The Guide for the Week
November 3-9th 2023 AD.
The First Week of Advent
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 14:11-21
Luke 1:23-38
Genesis 3
Psalm 102
Verse to Memorize
Luke 1:30-33
Catechism Questions
Q. What is the Annunciation?
A. It is the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son through a virgin birth and become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God.
Q. How did the angel Gabriel greet Mary?
A. The angel said “Greetings, Favored One, the Lord is with You.”
Q. How was Mary favored by God?
A. She was blessed and chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, the Savior, and Son of God.
Q. How did Mary respond to the call of God through this angel?
A. Mary was content to be a servant of God and said “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Q. Was Mary married when she became pregnant with Jesus?
A. No, although Mary was betrothed to Joseph, she was a virgin. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that she was with Child.
Q. May we honor Mary?
A. Yes, we may honor Mary because she was the mother of Jesus Christ, Holy Scripture says all nations shall call her blessed and she believed in Jesus Christ to save her from her sins.
Q. May we pray to or worship Mary?
A. No, we do not pray to or worship Mary because she is not a mediator nor a sinless savior. We would disobey God’s law and dishonor her memory by giving her glory due to Jesus Christ alone.
People to Pray for:
Church: Reformation Church of Shelbyville
Pastor Jerry Dorris
Ministry: Michael Foster
Missionary to Romania
Civil Magistrate: Governor Holcomb
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 14:11-21
Vs 20-21 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.
This truth is uncomfortable but crucial: we gravitate towards the rich, seeking status by association, while the poor and weak are often contemptuously ignored. This proverb is a direct call to God's people to defy such worldly standards. We are commanded not only to love our affluent neighbors but also to extend that love to the poor and marginalized. God's people are to be the ones who reach out to those the rest look down upon.
Parents, this teaching is vital for your children. They must learn that true happiness is found not in aligning with the popular or the powerful, but in befriending those neglected or dismissed by others. At church, they should be encouraged to engage with all their brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach your daughters to reject the path of the 'mean girls.' Urge your teenage sons not to isolate themselves with just their immediate peers but to be guardians and friends to the younger boys. Don't allow them to indulge in cliquish behavior.
And as you teach your children these principles, ensure you are living them out yourself. Our church must be vigilant against divisiveness. Strive to embody joy and blessing through your our active, intentional kindness and welcoming of others. Make sure you take the time to talk with people you don’t usually talk to. Don’t be so quick to head out the door after the service. Be willing to help those in need. You will find that God blesses you much greater. When you give to the poor, He does not forget it and you can’t outgive God.
Luke 1:23-38
It has been some time since our church visited the abortion mill in Louisville. We give thanks to God for this and earnestly hope we never have to return. However, there was a period when my visits were so frequent that one morning, I found myself unconsciously humming a tune. It was a cheerful melody that I hummed without much thought, until I paused to identify it: "Ave Ave Ave Maria." Surprisingly, I had absorbed this song from hearing Roman Catholics sing it repeatedly.
"Ave Maria" is Latin for the angel's greeting in our scripture passage and the initial phrase of the Hail Mary prayer. The prayer recited by Roman Catholics, often while praying the rosary, is as follows: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." The first two lines find their roots in scripture, but the latter part, particularly the plea for Mary's intercession, is absent from Biblical text.
The practice of praying to Mary is a relatively recent development. Herbert Thurston, a Roman Catholic who contributed to the Catholic Encyclopedia, notes that the Hail Mary prayer was not widely recognized as a devotional formula until around 1050 A.D. Initially, only the first two lines were used. It wasn't until after the Protestant Reformation that the prayer took its complete form. In 1568, Pope Pius V incorporated the full version in his revision of the Roman Breviary. Since then, the worship and idolatry of Mary in Roman Catholicism have escalated.
This scripture passage has been misused by Roman Catholics. In their attempt to honor Mary, they have ironically dishonored her. They have distorted the text to construct their Hail Mary prayer. For instance, the phrase "full of grace," derived from the angel's salutation and interpreted in Roman Catholicism as Mary having grace to bestow upon others, is a gross misinterpretation. J.C. Ryle clarifies that the phrase should be understood as Mary being a recipient of much grace, not a dispenser of it. The Roman Catholic interpretation is a regrettable distortion of scripture.
Transforming an angelic greeting to Mary into a prayer is misguided. The angel addressed Mary as a recipient of God's favor, not as a deity to be prayed to. Joseph Hall, a 17th-century English pastor, observed that it would be presumptuous for us to echo the angel's salutation, as we are neither in the angel's position nor is Mary in her earthly state.
John Calvin also criticized this practice, stating that the Roman Catholics have erroneously transformed a simple greeting into a prayer, a move he considers a result of ignorance and folly. “With extraordinary ignorance have the Papists, by an enchanter’s trick, changed this salutation into a prayer, and have carried their folly so far, that their preachers are not permitted, in the pulpit, to implore the grace of the Spirit, except through their Hail, Mary. But not only are these words a simple congratulation. They unwarrantably assume an office which does not belong to them, and which God committed to none but an angel. Their silly ambition leads them into a second blunder, for they salute a person who is absent,”
In conclusion, we must recognize the significant theological and scriptural errors in the Roman Catholic use of the Hail Mary prayer. It represents a deviation from scriptural teachings and an inappropriate elevation of Mary beyond her Biblical role.
Moving on from the abuses of Rome, what can we learn from this passage.
Theologians refer to Christ's first advent as His humiliation. This humiliation begins with His conception and birth. It would have been humbling enough for the God of the universe to come to earth with human royalty to live in a palace made by human hands, but He chose a path of grace and mercy. He identified with the lowly - the weak, the poor, the suffering, the sick, the enslaved, and those unable to save themselves. He came for people like us, residing in unnoticed regions, places like Jeff, Henryville, and the remote areas of Salem.
As the angel approaches a humble virgin, Mary, we are reminded of our hope in Christ. His arrival signifies that He can and will save seemingly insignificant individuals like us. The angel's encounter with Mary, a virgin betrothed, is described in verse 28: "And coming in, he said to her, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.'"
The angel greets Mary, declaring her favored and blessed. The term translated as 'greetings' is sometimes rendered 'Hail.' It's not just a salutation; it conveys a call to rejoice, a desire for happiness. The angel effectively says, "Rejoice, Mary. Be glad. Be happy."
The reason for this joy follows. The next word, a participle translated as 'favored one,' describes someone who has received grace. This term, used in Ephesians where Paul writes of God freely bestowing grace upon us, highlights that Mary is to rejoice because she is a recipient of God's grace.
God's selection of Mary was not due to her inherent goodness but a demonstration of His undeserved mercy. Our salvation is rooted in God's good pleasure which we do not deserve.. When we grasp that it is through Christ we receive grace, joy becomes our natural response. The incarnation of Jesus, God taking on human flesh to declare us righteous, should fill Christians with gladness.
Genesis 3
This passage is pivotal for grasping the challenges we face in life. The chapter is rich with lessons to be learned. We are introduced to our formidable adversary, the devil, the enemy of God. It reveals his deceptive tactics aimed at causing destruction. It is crucial to study and recognize these tactics in your life.
The devil's primary weapon is deception. He is the father of lies, and his lies are his only language. Even when he speaks things that may be true, they are in the service of lies. From this passage, we discern several of his deceptions:
1. By assuming a serpent’s form, he lies about his own true nature presenting himself as a cunning creature. Scripture reveals he often masquerades as an angel of light, hiding the grotesqueness of his evil. A notable quote about the devil is, "The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he did not exist." He aims to lower your guard and make you leave your spiritual armor on the shelf.
Do not fall for the devil's deceptions. Believe in the unwavering promises of God.
Psalm 102
Psalm 102 begins with a call to God to hear the prayer of one crying out for help. The Psalm writer was in great distress. He is in such sorrow that he despairs even of life. He can't eat and his body feels like it is wasting away. But just when all seems lost, the Psalm writer says that God has heard his prayer. God has not forgotten him. God's faithful and truth will stand forever. Even if the earth will pass away, God is eternal. And if God is eternal, then so are his people. The psalm ends with this hopeful promise:"The children of Your servants will continue, And their descendants will be established before You."
In this life we face trials. We face persecution. We face enemies who know just where and when to attack. We will all of us eventually face the final enemy, in which are body wastes away and we die. Yet God has not forgotten us. His promises are true. We will continue and we will be established forever with God. Therefore, we can cry out God knowing that he will hear our prayer. And knowing that He has regarded our prayers and cries for help, we can rejoice come what may.
Here is a very famous piece of choral music written by what is considered one of the England’s greatest composers, Henry Purcell in 1680 AD. It is written from this psalm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OISUntqbXvc
Prayers:
Reformation Church of Shelbyville
Pastor Jerry Dorris
Almighty God, our Sovereign Lord and Merciful Father,
We gather to lift up our brethren at the Reformation Church of Shelbyville. They stand firm in Your truth, proclaiming Your Gospel with boldness in Shelbyville and beyond. They are warriors in Christ, our allies in the faith, united in the mission You have given us.
Lord, we ask for Your protection over them. Shield them from the enemy’s schemes, from every attack that seeks to undermine their steadfastness in You. Let no weapon formed against them prosper.
Strengthen their unity, O God. Keep them as one, undivided in purpose and spirit. Guard them against discord and impurity that may try to infiltrate their ranks. Let their fellowship in You be unbreakable, their bond in Christ unassailable.
Kindle their zeal for You, Father. Let it be a fire that burns continuously, a light that never dims. May their passion for Your Word and Your kingdom be a beacon to those in darkness, drawing many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Use them mightily, Lord, in the expansion of Your kingdom. Let their ministry reflect Your sovereign will and Your unyielding grace. May they be instruments in Your hands, bringing glory to Your name, as they faithfully serve You.
We entrust them to Your care, confident in Your power and guidance. In Jesus Christ’s mighty name we pray.
Amen.
Michael Foster- Romania
Father in Heaven,
We pray for Michael Foster in Romania. A man of God, planting His church in a place where it stands alone. His life is hard, filled with the work of the Lord, and caring for his family. He needs Your help.
We ask You, Father, to meet his financial needs abundantly, supplying every necessity through Your providence. Give him what he needs to keep going. Let it be enough. Make his faith strong, unbreakable, like the mountains. Let him speak of You with a fire that doesn't burn out.
Lord, empower him to balance his duties as a missionary with his responsibilities as a husband and father. It's a heavy load. Make him strong enough to carry it. Bring those who are lost to his church. Let them hear, let them stay.
Grow Your church in Romania through him. Let it be a place of truth in a land that knows little of it. Through his faithful service, let Your kingdom expand, and Your name be glorified.
We entrust Michael and his ministry into Your sovereign hands, confident in Your plan and purpose for his life and the lives he touches. May Your grace and peace be upon him, sustaining him in every trial and triumph.
In the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Governor Eric Holcomb
O Lord, our God,
We bring before You Governor Eric Holcomb as he nears the final year of his term. Lord, work in his heart. Grant him repentance from sin and anchor him in a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. May he know Your saving grace, and let this knowledge guide his actions and decisions.
As he concludes his duties, give him integrity. Let divine wisdom be his counsel. May his leadership reflect Your righteousness and justice, and may he serve the people of Indiana with honor.
We also pray for the future leadership of Indiana. In Your sovereign mercy, raise up a governor who will defend the unborn and protect the liberties of the people. Let this leader be one who honors and glorifies You in every aspect of his governance.
May Your will be done in Indiana as it is in heaven. Guide this state, O God, according to Your sovereign plan. Let Your light shine through its leaders and its people.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior,
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Doctor
339-397 AD
Ambrose served as the governor of Northern Italy, with its capital in Milan. The vacancy of the Milanese episcopate threatened to incite riots, given the city's division between Arians and Athanasians. Athanasians, adhering to the teaching of John 1:1, acknowledge Christ Jesus as fully God, identical in divinity to the Father. Conversely, Arians view Christ as a created being, the first creation of the Father. Denominations such as East Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Reformed, Baptists, Methodists, and others align with Athanasian doctrine. Cults like the Watchtower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) and the Philippine Iglesia ni Cristo, among others, subscribe to Arianism.
Ambrose, attending the election assembly, implored for peace and goodwill from both factions. His efforts led to his unexpected election as bishop, receiving support from both sides. Renouncing his wealth, Ambrose adopted a life of simplicity. Ambrose was a staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism, not only in his diocese but also in the broader context of the Western Roman Empire. His theological works, particularly on the Holy Spirit and the Trinity, contributed significantly to the Church's doctrinal clarity. Through his preaching, he swayed the diocese towards the orthodox view of the trinity, except the Goths and certain Imperial Household members.
During Constantius' reign (Constantine the Great's son), Arian missionaries had converted the Goths, key suppliers of the Empire's mercenary forces, thereby influencing the Army's Arian leanings, despite the civilian majority favoring Athanasianism.
Ambrose's influence extended to imperial politics. He was instrumental in the conversion of Emperor Gratian to Nicene Christianity, and his persistence in doctrinal matters often swayed imperial decisions towards upholding orthodox Christian teachings.
On one occasion, the Empress ordered him to turn over a church to the Arians so that her Gothic soldiers could worship in it. Ambrose refused, and he and his people occupied the church. Ambrose composed Latin hymns in the rhythm of "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow," and taught them to the people, who sang them in the church as the soldiers surrounded it. The Goths were unwilling to attack a hymn-singing congregation, and Ambrose won that dispute.
He subsequently won another dispute, when the Emperor, enraged by a crowd who defied him, ordered them all killed by his soldiers. When he next appeared at church, Ambrose met him at the door and said, "You may not come in. There is blood on your hands." The emperor finally agreed to do public penance and to promise that thereafter he would never carry out a sentence of death without a forty-day delay after pronouncing it. Ambrose's next dispute with the emperor was when certain Christians burned a Jewish synagogue, and the emperor commanded the church to pay for it to be rebuilt. Ambrose maintained that no Christian could be compelled to provide money for the building of a non-Christian house of worship, no matter what the circumstances. Furthermore, Ambrose worked to ensure that pagan idols were removed. When the emperor ordered the removal of a pagan altar, some pagan senators tried to get the emperor to reverse his decision. Ambrose wrote Valentinian II a letter asserting that the emperor was a soldier of God, not simply a personal believer but one bound by his position to serve the faith; under no circumstances could he agree to something that would promote the worship of idols. The pagan’s plan was averted and the altar was permanently removed.
Ambrose significantly influenced St. Augustine's conversion and possibly composed the "Te Deum Laudamus" in gratitude. He might have authored the Athanasian Creed and was a pioneer in Christian hymnody, introducing rhyme and meter. Northern Italy still practices his Ambrosian chant, distinct from the prevalent Gregorian chant. On the negative side, many Christians will regret his contribution to increased preoccupation with the relics of martyrs.
As a bishop, Ambrose was deeply committed to the pastoral care of his flock. He was known for his preaching, which was both intellectually rigorous and accessible. His efforts to educate and spiritually nurture his congregation were a testament to his dedication as a shepherd of his church.
Ambrose, who died on April 4, 397, is revered as one of the Eight Great Doctors of the Church. This group comprises four Latin (Western) Doctors – Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Pope Gregory the Great – and four Greek (Eastern) Doctors – Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus, not to be mistaken for Gregory of Nyssa, Basil's brother.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. Ambrose
O God, who gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Announcements for the Week of 12/10/2023- 12/16/2023
Prayer Concerns:
Proverbs 14:11-21
Luke 1:23-38
Genesis 3
Psalm 102
Verse to Memorize
Luke 1:30-33
Catechism Questions
Q. What is the Annunciation?
A. It is the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son through a virgin birth and become the mother of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God.
Q. How did the angel Gabriel greet Mary?
A. The angel said “Greetings, Favored One, the Lord is with You.”
Q. How was Mary favored by God?
A. She was blessed and chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, the Savior, and Son of God.
Q. How did Mary respond to the call of God through this angel?
A. Mary was content to be a servant of God and said “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Q. Was Mary married when she became pregnant with Jesus?
A. No, although Mary was betrothed to Joseph, she was a virgin. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that she was with Child.
Q. May we honor Mary?
A. Yes, we may honor Mary because she was the mother of Jesus Christ, Holy Scripture says all nations shall call her blessed and she believed in Jesus Christ to save her from her sins.
Q. May we pray to or worship Mary?
A. No, we do not pray to or worship Mary because she is not a mediator nor a sinless savior. We would disobey God’s law and dishonor her memory by giving her glory due to Jesus Christ alone.
People to Pray for:
Church: Reformation Church of Shelbyville
Pastor Jerry Dorris
Ministry: Michael Foster
Missionary to Romania
Civil Magistrate: Governor Holcomb
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 14:11-21
Vs 20-21 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.
This truth is uncomfortable but crucial: we gravitate towards the rich, seeking status by association, while the poor and weak are often contemptuously ignored. This proverb is a direct call to God's people to defy such worldly standards. We are commanded not only to love our affluent neighbors but also to extend that love to the poor and marginalized. God's people are to be the ones who reach out to those the rest look down upon.
Parents, this teaching is vital for your children. They must learn that true happiness is found not in aligning with the popular or the powerful, but in befriending those neglected or dismissed by others. At church, they should be encouraged to engage with all their brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach your daughters to reject the path of the 'mean girls.' Urge your teenage sons not to isolate themselves with just their immediate peers but to be guardians and friends to the younger boys. Don't allow them to indulge in cliquish behavior.
And as you teach your children these principles, ensure you are living them out yourself. Our church must be vigilant against divisiveness. Strive to embody joy and blessing through your our active, intentional kindness and welcoming of others. Make sure you take the time to talk with people you don’t usually talk to. Don’t be so quick to head out the door after the service. Be willing to help those in need. You will find that God blesses you much greater. When you give to the poor, He does not forget it and you can’t outgive God.
Luke 1:23-38
It has been some time since our church visited the abortion mill in Louisville. We give thanks to God for this and earnestly hope we never have to return. However, there was a period when my visits were so frequent that one morning, I found myself unconsciously humming a tune. It was a cheerful melody that I hummed without much thought, until I paused to identify it: "Ave Ave Ave Maria." Surprisingly, I had absorbed this song from hearing Roman Catholics sing it repeatedly.
"Ave Maria" is Latin for the angel's greeting in our scripture passage and the initial phrase of the Hail Mary prayer. The prayer recited by Roman Catholics, often while praying the rosary, is as follows: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." The first two lines find their roots in scripture, but the latter part, particularly the plea for Mary's intercession, is absent from Biblical text.
The practice of praying to Mary is a relatively recent development. Herbert Thurston, a Roman Catholic who contributed to the Catholic Encyclopedia, notes that the Hail Mary prayer was not widely recognized as a devotional formula until around 1050 A.D. Initially, only the first two lines were used. It wasn't until after the Protestant Reformation that the prayer took its complete form. In 1568, Pope Pius V incorporated the full version in his revision of the Roman Breviary. Since then, the worship and idolatry of Mary in Roman Catholicism have escalated.
This scripture passage has been misused by Roman Catholics. In their attempt to honor Mary, they have ironically dishonored her. They have distorted the text to construct their Hail Mary prayer. For instance, the phrase "full of grace," derived from the angel's salutation and interpreted in Roman Catholicism as Mary having grace to bestow upon others, is a gross misinterpretation. J.C. Ryle clarifies that the phrase should be understood as Mary being a recipient of much grace, not a dispenser of it. The Roman Catholic interpretation is a regrettable distortion of scripture.
Transforming an angelic greeting to Mary into a prayer is misguided. The angel addressed Mary as a recipient of God's favor, not as a deity to be prayed to. Joseph Hall, a 17th-century English pastor, observed that it would be presumptuous for us to echo the angel's salutation, as we are neither in the angel's position nor is Mary in her earthly state.
John Calvin also criticized this practice, stating that the Roman Catholics have erroneously transformed a simple greeting into a prayer, a move he considers a result of ignorance and folly. “With extraordinary ignorance have the Papists, by an enchanter’s trick, changed this salutation into a prayer, and have carried their folly so far, that their preachers are not permitted, in the pulpit, to implore the grace of the Spirit, except through their Hail, Mary. But not only are these words a simple congratulation. They unwarrantably assume an office which does not belong to them, and which God committed to none but an angel. Their silly ambition leads them into a second blunder, for they salute a person who is absent,”
In conclusion, we must recognize the significant theological and scriptural errors in the Roman Catholic use of the Hail Mary prayer. It represents a deviation from scriptural teachings and an inappropriate elevation of Mary beyond her Biblical role.
Moving on from the abuses of Rome, what can we learn from this passage.
Theologians refer to Christ's first advent as His humiliation. This humiliation begins with His conception and birth. It would have been humbling enough for the God of the universe to come to earth with human royalty to live in a palace made by human hands, but He chose a path of grace and mercy. He identified with the lowly - the weak, the poor, the suffering, the sick, the enslaved, and those unable to save themselves. He came for people like us, residing in unnoticed regions, places like Jeff, Henryville, and the remote areas of Salem.
As the angel approaches a humble virgin, Mary, we are reminded of our hope in Christ. His arrival signifies that He can and will save seemingly insignificant individuals like us. The angel's encounter with Mary, a virgin betrothed, is described in verse 28: "And coming in, he said to her, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.'"
The angel greets Mary, declaring her favored and blessed. The term translated as 'greetings' is sometimes rendered 'Hail.' It's not just a salutation; it conveys a call to rejoice, a desire for happiness. The angel effectively says, "Rejoice, Mary. Be glad. Be happy."
The reason for this joy follows. The next word, a participle translated as 'favored one,' describes someone who has received grace. This term, used in Ephesians where Paul writes of God freely bestowing grace upon us, highlights that Mary is to rejoice because she is a recipient of God's grace.
God's selection of Mary was not due to her inherent goodness but a demonstration of His undeserved mercy. Our salvation is rooted in God's good pleasure which we do not deserve.. When we grasp that it is through Christ we receive grace, joy becomes our natural response. The incarnation of Jesus, God taking on human flesh to declare us righteous, should fill Christians with gladness.
Genesis 3
This passage is pivotal for grasping the challenges we face in life. The chapter is rich with lessons to be learned. We are introduced to our formidable adversary, the devil, the enemy of God. It reveals his deceptive tactics aimed at causing destruction. It is crucial to study and recognize these tactics in your life.
The devil's primary weapon is deception. He is the father of lies, and his lies are his only language. Even when he speaks things that may be true, they are in the service of lies. From this passage, we discern several of his deceptions:
1. By assuming a serpent’s form, he lies about his own true nature presenting himself as a cunning creature. Scripture reveals he often masquerades as an angel of light, hiding the grotesqueness of his evil. A notable quote about the devil is, "The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he did not exist." He aims to lower your guard and make you leave your spiritual armor on the shelf.
- The devil lies about the word of God. “Has God said,” is his question. He wants you to question the word of God and to place yourself in judgment over it. This lie comes in several forms. It could be that he wants you to doubt that the Bible is the word of God. It could be that by asking the question “has God said,” he wants to lead you to question even the existence of God. It's not far from questioning whether God said to questioning if there is a God at all. The devil will also lie to you by twisting the word of God. His lie to the woman was to ask if God said she could not eat from any tree in the garden. This was a twisting of the word of God with an outright fabrication. God did not say this, but it was enough of a lie that it began to work in the heart of the woman, causing her to question the word of God and God Himself. It worked to get her to be ashamed of the word. We see this in her response. As she speaks to the serpent, the initial part of her response is accurate, stating, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden, we may eat." Thus, she refutes the devil's false assertion. However, she adds the phrase, "God has said you shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die." There is some debate among different commentaries regarding the "or touch it" part. Is this a valid defense of the truth, cautioning against touching unclean things, or is she actually adding to God's word? It appears that she is indeed adding to God's word here. God did not say, "Do not touch it." While it may have been wise not to touch it, many commentators, and I concur with them, suggest that Eve is already being enticed by the serpent. She is beginning to question God's word by augmenting it. Whenever you believe you must enhance God's word to improve it, be cautious, for you are on the path to embracing falsehoods and sin. When individuals believe they need to enhance or modify the word of God, it often arises from discomfort with passages that challenge them or make them feel ashamed. The temptation is to smooth out those rough edges of the word of God or add to it, as if we know better. We try to come up with arguments for why it doesn’t really say what it says.
- The Devil lies about the nature of God. If he can’t get you to disregard the word of God, he is pleased to get you to think it is wrong. The devil’s subtle twisting of the command was to implant in the woman the idea that God is a withholding God, that He withholds what is good from His creation. The Devil will always lie about who God is. He hates God and wants you to hate God too. This Dragon breathes this lie out full fire when he says, “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The Devil wants you to sit in judgment of God. He wants you to doubt the goodness of God. He wants to make you question God’s commands and to think they are evil rather than from God. He wants you to be ungrateful and to grumble against God.
- The Devil lies about the judgments of God. “You surely will not die!” This is a lie against both the nature and word of God. It is to say God is not Holy. God will not judge. You will get by with disobeying God.
- The Devil lies about who you are. Just behind the discussion with Eve by the serpent, is the subtle lie to her that she is able to make these decisions herself. She is the one who has authority to decide what to do. He lies about who you are. He wants to puff you up with pride. To make you think you can play God. The whole focus of the devil’s trap was to make the woman take her eyes off God and put them on herself. Even though her husband is there, the devil goes to her, which inflates her ego as well. He wants you to lose your sense of decorum and place. He wants you to think you are smarter, greater, and wiser than those whom God has placed over you.
- Now it is not directly mentioned as a lie by the serpent in this passage, but one of the ways the devil lies is to make you think you can fix your sin problem yourself. Adam and Eve, when they sinned, were immediately aware of their guilt and shame. Their sin brought division between each other and between God. They were exposed and so they tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. They immediately resorted to works righteousness after their sin. This is always a temptation we face and the devil will encourage this lie. He will make you think that you are capable of covering sin. He will run you ragged trying to work your way into the good graces of God. It is a heavy burden and a lie. The Apostle Paul warns about this deception in Galatians 3, “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you…” The devil wants to bewitch you to the futile act of works righteousness.
- Lastly, the devil lies about the grace of God. Again, this is not directly mentioned as a lie from the serpent in the passage, but we see Adam and Eve hiding from God. They are in terror before God. We ought to fear God, and our sin makes it terrifying to think of God. But God is gracious to those who come humbly before Him. Scripture calls the devil, the accuser. He not only tempts you to sin, but he also accuses you when you do. He lies to you that there is no hope, no help, and that you are doomed. His lies are to breed despair and hide from you the hope and grace of God.
Do not fall for the devil's deceptions. Believe in the unwavering promises of God.
Psalm 102
Psalm 102 begins with a call to God to hear the prayer of one crying out for help. The Psalm writer was in great distress. He is in such sorrow that he despairs even of life. He can't eat and his body feels like it is wasting away. But just when all seems lost, the Psalm writer says that God has heard his prayer. God has not forgotten him. God's faithful and truth will stand forever. Even if the earth will pass away, God is eternal. And if God is eternal, then so are his people. The psalm ends with this hopeful promise:"The children of Your servants will continue, And their descendants will be established before You."
In this life we face trials. We face persecution. We face enemies who know just where and when to attack. We will all of us eventually face the final enemy, in which are body wastes away and we die. Yet God has not forgotten us. His promises are true. We will continue and we will be established forever with God. Therefore, we can cry out God knowing that he will hear our prayer. And knowing that He has regarded our prayers and cries for help, we can rejoice come what may.
Here is a very famous piece of choral music written by what is considered one of the England’s greatest composers, Henry Purcell in 1680 AD. It is written from this psalm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OISUntqbXvc
Prayers:
Reformation Church of Shelbyville
Pastor Jerry Dorris
Almighty God, our Sovereign Lord and Merciful Father,
We gather to lift up our brethren at the Reformation Church of Shelbyville. They stand firm in Your truth, proclaiming Your Gospel with boldness in Shelbyville and beyond. They are warriors in Christ, our allies in the faith, united in the mission You have given us.
Lord, we ask for Your protection over them. Shield them from the enemy’s schemes, from every attack that seeks to undermine their steadfastness in You. Let no weapon formed against them prosper.
Strengthen their unity, O God. Keep them as one, undivided in purpose and spirit. Guard them against discord and impurity that may try to infiltrate their ranks. Let their fellowship in You be unbreakable, their bond in Christ unassailable.
Kindle their zeal for You, Father. Let it be a fire that burns continuously, a light that never dims. May their passion for Your Word and Your kingdom be a beacon to those in darkness, drawing many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Use them mightily, Lord, in the expansion of Your kingdom. Let their ministry reflect Your sovereign will and Your unyielding grace. May they be instruments in Your hands, bringing glory to Your name, as they faithfully serve You.
We entrust them to Your care, confident in Your power and guidance. In Jesus Christ’s mighty name we pray.
Amen.
Michael Foster- Romania
Father in Heaven,
We pray for Michael Foster in Romania. A man of God, planting His church in a place where it stands alone. His life is hard, filled with the work of the Lord, and caring for his family. He needs Your help.
We ask You, Father, to meet his financial needs abundantly, supplying every necessity through Your providence. Give him what he needs to keep going. Let it be enough. Make his faith strong, unbreakable, like the mountains. Let him speak of You with a fire that doesn't burn out.
Lord, empower him to balance his duties as a missionary with his responsibilities as a husband and father. It's a heavy load. Make him strong enough to carry it. Bring those who are lost to his church. Let them hear, let them stay.
Grow Your church in Romania through him. Let it be a place of truth in a land that knows little of it. Through his faithful service, let Your kingdom expand, and Your name be glorified.
We entrust Michael and his ministry into Your sovereign hands, confident in Your plan and purpose for his life and the lives he touches. May Your grace and peace be upon him, sustaining him in every trial and triumph.
In the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Governor Eric Holcomb
O Lord, our God,
We bring before You Governor Eric Holcomb as he nears the final year of his term. Lord, work in his heart. Grant him repentance from sin and anchor him in a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. May he know Your saving grace, and let this knowledge guide his actions and decisions.
As he concludes his duties, give him integrity. Let divine wisdom be his counsel. May his leadership reflect Your righteousness and justice, and may he serve the people of Indiana with honor.
We also pray for the future leadership of Indiana. In Your sovereign mercy, raise up a governor who will defend the unborn and protect the liberties of the people. Let this leader be one who honors and glorifies You in every aspect of his governance.
May Your will be done in Indiana as it is in heaven. Guide this state, O God, according to Your sovereign plan. Let Your light shine through its leaders and its people.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior,
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Doctor
339-397 AD
Ambrose served as the governor of Northern Italy, with its capital in Milan. The vacancy of the Milanese episcopate threatened to incite riots, given the city's division between Arians and Athanasians. Athanasians, adhering to the teaching of John 1:1, acknowledge Christ Jesus as fully God, identical in divinity to the Father. Conversely, Arians view Christ as a created being, the first creation of the Father. Denominations such as East Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Reformed, Baptists, Methodists, and others align with Athanasian doctrine. Cults like the Watchtower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) and the Philippine Iglesia ni Cristo, among others, subscribe to Arianism.
Ambrose, attending the election assembly, implored for peace and goodwill from both factions. His efforts led to his unexpected election as bishop, receiving support from both sides. Renouncing his wealth, Ambrose adopted a life of simplicity. Ambrose was a staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism, not only in his diocese but also in the broader context of the Western Roman Empire. His theological works, particularly on the Holy Spirit and the Trinity, contributed significantly to the Church's doctrinal clarity. Through his preaching, he swayed the diocese towards the orthodox view of the trinity, except the Goths and certain Imperial Household members.
During Constantius' reign (Constantine the Great's son), Arian missionaries had converted the Goths, key suppliers of the Empire's mercenary forces, thereby influencing the Army's Arian leanings, despite the civilian majority favoring Athanasianism.
Ambrose's influence extended to imperial politics. He was instrumental in the conversion of Emperor Gratian to Nicene Christianity, and his persistence in doctrinal matters often swayed imperial decisions towards upholding orthodox Christian teachings.
On one occasion, the Empress ordered him to turn over a church to the Arians so that her Gothic soldiers could worship in it. Ambrose refused, and he and his people occupied the church. Ambrose composed Latin hymns in the rhythm of "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow," and taught them to the people, who sang them in the church as the soldiers surrounded it. The Goths were unwilling to attack a hymn-singing congregation, and Ambrose won that dispute.
He subsequently won another dispute, when the Emperor, enraged by a crowd who defied him, ordered them all killed by his soldiers. When he next appeared at church, Ambrose met him at the door and said, "You may not come in. There is blood on your hands." The emperor finally agreed to do public penance and to promise that thereafter he would never carry out a sentence of death without a forty-day delay after pronouncing it. Ambrose's next dispute with the emperor was when certain Christians burned a Jewish synagogue, and the emperor commanded the church to pay for it to be rebuilt. Ambrose maintained that no Christian could be compelled to provide money for the building of a non-Christian house of worship, no matter what the circumstances. Furthermore, Ambrose worked to ensure that pagan idols were removed. When the emperor ordered the removal of a pagan altar, some pagan senators tried to get the emperor to reverse his decision. Ambrose wrote Valentinian II a letter asserting that the emperor was a soldier of God, not simply a personal believer but one bound by his position to serve the faith; under no circumstances could he agree to something that would promote the worship of idols. The pagan’s plan was averted and the altar was permanently removed.
Ambrose significantly influenced St. Augustine's conversion and possibly composed the "Te Deum Laudamus" in gratitude. He might have authored the Athanasian Creed and was a pioneer in Christian hymnody, introducing rhyme and meter. Northern Italy still practices his Ambrosian chant, distinct from the prevalent Gregorian chant. On the negative side, many Christians will regret his contribution to increased preoccupation with the relics of martyrs.
As a bishop, Ambrose was deeply committed to the pastoral care of his flock. He was known for his preaching, which was both intellectually rigorous and accessible. His efforts to educate and spiritually nurture his congregation were a testament to his dedication as a shepherd of his church.
Ambrose, who died on April 4, 397, is revered as one of the Eight Great Doctors of the Church. This group comprises four Latin (Western) Doctors – Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Pope Gregory the Great – and four Greek (Eastern) Doctors – Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus, not to be mistaken for Gregory of Nyssa, Basil's brother.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. Ambrose
O God, who gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Announcements for the Week of 12/10/2023- 12/16/2023
Prayer Concerns:
- Expectant Mothers: Special prayers requested for Shawn Crone, Brittany McKinney, Chelsea Mix, Rowina Spurgeon, and Maddie Sands.
- The McKinney Family: No Babies yet!!! But there will be soon. Brittnay is currently on bed rest as she waits for the twins. Please reach out them as you are able and see where you can be of help.
- Sickness: Colds, Flus, and Virus, Oh my! It is that time of the year when we are reminded of how frail we are and how good chicken noodle soup is. Please be in prayer for all those who are fighting off sicknesses. Let us also remember all the good and wise things about dealing with these sicknesses. Wash your hands, get plenty of rest, work overtime to keep your house clean, and if you have something that you know is catchy, stay home and so the rest of us don’t catch it. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to come back to worship as soon as you can. Don’t let the Sunday Morning Sickness (the kind that only comes on Sunday morning and only lasts till Sunday after church time) keep you from worship.
- Reformation Church of Shelbyville: Brethren, let us unite in prayer for our fellow soldiers in Christ at the Reformation Church of Shelbyville. This steadfast congregation, our nearest ally outside of our presbytery, boldly proclaims the Gospel in Shelbyville and beyond, serving as an encouragement in our shared mission. We urge you to pray that the Lord shields them from the enemy's schemes. Let us beseech God to fortify their unity, guarding them against any seeds of division or impurity that may threaten their ranks. Pray earnestly that their zeal for the Lord remains kindled, a blazing fire that cannot be quenched. May the Almighty use them mightily for the expansion of His kingdom, reflecting His sovereign will and unyielding grace.
- Michael Foster- Missionary to Romania: Michael, a dedicated church planter in Romania, has tirelessly served for several years, balancing his roles as a husband and father. His church stands as the sole Reformed congregation in the region. Please pray that God generously provides for his financial needs, and endows him with unwavering faith and vigorous strength for the proclamation of the Gospel. Let us also petition the Lord to draw lost sheep into the fold and foster the growth of Christ's Church in Romania.’
- Governor Eric Holcomb: As Governor Eric Holcomb approaches his final year in office, we should intercede for him in prayer. Let us earnestly beseech God to work in Governor Holcomb's heart, granting him true repentance from sin and a deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Pray that he may conclude his term with integrity, guided by divine wisdom. Furthermore, let us also lift up our petitions for the future leadership of Indiana. Pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, raises up a new governor who will advocate for the unborn and protect the liberties of the people, all while honoring and glorifying Christ in their governance.
- 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.
- Bloomington Christmas Sing-Along: Our sister church, Trinity Reformed Church, hosts their annual Christmas sing-along. This year it's 7-9 p.m. Friday, December 15 at Trinity Reformed Church, 2401 S. Endwright Road. Several of us from Sovereign King make the trip up and it is always worth it. It is free but you will want to get there right at 6:30 when the doors open. This would be a great way to get to know your brothers and sisters in the Presbytery.
- Christmas Caroling: 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. December 16 Time:5-6pm Location: SKC Mr . Adams will pass out song books and lead us on our route please bring the family and join us as we exalt Christ among our neighbors . December 23 Time :5-6pm Location: The Nolans 828 mechanic st 47130 Mr. Proud provide us with song books and lead us on our route . Hot chocolate and fellowship at the Nolans : 6-7pm
- Genevan Pub- Book and Bottle Exchange: December 17 4-8PM. Join the men of Sovereign King Church as we finish up our discussion on Covenant Theology. Bring a book and your favorite beer to exchange with the other men in a white elephant style Christmas exchange-just don’t bring Bud Lite or Your Best Life Now.
- City Council Outreach: December 18 7-8PM. At the city council meeting, get up to date with all the latest going on in Jeffersonville while also getting to know who our civil magistrates are. Talk to Justin Govanus for more details.
- The King’s Men and Daughters of the King: December 20 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.
- A playlist Advent and Christmas from Sovereign King Church https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1SUH9tXx0ptPUl2tibcCpO?si=fe3aecde980044e0
- Sovereign King Academy: If you were unable to attend the informational meeting regarding the school here is a link the a recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/utt6ninjUfg?si=_O7ioWmAprgqJ6Ft