April 4, 2010 Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

Modern-day living can certainly be a confusing and confounding experience! However, there is a lesson that you can learn from one who lived long ago, that ancient man of the Bible—Job. Job had everything going for himself—family, friends, and finances. Yet, when all of these were taken away he experienced massive amounts of personal confusion, which lead to self-doubt, self-pity, and extensive soul-searching. In the midst of Job’s personal despair he asks a crucial question about life, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (cf. Job 14:14). The answer to this perplexing question comes later in the text, when he asserts by faith, “For I know that my Redeemer lives…” (cf. Job 19:25-26). How did this significant change in Job’s attitude come about? Where did his new found confidence come from? The answer to these questions leads us to an important lesson about life—true happiness does not consist in possessions, but in your relationship with your Creator.

The Main Point of this Sermon:

By trusting in His Redeemer today, Job was given hope for tomorrow.

1. Job’s Great Confusion, (Job 14:14)

2. Job’s Growing Certainty, (Job 19:25a)

3. Job’s Personal Redeemer, (Job 19:25b)

4. Job’s Hope for Tomorrow, (Job 19:26)

Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

We come now to the 8th Commandment which reads, “And you shall not steal” (Deuteronomy 5:19). At the heart of this commandment is the admonition in both the Old Testament Law (Leviticus 19:18) and the New Testament Gospels (Matthew 22:37-40), that “you shall love your neighbor as yourself”. Indeed, the whole second table of the Law (Commandment’s #5-10) deals with the injunction to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Thus, it is fundamental to the Christian faith that we purpose to never steal from another person that which is not our own. Moreover, it is also true that we should resolve to work hard for what we do have so that we do not become the borrower’s “slave” (Proverbs 22:7), or an unnecessary burden to others.

The Main Point of this Sermon:

“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” Ephesians 4:28

1. Stealing

2. Repenting

3. Working

Part 1

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Part 2

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You Shall Not Commit Adultery” (Parts 1-2)

Deuteronomy 5:18 & 1 Peter 3:1-7

March 7th and 14th, 2010 Pastor Marcus J. Serven

Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)

Both Christians and non-Christians alike would readily admit that the family is under attack in the world in which we currently live. Academics of a more liberal persuasion are urgently trying to redefine the family, primarily so that it can be used as a tool for rapid social change. The problem with this effort to redefine the family is that God is the one who has set the pattern and the boundaries for marriage and the family. When those divinely determined protections are cast aside—like so much garbage—then God brings judgment upon the individuals and cultures that forsake his ways. The consequences of sin within the family are terrible to behold, and many in this fallen world have experienced firsthand the horrors of familial disintegration. But, there is a better way! The Lord not only has established a divine pattern for marriage and the family, but he also gives covenantal boundaries and instruction on how to enjoy a blessed marriage and family. Take hope!

The Main Point of this Sermon:

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands… Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way…” 1 Peter 3:1, 7

1. God’s Pattern for Marriage

A Divine Pattern is established…

§ Genesis 2:18-25

§ Matthew 19:5-6

2. God’s Protection of Marriage

Covenantal Boundaries are set…

§ Exodus 20:14

§ Leviticus 20:10

§ Deuteronomy 5:18

§ Matthew 5:27-28

§ Hebrews 13:4

3. God’s Provision in Marriage

Covenantal Instructions are given…

§ Proverb 5:15-23

§ Proverbs 6:20-35

§ Proverbs 7:1-27

§ Proverbs 12:4

§ Proverbs 18:22

§ Proverbs 19:4

§ Proverbs 31:23

§ Song of Solomon 1:2-4

§ Ecclesiastes 9:9

§ Ephesians 5:22-33

§ Colossians 3:18-19

§ 1 Peter 3:1-7

Bible Texts:

Deuteronomy 5:18 “And you shall not commit adultery.”

1 Peter 3:1-2, 7 “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without at word by the conduct of their wives—when they see your respectful and pure conduct… Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

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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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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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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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