November 12-18 Family Worship Guide 2023

The Guide for the Week
November 12-18 2023 AD.
24th Sunday After Pentecost

Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 13:1-10
Leviticus 19:23-25
Philippians 2
Psalm 98

Verse to Memorize
Romans 13:1

Catechism Questions
Q. 164. Who instituted civil government?
A.  Civil government was instituted by God.

Q. 165.  What is the purpose of civil government?      
A. Civil government was established by God to maintain justice and civil order and to be a terror to evildoers.

Q.166. What is to be our relationship to civil government?      
A.  We are to:
Pray for our government representatives.
Participate in civil government where we are able to.      
Submit to our governing authorities.

Q. 167. How should we pray for our government representatives?      
A. We should pray for them to execute justice properly. If they fail in their God­ordained duty, we        should pray for their removal.

Q. 168. How do we participate in civil government?      
A. There are many ways to participate in civil government. Our participation should include:
Voting for godly leaders who will uphold justice.          
Educating our civil leaders to God's viewpoint on issues they will vote on.      
Holding a position in civil government or helping good men obtain a position.

Q. 169.  Are we always to submit to the civil authorities?      
A. No. If the civil government orders us to do something contrary to Scripture or forbids us to do that        which Scripture commands us, we are duty bound to obey God rather than man.

People to Pray for: 
Church: Trinity Reformed Church
               Pastor Jody Kilingsworth
Ministry:  Daniel Courney Nepal Missionary  
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
                                Steven Webb
                           
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 13:1-10
Verse 7: "There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth."
This verse is particularly relevant in our social media age. Everyone tends to put their best face forward online. The photos are carefully curated, and we share what makes us look best. It might not be pretending to be rich, but certainly, everyone is displaying more than just the whole story. We want people to always think the best of us. That's why you have people who talk like big 'Alpha Males.' They're bold. They seem to know everything about theology and have opinions on all sorts of subjects. And they're ready to debate or even mock others.
Yet, offline, their house is in disarray. Their wife leads the home. They are cowardly and enslaved to sin. They are awkward with other people.
Now, there's nothing wrong with wanting to have a good reputation. But we live in an age of vanity. Most of the pretending online is done by people without much substance.
The Bible teaches us to be humble. This doesn't mean you can't use social media. But don't live in fantasyland.

Leviticus 19:23-25

Listen to the sermon again from Sunday for help teaching this passage.   The main principle here is that there is a time to plant and there is a time to harvest.   There is often a waiting time between the two.  Furthermore the first fruits are the Lord’s.    Consider how these ideas are important for raising children, working a job, doing ministry, saving money, or any number of areas where we must work hard and trust the Lord for the fruit.


Philippians 2
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul encourages the Philippians towards unity, humility, and Christ-like obedience. Matthew Henry's insights on this chapter are both detailed and practical, emphasizing the importance of humility and unity among believers, reflecting Christ's own humility and obedience.
  1. Exhortation to Unity and Humility (Verses 1-4): Henry points out that Paul begins this chapter by urging believers to be like-minded, having the same love, and being of one accord. This call to unity is deeply rooted in Christian love and humility. Henry emphasizes that Christians should not act out of selfish ambition or conceit but should in humility consider others more significant than themselves.
  2. The Example of Christ's Humility (Verses 5-11): This section, often referred to as the Christ Hymn, is highlighted by Henry as a central part of the chapter. It describes Christ's humility and obedience, even to the point of death on the cross. Henry notes that this passage is a powerful example for Christians to emulate in their own lives. He underscores the supreme humility of Christ, who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God as something to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.
  3. Obedience and God's Working (Verses 12-18): Henry interprets Paul's instruction to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" as a call to Christian diligence and seriousness. He explains that it is God who works in believers both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Henry also discusses Paul's personal reflections on his potential martyrdom and his joy in serving the Philippians.
  4. Timothy and Epaphroditus (Verses 19-30): Towards the end of the chapter, Paul mentions his plans to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians. Henry remarks on the commendable character of these two men, highlighting their service to Paul and their commitment to the work of Christ.


Psalm 98
“Jesus promised his disciples 3 things—that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” – G. K. Chesterton
Christianity is a happy religion. That is, those who practice it are created for, commanded to, and given grace to be joyful. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism says, our chief end is to glorify God and to ENJOY him forever. We were created for happiness. We are also commanded to be joyful, as shown in Psalm 98:4. In fact, in Deuteronomy 28:47, God warned that he was going to punish the people because they "did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things." Because they were joyless and thankless before God, they would face discipline. We are also promised to be full of joy. John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." The promise of the Gospel is that it takes cold sinners and makes them warm and living saints. Those that sow in tears through repentance will reap with joy. Christianity is not a religion of grumps and cold-hearted people.

Now, having joy doesn't always mean that everything in life will just be easy. As Chesterton said, we are also promised constant trouble. We will face hardships. We will have sleepless nights. We will face persecution. We will get sick. We will have times of mourning. But through it all, a Christian still will have joy, even in the times that are very hard to feel that joy. We have joy because we have Christ's joy in us. He has given it to us. It's not something that can be taken from us. We have joy because we know the King of Kings, and He knows us. We have joy because God's love has filled our hearts.

So how then should we live? We ought to live like those who have the joy of the Lord. We are to be a thankful people. We are to be merciful people. We are to be jolly warriors for the Lord. And so, what would the people around you say you are? Is the joy of the Lord something that those around you would say permeates your life?



Catechism/ Memory Verse

Teaching these catechism questions to your family is a valuable way to instill understanding and respect for civil governance from a biblical perspective. Start by discussing Question 164, "Who instituted civil government?" Explain that civil government was instituted by God. This foundational understanding sets the stage for recognizing the divine origin and purpose of governance. Highlight that, as Christians, acknowledging God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, including civil government, is crucial. Encourage your family to reflect on this concept and understand that the establishment of governments is part of God's plan for order in society.  Ask them why they think God established governing authorities.  Why do we need this?
Next, delve into Questions 165 and 166, which focus on the purpose of civil government and our relationship to it. Discuss that God established civil government to maintain justice, order, and to deter wrongdoing. Question 166 further explores our duties as Christians towards the government: praying for representatives, participating in governance, and submitting to authorities. Emphasize the importance of active engagement in civic duties, such as voting and informing leaders about biblical perspectives on societal issues. Encourage your family to see these activities not just as civic responsibilities but as ways to honor God's design for orderly society.

Lastly, address Questions 167 to 169, which focus on how we should pray for our government representatives and our limits in submitting to civil authorities. Teach your family that praying for leaders is crucial, especially for them to execute justice rightly and align with God's will. Discuss the critical stance of Scripture that while we are generally to submit to governing authorities, there is a boundary. When a government's directives conflict with God’s commands, our allegiance to God's Word takes precedence. This part of the catechism highlights the balance between respecting earthly authorities and maintaining ultimate loyalty to God's authority.

How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Trinity Reformed Church
Heavenly Father,
With hearts united in prayer, we bring before You Trinity Reformed Church in Bloomington, guided by Pastor Jody Killingworth. We pray, O Lord, for the growth of Trinity Reformed Church, both in numbers and in spiritual depth. May their congregation be a beacon of Your truth in their community, growing in grace and knowledge of You. Grant them wisdom to understand Your divine statutes and the boldness to live by them.
In a world that often strays from Your commandments, we ask for Your protection over Trinity Reformed Church. Empower them to stand steadfastly against the wiles of the enemy, clothed in the full armor of God, strong in faith and unwavering in conviction.
We pray for unity within their fellowship, bound together by the immutable truths of Your Word. May their love for each other mirror the love You have shown to us, demonstrating a powerful witness to the world around them.
Lord, we lift up the men of Trinity Reformed Church, asking that You grant them physical, mental, and spiritual fortitude. May they lead their families with godly wisdom and love, serving as examples of Christlike leadership. For the women of the church, we pray for hearts filled with the joy of the Lord, embracing their roles with grace and love, nurturing their families in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
We entrust the children of Trinity Reformed Church to Your loving care. May they grow in the faith, rooted in the rich soil of Your truth, and rise up as future leaders and standard-bearers of Your church, advancing Your kingdom in every sphere of life.
Though we are not physically with them, we stand with Trinity Reformed Church in spirit, lifting our prayers to You for their ministry. May Your name be glorified through their faithful witness and adherence to Your law-word.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we pray. Amen.


Daniel Courney
Heavenly Father, the Creator and Sustainer of all,
We come before Your throne of grace with fervent hearts, lifting up Your servant, Missionary Daniel Courney, as he labors in the fields of Nepal. In the midst of a land where Your Word faces opposition, we pray for Your hand of protection over him. Shield him, Lord, from persecution and danger, that he may continue to sow the seeds of Your gospel in fertile soil.
We humbly ask for Your providence in his financial needs. Open the windows of heaven, O God, and pour out Your blessings upon him, ensuring that every need is met, not just for survival but for the flourishing of Your work through him in Nepal. Grant him the resources to spread Your Word and demonstrate Your love to those he serves. Lord, nurture within him a heart of tender compassion towards his wife and children. In the midst of the challenges and demands of his missionary work, let him not neglect the precious gift of family You have given him. Strengthen their bonds, and let his home be a sanctuary of love, understanding, and grace.
Protect Daniel, O Lord, from the snare of pride. In a world where the accolades of men can easily sway the heart, keep his eyes fixed on You, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. May he always remember that it is not by his strength, but by Your Spirit, that Your kingdom is advanced. Let humility be his mantle and servant leadership his mode, reflecting Christ in all he does.
May his ministry in Nepal not only bring souls to salvation but also work towards the transformation of this world through the power of Your gospel. Let Your will be done in Nepal as it is in heaven, letting the truth of your word impact in every aspect of life and culture.
We entrust Daniel and his mission into Your mighty hands, confident in Your provision, protection, and guidance. In the powerful and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.


Jeffersonville City Council  Steven Webb
Our Almighty and Everlasting God,
With hearts bowed in reverence, we acknowledge Your supreme authority over all the earth, Your infinite wisdom that governs the universe, and Your unmerited grace given to us through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Today, we bring before You, Councilman Steven Webb, a civil servant in Jeffersonville. We earnestly pray that You would guide his steps, illuminate his path, and grant him discernment in every decision.
Instill in Steven Webb a heart that yearns for Christ more than any earthly treasure or enticement. May his dedication to Jesus shine forth in each choice he makes and every word he speaks. Let the profound truths of Your Word deeply influence his conscience, guiding his judgments and actions to align with Your righteous and unchanging law. Bless him with wisdom, O Lord, as he faces the intricate challenges of leadership and public service.
We pray for Steven’s health and strength. Sustain him in moments of weariness and rejuvenate him when he feels burdened. Strengthen his family, fortify their relationships, and unite them in love and shared purpose. Protect them from the adversary’s deceptions and fill their home with the enduring joy and peace that only You can provide.
For the community of Jeffersonville, we beseech You that the gospel of Christ may be proclaimed, comprehended, and wholeheartedly accepted. Open their eyes, O Heavenly Father, to the beauty and truth of the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Soften hearts, transform lives, and establish households on the foundation of the gospel.
We fervently implore that Jesus Christ be exalted as Sovereign King in Jeffersonville. May every entity, every endeavor, and every person acknowledge His dominion, recognizing that all authority is His. Let Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in Jeffersonville, as it is in heaven. We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our
Savior and Lord, to whom belong all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Amen.


Church History Spotlight
Albert the Great, Friar and Scholar
15 November 1280


Albertus Magnus was born in Swabia (in Germany) in 1206. He studied at the University of Padua, and then, against his family's wishes, joined the newly founded Order of Preachers (Dominicans). He became a famous teacher, with headqarters at Cologne from 1248 on. His pupils included Thomas Aquinas.
His writings are considerable both in bulk and in scope. They are concerned not only with biblical and theological studies, but also with logic, metaphysics, ethics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, human and animal physiology, geography, geology, and botany. He says that in some areas, such as questions about the nature of God, men cannot draw sound conclusions by themselves because they lack the necessary data. But he is an enthusiastic supporter of the autonomy of human reason, working on empirical data, in areas of knowledge where those data are relevant. Given an longstanding belief in his day that eagles incubate only one egg and rear only one offspring per season, he had himself lowered over a cliff edge and down to an eagle's nest, so that he might check for himself.

A Prayer thanking Albert the Great
O Almighty God, who gave to your servant Albert special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent: who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
 

Announcements for the Week of 11/12/2023 - 11/18/2023
Prayer Concerns:
  • Families and Illness: Please join us in prayer for families currently dealing with sicknesses.
  • Maple Manor Nursing Home: Prayers needed for the Maple Manor Nursing Home as they confront issues related to Covid.
  • Expectant Mothers: Special prayers requested for Shawn Crone, Brittany McKinney, Chelsea Mix, Rowina Spurgeon, and Maddie Sabie.
  • Holiday Business: Pray for families as they deal with upcoming holiday business.  Also keep in mind those without families nearby.   Be hospitable. 
  • Greg Anglen Surgery: Pastor Greg is having surgery on Thursday morning for his ankle. 
Schedule Updates and Events:
  • The King’s Men and Daughters of the King: We are exploring the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Suitable for children aged 5 and up. Please check the student ministry page for all memorization assignments: Sovereign King Church Student Ministry.
  • New Members Class: Continue your journey with just two classes remaining. Join Pastor Greg Anglen on November 26th as he teaches on the sacraments and the work of the church.
  •  Nursing Home Visit: December 4th.  This is a great opportunity for families to serve Christ and let their true religion (James 1) show. 
  • SKC Ladies Mug Exchange:  December 13th 6:30-8:30   What would be Christmas without giving a sister in Christ a new coffee mug to use the whole year long.   Stay tuned for more details.
  • Christmas Caroling:  December 16 and December 23.   Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, and Hot Chocolate.   Join us as we bring Christmas cheer to the neighbors surrounding the church.   Two different dates to join in the fun. For more information and updates, please visit our website.
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