The Guide for the Week of October 16-22, 2022
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 23:10-25
Matthew 24:1-36
Revelation 3
Psalm 45
Verse to Memorize
Hebrews 4:15-16
Catechism Questions
Q. 69. Why do you need Christ as a prophet?
A. Because I am ignorant.
Q. 70. Why do you need Christ as a priest?
A. Because I am guilty.
Q. 71. Why do you need Christ as a king?
A. Because I am weak and helpless.
People to Pray for:
Church: Church of the King McAllen Texas
Pastor Ron Smith
Ministry: Warhorn Media
Civil Magistrate: Indiana House of Representatives
Song Recommendations:
Deuteronomy 23:10-25
Matthew 24:1-36
Revelation 3
Psalm 45
Verse to Memorize
Hebrews 4:15-16
Catechism Questions
Q. 69. Why do you need Christ as a prophet?
A. Because I am ignorant.
Q. 70. Why do you need Christ as a priest?
A. Because I am guilty.
Q. 71. Why do you need Christ as a king?
A. Because I am weak and helpless.
People to Pray for:
Church: Church of the King McAllen Texas
Pastor Ron Smith
Ministry: Warhorn Media
Civil Magistrate: Indiana House of Representatives
Song Recommendations:
Come now, my friend, how can you say
Like a bird up to his mountain I should fly away?
All hope is gone, this is the end
Now retreat’s the only course that you would recommend
My friend, your counsel of defeat is like a coal
It burns my soul
Look out, you say, the wicked’s bow
Has got an arrow on the string and he will let it go
All hope is gone, they say it’s true
That when foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?
My friend, but you forget the Lord is on His throne
And we’re His own
The Lord is in His holy temple
He that rules the earth is in His heaven
His eyes behold, His eyelids test
The hearts and minds of all the sons of men
Come now, my friend, you need to know
It is nothing for the Lord to break the wicked’s bow
It’s in His power to judge all men
If there’s one in love with violence, God will deal with Him
He’ll send the fire of a mighty burning wind
And bring an end
The Lord is in His holy temple
He that rules the earth is in His heaven His eyes behold, His eyelids test
The hearts and minds of all the sons of men (x2)
So now, my friend, I hope you’ll hear
There’s no reason for you now to be a slave to fear
For God is great, and God is good
And He’ll reward the righteous man just like He said He would
By giving all His sons the warmth of His embrace
By putting all rebellious sinners in their place
And one day those of us who’ve trusted in His grace
Will see His face
Like a bird up to his mountain I should fly away?
All hope is gone, this is the end
Now retreat’s the only course that you would recommend
My friend, your counsel of defeat is like a coal
It burns my soul
Look out, you say, the wicked’s bow
Has got an arrow on the string and he will let it go
All hope is gone, they say it’s true
That when foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?
My friend, but you forget the Lord is on His throne
And we’re His own
The Lord is in His holy temple
He that rules the earth is in His heaven
His eyes behold, His eyelids test
The hearts and minds of all the sons of men
Come now, my friend, you need to know
It is nothing for the Lord to break the wicked’s bow
It’s in His power to judge all men
If there’s one in love with violence, God will deal with Him
He’ll send the fire of a mighty burning wind
And bring an end
The Lord is in His holy temple
He that rules the earth is in His heaven His eyes behold, His eyelids test
The hearts and minds of all the sons of men (x2)
So now, my friend, I hope you’ll hear
There’s no reason for you now to be a slave to fear
For God is great, and God is good
And He’ll reward the righteous man just like He said He would
By giving all His sons the warmth of His embrace
By putting all rebellious sinners in their place
And one day those of us who’ve trusted in His grace
Will see His face
Verse 1
Come, men of Christ, be strong!
Stand firm, and hold your ground.
Take courage: Though the battle’s long,
The Victor has been crowned.
Advance the cause of Christ!
Once more unto the breach!
Make sharp your swords and join the fight,
For triumph is in reach.
Verse 2
Come, men of Christ, enjoy!
God’s given all that’s fair.
The things of earth are for your joy,
Received with thankful prayer.
Take heart, glad men, have cheer!
Let loud your laughter ring!
And live as rowdy cavaliers
For covenant and King.
Verse 3
Come, join the Bridegroom’s feast!
The table’s set to dine,
Filled full with ale and fatty meats
And rich with bread and wine.
Lift up your glasses high,
And toast, “No king but Christ!”
Then eat your fill and fix your eyes
On Him, our sacrifice.
Verse 4
Sing, men of Christ, sing loud:
“Our banner is the Lord!”
First in, last out, and laughing loud,
We work for our reward.
One day we’ll hear, “Well done,”
And all our striving cease,
But ’til our lifelong race is run,
We’ll fight and laugh and feast.
Come, men of Christ, be strong!
Stand firm, and hold your ground.
Take courage: Though the battle’s long,
The Victor has been crowned.
Advance the cause of Christ!
Once more unto the breach!
Make sharp your swords and join the fight,
For triumph is in reach.
Verse 2
Come, men of Christ, enjoy!
God’s given all that’s fair.
The things of earth are for your joy,
Received with thankful prayer.
Take heart, glad men, have cheer!
Let loud your laughter ring!
And live as rowdy cavaliers
For covenant and King.
Verse 3
Come, join the Bridegroom’s feast!
The table’s set to dine,
Filled full with ale and fatty meats
And rich with bread and wine.
Lift up your glasses high,
And toast, “No king but Christ!”
Then eat your fill and fix your eyes
On Him, our sacrifice.
Verse 4
Sing, men of Christ, sing loud:
“Our banner is the Lord!”
First in, last out, and laughing loud,
We work for our reward.
One day we’ll hear, “Well done,”
And all our striving cease,
But ’til our lifelong race is run,
We’ll fight and laugh and feast.
Notes for Parents
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy –
We have in these verses several miscellaneous rules and regulations for God’s people. Some of them deal with the issue of cleanliness and were part of the law to the Jews teaching them that they were to be a people pure and holy. And yet there is some practical help to them as well. Putting your bathroom outside of the camp is a good idea of for sanitary reasons. It may seem strange that the Bible includes that passage but we learn from it that God does care for us and that his commands are fit for every area of life. We should be a sanitary people. We should care about cleanliness and being of good health.
Some Christians seem to see conspiracies everywhere and about everything. It is true that the wicked plot and conspire. But we ought to be careful that we don’t just become contrarians on every issue. Science, Medicine, doctors, and etc are not inventions of the devil. The devil only kills and destroys. God is the one who brings health and life. Therefore, I would caution you against being overly skeptical of everything. Yes you will want to try the claims of men before the word of God. And yes, even the best of doctors are imperfect, but know that God had commands that protected the health of his people.
Along with this, be good stewards of your home. John Wesley famously said cleanliness is next godliness. Teach your children to be good stewards in regards to cleanliness. Teach them to pick up after themselves, not to throw trash on the ground, and simple things like washing their hands when they use the bathroom. Use this passage to teach them that God cares even about these small things.
Matthew
Last week, we looked at the whole chapter of Matthew and made the point that it is dealing with two different subjects- the destruction of Jerusalem (verses 4-35) and Christ’s final return (verses 36 and following). We saw that wars, rumors of wars, plagues and other natural disasters are not signs of the end of the world. We ought not be led astray or frightened by those constantly saying the end is just right around the corner.
This week we are focusing on the first section of the chapter and Jesus warning to his disciples about the destruction of the temple. Jesus gives his disciples warnings about all the things leading up the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. While these things are not signs of the end of the world, they are often signs of the end of a nation or God’s judgement upon a people. Therefore there are things we can learn even for our day.
We learn that we ought not be taken in by false teachers and false Christs. Regarding false Christs, Jesus warning was not that there would be people who said they were Jesus but rather they would be people who claim to be the one to lead God’s people in victory over the Romans. They would claim to be the Messiah. The Jews believed the Messiah was mainly a political figure that would set up the Jewish kingdom. Jesus shows us that the Messiah was the one who came to forgive sins and set up a spiritual kingdom that would rule over the entire earth. We ought to be mindful that there will always be political figures who rise up and claim that they are the one who can finally set things right. They won’t claim to be the Christ in our day but they will lay claim to your loyalty. Be mindful of those on the left or right who act as if they alone are the answer to life’s problems. Be mindful that you don’t put all your hope in a political solution. Christians ought to be involved in politics. We ought to proclaim the law of God and we pray for and support godly leaders. But our hope is not in politics.
These false messiahs in the Jews day, led the people to revolt against the Romans. Then these rebels ended up committing much violence against their rival political factions in Jerusalem. Finally, the Romans came and destroyed them all.
Revelation 3
In the book of Revelation, the Apostle is instructed to send a message to seven churches. Each message is filled with warnings and encouragements to the churches around Asia Minor. We can learn from these warnings for ourselves. For example, God desires that we be a people that are alive in Christ. We should be a people who either like Hot or Cold water add life to the cup instead of those who just go through the motions being dead and lukewarm.
Psalm 45
Psalm 45 is a love song. It reads like a song written by a bard on the day of the King’s wedding to a beautiful woman. The bard sings the praises of the King and tells of the beauty of his bride. This song then is talking about the Lord Jesus and his bride the Church. When you read it consider the descriptions of both the King and of the bride. This teaches us how the church should be and how we are a part of the church should live. It also teaches us how Christ views His Church. We ought to develop a love for the Church.
Catechism/ Memory Verse
Ignorant, Guilty, Weak and Helpless- These are not traits we want to be associated with or to admit to being. You don’t go to walmar or target and by a shir that says “weak and helpless”. No they sell shirts that say “Powerful”, “Leader”, and “Strong.” Christians though recognize that apart from Christ they are powerless, easily led astray, and weak to sin. To acknowledge that you are indeed ignorant without Christ is to be on the path to wisdom. To admit your guilty is the way to being justified and declared innocent. To lament your weakness and helplessness is the beginning to strength.
But we don’t admit these things and revel in them alone. No, we don’t want to wallow in the pit of despair or to take pride in being perpetually stupid, condemned, and wimpy. Instead, we look to Christ who is our prophet, priest, and king. Jesus gives us wisdom, takes away our guilt, leads us and protects us. The Bible commands followers of this prophet, priest and king to be wise, innocent and strong. We can only do that by relying on Christ. Teach your children to the humility to acknowledge their sins. Teach them to boast only in Christ. Teach them to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
People to Pray for:
Please pray for Pastor Ron Smith and Church of the King in McAllen Texas. They have been such a faithful supporter of our church since its beginning. They have quietly without requesting praise or asking anything in return given to us financially each month. Pastor Smith has had some health issues recently and therefore we want to pray that God will give him health and the church faith through it. If you have time, it would be such a blessing for your children to send thank you notes to the church.
Warhorn media is a publishing and media organization that produces content from Trinity Reformed Church and other sister churches. They publish Tim Bayly’s books, several podcasts, and the music from My Soul Among Lions. Pray for them as they continue this work that God will provide the finances and the content. Pray that God will use it all for His kingdom.
Lastly, we are praying for our Indiana House of Representatives. They are not in session but are gearing up for elections. Pray that God will put into office those who will be faithful and bring conviction of those who are not so that they may repent of their sins and serve Jesus with their authority.
Church History Spotlight
Ignatius of Antioch Martyred October 17th 107 AD
“I am God's wheat, ground fine by the lion's teeth to be made purest bread for Christ”
After the Apostles, Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch in Syria. Whether he knew any of the Apostles directly is uncertain. Little is known of his life except for the very end of it. Early in the second century,he was arrested by the Imperial authorities, condemned to death, and transported to Rome to die in the arena. By thus dealing with a leader, the rulers hoped to terrify the rank and file. Instead, Ignatius took the opportunity to encourage them, speaking to groups of Christians at every town along the way. When the prison escort reached the west coast of Asia Minor, it halted before taking ship, and delegations from several Asian churches were able to visit Ignatius, to speak with him at length, to assist him with items for his journey, and to bid him an affectionate farewell and commend him to the grace of God. In response he wrote seven letters that have been preserved: five to congregations that had greeted him, en masse or by delegates (Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, and Smyrnaeans), one to the congregation that would greet him at his destination (Romans), and one to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John. What the enemy of God meant to cause fear only ended up bringing encouragement to Christians for millennia. Christians take the heat so others may see the light.
Highlight from the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 8. How doth God execute his decrees? A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence
Colossians 1:16-17 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a strange belief called Deism took hold among some people in the West. These were people who believed there was a God but began to reject the truths of God’s word about God. They were convinced that the universe could not create itself and so they believed in God. But their god was one who simply created all things, set about certain laws of nature, and then stepped back to let it all play out. The god of deism doesn’t interfere with the universe he made. It was a purely philosophical belief and one many intellectual elites were given to. They thought of themselves as above petty religious difference and argument about the bible. Of course, in their pride they created a false god who since he was cold and indifferent to them, they could be to him.
Our catechism question teaches us that God fulfills his decree in both his act of creating and his act of providence (His day to day intimate care of the universe.) Colossians 1 says about Christ that all things were created through Him and for Him and thus God executed His decree in the act of creation. But Colossians always says that in Christ all things hold together. In other words, it is Jesus that who constantly upholds the universe. God didn’t just wind up the creation and set back to watch it unfold. He is intimately involved in it. Jonathan Edwards famously said that the universe would fly apart if God ever lifted his providential hand for just one second.
This is a comfort to us. God is not distant. He didn’t just give things a push and step back to watch it play out. No, He is working all things together for the good of His people. Again Jonathan Edwards said this “Every atom in the universe is managed by Christ so as to be most to the advantage of the Christian, every particle of air or every ray of the sun, so that he in the other world, when he comes to see it, shall sit and enjoy all this vast inheritance with surprising, amazing joy.”
God is working in the big things and small things for your good. In the good things and bad things, He is carrying out His decree. The evil things that happen to you are not cosmic accidents. For those who love God, God uses what man means for evil, for our good. This is good news for those who trust Him.
Deuteronomy –
We have in these verses several miscellaneous rules and regulations for God’s people. Some of them deal with the issue of cleanliness and were part of the law to the Jews teaching them that they were to be a people pure and holy. And yet there is some practical help to them as well. Putting your bathroom outside of the camp is a good idea of for sanitary reasons. It may seem strange that the Bible includes that passage but we learn from it that God does care for us and that his commands are fit for every area of life. We should be a sanitary people. We should care about cleanliness and being of good health.
Some Christians seem to see conspiracies everywhere and about everything. It is true that the wicked plot and conspire. But we ought to be careful that we don’t just become contrarians on every issue. Science, Medicine, doctors, and etc are not inventions of the devil. The devil only kills and destroys. God is the one who brings health and life. Therefore, I would caution you against being overly skeptical of everything. Yes you will want to try the claims of men before the word of God. And yes, even the best of doctors are imperfect, but know that God had commands that protected the health of his people.
Along with this, be good stewards of your home. John Wesley famously said cleanliness is next godliness. Teach your children to be good stewards in regards to cleanliness. Teach them to pick up after themselves, not to throw trash on the ground, and simple things like washing their hands when they use the bathroom. Use this passage to teach them that God cares even about these small things.
Matthew
Last week, we looked at the whole chapter of Matthew and made the point that it is dealing with two different subjects- the destruction of Jerusalem (verses 4-35) and Christ’s final return (verses 36 and following). We saw that wars, rumors of wars, plagues and other natural disasters are not signs of the end of the world. We ought not be led astray or frightened by those constantly saying the end is just right around the corner.
This week we are focusing on the first section of the chapter and Jesus warning to his disciples about the destruction of the temple. Jesus gives his disciples warnings about all the things leading up the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. While these things are not signs of the end of the world, they are often signs of the end of a nation or God’s judgement upon a people. Therefore there are things we can learn even for our day.
We learn that we ought not be taken in by false teachers and false Christs. Regarding false Christs, Jesus warning was not that there would be people who said they were Jesus but rather they would be people who claim to be the one to lead God’s people in victory over the Romans. They would claim to be the Messiah. The Jews believed the Messiah was mainly a political figure that would set up the Jewish kingdom. Jesus shows us that the Messiah was the one who came to forgive sins and set up a spiritual kingdom that would rule over the entire earth. We ought to be mindful that there will always be political figures who rise up and claim that they are the one who can finally set things right. They won’t claim to be the Christ in our day but they will lay claim to your loyalty. Be mindful of those on the left or right who act as if they alone are the answer to life’s problems. Be mindful that you don’t put all your hope in a political solution. Christians ought to be involved in politics. We ought to proclaim the law of God and we pray for and support godly leaders. But our hope is not in politics.
These false messiahs in the Jews day, led the people to revolt against the Romans. Then these rebels ended up committing much violence against their rival political factions in Jerusalem. Finally, the Romans came and destroyed them all.
Revelation 3
In the book of Revelation, the Apostle is instructed to send a message to seven churches. Each message is filled with warnings and encouragements to the churches around Asia Minor. We can learn from these warnings for ourselves. For example, God desires that we be a people that are alive in Christ. We should be a people who either like Hot or Cold water add life to the cup instead of those who just go through the motions being dead and lukewarm.
Psalm 45
Psalm 45 is a love song. It reads like a song written by a bard on the day of the King’s wedding to a beautiful woman. The bard sings the praises of the King and tells of the beauty of his bride. This song then is talking about the Lord Jesus and his bride the Church. When you read it consider the descriptions of both the King and of the bride. This teaches us how the church should be and how we are a part of the church should live. It also teaches us how Christ views His Church. We ought to develop a love for the Church.
Catechism/ Memory Verse
Ignorant, Guilty, Weak and Helpless- These are not traits we want to be associated with or to admit to being. You don’t go to walmar or target and by a shir that says “weak and helpless”. No they sell shirts that say “Powerful”, “Leader”, and “Strong.” Christians though recognize that apart from Christ they are powerless, easily led astray, and weak to sin. To acknowledge that you are indeed ignorant without Christ is to be on the path to wisdom. To admit your guilty is the way to being justified and declared innocent. To lament your weakness and helplessness is the beginning to strength.
But we don’t admit these things and revel in them alone. No, we don’t want to wallow in the pit of despair or to take pride in being perpetually stupid, condemned, and wimpy. Instead, we look to Christ who is our prophet, priest, and king. Jesus gives us wisdom, takes away our guilt, leads us and protects us. The Bible commands followers of this prophet, priest and king to be wise, innocent and strong. We can only do that by relying on Christ. Teach your children to the humility to acknowledge their sins. Teach them to boast only in Christ. Teach them to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
People to Pray for:
Please pray for Pastor Ron Smith and Church of the King in McAllen Texas. They have been such a faithful supporter of our church since its beginning. They have quietly without requesting praise or asking anything in return given to us financially each month. Pastor Smith has had some health issues recently and therefore we want to pray that God will give him health and the church faith through it. If you have time, it would be such a blessing for your children to send thank you notes to the church.
Warhorn media is a publishing and media organization that produces content from Trinity Reformed Church and other sister churches. They publish Tim Bayly’s books, several podcasts, and the music from My Soul Among Lions. Pray for them as they continue this work that God will provide the finances and the content. Pray that God will use it all for His kingdom.
Lastly, we are praying for our Indiana House of Representatives. They are not in session but are gearing up for elections. Pray that God will put into office those who will be faithful and bring conviction of those who are not so that they may repent of their sins and serve Jesus with their authority.
Church History Spotlight
Ignatius of Antioch Martyred October 17th 107 AD
“I am God's wheat, ground fine by the lion's teeth to be made purest bread for Christ”
After the Apostles, Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch in Syria. Whether he knew any of the Apostles directly is uncertain. Little is known of his life except for the very end of it. Early in the second century,he was arrested by the Imperial authorities, condemned to death, and transported to Rome to die in the arena. By thus dealing with a leader, the rulers hoped to terrify the rank and file. Instead, Ignatius took the opportunity to encourage them, speaking to groups of Christians at every town along the way. When the prison escort reached the west coast of Asia Minor, it halted before taking ship, and delegations from several Asian churches were able to visit Ignatius, to speak with him at length, to assist him with items for his journey, and to bid him an affectionate farewell and commend him to the grace of God. In response he wrote seven letters that have been preserved: five to congregations that had greeted him, en masse or by delegates (Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, and Smyrnaeans), one to the congregation that would greet him at his destination (Romans), and one to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John. What the enemy of God meant to cause fear only ended up bringing encouragement to Christians for millennia. Christians take the heat so others may see the light.
Highlight from the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 8. How doth God execute his decrees? A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence
Colossians 1:16-17 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a strange belief called Deism took hold among some people in the West. These were people who believed there was a God but began to reject the truths of God’s word about God. They were convinced that the universe could not create itself and so they believed in God. But their god was one who simply created all things, set about certain laws of nature, and then stepped back to let it all play out. The god of deism doesn’t interfere with the universe he made. It was a purely philosophical belief and one many intellectual elites were given to. They thought of themselves as above petty religious difference and argument about the bible. Of course, in their pride they created a false god who since he was cold and indifferent to them, they could be to him.
Our catechism question teaches us that God fulfills his decree in both his act of creating and his act of providence (His day to day intimate care of the universe.) Colossians 1 says about Christ that all things were created through Him and for Him and thus God executed His decree in the act of creation. But Colossians always says that in Christ all things hold together. In other words, it is Jesus that who constantly upholds the universe. God didn’t just wind up the creation and set back to watch it unfold. He is intimately involved in it. Jonathan Edwards famously said that the universe would fly apart if God ever lifted his providential hand for just one second.
This is a comfort to us. God is not distant. He didn’t just give things a push and step back to watch it play out. No, He is working all things together for the good of His people. Again Jonathan Edwards said this “Every atom in the universe is managed by Christ so as to be most to the advantage of the Christian, every particle of air or every ray of the sun, so that he in the other world, when he comes to see it, shall sit and enjoy all this vast inheritance with surprising, amazing joy.”
God is working in the big things and small things for your good. In the good things and bad things, He is carrying out His decree. The evil things that happen to you are not cosmic accidents. For those who love God, God uses what man means for evil, for our good. This is good news for those who trust Him.