To this end, we worship God, study the Bible, pray for one another, evangelize and disciple our own children, care for the needy, witness to the lost, and seek to advance Christ’s kingdom here on earth.

It is our singular purpose to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We hope that this website encourages you with beneficial resources as you grow in your own walk with the Lord.

Moreover, please know that you and your family are welcome to join us for worship on the Lord’s Day.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Verse of the Month “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. ” Jeremiah 32:38-39

Matthew 5:21-26 February 14, 2010

Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

Our Lord takes the 6th Commandment to an entirely new level in this potent passage from the Sermon on the Mount. Whereas the Jewish Rabbis taught that the 6th Commandment was only an external standard, Jesus instructed his disciples that it was an internal standard as well. In other words, if you even contemplated murderous thoughts then you were guilty of breaking the 6th Commandment. This was a shocking development for Jesus’ disciples! So much so, that following the conversation with the Rich Young Ruler they began to ask the question—“Who then can be saved?” In this they rightly perceived that they had utterly failed in keeping the Law of God. As always, Jesus’ answer is revealing, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (cf. Matt. 19:25-26) Thus, we see that the answer to a violation of the 6th Commandment by word, deed, and thought is exactly the same as any one of the other Commandments—by faith looking to Jesus Christ who took away the penalty and power of sin (cf. Isa. 53:4-6; Rom. 3:21-26; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 9:11-15; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 1:7).

The Main Point of this Sermon:

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Eph. 4:26-27

1. Restatement of the OT Law, (vs. 21)

2. Reinterpretation of the OT Law, (vs. 22)

3. Remedies for Anger, (vs. 23-25)

4. Reprimands for Anger, (vs. 26)

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Deuteronomy 5:17 February 7, 2010

Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

Two weeks ago thousands of American citizens gathered together to recall a notorious decision by the United States Supreme Court regarding abortion on demand (Roe vs. Wade, January 23, 1973). It is hard for me to believe that we have endured this wicked judicial action for over thirty-seven years! For the Christian, then, what does the Bible say about taking another person’s life? It is clearly forbidden in God’s Law (cf. Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-26). Yet, there are a small number of people who actually insist that any type of killing is offensive to God—cutting down a tree, squashing a bug, or slaying an animal. The Bible, however, teaches that there is a profound difference between human beings and all other living creatures. It teaches that only mankind is made in the image of God and possesses a spirit and soul (cf. Genesis 1:26-28, 9:6). Also, on the Judgment Day only mankind will receive eternal life or death (cf. Matthew 10:28, 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10). Therefore, human life is to be valued and protected. The astute and thorough Larger Catechism summarizes the Bible in this way,

Q. 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A.: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in the case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever tends to the destruction of the life of any.

The Main Point of this Sermon:

“There are six things that the LORD hates…hands that shed innocent blood…” Proverbs 6:16-19

1. All Human Life Is Sacred, (Genesis 1:26-28)

2. All Human Life Is to Be Protected, (Genesis 9:6)

3. The Unlawful Taking of a Human Life Should Be Punished, (Exodus 21:12-17)

4. The Unintentional Taking of Human Life Is to Be Carefully Judged, (Deuteronomy 19:1-7)

5. Civil Government Has the Authority to Make War, (Romans 13:4 & Deuteronomy 20)

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Men’s Advance: Join us at CFC for the 2010 Men’s Advance w/ Elder Bill Potter and Pastor Serven speaking on the theme: “The Battles that Men Fight” (Feb. 26-28, 2010). Also, a dinner & concert for families will be held on Saturday night w/ Nathan Clark George! Sign-up now to take advantage of the early-bird price!

Upcoming Events:
Jan. 29th - Westminster Presbytery Mtg. in Belleview, FL
Feb. 7th - Fellowship Meal following the worship service
Feb. 11th - Meeting of the Overseeing Session (7PM)
Feb. 26-27th - Men’s Advance w/ Bill Potter in Troy, MO
Feb. 28th - Fellowship Meal after the worship service

Special Events in 2010:
Mar. 5-6th - CHEC Family Economics Conf. in Colorado
Mar 20th - Liberty Day w/ Dr. Paul Jehle in Chicago, IL
June 22-23rd - CHEF Conf. w/ Ken Hamm in St. Charles
Aug. 13-16th - CHEC/VF Father & Son Conference in CO
Oct. 25-30th - Film Academy & SAICFF in San Antonio

Deuteronomy 5:16 January 24, 2010

Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

In the first table of the Law (Commandments 1-4) we learned about we should relate to our holy God. Now as we come to the second table of the Law (Commandments 5-10) we learn about how we should relate to one another. Specifically, how would the Lord have us treat our parents, and our superiors? The answer is clearly stated in the Bible (cf. Exod. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; Eph. 6:1-3). However, there are many other significant Bible passages as well—especially in the Psalms and the Proverbs. Moreover, the always wise and expansive Larger Catechism of the Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes our responsibility with these following citations:

Q. 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
A.: By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God’s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, Church, or commonwealth.

Q. 127: What is the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors?
A.: The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, word, and behavior; prayer and thanksgiving for them; imitation of their virtues and graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; due submission to their corrections; fidelity to, defense and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honor to them and to their government.

Q. 128: What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
A.: The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons, and places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections; cursing, mocking, and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their government.

Wow! It would be difficult to add anything more to this list. Therefore, I would commend this summary to your careful study and application.

The Main Point of this Sermon:

“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you.” Deuteronomy 5:16a

What are the benefits in keeping the 5th Commandment?

1. Godly Growth in Children, (Proverbs 6:20-23)

2. Godly Growth in Parents, (Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21)

3. A Long Productive Life, (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 22:6)

4. A Strong Family, (Psalm 127:3-5)

5. A Strong Church, (1 Tim. 3:4-5; Titus 1:6)

6. A Strong Nation, (Psalm 128:5-6)

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Upcoming Events:

Jan. 17th - Guest Preacher: Rev. Charles Kuykendall

Jan 17th - Full Meal following the worship service

Jan. 29th - Westminster Presbytery Meeting in Belleview, FL

Feb. 7th - Full Meal following the worship service

Feb. 11th - Meeting of the Overseeing Session (7PM)

Special Events in 2010:

Feb. 26-27th - Men’s Advance w/ Bill Potter in Troy, MO

Mar. 5-6th - CHEC Family Economics Conference in Colorado

Mar 20th - Liberty Day w/ Dr. Paul Jehle in Chicago, IL

Aug. 13-16th - CHEC Father & Son Conference in Colorado

Oct. 25-30th - Film Academy & SAICFF in San Antonio

Isaiah 58:13-14 January 10, 2010

Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

How do you and your family observe the Sabbath day week by week? The answer to this question throughout the history of Christ’s Church has generally evoked two opposite extremes—license and legalism. License, or doing whatever you wish, leads to an apathetic attitude regarding the 4th Commandment. Legalism, or the observing of special rules and regulations to justify yourself, leads to a rigorous and austere attitude regarding the Sabbath day. The middle point between these two opposite extremes is the position of Christian Liberty—the exercise of personal freedoms governed by the Law of God. Within this balanced viewpoint the Bible enumerates several aspects of Sabbath-keeping that give purpose and structure to this special day: Worship, Fellowship, Instruction, Necessity, Mercy, and Hospitality. Reflect upon these clear instructions found in the Westminster Confession of Faith,

This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe a holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. (WCF, Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day, Article Eight)

The Main Point of this Sermon:

“…if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the LORD…” Isaiah 58:13-14

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