Sharing the vision for Redeemer Theological Academy for the new school year
Two weeks ago on Saturday, Sept. 21, Cheryl and I hosted a Fall “Kick-off dinner” in our home for all of the students and their spouses at Redeemer Theological Academy. It was a very a enjoyable gathering with excellent food, good fellowship, and an opportunity for all students to hear the plans for the new school year.
What exactly are our plans? In short, we anticipate adding a second teacher during the Winter term with a class on “New Testament Survey.” In addition, we plan to establish a “Chaplaincy” position to provide spiritual care for our students, and an “Academic Advisor” to assist with students who are writing research papers for the Certificate program. It should be an exciting year!
Currently, our class on “History of the Early Church” is in progress (Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 AM). We have enjoyed a solid turnout averaging over twenty attendees each week. Three students are enrolled in our Certificate of Theological Studies program and making good progress. I also anticipate we will hold one or two “Crucial Question Seminars” over the Fall as well.
The Lord is with us! Thanks be to God!
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Director of Redeemer Theological Academy
Here is a typical class–with the students asking me all of the “hard” questions they can possibly think of!
“…much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12:12b
We just finished our theology class for the Winter/Spring term this past Thursday, May 16th–and it is time to take a summertime break. On the average we had twenty-one students each week. Six students are pursuing the Certificate of Theological Studies program. They will be completing a final exam and a ten-page long research paper. Overall, we had a wonderful time of working our way through all of the major subjects related to the doctrine of Salvation. We covered the following topics: Predestination and Election, the Order of Salvation, Efficacious Calling, Regeneration, Conversion, Faith, Repentance, Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification. It was a great class!
Besides my weekly lectures, we discussed Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by Dr. J. I. Packer, and Redemption: Accomplished and Applied by Prof. John Murray. There were numerous “rabbit trials” along the way, but we kept coming back to the main themes related to the doctrine of Salvation and that worked out quite well. Throughout the class I regularly brought up citations from the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. It is my personal goal to not only familiarize students with our Confession of Faith, but also to help them build-up their own library with excellent Reformed literature.
Here are a few pictures from our celebratory luncheon at Pok-e-Jo’s BBQ located here in Austin. Pok-e-Jo’s BBQ is definitely “old school” Austin with some of the best brisket sandwiches around! The pork ribs are pretty good too! The entire class couldn’t join us for the luncheon, but it was still a good representative group for our closing feast. I can guarantee you, no one left hungry!
Left to right: Robert, Steven, Mike, Landy, Donna, Jacqueline, Max, and Boyd.
Left to right: Ann, Tami, Sandy, Steve, Me, and David (photo credit: Brian)
This coming Fall we will study the “History of the Early Church” (from the Apostolic Age through AD 400). Our weekly class will meet on Thursday mornings in Calvin Hall [9:30-11:30 AM, Room 206] and will begin mid-September (more info to come). In addition to lectures we will read and discuss The Apostolic Fathers (which includes The Didache & writings by Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp). Plus we will also read The Confessions by Augustine. And…Lord willing, we will offer an evening class as well.
I had the privilege of preaching at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, where I serve as the Pastor of Christian Discipleship, this past Sunday (April 7, 2024). My part-time role is mainly focused on teaching adults in our School of Discipleship (on Sunday mornings) and in directing the newly established Redeemer Theological Academy (mid-week classes). Getting an opportunity to preach for me is a rarity–since we have a sizable staff of pastors–and so I was happy to take the opportunity when it came up! Below you will find a description of my sermon on the “Parable of the Lamp” and an audio clip so you can listen. I hope you enjoy it and are challenged by Jesus’ admonition to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16)!
Jesus uses a common oil-burning lamp as a “visual aid” or as a “parable” to illustrate the value of “light.” No doubt, you can think of examples in real life that demonstrate the value of light—a candle in the midst of a blackout, the light on your phone when you are trying to open the lock on your front door, or a handy flashlight to change a flat tire late at night. The Bible includes several references to “light” in both the Old and the New Testaments (see: Gen. 1:1-5; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 6:23; Matt. 5:14-16; Lk. 2:32; Jn. 3:19-21, 8:12). These short passages show us that light is a very important concept in the Bible. It is not an accident that Jesus uses a lamp that gives off light to express something quite valuable—but what does it mean? If we conclude that the “light” in the Parable of the Lamp refers to the gospel message then how should Christians today seek to show forth the “light” of the gospel? Both Jesus and Paul speak of Christians as the “sons of light” (Jn. 12:36; 1 Thes. 5:5). Therefore, we can be confident that whatever we might do in our life—whether it is in art, business, economics, education, family, law, politics, sports, or work—we bring the light of the gospel into it. Jesus did not intend for us to keep the light hidden, but to make it clearly known for all to see!
Here is the audio clip:
Just a few days after I preached, some friends very kindly gifted me with this genuine oil lamp made in Israel. Interestingly enough, the lamp I described in my sermon was very much like this one. My resource was the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible which gave me the description that I used. But now I had in my possession the real deal–a simple oil-burning clay lamp of the type used by Jesus in his parable! What joy! Post Tenebras Lux (After darkness, Light!)
We had a wonderful year of studying the Protestant Reformation (September 2022 through May 2023) here at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. Over the months we examined all of the key people and many of the significant events of the Reformation. Plus we had the opportunity to discuss and reflect on all the essential doctrines that emerged from this important time in history. Here is a short summary of the central doctrines of the Reformation:
“By Scripture Alone” (Sola Scriptura): The Bible alone is the source of God’s revelation; it contains the Law, the Gospel, and principles for how we should live, worship and think (principium cognoscendi). At the Diet of Worms (1521) Martin Luther based his whole argument on the phrase, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.” Thus, Sola Scriptura is commonly referred to as the “formal principle” of the Reformation (Isa. 40:8; Jn. 5:39, 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:14-17, Heb. 4:12-13).
“By Christ Alone” (Solus Christus): Jesus Christ is the only name by which we may be saved. The gospel is exclusive, and only faith in Christ saves (Isa. 53:1-12; Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5-7, Acts 4:12).
“By Grace Alone” (Sola Gratia): God’s grace alone is the ground of our salvation, and this is received by faith alone. Without God’s grace no one would be saved (Ps. 31:1; Eph. 2:4-10; Tit. 2:11-14).
“By Faith Alone” (Sola Fide): God-given faith is the only way to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ, which results in our justification. Luther noted, “faith is the receptive organ of justification.” Hence, the gift of faith is often referred to as the “material principle” of the Reformation. Moreover, Luther insisted that justification by faith is,“the article upon which the Church stands or falls” (justificatio est articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae). See the following Bible passages which clearly prove this point (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:16-17, 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5-7).
“Before the face of God” (Coram Deo): Christians are exhorted by the Bible to live all of life in the presence of God. This implies that there is no area of life where we do not have “business with God” (Negotium cum Deo). Christ is Lord over all (Prov. 15:3; Eph. 5:1-21; Col. 3:1-17).
“To God Be the Glory” (Soli Deo Gloria): God alone is the proper recipient of our gratitude in the matter of salvation and the Christian life (1 Cor. 10:31; Tit. 3:5-7; 1 Pt. 4:10-11).
“The Priesthood of Every Believer” (Communio Sanctorum): Every believer is exhorted by God to live-out the Christian life as a “holy venture” that pleases God (1 Pt. 2:9-10). Our sanctification and assurance of salvation are based solely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 1:9, 5:13; 1 Pt. 2:21-25).
“After Darkness, Light” (Post Tenebras Lux): This was the town motto of Geneva, Switzerland during the time of the Reformation. It reflects the wonderful deliverance from their former way of life that the local population came to feel as they lived by the doctrines of the Bible (Jn. 3:19-21 and 8:12; Eph. 4:17-32; Col. 1:13-14).
“The Church reformed, always reforming” (Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda): This slogan does not mean that the Church is always seeking to be “in step” with modern contemporary culture. Instead, it means that the Church of Jesus Christ is always measuring its doctrine and practices by Holy Scripture and reforming it when necessary. Only in this way does the Church keep itself pure and fit for service unto the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).
Here is a picture of our intrepid classmates (minus a few individuals who were away on the final day):
Also, a few weeks prior several of us enjoyed a fun luncheon after class at Pok-E-Joe’s BBQ here in Austin. These kinds of informal gatherings allow us to continue talking about what we are learning, while also building good friendships.
Lastly, I’ll announce the details for next year’s class soon! We plan to resume our studies on Thursday, September 14th.
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.
Here we are enjoying a brew and some tacos at Lazarus Brewing Company
Over these summer months I have the special privilege of mentoring Oguz Nurettin Alhan as a pastoral intern at Redeemer Presbyterian Church here in Austin, Texas. Oguz is from Smyrna, Turkey (cf. Rev. 2:8-11) and he is currently a student at Westminster Seminary in CA. Pray for Oguz as we expose him to all the facets pastoral ministry, and for me as I seek to instruct him in the many duties of a God-loving, long-suffering, and tender-hearted shepherd of the flock (Ezek. 34:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-5).
Four treasured books that have given me a lasting appreciation for Reformed Theology
“Reformed theology so far transcends the mere five points of Calvinism that it is an entire worldview.” ~Dr. R. C. Sproul
Class Description:
Is a belief in Reformed Theology a valid option for the contemporary Christian? The central thesis of this class is that Reformed Theology has “an abiding validity” since it freely flows from the pages of Holy Scripture. With that thesis in mind, we will explore the distinct beliefs of Reformed Theology in the Bible, in the key personalities of the Early Church, in the teaching of the Protestant Reformers, and in the significant Reformed thinkers of the modern era. Moreover, we will discuss how Reformed Theology has shaped modern culture—even though there are many who deny this fact—and how it has positively impacted education, care for the poor, law, politics, economics, a free society/liberty, vocation, the arts, missions, and social change. There will be multiple handouts and book recommendations given out for the benefit of each student.
Location:
Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) located in Austin, Texas. We will meet in Room 206 which is the large classroom upstairs in Calvin Hall.
Time:
Sunday mornings (10:15-11:00 AM) [See class schedule below]
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 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 and the Calvin Studies Society.
Class Schedule:
— June 6 – What is Reformed Theology? (Part 1)
— June 13 – What is Reformed Theology? (Part 2)
— June 20 – The Early Church: Paul, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Augustine
— June 27 – The Protestant Reformation: Zwingli, Bucer, Luther, Calvin, Knox
— July 18 – A Reformed Worldview: Law, Politics, Care for the Poor
— July 25 – A Reformed Worldview: A Free Society/Liberty, Education, Personal Vocation
— August 1 – No Class
— August 8 – A Reformed Worldview: Economics, the Arts, Missions, Social Change
I hope you can join us as we study Reformed Theology–its foundation in the Bible, its proponents in the Early Church, the Reformation, and the Modern Era. And lastly, we’ll reflect upon its significant (but oftentimes unacknowledged) influence upon all that is good and life-producing in modern culture. You may be surprised at what you learn! Come check it out!
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)
“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. 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.”
