What does it mean to be a servant in the Church of Jesus Christ? In this sermon, Pastor Mark continues the series on Presbyterian church government by exploring the Biblical roles and character qualifications of elders and deacons. Drawing from Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1, we see how Christ appoints officers not merely to manage the church—but to serve, protect, and represent Him to the world.

These roles are not about control, but about character. They are rooted in the gospel and shaped by Christ’s own example of sacrificial service. Whether you are currently an officer, nominating new leaders, or simply a believer striving to live a faithful life, this message calls us all to reflect the holiness and humility of Jesus.

Scripture References:

📖 Acts 6:1–7

📖 1 Timothy 3:1–13

📖 Titus 1:5–9

Sermon Highlights:

📌 The early Church faced real problems—and God gave real solutions

📌 Elders and deacons serve distinct but complementary roles

📌 Character and spiritual maturity are essential for church leadership

📌 Officers represent not the people, but Christ

📌 Every believer is called to live a life of holiness and faithful witness

We are a Confessional Presbyterian and Reformed church, committed to Christ-centered preaching, Scriptural fidelity, and shepherding care. Join us as we seek to glorify God through faithful leadership and humble service.

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What does the Bible really say about how the Church should be governed? Is it just a matter of preference—or has God actually given us a pattern for leadership in His Church?In this sermon, Pastor Mark explains why the form of church government matters. Drawing from both Old and New Testament passages, we see that Christ rules His Church not through lone leaders or distant hierarchies, but through servant-hearted elders working together. This model, found throughout Scripture, protects the flock and proclaims the gospel with clarity and unity.Scripture References and Sermon Points:📖 Numbers 11:11–17📖 Acts 15:1–21📖 Acts 20:17–31Sermon Highlights:📌 Christ is the Head of the Church📌 All churches have government—what matters is whether it's Biblical📌 Presbyterian government is grassroots and has a plurality of elders📌 Elders are gifts to the church for care and protection📌 Biblical leadership reflects God’s mercy and protects against errorWe are a Confessional Presbyterian and Reformed church, committed to Christ-centered preaching, Scriptural fidelity, and the care of God’s people through faithful shepherding.🔗 Explore more resources at https://edgertonfrc.org#churchgovernment #presbyterian

Psalm 122 reflects on the significance of Jerusalem as a place of worship. Just as we have places that are dear to us, the Israelites held Jerusalem in high regard for its temple, a symbol of God's presence and salvation. The Psalmist's joy in approaching Jerusalem for festivals underscores the anticipation and reflection embedded in the journey. This Psalm encourages prayers for Jerusalem's peace and emphasizes the spiritual unity of believers gathered under God's protection. In the new covenant, our understanding of Jerusalem's significance extends to the church and Christ's work, fostering a worshipful community. 

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In this week's message we consider the distinction between the Creator and His creation as we dig into Psalm 115. Here we see the psalmist emphasizes the worship of Yahweh, the sovereign and distinct God, in contrast to idols made by human hands. The psalm urges trust in the Lord, declaring His blessings for those who fear Him. The choice lies between earthly pursuits and eternal devotion to the powerful, steadfast God who alone deserves praise. 

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In Psalm 42, the psalmist passionately longs for God's presence and worship in Jerusalem. Amidst distress and mockery, he reminds his soul to hope in God, for He is faithful and his salvation. In our affluent world, may we not be consumed by earthly desires, but seek true fulfillment in Christ, the living water. With access to God through Jesus, may we find peace and joy, knowing that He satisfies our deepest longings. Let us testify to His faithfulness, longing for His presence above all else.

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This week we reflect on the struggles and desperation we face in life in light of Psalm 61. David, feeling fainthearted, seeks strength and safety in God during trials. He cries out for divine intervention, recognizing God's ever-present hearing. Despite feeling distant, David desires to dwell in God's presence, seeking refuge under His protective wings. The psalm expresses confidence in God's faithfulness and His role as a rock and stronghold. The prayer for the prolonged life of the king also carries messianic undertones, connecting to the hope of Christ's eternal reign.

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This week we take a look at Psalm 58. This imprecatory psalm contains difficult imagery of judgment but, in light of Christ, it points us to the truth of salvation in Christ and his coming again to judge the living and the dead.

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As we consider Psalm 53 we discuss the presence of sin and depravity in the world.  This is a theological truth that can be observed everywhere. The doctrine of original sin challenges the idea that the world's problems are solely caused by external factors.  In Psalm 53 we see that there is no one righteous, not even one.  All of humanity is inherently sinful.  Psalm 53 highlights the need for salvation and the impossibility of achieving righteousness on our own. It is not all bad news, the psalm closes up with the hope that God will be merciful and because we know the truth of the gospel we can read this passage in confidence knowing that Jesus was righteous in our place and we have salvation through him.

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This week we consider the affection for the God the Psalmist has in Psalm 116.  We see an emphasis that the love for God is connected to His nature and the actions He has taken for His people. The Psalmist expresses their love for God because He has heard their voice and delivered them from a dire situation. The Psalmist understands that God's hearing is an act of mercy and grace. The passage uses vivid language to convey the Psalmist's experience of being surrounded by death and the profound deliverance God provides, keeping their feet from stumbling and allowing them to walk before God in the land of the living.

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Psalm 43 is a prayer written as a desperate cry for deliverance. Psalm 43 is connected to Psalm 42, where the writer of the psalm expresses feelings of intense grief and also feelings of being abandoned by God. In the midst of being overwhelmed by chaos and the mocking of enemies, Psalm 43 shows devotion to God and the important of calling out to him for deliverance. This Psalm serves as a source of comfort and reminds us as believers that we are not alone in our struggles. We can pray this Psalm with confidence knowing that we have deliverance in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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