// Covenant Family Church

Text: Colossians 4:2-6
Guest Preacher: Conrad Cheatham

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Text: 1 Timothy 4:13-16

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Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-10

Having focused in two previous sermons on the rise of the Apostate Church (vs. 1-5), let us now consider Paul’s teaching on the characteristics of a True Church (vs. 6-16). On the basis of this passage, and many others, the Protestant Reformers came to recognize that a True Church of Jesus Christ is characterized by “three marks”. They are:

1. The true preaching of the Word of God (cf. John 8:31-32, 47, 14:23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 John 4:1-3).

2. The right administration of the Sacraments (cf. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30).

3. The faithful exercise of church discipline (cf. Matthew 16:19, 18:18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 13, 14:33, 40; Galatians 6:1-2).

(cf. Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 576-578)

Hence, we should strive to make sure that our own church is faithful to these characteristics—not for the sake of boasting, but for the purpose of pleasing our Lord. Moreover, let us give thanks to God that by grace we can be a part of God’s ongoing work—the growth and expansion of the True Church.

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Text: I John 4:7-12
Guest Preacher: Pastor Jeff Yelton

We should be very impressed with God’s love for us. Motivated by love, God sent Jesus Christ to die as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He also caused us to be born again. Therefore, we must reflect the love of God in our relationships with one another, by loving each other. This love is not a worldly love, but rather a godly love. In fact, it is a love from God. Unless we love each other in this way, we cannot truly claim to know God at all. On the other hand, if we truly love each other, we can be certain that God lives in us.

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Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

In this passage the Apostle Paul tells us how an Apostate Church will arise in the “later times”. This false church will be known as, “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5). Jesus also taught this same essential truth, but applied it to the entire Church Age that stretched from the Resurrection to the Return of Jesus (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). In other words, Jesus says that alongside of the true Church there will be a false Church. At times it will be difficult to distinguish between those who really love and serve the Lord Jesus, and those who merely say they do with their words. Ultimately, the Lord of the harvest will make a distinction between believers and unbelievers with absolute precision. Yet in the meantime, as Christians we are called to be wise and discerning about our doctrine and our practice—carefully testing everything by the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

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Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

In this passage the Apostle Paul tells us how an Apostate Church will arise in the “later times”. This false church will be known as, “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5). Jesus also taught this same essential truth, but applied it to the entire Church Age that stretched from the Resurrection to the Return of Jesus (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). In other words, Jesus says that alongside of the true Church there will be a false Church. At times it will be difficult to distinguish between those who really love and serve the Lord Jesus, and those who merely say they do with their words. Ultimately, the Lord of the harvest will make a distinction between believers and unbelievers with absolute precision. Yet in the meantime, as Christians we are called to be wise and discerning about our doctrine and our practice—carefully testing everything by the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

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Text: Proverbs 31:28-31

What is it that most Mothers truly wish for? Some might say that they wish for a “day off” from all of their responsibilities. Others might say they wish for a number of differing things—perfectly behaved children, a night out with some close friends, a pile of extra money, or a husband who always listens to them. God, however, has given his own list of what every mother should wish for. You will find that His list satisfies the inner person and promises a lifetime of fulfillment. Each mother should consider what the Lord is saying through this passage. Ask yourself, “Do I long for these things?” Pray that the Lord will enable your children and your husband to meet these desires. Resolve to be a woman who “fears” the Lord in all that you do. Seek to model after this woman of excellence from Proverbs 31.

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Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

We come today to one of the central passages of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In this brief text we see some very interesting things, such as a colorful description of the 1st Century church (i.e. it is “a pillar and buttress of truth”), and even an ancient hymn from the early church that summarizes its doctrine on the person and work of Jesus Christ (see vs. 16). Moreover, we must grapple with an intriguing phrase from verse 15: “how one ought to behave in the household of God”. Sadly, American Christians are all about declaring their autonomy from everyone else. Mutual accountability and commitment are almost strange and unfamiliar concepts in our modern world. But, that is exactly what Paul is urging Timothy to emphasize in his ministry at Ephesus—that we are not ‘free agents” who are disconnected from our fellow Christians, but members of the “household of God”. This is a high and privileged position that we should all appreciate and enjoy!

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Duty. A Christian Culture in the Home. To have a well managed home, Ephesians 6 must have been taught. The Duty of Children to Parents. The Promise to Children from the Lord. The Requirement for Children of Church Leaders. How Do Children Show Honor to Their Parents? By demonstrating attitudes of obedience, by not holding past grudges, by showing forth repentance, by speaking words of respect and gratitude, by taking correction and rebuke, by the imitation of godly examples, and by providing for future care.

Text: Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20; 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 12; Titus 1:6

Today we will consider the 5th Commandment and all of the blessings that come from diligently observing it. At first thought many adults may consider this sermon is only for children. They are quite mistaken, for the 5th Commandment applies to adults even if they are fully grown and their parents are no longer living.

Let me say it clearly­: this “commandment with a promise” applies to all people whatever age they may be. It is an injunction from the Lord that relates to our past memories, our present actions, and our future decisions. Failure to heed it will result in many frustrating troubles and difficulties throughout a person’s life.

Ultimately, the 5th Commandment points to the Lord Jesus Christ, who was always eager to obey and bring honor to his Father (cf. Luke 2:49; John 5:19-47; 6:25-51; 10:14, 17-18, 27-30; 14:1-14). As Christians, we should follow his perfect example.

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