Rev. Serven

Archive of Pastor Serven’s Sermons

The Church: The Body of Christ

Posted by on Dec 7, 2008 in Rev. Serven

If we are redeemed, all the benefits Christ earned our ours. We are His people. We have been knit together. We have unity in Christ. We have a new identity in Christ. Christ is grieved by injuries done to his body the church. An attack on the body is an attack on God and you. Honor given to the church is honor given to Christ. Christ protects his body. The church is not an orphan. Christ humbles his converts, so that they submit to him and his church. Text: Acts 5:1-20 Guest Preacher, Pastor Jeff Yelton. Jesus Christ died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for his church. By doing this, he...

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In Everything Give Thanks

Posted by on Dec 2, 2008 in Rev. Serven

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians by making a passing statement, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Perhaps you are wondering, like I am, is Paul really serious about us obeying this admonition? How can a person “give thanks” in everything? After all, there are some truly awful parts of life where it is challenging to find anything to be thankful about! The key to interpreting this passage is found by investigating Paul’s own personal circumstances. Since he never...

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The Three Uses of the Law

Posted by on Nov 21, 2008 in Rev. Serven

Text: 1 Timothy 1:8-11 The Bible clearly states that the Christian is saved by grace alone through faith alone (cf. Ephesians 2:5, 8-10). Since this is true, then what should be one’s attitude toward the Law of God? Should the Christian reject it entirely as a set of unnecessary regulations, or is there some on-going use for the Law of God in the life of the Believer? In answer to these questions it should be noted that the Bible teaches three uses of the Law of God: (1) It is a light to expose our sin and point us to the Savior. (2) It is a curb to restrain wickedness in this fallen world....

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A True Child In the Faith

Posted by on Nov 17, 2008 in Rev. Serven

Introduction to the sermon series on the Pastoral Epistles. Christ Jesus our Hope. Paul an apostle by royal command of God. The power of the gospel to transcend culture and ethnic differences. From one generation to the next. Team work on the track field. Gnosticism. The aim: a heart purified by the work of Christ; a transformed conscience informed by Christ and his Word; Sincere and consistent faith (word and life match). Then, love abounds. Text: 1 Timothy 1:1-7 With the first seven verses of Paul’s letter to Timothy we have a very fine introduction to all of the Pastoral Epistles....

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Missions: To Every Son and Daughter

Posted by on Nov 10, 2008 in Rev. Serven

The Great Comission is larger than Foreign Missions. Discipling the nations starts in the home. Covenantal Evangelism. What is the Covenant? God entering into relationship with His people. Timothy’s conversion vs. Paul’s conversion. The means of grace. Sending forth the next generation. Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 When we think of “missions” we typically think of getting our shots and passport in order, traveling to far away foreign lands, and preaching to natives in steamy jungle huts. This type of missionary effort is certainly encouraged by our Lord (cf. Matthew 28:18-20). But,...

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Grace and Its Fruits

Posted by on Nov 4, 2008 in Rev. Serven

Reformation Day stories. What is Grace? God’s riches at Christ’s expense. God rejects all carnal efforts. The strength of God’s grace. We are dead in sin, and are now made alive. Our position has been transferred: no longer are we under the penalty or power of sin. Grace is a disposition of God towards his people. Martin Luther stories. Though it is not by good works that we are saved, once we are redeemed, we show His work in our life by manifesting good works. God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Text: Ephesians 2:4-10 One of the central tenets of the...

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