The Guide for the Week
January 14- 20th 2024 AD.
The Second Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 15:21-30
1 Corinthians 2
Mark 16:15
Psalm 107
Verse to Memorize
1 Corinthians 6:20
Catechism Questions
Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
Bible Passages:
Luke 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
2 Peter 1:20-21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
People to Pray for:
Church: Holy Trinity Reformed Church
Pastor James Brown JR.
Ministry: Prayer for the outreach committee of SKC
Civil Magistrate: Clark County Circuit Court
Judge Bradley B. Jacobs
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 15:21-30
Vs 22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.
Vs 28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
The two verses above have something in common—they teach us to slow down and think before acting. If you are like many men, you will have long periods of stagnation in your life. You will just go with the flow and grind it out day to day. During these times, your spiritual life is inactive and your zeal is cool. But then there will come times when you are convicted of something and you know things need to change. You hear a podcast and suddenly you know that something in your home needs to change. Here is where many fathers and husbands blow it. They rush home and they are going to make immediate changes. They are going to go from inactivity to a flurry of activity. But it peters out quickly. There was no plan. It was all rash.
The wise man, full of the Holy Spirit, isn’t the man whose life is a constant yo-yoing between apathy and rashness. Rather, he is a man who is plodding along with zeal and planning. He seeks wisdom. He seeks it from above and from among the other godly men he knows. He thinks before he acts and before he speaks. The fool is the one who plunges headlong without guidance or thought.
Now, there is a ditch here that is to be avoided. And that is to be the man who uses the above to keep from acting. Just as there can be a fool who acts rashly and doesn’t consider his speech, there can be a man who never acts swiftly or never speaks what is required in the situation. He is not wise but a coward. It could be that he has no faith to act. Sometimes a wise man must have faith to act and faith to sin. Now, what in the world do I mean by that? Martin Luther once received a letter from a fellow pastor and reformer. The man in the letter said that he was working to reform his congregation but he was afraid that he could be moving too quickly or that it may cause division in his congregation. He knew it was the right thing to do but he was afraid that he might do it imperfectly and therefore was afraid to act. Luther told him to not be afraid to act. Of course, in this life, even the wisest of actions may be riddled with mistakes, sinful motives, or otherwise. But fear of what may be can’t keep us from acting. So Luther told him to trust God and sin boldly. Here is the actual quote: “If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong [or sin boldly], but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides.”
The point is not that you should go and intentionally sin. God forbid that we would act like a fool. But rather, we need to have faith to act and trust that God’s grace will cover up our sins.
Now remember, a wise man will seek an abundance of counsel. He will think before he acts and speaks, but he also will act and speak. He will not let rashness be mistaken as zeal but also won’t let apathy be mistaken as wisdom. There will be times when he must act or speak quickly. He may, in his attempt to do right, get some things wrong. God, however, is gracious.
One last ditch, be careful that you don’t become the man to police everyone else’s zeal or wisdom. If you are a man who always knows what others ought to have done or said but you never act yourself, then you are not the good counsel mentioned in these proverbs. You may just be a scoffer and mocker. Be a man of wisdom and action. Then other men will come to you for counsel.
1 Corinthians 2
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul vindicates his ministry to the church at Corinth. He does so not so that they will look at him but rather that they will look to Christ. Remember, they were a church divided. They had various groups rallying around different ministers that God had used to reach them. The Apostle Paul reminds the church that his coming to them was to bring them the gospel of Jesus. He didn’t come with fancy oratorical skills. He didn’t come trying to dazzle them with his own wisdom and intellect. He came bringing them the testimony of God. When Paul had been with them, his only goal was to make known to them Jesus Christ and His work. Paul did this work of preaching relying on the Spirit of God and full of fear and trembling.
It wasn’t human wisdom that had won the church of Corinth. It wasn’t great personalities. It was the Holy Spirit. Now Paul makes it clear that the gospel is not without wisdom. Actually, the gospel is wisdom that even the high and lofty could not search out on their own. It is the wisdom of God.
And those who receive this wisdom, receive it not because of the will or might of man. It isn’t because of how great Paul was or how well Apollos preached. It wasn’t the zealousness of Peter. If anyone is in Christ, it is because of the Holy Spirit. Yes, God is pleased to use weak and fearful men. He is pleased to use Paul, Apollos, Peter, and all your favorite preachers. But if you know God, it's not because of any greatness in them. It is because of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 14 says, "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised."
If your salvation were dependent upon the oratorical skills and wisdom of man, you would be in real trouble. The natural man can’t accept the things of God. We all inherit from Adam a sinful nature. And in our own sinful nature, we will never accept the things of God. It is just foolishness.
Have you ever watched a foreign film but didn’t have the subtitles on? Maybe you could figure out some of what is going on by the action on the screen, but when it comes to long dialogues, you are clueless. It's like what the parents sound like on Charlie Brown—wah wah wah. But if someone who knows the language is sitting beside you, they would understand it. You and they both could be hearing the same thing, but to you, it would be gibberish and to them an engaging conversation.
This is true for the preaching and proclamation of the gospel. Unless God gives the Holy Spirit to awaken a man and give him understanding, the same preaching that gives life to the Christian will be foolish to the unbeliever. The difference, then, is not in the preaching but in the work of the Holy Spirit.
Now, this is not to say that God does not expect preachers to work hard to make their preaching understandable and truthful. But rather, the point is that in our salvation, God is the one who gets the glory.
Therefore, whether God was pleased to use Paul or Apollos in the lives of the Corinthians, they all should find their unity in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
There is no need to have a division in a church built around the personalities of men that God has used in our lives. Rather, rally around the truth.
There are a few applications for you here:
Mark 16:15
The faith that we confess together, we proclaim together. We who have heard the good news and received it by faith have been commanded by our King to proclaim the good news of his kingdom. It's not just an obligation to spread the gospel, it's a joyful privilege. So, at Sovereign King Church, we take the proclamation of God's word seriously. We proclaim the good news in worship through song, prayer, Bible study, and preaching. But Sunday services are just the tip of the iceberg, we take the message of God's grace with us everywhere- sharing it with anyone and everyone we come across. Our mission is clear: to fulfill the command of our King to go forth and tell all of creation about His Kingdom.
Psalm 107
If you have ever gone with us street preaching, you will know that this is one of my favorite passages to preach. This Psalm is a praise song to God for his deliverance and salvation. God's deliverance is described in four different ways. Each of these four sections follows a pattern. First, there is the description of the one in desperate need of God's mercy. Secondly, those in need cry out to the Lord for help. Third, God hears and answers their prayer. And fourth, God delivers them.
In verses 4-9, God delivers those who were wandering in the wilderness—hungry and thirsty. God leads them out of the wilderness and cares for their thirsty and hungry souls when they cry out.
In verses 10-16, God delivers those who were imprisoned in misery and chains. They are people who sit in the shadow of death and it's all their own fault. The chains they wear and the slavery they bear are because they refused to obey the commands of God. They spurned the counsel of God and he weighed them down with hard labor. In verse 12, we have one of the saddest descriptions of sinful man, “they stumbled and there was none to help.” They rejected God and now they have no one who can help them. Holy Scripture says that if God is for us, who can be against us. The inverse is true. If God is against you, who can be for you? If you reject God, you have none who can save you from Him. But praise God, when they were humble and they cried out for help, he saved them out of their distress. When they turn to the one they have spurned and flee to him for salvation, he brings them out of darkness and breaks their chains apart.
In verses 17-22, there are fools who refuse to eat and become sick with all kinds of afflictions. They are weak and near death. But they too cried out to the Lord. He sent his word and healed them. He gave them spiritual food and delivered them from the gates of death.
Finally, in verses 23-32, we have a description of men on ships in the sea. They are hit with storms that God raises up. Their boat seems to be sinking and they are in great fear. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and He calms the sea. He brings them safely to safe harbor.
It is clear throughout this psalm that it is speaking of Christ Jesus as deliverer. Each section brings that picture of Jesus into more light. The deliverance on the sea was literally fulfilled in the gospels as Jesus calmed the seas. But the rest of the sections are also fulfilled in Jesus. He is the one who leads us out of the wilderness of sin and feeds our souls. He is the one who breaks our chains apart and grants us freedom even though we were the ones who locked ourselves up. He heals our sin sickness and will heal our bodies from the grave. He calms the seas of life and He will bring us into safe harbor at last.
Let us therefore then praise Jesus Christ, our deliverer. Let us give thanks to the Lord with joyful singing. Let us extol the wonders of Christ to the people and in the congregation. Let us be glad.
If you are wise, the psalm says you will give heed to these things and consider the lovingkindness of our God.
Catechism Questions:
As part of our goal this year to work on grounding ourselves in our confession of faith, the children will be working through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Each week during the worship gathering, they will be asked to stand in their pew and recite the catechism question. They will also learn three verses that are connected with that question. On the fourth Sunday of the month, they will be invited to come to the front of the sanctuary during the service to review the previous three weeks' questions. It is our hope that this will be a help not only to the children but also to the whole congregation in reviewing the foundations of our Christian faith.
Here is the devotional for the 2nd question.
What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
2 Timothy 3:14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
If we are going to fulfill our purpose of glorifying and enjoying God, we need to know how to do it. If God is to be glorifed, it is He who must tell us how we may do that. And if we are going to find true joy, then we need to know what it is, where we may attain it, and how we may attain it. Since God glorifying God and knowing true joy are interrelated, we must go to God, the source of joy, to attain it.
God has revealed himself in nature. The Stars proclaim his handiwork. But we are sinners who have rejected God and so while nature reveals to us that there is a God and that we are obligated to obey him, it doesn’t reveal to us all we need to know to find joy. We can’t have true joy while being at odds with God. It is only in the Bible, the word of God, where we can know for sure how we may have peace with God and thus be able to truly glorify God with joy. The Bible is what will give us the wisdom which leads to salvation. It is where we may be equipped for every good work. It is where we learn to glorify and enjoy God.
IF the bible is that source for our happiness, then why do we spend so much time searching everywhere else but there? If it is the very words of our God meant to bring us to true joy, then why do we look to the worldly sources to cure us of anxiety, depression, and heartache? If you find yourself struggling with a lot of cares, fears, and despair, maybe its time to crack open your Bible and read it with faith.
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Holy Trinity Reformed Church
Heavenly Father,
In the unity of the Spirit, we lift up our brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity Reformed Church and their pastor, James Brown, Jr. We come before You, O Lord, asking that You would strengthen them through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Endow them with wisdom and a fervent zeal for Your Word and works, that they may be equipped and enthusiastic in their service to You.
We pray for their growth, both numerically and spiritually. May they continue to mature in their faith, becoming ever more rooted and grounded in Your truth. Let Holy Trinity Reformed Church be a beacon of Your love and a faithful witness to the Gospel in their community.
We bring before You Pastor Brown in his time of grief over the loss of his mother. Comfort him, Lord, with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. May he find solace in Your presence and strength in the hope of eternal life.
We also pray for Rachel, Pastor Brown's daughter, as she recovers from her car accident. We thank You for the progress she has made, for the grace that has enabled her to walk again. Continue to heal her, Lord, both physically and spiritually. Guide her recovery, that she may regain full strength and wellness in accordance with Your will.
Bless Holy Trinity Reformed Church and the Brown family with Your unfailing love and grace. May they feel the support and prayers of their wider church family during this time.
In Jesus' name, we pray,
Amen
Prayer for the Outreach Committee of SKC
Almighty God Our Merciful Father,
We humbly come before You, seeking Your divine blessing on the outreach endeavors of Sovereign King Church. May Your spirit infuse every aspect of our worship with joy, victory, truth, and selflessness. As we gather in Your name, equip us, Lord, to minister effectively to one another and to the community that surrounds us.
We ask for Your guidance and provision for our upcoming outreach events. As we prepare to preach Your Word at Thunder Over Louisville, Southern Indiana Pride, Thornton Gas Station, and other locations, grant us the wisdom to organize these events efficiently. May they be well attended and serve as beacons of Your light in a world that wanders in darkness.
Lord, let our outreach be a powerful and faithful proclamation of the Gospel. May it resonate in the hearts of those who hear, bringing hope to the lost and revival to the dying. Use us as instruments of Your grace, to spread the message of Your grace and salvation far and wide.
We place all our plans and efforts in Your capable hands, trusting in Your sovereign will to bring them to fruition for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Clark County Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Jacobs
Heavenly Father,
We lift up Judge Bradley B. Jacobs of Clark County Circuit Court before Your throne of grace. You, O Lord, are the ultimate Judge, and Your Word guides us in righteousness and truth. We pray that Judge Jacobs' decisions align with Your divine laws, especially in matters concerning the dignity and rights of the unborn and the protection of the weak.
Grant him wisdom, Lord, that he may discern what is right and just. May his judgments reflect Your will, ensuring that the wicked are punished and the innocent are safeguarded. In his court, let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
We also beseech You for Judge Jacobs' personal salvation. Draw him close to You, that he might know Your love and grace. Bless his health, that he may serve with strength and vigor. Watch over his family, keeping them safe and united in Your love.
In all things, may Your will be done in and through Judge Jacobs. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Antony, Abbot in Egypt
17 Jan 356
Before the conversion of the Emperor Constantine in 312 AD, back in the days when Christianity was still a persecuted religion, the act of becoming a Christian involved turning one's back on the pursuit of security, of fashionable prestige and popularity, of success as the term is widely understood. After the Emperor had changed Christianity from a persecuted religion into a fashionable one, many earnest Christians felt the need to make such a renunciation in the service of Christ, and did not see mere Church membership as any longer enough to constitute such a renunciation. Accordingly, many of them sought Christian commitment by fleeing from society into the desert, and becoming hermits, devoting themselves to solitude, fasting, and prayer. Although this trend was much accelerated and reinforced by the conversion of Constantine and attendant changes, it had already begun earlier. An outstanding early example is Antony of Egypt, often reckoned as the founder of Christian monasticism.
Antony of Egypt, the son of Christian parents, inherited a large estate. On his way to church one day, he found himself meditating on the text, "Sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and come follow me." When he got to church, he heard the preacher speaking on that very text. He took this as a message for him, and, having provided for the care of his sister, he gave his land to the tenants who lived on it, and gave his other wealth to the poor, and became a hermit, living alone for twenty years, praying and reading, and doing manual labor. In 305, he gave up his solitude to become the head of a group of monks, living in a cluster of huts or cells, devoting themselves to communal singing and worship, to prayer and study and manual labor under Antony's direction. They did not simply renounce the world, but were diligent in prayer for their fellow Christians, worked with their hands to earn money that they might distribute it as alms, and preached and gave personal counseling to those who sought them out.
In 321, Christians in Alexandria were being persecuted by the Emperor Maximinus (the rule of Constantine was not yet universal), and Antony visited Alexandria to encourage those facing the possibility of martyrdom. He visited again in 335, when Arianism was strong in the city, and converted many, by his preaching and testimony, and by prayer and the working of miracles. His biography was written by Athanasius, who said of him: "Who ever met him grieving and failed to go away rejoicing?"
Today, we recognize that many in the church at times was wrongly influenced by gnostic teaching and therefore sought to disengage from earthy living. While we do not support this misguided notion that one must disengage from the earth, we can still honor the commitment and work of the monks as they often were instrumental in passing on the Holy scriptures. Furthermore, we should learn to hold the things of this world loosely as we look forward to the things to come.
A prayer of thanksgiving for Antony of Egypt:
O God, who by your Holy Spirit enabled your servant Antony to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil: Give us grace, with pure hearts and minds, to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Announcements for the Week
Prayer Concerns:
Additional Resources:
For more information and updates, please visit our website.
Proverbs 15:21-30
1 Corinthians 2
Mark 16:15
Psalm 107
Verse to Memorize
1 Corinthians 6:20
Catechism Questions
Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
Bible Passages:
Luke 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
2 Peter 1:20-21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
People to Pray for:
Church: Holy Trinity Reformed Church
Pastor James Brown JR.
Ministry: Prayer for the outreach committee of SKC
Civil Magistrate: Clark County Circuit Court
Judge Bradley B. Jacobs
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 15:21-30
Vs 22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.
Vs 28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
The two verses above have something in common—they teach us to slow down and think before acting. If you are like many men, you will have long periods of stagnation in your life. You will just go with the flow and grind it out day to day. During these times, your spiritual life is inactive and your zeal is cool. But then there will come times when you are convicted of something and you know things need to change. You hear a podcast and suddenly you know that something in your home needs to change. Here is where many fathers and husbands blow it. They rush home and they are going to make immediate changes. They are going to go from inactivity to a flurry of activity. But it peters out quickly. There was no plan. It was all rash.
The wise man, full of the Holy Spirit, isn’t the man whose life is a constant yo-yoing between apathy and rashness. Rather, he is a man who is plodding along with zeal and planning. He seeks wisdom. He seeks it from above and from among the other godly men he knows. He thinks before he acts and before he speaks. The fool is the one who plunges headlong without guidance or thought.
Now, there is a ditch here that is to be avoided. And that is to be the man who uses the above to keep from acting. Just as there can be a fool who acts rashly and doesn’t consider his speech, there can be a man who never acts swiftly or never speaks what is required in the situation. He is not wise but a coward. It could be that he has no faith to act. Sometimes a wise man must have faith to act and faith to sin. Now, what in the world do I mean by that? Martin Luther once received a letter from a fellow pastor and reformer. The man in the letter said that he was working to reform his congregation but he was afraid that he could be moving too quickly or that it may cause division in his congregation. He knew it was the right thing to do but he was afraid that he might do it imperfectly and therefore was afraid to act. Luther told him to not be afraid to act. Of course, in this life, even the wisest of actions may be riddled with mistakes, sinful motives, or otherwise. But fear of what may be can’t keep us from acting. So Luther told him to trust God and sin boldly. Here is the actual quote: “If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong [or sin boldly], but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides.”
The point is not that you should go and intentionally sin. God forbid that we would act like a fool. But rather, we need to have faith to act and trust that God’s grace will cover up our sins.
Now remember, a wise man will seek an abundance of counsel. He will think before he acts and speaks, but he also will act and speak. He will not let rashness be mistaken as zeal but also won’t let apathy be mistaken as wisdom. There will be times when he must act or speak quickly. He may, in his attempt to do right, get some things wrong. God, however, is gracious.
One last ditch, be careful that you don’t become the man to police everyone else’s zeal or wisdom. If you are a man who always knows what others ought to have done or said but you never act yourself, then you are not the good counsel mentioned in these proverbs. You may just be a scoffer and mocker. Be a man of wisdom and action. Then other men will come to you for counsel.
1 Corinthians 2
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul vindicates his ministry to the church at Corinth. He does so not so that they will look at him but rather that they will look to Christ. Remember, they were a church divided. They had various groups rallying around different ministers that God had used to reach them. The Apostle Paul reminds the church that his coming to them was to bring them the gospel of Jesus. He didn’t come with fancy oratorical skills. He didn’t come trying to dazzle them with his own wisdom and intellect. He came bringing them the testimony of God. When Paul had been with them, his only goal was to make known to them Jesus Christ and His work. Paul did this work of preaching relying on the Spirit of God and full of fear and trembling.
It wasn’t human wisdom that had won the church of Corinth. It wasn’t great personalities. It was the Holy Spirit. Now Paul makes it clear that the gospel is not without wisdom. Actually, the gospel is wisdom that even the high and lofty could not search out on their own. It is the wisdom of God.
And those who receive this wisdom, receive it not because of the will or might of man. It isn’t because of how great Paul was or how well Apollos preached. It wasn’t the zealousness of Peter. If anyone is in Christ, it is because of the Holy Spirit. Yes, God is pleased to use weak and fearful men. He is pleased to use Paul, Apollos, Peter, and all your favorite preachers. But if you know God, it's not because of any greatness in them. It is because of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 14 says, "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised."
If your salvation were dependent upon the oratorical skills and wisdom of man, you would be in real trouble. The natural man can’t accept the things of God. We all inherit from Adam a sinful nature. And in our own sinful nature, we will never accept the things of God. It is just foolishness.
Have you ever watched a foreign film but didn’t have the subtitles on? Maybe you could figure out some of what is going on by the action on the screen, but when it comes to long dialogues, you are clueless. It's like what the parents sound like on Charlie Brown—wah wah wah. But if someone who knows the language is sitting beside you, they would understand it. You and they both could be hearing the same thing, but to you, it would be gibberish and to them an engaging conversation.
This is true for the preaching and proclamation of the gospel. Unless God gives the Holy Spirit to awaken a man and give him understanding, the same preaching that gives life to the Christian will be foolish to the unbeliever. The difference, then, is not in the preaching but in the work of the Holy Spirit.
Now, this is not to say that God does not expect preachers to work hard to make their preaching understandable and truthful. But rather, the point is that in our salvation, God is the one who gets the glory.
Therefore, whether God was pleased to use Paul or Apollos in the lives of the Corinthians, they all should find their unity in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
There is no need to have a division in a church built around the personalities of men that God has used in our lives. Rather, rally around the truth.
There are a few applications for you here:
- Don’t get caught up in celebrity Christianity. Yes, we can give thanks and honor men that are faithful. We do well to honor our fathers in the faith. But we honor them best when our hope is in Christ Jesus. Be wary of those who build up their own name rather than the name of Christ. Don’t get carried away by big names, big lights, and big productions.
- Remember that the best of men are but men. Your hope is in Christ Jesus. Many people have been hurt or let down by those who were supposed to be spiritual leaders. The truth is that the best of spiritual leaders are still sinners. If your hope is in any man, me included, you will be let down. But if your hope is in Christ, then you can honor what is good and right in your spiritual leaders, you can forgive and overlook weaknesses, and you can stand for truth no matter what others may do.
- Be willing to speak truth in obedience to God. God is pleased to use men speaking truth to bring others to salvation. Have faith to be obedient and then trust that it is God who changes the hearts of men. We don’t have to get into manipulative schemes or use worldly wisdom to bring people into the fold. If the Holy Spirit is not in it, no matter how well you speak, it won’t matter. If the Holy Spirit is in it, then your sincere and faithful work cannot be stopped.
Mark 16:15
The faith that we confess together, we proclaim together. We who have heard the good news and received it by faith have been commanded by our King to proclaim the good news of his kingdom. It's not just an obligation to spread the gospel, it's a joyful privilege. So, at Sovereign King Church, we take the proclamation of God's word seriously. We proclaim the good news in worship through song, prayer, Bible study, and preaching. But Sunday services are just the tip of the iceberg, we take the message of God's grace with us everywhere- sharing it with anyone and everyone we come across. Our mission is clear: to fulfill the command of our King to go forth and tell all of creation about His Kingdom.
Psalm 107
If you have ever gone with us street preaching, you will know that this is one of my favorite passages to preach. This Psalm is a praise song to God for his deliverance and salvation. God's deliverance is described in four different ways. Each of these four sections follows a pattern. First, there is the description of the one in desperate need of God's mercy. Secondly, those in need cry out to the Lord for help. Third, God hears and answers their prayer. And fourth, God delivers them.
In verses 4-9, God delivers those who were wandering in the wilderness—hungry and thirsty. God leads them out of the wilderness and cares for their thirsty and hungry souls when they cry out.
In verses 10-16, God delivers those who were imprisoned in misery and chains. They are people who sit in the shadow of death and it's all their own fault. The chains they wear and the slavery they bear are because they refused to obey the commands of God. They spurned the counsel of God and he weighed them down with hard labor. In verse 12, we have one of the saddest descriptions of sinful man, “they stumbled and there was none to help.” They rejected God and now they have no one who can help them. Holy Scripture says that if God is for us, who can be against us. The inverse is true. If God is against you, who can be for you? If you reject God, you have none who can save you from Him. But praise God, when they were humble and they cried out for help, he saved them out of their distress. When they turn to the one they have spurned and flee to him for salvation, he brings them out of darkness and breaks their chains apart.
In verses 17-22, there are fools who refuse to eat and become sick with all kinds of afflictions. They are weak and near death. But they too cried out to the Lord. He sent his word and healed them. He gave them spiritual food and delivered them from the gates of death.
Finally, in verses 23-32, we have a description of men on ships in the sea. They are hit with storms that God raises up. Their boat seems to be sinking and they are in great fear. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and He calms the sea. He brings them safely to safe harbor.
It is clear throughout this psalm that it is speaking of Christ Jesus as deliverer. Each section brings that picture of Jesus into more light. The deliverance on the sea was literally fulfilled in the gospels as Jesus calmed the seas. But the rest of the sections are also fulfilled in Jesus. He is the one who leads us out of the wilderness of sin and feeds our souls. He is the one who breaks our chains apart and grants us freedom even though we were the ones who locked ourselves up. He heals our sin sickness and will heal our bodies from the grave. He calms the seas of life and He will bring us into safe harbor at last.
Let us therefore then praise Jesus Christ, our deliverer. Let us give thanks to the Lord with joyful singing. Let us extol the wonders of Christ to the people and in the congregation. Let us be glad.
If you are wise, the psalm says you will give heed to these things and consider the lovingkindness of our God.
Catechism Questions:
As part of our goal this year to work on grounding ourselves in our confession of faith, the children will be working through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Each week during the worship gathering, they will be asked to stand in their pew and recite the catechism question. They will also learn three verses that are connected with that question. On the fourth Sunday of the month, they will be invited to come to the front of the sanctuary during the service to review the previous three weeks' questions. It is our hope that this will be a help not only to the children but also to the whole congregation in reviewing the foundations of our Christian faith.
Here is the devotional for the 2nd question.
What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
2 Timothy 3:14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
If we are going to fulfill our purpose of glorifying and enjoying God, we need to know how to do it. If God is to be glorifed, it is He who must tell us how we may do that. And if we are going to find true joy, then we need to know what it is, where we may attain it, and how we may attain it. Since God glorifying God and knowing true joy are interrelated, we must go to God, the source of joy, to attain it.
God has revealed himself in nature. The Stars proclaim his handiwork. But we are sinners who have rejected God and so while nature reveals to us that there is a God and that we are obligated to obey him, it doesn’t reveal to us all we need to know to find joy. We can’t have true joy while being at odds with God. It is only in the Bible, the word of God, where we can know for sure how we may have peace with God and thus be able to truly glorify God with joy. The Bible is what will give us the wisdom which leads to salvation. It is where we may be equipped for every good work. It is where we learn to glorify and enjoy God.
IF the bible is that source for our happiness, then why do we spend so much time searching everywhere else but there? If it is the very words of our God meant to bring us to true joy, then why do we look to the worldly sources to cure us of anxiety, depression, and heartache? If you find yourself struggling with a lot of cares, fears, and despair, maybe its time to crack open your Bible and read it with faith.
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Holy Trinity Reformed Church
Heavenly Father,
In the unity of the Spirit, we lift up our brothers and sisters at Holy Trinity Reformed Church and their pastor, James Brown, Jr. We come before You, O Lord, asking that You would strengthen them through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Endow them with wisdom and a fervent zeal for Your Word and works, that they may be equipped and enthusiastic in their service to You.
We pray for their growth, both numerically and spiritually. May they continue to mature in their faith, becoming ever more rooted and grounded in Your truth. Let Holy Trinity Reformed Church be a beacon of Your love and a faithful witness to the Gospel in their community.
We bring before You Pastor Brown in his time of grief over the loss of his mother. Comfort him, Lord, with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. May he find solace in Your presence and strength in the hope of eternal life.
We also pray for Rachel, Pastor Brown's daughter, as she recovers from her car accident. We thank You for the progress she has made, for the grace that has enabled her to walk again. Continue to heal her, Lord, both physically and spiritually. Guide her recovery, that she may regain full strength and wellness in accordance with Your will.
Bless Holy Trinity Reformed Church and the Brown family with Your unfailing love and grace. May they feel the support and prayers of their wider church family during this time.
In Jesus' name, we pray,
Amen
Prayer for the Outreach Committee of SKC
Almighty God Our Merciful Father,
We humbly come before You, seeking Your divine blessing on the outreach endeavors of Sovereign King Church. May Your spirit infuse every aspect of our worship with joy, victory, truth, and selflessness. As we gather in Your name, equip us, Lord, to minister effectively to one another and to the community that surrounds us.
We ask for Your guidance and provision for our upcoming outreach events. As we prepare to preach Your Word at Thunder Over Louisville, Southern Indiana Pride, Thornton Gas Station, and other locations, grant us the wisdom to organize these events efficiently. May they be well attended and serve as beacons of Your light in a world that wanders in darkness.
Lord, let our outreach be a powerful and faithful proclamation of the Gospel. May it resonate in the hearts of those who hear, bringing hope to the lost and revival to the dying. Use us as instruments of Your grace, to spread the message of Your grace and salvation far and wide.
We place all our plans and efforts in Your capable hands, trusting in Your sovereign will to bring them to fruition for Your glory.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Clark County Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Jacobs
Heavenly Father,
We lift up Judge Bradley B. Jacobs of Clark County Circuit Court before Your throne of grace. You, O Lord, are the ultimate Judge, and Your Word guides us in righteousness and truth. We pray that Judge Jacobs' decisions align with Your divine laws, especially in matters concerning the dignity and rights of the unborn and the protection of the weak.
Grant him wisdom, Lord, that he may discern what is right and just. May his judgments reflect Your will, ensuring that the wicked are punished and the innocent are safeguarded. In his court, let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
We also beseech You for Judge Jacobs' personal salvation. Draw him close to You, that he might know Your love and grace. Bless his health, that he may serve with strength and vigor. Watch over his family, keeping them safe and united in Your love.
In all things, may Your will be done in and through Judge Jacobs. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Antony, Abbot in Egypt
17 Jan 356
Before the conversion of the Emperor Constantine in 312 AD, back in the days when Christianity was still a persecuted religion, the act of becoming a Christian involved turning one's back on the pursuit of security, of fashionable prestige and popularity, of success as the term is widely understood. After the Emperor had changed Christianity from a persecuted religion into a fashionable one, many earnest Christians felt the need to make such a renunciation in the service of Christ, and did not see mere Church membership as any longer enough to constitute such a renunciation. Accordingly, many of them sought Christian commitment by fleeing from society into the desert, and becoming hermits, devoting themselves to solitude, fasting, and prayer. Although this trend was much accelerated and reinforced by the conversion of Constantine and attendant changes, it had already begun earlier. An outstanding early example is Antony of Egypt, often reckoned as the founder of Christian monasticism.
Antony of Egypt, the son of Christian parents, inherited a large estate. On his way to church one day, he found himself meditating on the text, "Sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and come follow me." When he got to church, he heard the preacher speaking on that very text. He took this as a message for him, and, having provided for the care of his sister, he gave his land to the tenants who lived on it, and gave his other wealth to the poor, and became a hermit, living alone for twenty years, praying and reading, and doing manual labor. In 305, he gave up his solitude to become the head of a group of monks, living in a cluster of huts or cells, devoting themselves to communal singing and worship, to prayer and study and manual labor under Antony's direction. They did not simply renounce the world, but were diligent in prayer for their fellow Christians, worked with their hands to earn money that they might distribute it as alms, and preached and gave personal counseling to those who sought them out.
In 321, Christians in Alexandria were being persecuted by the Emperor Maximinus (the rule of Constantine was not yet universal), and Antony visited Alexandria to encourage those facing the possibility of martyrdom. He visited again in 335, when Arianism was strong in the city, and converted many, by his preaching and testimony, and by prayer and the working of miracles. His biography was written by Athanasius, who said of him: "Who ever met him grieving and failed to go away rejoicing?"
Today, we recognize that many in the church at times was wrongly influenced by gnostic teaching and therefore sought to disengage from earthy living. While we do not support this misguided notion that one must disengage from the earth, we can still honor the commitment and work of the monks as they often were instrumental in passing on the Holy scriptures. Furthermore, we should learn to hold the things of this world loosely as we look forward to the things to come.
A prayer of thanksgiving for Antony of Egypt:
O God, who by your Holy Spirit enabled your servant Antony to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil: Give us grace, with pure hearts and minds, to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Announcements for the Week
Prayer Concerns:
- Expectant Mothers: We request special prayers for Shawn Crone, Chelsea Mix, Rowina Spurgeon, and Maddie Sands.
- Sickness: With the prevalence of colds, flus, and viruses, remember the importance of hygiene, rest, and cleanliness. If contagious, please stay home, but return to worship as soon as you are able. Avoid letting 'Sunday Morning Sickness' disrupt your worship. Please read this blog post from elder Aaron Sabie on how to know when or when not to come to church with sicknesses. https://www.sovereignkingchurch.com/blog/2023/12/28/how-to-deal-with-sickness-on-sunday-morning
- Holy Trinity Reformed Church: Join in prayer for our brothers and sisters at Trinity Reformed Church and their pastor, James Brown, Jr. Let us unite in asking the Lord to strengthen them through the Holy Spirit, to endow them with wisdom and zeal for His Word and works. We also pray for their growth, both in number and in spiritual maturity, so they may continue to be a faithful witness to the gospel. Pray for Pastor Brown as He has recently had lost his mother. They are also still working on helping Rachel their daughter recover from a car accident. She is doing much better and walking again with the Lord but still needs further recovery.
- Prayer for the Outreach of our Church: Pray that God would give us joyous, victorious, truthful, selfless worship in the church so that we as a church can be equipped to minister to each other and to the community around us. Pray that our outreach events this year- preaching at Thunder Over Louisville, Southern Indiana Pride, Thorton Gas Station, and beyond will be well organized, attended, and be a faithful gospel proclamation to a lost and dying world.
- Clark County Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Jacobs: The Bible instructs us his decisions align with God's laws, especially regarding the dignity and rights of the unborn and the protection of the weak. Pray that the wicked would be punished and the innocent preserved.
- Women’s Bible Study Returns: January 24th 6:30-8:30 PM
- King’s Men and Daughters of the King: Join us January 17th at Sovereign King Church for The King's Men and the Daughters of the King! This engaging ministry, designed for our young members aged 5 through 12th grade, is a cornerstone of our church's commitment to nurturing the faith and knowledge of our covenant children. For detailed information on memory work assignments, please visit our dedicated page: Sovereign King Church Student Ministry. https://www.sovereignkingchurch.com/student-ministry
- Genevan Pub: The men of Sovereign King will meet on Sunday January 21st at the church building for a time of brews and bible. We will be working through the Westminster Confession of Faith. Zac Jackson will lead us.
Additional Resources:
- Sovereign King Academy: Missed the informational meeting? Watch the recording here: YouTube - Sovereign King Academy Meeting
For more information and updates, please visit our website.