequential loss to the Christian community, and it is one that perplexes me in light of the recent deaths of several other key Christian leaders–Dr. John MacArthur and Charlie Kirk. Why at this time, O Lord? Perhaps it is best to simply affirm that God knows when it is the right time to take his servants home to heaven (Ps. 116:15; John 14:1-6; Rom. 8:28). After all, we only “see through a glass darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12) and cannot comprehend the full picture of God’s sovereign plan (Deut. 29:29). Thus, we must trust that God’s ways are better than our own ways (Isa. 55:8-9)!

It is interesting to note that the Lord is currently raising-up lots of individuals to continue the ministries of both Dr. John MacArthur (in expository preaching), and Charlie Kirk (in evangelism and cultural engagement). And in this way, it is exciting to see how the Lord is expanding Christ’s kingdom! Many of those who are now stepping forward may have a new appreciation for Jonah–the reluctant prophet. No doubt, they are asking, “Why send me, O Lord?” But, they must also come to grips with the clear testimony of tens of thousands of reluctant individuals whom God raised-up for his divine purposes. In short, he will make you able to do the hard things that you fear (2 Cor. 3:4-6). The simple fact is that the Lord helps his people to be able to speak the truth in challenging times and under difficult circumstances. By faith, then, let us go forward!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

I have used each one these books by Voddie Baucham to disciple young men on the subjects of fatherhood, family, and preparation for marriage–all of them are winners!

Our First Graduate from the Theological Academy!

September 26, 2025 /
Here is David Parker receiving his Certificate of Theological Studies. David is our first graduate from the Academy!

Yesterday, I had the special privilege of awarding David Parker his Certificate of Theological Studies from Redeemer Theological Academy! Over the past five years David faithfully completed six classes, along with exams and research papers, plus an extensive comprehensive exam at the conclusion of his studies. He exemplified the picture of a diligent student in his research and writing. I often had to remind him that his research papers did not have to be any longer than ten pages. But, he typically ignored my admonitions and wrote twenty page research papers! He so enjoyed the quest of digging deeper into theological subjects, that his zeal manifested itself in longer than required papers.

The goal of our Certificate of Theological Studies program is to equip the men and women of our congregation for various forms of ministry. We are not endeavoring to become a seminary, but we are a church-based theological education program that prepares our students to serve Jesus Christ in their own unique callings–that may be as Bible teachers (both formal and informal), small group leaders, church officers, missionaries, and evangelists. We offer in-person courses in Bible, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry. Not all of our students have chosen to pursue the Certificate program. Each student can choose to audit classes (which have no requirements other than attending classes), or to take classes for credit towards the Certificate. It is your choice. All of our classes are offered free-of-charge.

If you find yourself in Austin, Texas on a Thursday, then feel free to drop by as a guest and see what we are all about. Our current classes are:

  • “Ecclesiology & Eschatology” (Systematic Theology III) — This class will be taught by Marcus Serven and meet on Thursday mornings [9:30-11:30]. Besides the weekly lectures and handouts, we will read The Glorious Body of Christ by R. B. Kuiper and Christ and the Future by Cornelis Venema. Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.
  • “The Old Testament Scripture” (Biblical Studies I & II) — This class will be a survey of all 39 books of the Old Testament, their authors and key themes. The class will be taught by Max Smith with readings given out each week—from your Bible and from various websites. It will meet on Thursday afternoons [12:30-2:30] Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Director of Redeemer Theological Academy

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