The Genevan Foundation

How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

Category: Events

A New Class for the Fall Semester

September 18, 2024 /
The Stoning of Stephen, as Saul looks on in approval

On September 19, 2024 we begin the Fall Semester of Redeemer Theological Academy. Our class will be a study of the “History of the Early Church” (Apostolic Age through AD 451). Below are all the details:

Class Description: 

This weekly in-person class will meet on Thursday mornings in Calvin Hall, Room 206 (9:30-11:30 AM) at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Each week Pastor Serven will give lectures on the key people, events, and issues of this important period in the development and growth of the New Testament Church. In particular, we will focus on the lives of the Christian martyrs, the major doctrinal controversies, and the way in which the Lord protected and preserved his Church through many crushing difficulties. In addition to lectures from Pastor Serven we will read and discuss portions of The Apostolic Fathers (which include The Didache & writings by Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp). Near the end of the semester we will read The Confessions by Saint Augustine.

Required Textbooks: 

— The Apostolic Fathers in English. Michael W. Holmes, ed. Third Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006. 

— Augustine, Aurelius. Confessions. Sarah Ruden, trans. New York, NY: The Modern Library, 2018. 

Schedule: 

Class begins on Thursday, September 19, 2024 (9:30-11:30 AM). A list of reading assignments will be given out on the first day of class. 

Class Instructor: 

Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven is a longtime teacher of the Bible, Reformed theology, and the history of Christ’s Church. After a lengthy pastoral career of serving Presbyterian churches in both California and Missouri (1980-2016), Marcus and his family relocated to Austin, Texas in order to retire—but God had other plans! He now serves as the Pastor of Christian Discipleship here at Redeemer Presbyterian Church and is a member of the Presbytery of South Texas (PCA). Marcus has earned degrees from the University of California at Davis (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Covenant Theological Seminary (ThM and DMin). He is an active member of the Evangelical Theological Society.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Marcus Serven at: mserven@redeemerpres.org

Announcing: Redeemer Theological Academy

January 15, 2024 /

Our church elders have recently approved the development of a new ministry at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. It is called Redeemer Theological Academy. We will be offering college-level classes in Biblical studies, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry skills. I will serve as the director of this endeavor. Other instructors will be added over time. Our plans for the winter months (2024) are twofold: 

  • “The Doctrine of Salvation” – This weekly class begins on Thursday, January 18th in Calvin Hall [Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30 AM, Room 208]. It will be taught by Pastor Marcus Serven. As part of the class we will read J. I. Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and John Murray’s Redemption: Accomplished and Applied. 
  • “Burning Theological Questions” – These occasional Friday evening seminars will focus on some of the key questions that many Christians have about the Christian faith—such as “Is there any hope for the future?” and “What evidences are there for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ?” [dates and locations to be determined]. Various speakers will be presenting these seminars. More information coming soon!  

Both classes and seminars are provided free-of-charge to all members and attendees of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. In addition, students will be able to take classes for “credit” towards a Certificate of Theological Studies, or to “audit” classes. A Certificate of Theological Studies gives each successful student a strong foundation in the study of the Bible and Christian theology so that they can better serve the church in appropriate ministries. Men and women are welcome, plus mature High School and College students.

Questions? Contact Pastor Marcus Serven (mserven@redeemerpres.org) 

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Fall Theology Class (2023)

November 14, 2023 /

“The New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed.”

Several people have asked, “What exactly is the Theology Study Group all about?” In answer to this probing question, let me present a few photos. Recently one of our students surreptitiously took some pictures right in the middle of class, and I didn’t even notice! I guess I was preoccupied with the subject matter. Here are a few shots of our theology class in action:

This Fall we are studying Biblical Theology (i.e. the great themes of Scripture–Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation), and Hermeneutics (i.e. how to properly interpret the Bible). Our weekly format is to discuss the assigned reading in our textbook, The Drama of Scripture, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. We then take a ten minute break with coffee and donuts. Once we come back together we “shift gears” and begin working our way through a passage in the Bible following the method of interpretation that I have taught (10:40 AM-11:30 AM). On this particular week that the pictures were taken we were endeavoring to interpret Hebrews 8:1-13 on how Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest, and how he has mediated a New Covenant on our behalf. It was a rich passage and the discussion was deep and meaningful.

Typically we have sixteen or seventeen students each Thursday morning. I always bring in beneficial books to “show and tell,” and besides studying we enjoy some sweet fellowship amongst one another. Indeed, a strong bond has been formed, and for that we are all most grateful. If you are in Austin, TX on a Thursday morning, then drop by Redeemer Presbyterian Church and visit our class. You would be most welcome to attend!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Biblical Theology (Fall, 2023)

August 16, 2023 /

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” John 5:39

Theology Study Group – A Course in Biblical Theology

Course Description:
Over the Fall semester (2023) the Theology Study Group at Redeemer Presbyterian Church here in Austin, TX will focus on two important questions in Biblical Theology:

(1) What are the principles for accurately interpreting the Bible? (Hermeneutics)
(2) What are the major themes that emerge from passages in the Bible? (Exegesis)

Each week we will explore a text from the Bible that deals with one of the central themes of Holy Scripture: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. By understanding the themes that knit everything together, we will then be better able to interpret and apply individual passages from the Bible.

Instructor:
Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven, MDiv, ThM, DMin
Pastor of Christian Discipleship at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)
(email) mserven@redeemerpres.org

Textbooks:
— The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story, Craig Bartholomew, Michael Goheen, 2nd Edition, Baker Academic, 2014
— Redemption Accomplished and Applied, John Murray, Eerdmans, 2015
— Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J. I. Packer, Revised Edition, IVP, 2012

Who is welcome to attend? All men and women who have a desire to go deeper in theological studies than we can offer in our weekly School of Discipleship. Also, High School and College age students are welcome to attend as long as they are motivated to learn theology at a more advanced level.

When and Where: Beginning on September 14, 2023 we will meet every Thursday morning (except for Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 23) in Calvin Hall (Room 208) at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. This is an “in person” class and students are expected to regularly attend all classes.

For Serious Students: For those who desire to take the class “for credit” towards a certificate, extra assignments will be given: (1) Write a 10 page paper explaining how Jesus’ words in John 5:39-40 should be interpreted. And (2) pass an examination of 25 questions (short answers) on “How to Interpret the Bible” and the contents of the The Drama of Scripture.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The Presbyterian Story

December 19, 2022 /
The Westminster Assembly (1643-1649)

School of Discipleship – Winter/Spring Term (2023)–class begins January 15

Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX

Class Description:

What is the meaning of the term “Presbyterian?” Many people automatically think of a church that is “ruled by elders”—and that would certainly be true. There is so much more, however, to the term “Presbyterian” than just a particular form of church government. There are theological doctrines, church practices, and a style of worship that makes Presbyterianism rather unique in comparison to other forms of Christianity. Moreover, there is a fascinating history that stretches from the Scottish Covenanters during the Reformation all the way to the Presbyterian Church in America during this modern era. Join us for a rich tour through Presbyterian history and theology. You will learn about many aspects of Presbyterianism—some that may be entirely new to you—and you will learn it from two dedicated Presbyterian Pastors. 

Class Instructors:

— Rev. Jonathan Herr, Assistant Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church

— Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Pastor of Christian Discipleship at Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Recommended Books: 

Hart, Darryl G. and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2007.

Hart, Darryl G. and John R. Muether. With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2002. 

Fortson III, S. Donald. The Presbyterian Story: Origins and Progress of a Reformed Tradition. Second Edition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2013. 

Leith, John H. Introduction to the Reformed Tradition:A Way of Being the Christian Community. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1977. 

Lucas, Sean M. On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, and Stories. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2006.

The Confession of Faith and Catechisms. American Edition (1788). Jointly published by Great Commission Publications (PCA) in Atlanta, GA, and the Committee on Christian Education (OPC) in Willow Grove, PA, 2005.

Theology Study Group Resumes

August 19, 2022 /
The members of the “Theology Study Group” at Redeemer Presbyterian Church as we celebrated the conclusion of our study through Berkhof’s “Manual of Christian Doctrine”

Throughout the Fall months we will be studying the “History and Theology of the Reformation.” What is our plan? Specifically, we will interact with John Calvin’s masterful treatise The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544), and hear lectures from Pastor Marcus Serven on the key people and core doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. Our group of serious adult learners meets at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, on Thursday mornings (9:30-11:30 AM) in room 208 of Calvin Hall. The first class begins on Thursday, September 15, 2022. For more information, or to reserve your place contact Pastor Marcus Serven (mserven@redeemerpres.org).

Our text for the Fall

The publishers of our text book–Reformation Trust Publishers–capture the main theme of John Calvin’s treatise quite well when they portray an upside down church as symbolic of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Church. Rather than emphasizing the priority of a living and active faith in Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholics wrongly emphasize the authority and power of the Church. It is a point well taken, and Calvin forcefully argues that the proper role of the Church is to humbly serve as an assembly of believers who faithfully obey and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the central reason that the church in the time of the Reformation needed to be thoroughly reformed–the church had forsaken their “first love” (Rev. 2:4). Thankfully, through the work of Calvin and many other Reformers, it was reformed. And as “heirs of the Reformation” we have received all the benefits. Soli Deo Gloria!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

If you want to know more about Calvin’s doctrine of the Church see my article: https://thegenevanfoundation.com/calvins-doctrine-of-the-church/

Update on the Theology Study Group

May 12, 2022 /
An after class celebration at Pok-e-Jo’s Smokehouse in Austin

Over the past twenty-two months I have really enjoyed the privilege of teaching theology to this serious group of adult-learners. We call ourselves the “Theology Study Group.” Our class formed in the Summer of 2020 with four students and over time we grew to sixteen students. The basic plan was to meet weekly on Thursday mornings (weather, vacations, and illnesses permitting) at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. The Lord has certainly blessed us as we dug deep into the Bible and wrestled with all of the major doctrines of the Christian faith.

Today we reached the final pages in Louis Berkhof’s “Manual of Christian Doctrine” and we discussed–as you might expect–the Return of Christ and the coming Judgment Day. The promise of “the blessed hope” which is “the appearing of…our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13) is a strong motivation to holy living and faithfulness. What a privilege it is to reflect on these precious doctrines of God. Class members: (L-R) Max, Donna, Steven, Albert, David, Joel, Bret, me, Steven, and Boyd. Missing from this picture are regular attenders: Robert, Brian, Joseph, and Jack.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

School of Discipleship Class: An Exposition of Paul’s Letter to Titus

March 10, 2021 /

Let me give a warm-hearted invitation for anyone to join with us at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin, Texas for our School of Discipleship. During the Spring term (2021) I will be teaching a class on Paul’s Letter to Titus. We gather each week in Covenant Hall (10:15-11:00 AM) and there is plenty of room to spread out. Although this class is primarily designed for adults, well-behaved children are also welcome to attend. This class has an informal tone, and so you are welcome to ask your questions. I’ll do my best to answer them! Here is a brief introduction to the class:

Near the end of the Apostle Paul’s life he wrote three poignant letters that have become known as the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus). These letters were written to close associates of Paul—all younger men—who had faithfully labored alongside of him in both good times and bad times. Paul was determined to communicate to these two pastor-evangelists the central priorities of gospel ministry—the faithful preaching of the Word of God, the necessity of maintaining a Christian character while living in this fallen world, and the proper exercise of discipline in the local church. It appears that he also had in mind that others would read these letters besides Timothy and Titus. Hence, in the Epistle of Titus he gives practical instructions as to how the church of Jesus Christ should be structured plus the qualifications for church leaders (Titus 1:5-9). Moreover, he reflects upon the grace and mercy of God in the matter of salvation (Titus 3:4-7). Finally, Paul urges all who read his words to wait patiently “for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Class Schedule: Note that there are three Sundays in our Spring schedule when we will not be meeting–March 14, 21 (Spring Break) and April 4 (Easter Sunday).

— Feb. 28 – Introductory Remarks (Titus 1:1-4)

— Mar. 7 – Qualifications for Church Leaders (Titus 1:5-9)

— Mar. 14 – Spring Break/No Class

— Mar. 21 – Spring Break/No Class

— Mar. 28 – Beware of the False Prophets (Titus 1:10-16)

— April 4 – Easter Sunday/No Class

— April 11 – Proper Roles amongst True Believers (Titus 2:1-10)

— April 18 – The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:11-15)

— April 25 – True Christian Character (Titus 3:1-3, 8-11)

— May 2 – God’s Grace and Mercy (Titus 3:4-7) and Final Remarks (Titus 3:12-15)

I hope you can join us as we study God’s Word!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

An Update on the “Theology Study Group”

December 11, 2020 /
A tried and true resource for studying Christian doctrine

Every Thursday morning (9:00-11:00 AM) I have the privilege of teaching systematic theology to a group of men and women at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin. Typically, we have 10-12 students for each class session. We have certainly grown a lot since beginning this past July when I started with one participant! Each one of the students serve in various ministry settings–as ruling elders, deacons, crisis counselors, missionary pastors, and chaplains. Moreover, they all greatly desire to “go deeper” into our beliefs, doctrines, and practices. We are using Louis Berkhof’s well-regarded Manual of Christian Doctrine (2nd Edition) as a guide, and I regularly assign additional resources as needed. Besides my teaching, we thoroughly discuss these doctrines and seek to come up with practical applications that can be useful in actual ministry situations.

For example, we recently studied the “Providence of God” and we noted how beneficial this doctrine can be in providing assurance and comfort to those who are in the midst of suffering and trials. Our Confession of Faith states it this way, “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence, according to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 5, Art. 1) What a blessing it is to know that God directs the affairs of mankind! And, that our Lord is intimately involved in the details of our own life so that He knows even the number of hairs upon our head! (Matt. 10:29-31)

I sure would welcome your prayers as I teach systematic theology from week to week, and as I seek “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4:12) And, for those who may be interested in joining us, then simply reach out to me to get more information.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

School of Discipleship Class: The Growth of God’s Kingdom on Earth

October 2, 2020 /

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Austin, Texas

Please join us for a brand new “School of Discipleship” course at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin, Texas. We begin on October 4th (10:15-11:00 AM) with the class located in Covenant Hall. There will be plenty of room to spread out! This class is primarily for adults, but youth and children are welcome.

Class Teachers: 

  • Mr. Bob Phillips, Ruling Elder
  • Rev. Dr. Marcus Serven, Pastor of Christian Discipleship

Overall Theme:

Without question, this is a troublesome and tumultuous time in which we now live. Our nation is divided into many passionate and polarized subgroups, and there is anarchy, looting, protest, and rioting in the streets. Moreover, we are heading into a national election whose outcome is bound to be controversial. The Christian might ask, “Where is the Kingdom of God to be found amongst all of this upheaval?” In this class we will endeavor to present a well-reasoned answer to this important question. We will do so by reflecting on some of the relevant passages on the Kingdom of God that are found in the Bible. Moreover, we will utilize the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as a guide to direct us to the central concepts regarding the Kingdom of God. It is our sincere desire as teachers of God’s Word to bring understanding in the face of confusion, hope in the midst of uncertainty, and peace in the presence of fear. 

Class Schedule: 

  • Oct. 4 — “What is the chief and highest end of man?” (WLC Q. 1; WSC Q. 1) [Serven]
  • Oct. 11 — “Holy Scripture” (WCF Ch. 1, Art. 6) “…all things necessary for…man’s salvation, faith, and life is…set down in Scripture.” [Serven]
  • Oct. 18 — “God” WCF (Ch. 2, Art. 1) “There is but one only, living, and true God.” (Art. 2) “He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them…” [Phillips]
  • Oct. 25 — “Providence” (WCF Ch. 5, Art. 1; WLC Q. 18-20) “God the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things…by His most wise and holy providence…” [Serven]
  • Nov. 1 — “Man and Sin” (WCF Ch. 6, Art. 5) “This corruption…through Christ [is] pardoned, mortified…” [Phillips]
  • Nov. 8 — “Christ” (WCF Ch. 8, Art. 1) “…the Lord Jesus…to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of his church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: unto whom he did from all eternity give a people, to be his seed, and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.” [Phillips]
  • Nov. 15 — “Good Works” (WCF Ch. 16, Art. 2) “Good works…adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God…” [Serven]
  • Nov. 22 — “The Law of God” (WCF Ch. 19, Art. 6) “[The Law of God is for]…true believers…of great use…as a rule of life informing them of the will of God, and their duty…” [Phillips]
  • Nov. 29 — “Civil Magistrates” (WCF Ch. 23, Art. 1; WLC 191-192) “…as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the church of our common Lord, without giving preference…” [Serven]
  • Dec. 6 — “The Church” (WCF Ch. 25, Art. 2) “The visible church…is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.” (Art. 5) “…there shall always be a church on earth, to worship God according to his will.” [Phillips]

I hope you can join us as we explore this important topic: “The Growth of God’s Kingdom on Earth.”

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

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