The Guide for the Week
January 28- Feb 3rd 2024 AD.
The Fourth Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 16:4-10
2 John
Psalm 109
Verse to Memorize
1 Corinthians 6:20
Catechism Questions
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
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.
Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
People to Pray for:
Church: Clearnote Church
Pastor Dave Abu-Sara
Ministry: Prayer for Women’s Ministry of SKC
Civil Magistrate: Clark County Circuit Court #3
Judge N. Lisa Glickfield
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 16:4-10
I could see the wheels turning in the head of my 8-year-old son, Charles, as he recently asked me, “If God is in control of everything, why doesn’t everyone obey Him?” Pay attention to good teaching opportunities and the questions that your children ask.
It’s a good question and a common one. Theologians refer to this conundrum and its response as Theodicy. If God reigns supreme, possesses all power, and embodies absolute goodness, why does evil exist? Proverbs 16:4 tells us that God has made everything for its own purpose, and that includes those who are wicked. Wicked people and evil spirits are all under the control of God. They were made by Him and will accomplish His good purposes.
This, however, does not imply God as the originator of sin or evil. God's actions are inherently good. Yet, in His boundless and perfect wisdom, God chose to create beings who, driven by their own corrupt will, commit evil acts. It is they who are responsible for their evil, and yet God is sovereign over all.
Though they pour forth all kinds of wickedness, even the evil that they do will only serve the good of God. Consider two important events in biblical history:
Now, in this life, we may not always see all the ways that God uses evil and may not know why God ordains certain events to happen, but we can trust that God has good purposes and one day we will give God glory for it all.
So, to answer Charles’ question: Yes, God is in control and even the wicked ultimately execute His decrees, whether they like it or not. They will, however, be punished for their disobedient hearts. Let us be different, serving God wholeheartedly and trusting Him for all our needs.
2 John
This is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It is a short letter from the Apostle John to the elect lady and her children. Now, who is this woman? There is some dispute among commentators as to her identity. Some argue that John is writing to a well-known and faithful Christian mother and her children. It could be that she is someone in a royal court, hence John uses the term “lady” to describe her instead of the usual terms of that time, which were “woman” or “mother.” Some have suggested that he could be writing to Mary, Jesus’ mother. It is true that the gospel goes forth to both male and female and calls all people to be faithful. There have been many faithful mothers in the church. Women are valuable to God and to all of God’s people.
But I think that the fact that John in the book of Revelation also spoke of the Church as a woman with children is a clue that this book is not written to a specific individual but to a local congregation. He is writing to a church and its members. He is warning them against false teachers. He even ends the letter with a greeting from another elect woman and her children, that is, another church and its members.
The Church, wherever it may be found, should be loved by all who know the truth. We ought to love the local church that God has placed us in and be loyal there, but we also ought to love all true congregations of the Church. How do we know if they are a true congregation, they uphold the truths of Christ. A true church will be founded on the truth of Jesus and thus it will bear certain marks of that truth. It will be a place where the Word of God is preached, the sacraments are rightly administered, and church disciplined is practiced in punishing sin. Though we may have disagreements on secondary or tertiary issues, if a church is grounded on the primary truths of God, we can give thanks to God for it. It is a blessing to hear about how God works in our sister churches.
Teach your children to love the church. Give yourself to serving the church. And in doing so, give yourself to the truth of Christ. Love the truth, walk in the truth, abide in the truth, uphold the truth, and have nothing to do with the lies of the devil.
Here is an outline of 2 John
I. Love the Truth (2 John 1:1-3)
II. Walk in the Truth (2 John 1:4-6)
III. Recognize the lies (2 John 1:7)
IV. Abide in the Truth (2 John 1:8-9)
V. Uphold the Truth (2 John 1:10-11)
Psalm 109
Psalm 109:1 O God of my praise, Do not be silent!
This Psalm challenges many, as it is an imprecatory Psalm. An imprecation is a curse that invokes misfortune upon someone. Imprecatory Psalms, where the author calls down calamity, destruction, and God’s wrath on his foes, are not born from pettiness or selfish vengeance. The Psalmist is pleading for justice against those who oppose God's people, who have acted ruthlessly, unjustly, and mercilessly. Specifically, this Psalm is referenced by Apostle Peter concerning Judas' treacherous betrayal of Christ.
Some believe the New Testament advocates a different approach to prayer. However, in the Book of Revelation, we see the prayers of God's people against their enemies rising up like incense to the heavens. This incense is gathered in a bowl and thrown back down to the earth on the enemies in the form of fire and lightning. God answers the prayers of His people for justice.
When we gather for worship, we are doing battle against the enemies of God. We are lifting up prayers to the God of our praise. The Church has many enemies, and Christ Jesus will defend His Church against them. He will be our help. They may curse, but God will bless (vs 28).
There are several applications for us as we consider this psalm:
1. We can do good to those who harm us because we know that God will take vengeance. We can leave aside revenge and entrust our enemies into the hands of our God through prayer. Romans 12 teaches us to overcome evil with good. This you can do when you cry out to God for justice.
2. Remember that we have spiritual enemies who would seek to wreck our lives and souls. The enemy, in particular, wants to keep us from worshiping God. Consider all the ways that the enemy strikes on Saturday evening and Sunday morning to keep you from either attending worship or to distract you. It is a battle for your heart and mind on Sundays. Don't forget this. Rather, engage in the fight. Prepare your mind for the battle and pray.
3. This psalm is a prayer but is written for the whole church to sing in worship. We know this because, in the title of the psalm, it says it is written for the Choir Director. It's a fight song. It's far from being timid or effeminate. Our worship should mirror this spirit - victorious, joyous, and reverent. Approach worship ready to sing with a fervent, manly spirit.
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.
This is the fourth week and therefore it is review time. The three previous questions have focused on our purpose and where we may go to find out how we may fulfill that purpose. We are created to glorify God and enjoy Him and our Creator has given us His word to teach us how we glorify and enjoy Him. The word of God is our highest and most supreme authority because it comes from God, the highest and supreme authority. It is His Word and therefore it is binding on all people. Because God cannot lie and cannot make a mistake, the Holy Scriptures are always true.
In a time, when we are inundated with all kinds of opinions and messages, and in which every person is vying for their own opinions, it is a great blessing to have something secure. God’s word is the rock to hold on to. Teach your children to build their lives on this rock. Here are a couple of simple children’s songs that help children love the Bible.
https://youtu.be/ahHWtvOmt2E?si=HzDJt9KyZzELzX66
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpT-G27ELW0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9DodTRI3vU
https://youtu.be/oD0KM55Hm-4?si=bYE1_fme9b48oIbL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsUlcdmS9dc
Prayers:
Clearnote Church and Pastor David Abu-sara
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts united, lifting up our brothers and sisters at Clearnote Church and their pastor, David Abu-sara. In Your sovereign grace, strengthen them through Your Holy Spirit. Bestow upon them wisdom that cuts like a double-edged sword and a zeal for Your Word and works that burns like an unquenchable fire.
We pray for their growth – not just in numbers, but in the depth of their faith and understanding of the gospel. May they stand as a robust and unwavering testimony to Your truth. Guide them, Lord, in faithfully discipling the young men in their congregation, shaping them into men of God, grounded in Your Word and steadfast in their walk with You.
In Christ's mighty name, we pray, Amen.
Prayer for the Women’s Ministry of SKC
Lord God Almighty,
We bow our heads and direct our hearts in prayer for the women of Sovereign King Church. May they serve You with the unique grace and strength You have bestowed upon them through their femininity. Empower them, O Lord, to embrace their roles with joy, submitting to their husbands as unto You, and caring for their families with a love that reflects Your own.
We also lift up the older women in the congregation. Grant them wisdom and a spirit of mentorship, in line with Titus 2, to guide the younger women. May they teach them to love, to be pure, and to be diligent caretakers of their homes, shining Your light in every aspect of their lives.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Clark County Circuit Court #3
Judge N. Lisa Glickfield
Almighty God,
We come before You in obedience to Your Word, lifting up Clark County Circuit Court #3 Judge N. Lisa Glickfield. We pray earnestly that her decisions align with Your divine laws, particularly in upholding the dignity and rights of the unborn and in protecting the weak and vulnerable.
Grant her wisdom, Lord, to discern between right and wrong, that the wicked may be justly punished and the innocent safeguarded under her jurisdiction. We also pray for her personal salvation, that she may come to know You deeply and walk in Your ways. Bless her health, and fortify her commitment to her family, enabling her to be devoted to her household.
Lastly, we implore You to raise up faithful and just judges in our nation, men who fear You and obey Your commands in all aspects of their lives and service.
In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray,
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Antioch and of Constantinople,
Preacher, Theologian
27 January 407
John, known as "Chrysostom" ("Golden Mouth") for his exceptional eloquence, was not just a priest of Antioch and an outstanding preacher but also a significant figure in early Christian history. His audiences were so captivated by his words that they often fell prey to pickpockets during his sermons. His straightforward expositions of Holy Scripture, particularly his extensive commentaries on both Testaments with a focus on the Epistles of Paul, are notable for their emphasis on the literal meaning, contrasting with the allegorical style popular in Alexandria.
John Chrysostom, born around 349 AD in Antioch, was raised by his widowed mother, Anthusa, who was only twenty years old at the time of his father's death. He received an excellent education under the guidance of Libanius, a famous orator of the time, which laid the foundation for his exceptional oratorical skills.
After his initial education, John studied theology and was baptized in 368 or 369. He then spent several years as a hermit, practicing extreme asceticism, which permanently damaged his health. However, these years were also a period of prolific writing, during which he penned many of his most significant theological works.
In 386, John was ordained and quickly became renowned for his sermons, which were notable for their practical application of scripture to everyday life. Chrysostom's deep love for the city and people of Antioch was reciprocated by their affection for him. However, his fame reached the Empress in Constantinople, who, desiring him as her court preacher, had him forcibly brought to Constantinople and made bishop. This new role, however, led to tumultuous times. His sermons, boldly criticizing corruption among the elite, earned him powerful enemies, including the Empress herself. This opposition ultimately led to his exile.
Chrysostom's final journey was to the remote town of Pityus on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, to which he was being forcibly relocated. However, weakened by harsh travel conditions and his deteriorating health, he died on September 14, 407, during the journey. His last words are reported to have been “Glory be to God for all things.”
As a pivotal figure in early Christian theology, John Chrysostom is revered as one of the Four Great Eastern (or Greek) Doctors of the Ancient Church, alongside Athanasius of Alexandria, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus. This group mirrors the Four Great Western (or Latin) Doctors – Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory the Great.
I, like many others, have found John Chrysostom's sermons profoundly helpful. These sermons, which have stood the test of time, are widely accessible online and continue to be a source of sound teaching, reflecting Chrysostom's lasting impact on Christian thought and doctrine.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. John Chrysostom:
O God, who gave to your servant John Chrysostom 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 pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering your Word, that your people shall 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, for ever and ever.
Announcements for the Week
Prayer Concerns:
Proverbs 16:4-10
2 John
Psalm 109
Verse to Memorize
1 Corinthians 6:20
Catechism Questions
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
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.
Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
People to Pray for:
Church: Clearnote Church
Pastor Dave Abu-Sara
Ministry: Prayer for Women’s Ministry of SKC
Civil Magistrate: Clark County Circuit Court #3
Judge N. Lisa Glickfield
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 16:4-10
I could see the wheels turning in the head of my 8-year-old son, Charles, as he recently asked me, “If God is in control of everything, why doesn’t everyone obey Him?” Pay attention to good teaching opportunities and the questions that your children ask.
It’s a good question and a common one. Theologians refer to this conundrum and its response as Theodicy. If God reigns supreme, possesses all power, and embodies absolute goodness, why does evil exist? Proverbs 16:4 tells us that God has made everything for its own purpose, and that includes those who are wicked. Wicked people and evil spirits are all under the control of God. They were made by Him and will accomplish His good purposes.
This, however, does not imply God as the originator of sin or evil. God's actions are inherently good. Yet, in His boundless and perfect wisdom, God chose to create beings who, driven by their own corrupt will, commit evil acts. It is they who are responsible for their evil, and yet God is sovereign over all.
Though they pour forth all kinds of wickedness, even the evil that they do will only serve the good of God. Consider two important events in biblical history:
- Joseph, son of Jacob, suffered betrayal and was sold into slavery by his brothers. Enduring harsh conditions from age 17 to 30, either as a slave or prisoner, Joseph faced uncertainty about reuniting with his father. At 13 hard years, through divine intervention, he ascended to become Egypt's second-most powerful figure. During a famine, his brothers sought aid in Egypt and ,unknowingly, encountered Joseph. When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, they were rightly scared. Joseph told them in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Joseph knew the wickedness in his brothers' actions but also acknowledged God's hand in using their actions for a greater good. The evil of these men served God’s good will.
- The greatest example of God’s sovereignty over evil is found in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the crowds, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the Roman Soldiers all conspired together to murder Jesus. This is the greatest act of evil the universe has ever known No other wicked deed in history will match the evil of crucifying the truly innocent and righteous Son of God. And yet, the Apostle Peter says about their evil in Acts 4:27, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.” Their evil, paradoxically, was fulfilling God's righteous plan. In the darkest act of wickedness, God executed the most righteous act — Jesus sacrificing His life for His friends, atoning for the sins of His people. Their wicked deed only enabled God’s people to have eternal and abundant life. What these people meant for evil, God meant for good.
Now, in this life, we may not always see all the ways that God uses evil and may not know why God ordains certain events to happen, but we can trust that God has good purposes and one day we will give God glory for it all.
So, to answer Charles’ question: Yes, God is in control and even the wicked ultimately execute His decrees, whether they like it or not. They will, however, be punished for their disobedient hearts. Let us be different, serving God wholeheartedly and trusting Him for all our needs.
2 John
This is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It is a short letter from the Apostle John to the elect lady and her children. Now, who is this woman? There is some dispute among commentators as to her identity. Some argue that John is writing to a well-known and faithful Christian mother and her children. It could be that she is someone in a royal court, hence John uses the term “lady” to describe her instead of the usual terms of that time, which were “woman” or “mother.” Some have suggested that he could be writing to Mary, Jesus’ mother. It is true that the gospel goes forth to both male and female and calls all people to be faithful. There have been many faithful mothers in the church. Women are valuable to God and to all of God’s people.
But I think that the fact that John in the book of Revelation also spoke of the Church as a woman with children is a clue that this book is not written to a specific individual but to a local congregation. He is writing to a church and its members. He is warning them against false teachers. He even ends the letter with a greeting from another elect woman and her children, that is, another church and its members.
The Church, wherever it may be found, should be loved by all who know the truth. We ought to love the local church that God has placed us in and be loyal there, but we also ought to love all true congregations of the Church. How do we know if they are a true congregation, they uphold the truths of Christ. A true church will be founded on the truth of Jesus and thus it will bear certain marks of that truth. It will be a place where the Word of God is preached, the sacraments are rightly administered, and church disciplined is practiced in punishing sin. Though we may have disagreements on secondary or tertiary issues, if a church is grounded on the primary truths of God, we can give thanks to God for it. It is a blessing to hear about how God works in our sister churches.
Teach your children to love the church. Give yourself to serving the church. And in doing so, give yourself to the truth of Christ. Love the truth, walk in the truth, abide in the truth, uphold the truth, and have nothing to do with the lies of the devil.
Here is an outline of 2 John
I. Love the Truth (2 John 1:1-3)
II. Walk in the Truth (2 John 1:4-6)
III. Recognize the lies (2 John 1:7)
IV. Abide in the Truth (2 John 1:8-9)
V. Uphold the Truth (2 John 1:10-11)
Psalm 109
Psalm 109:1 O God of my praise, Do not be silent!
This Psalm challenges many, as it is an imprecatory Psalm. An imprecation is a curse that invokes misfortune upon someone. Imprecatory Psalms, where the author calls down calamity, destruction, and God’s wrath on his foes, are not born from pettiness or selfish vengeance. The Psalmist is pleading for justice against those who oppose God's people, who have acted ruthlessly, unjustly, and mercilessly. Specifically, this Psalm is referenced by Apostle Peter concerning Judas' treacherous betrayal of Christ.
Some believe the New Testament advocates a different approach to prayer. However, in the Book of Revelation, we see the prayers of God's people against their enemies rising up like incense to the heavens. This incense is gathered in a bowl and thrown back down to the earth on the enemies in the form of fire and lightning. God answers the prayers of His people for justice.
When we gather for worship, we are doing battle against the enemies of God. We are lifting up prayers to the God of our praise. The Church has many enemies, and Christ Jesus will defend His Church against them. He will be our help. They may curse, but God will bless (vs 28).
There are several applications for us as we consider this psalm:
1. We can do good to those who harm us because we know that God will take vengeance. We can leave aside revenge and entrust our enemies into the hands of our God through prayer. Romans 12 teaches us to overcome evil with good. This you can do when you cry out to God for justice.
2. Remember that we have spiritual enemies who would seek to wreck our lives and souls. The enemy, in particular, wants to keep us from worshiping God. Consider all the ways that the enemy strikes on Saturday evening and Sunday morning to keep you from either attending worship or to distract you. It is a battle for your heart and mind on Sundays. Don't forget this. Rather, engage in the fight. Prepare your mind for the battle and pray.
3. This psalm is a prayer but is written for the whole church to sing in worship. We know this because, in the title of the psalm, it says it is written for the Choir Director. It's a fight song. It's far from being timid or effeminate. Our worship should mirror this spirit - victorious, joyous, and reverent. Approach worship ready to sing with a fervent, manly spirit.
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.
This is the fourth week and therefore it is review time. The three previous questions have focused on our purpose and where we may go to find out how we may fulfill that purpose. We are created to glorify God and enjoy Him and our Creator has given us His word to teach us how we glorify and enjoy Him. The word of God is our highest and most supreme authority because it comes from God, the highest and supreme authority. It is His Word and therefore it is binding on all people. Because God cannot lie and cannot make a mistake, the Holy Scriptures are always true.
In a time, when we are inundated with all kinds of opinions and messages, and in which every person is vying for their own opinions, it is a great blessing to have something secure. God’s word is the rock to hold on to. Teach your children to build their lives on this rock. Here are a couple of simple children’s songs that help children love the Bible.
https://youtu.be/ahHWtvOmt2E?si=HzDJt9KyZzELzX66
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpT-G27ELW0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9DodTRI3vU
https://youtu.be/oD0KM55Hm-4?si=bYE1_fme9b48oIbL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsUlcdmS9dc
Prayers:
Clearnote Church and Pastor David Abu-sara
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts united, lifting up our brothers and sisters at Clearnote Church and their pastor, David Abu-sara. In Your sovereign grace, strengthen them through Your Holy Spirit. Bestow upon them wisdom that cuts like a double-edged sword and a zeal for Your Word and works that burns like an unquenchable fire.
We pray for their growth – not just in numbers, but in the depth of their faith and understanding of the gospel. May they stand as a robust and unwavering testimony to Your truth. Guide them, Lord, in faithfully discipling the young men in their congregation, shaping them into men of God, grounded in Your Word and steadfast in their walk with You.
In Christ's mighty name, we pray, Amen.
Prayer for the Women’s Ministry of SKC
Lord God Almighty,
We bow our heads and direct our hearts in prayer for the women of Sovereign King Church. May they serve You with the unique grace and strength You have bestowed upon them through their femininity. Empower them, O Lord, to embrace their roles with joy, submitting to their husbands as unto You, and caring for their families with a love that reflects Your own.
We also lift up the older women in the congregation. Grant them wisdom and a spirit of mentorship, in line with Titus 2, to guide the younger women. May they teach them to love, to be pure, and to be diligent caretakers of their homes, shining Your light in every aspect of their lives.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Clark County Circuit Court #3
Judge N. Lisa Glickfield
Almighty God,
We come before You in obedience to Your Word, lifting up Clark County Circuit Court #3 Judge N. Lisa Glickfield. We pray earnestly that her decisions align with Your divine laws, particularly in upholding the dignity and rights of the unborn and in protecting the weak and vulnerable.
Grant her wisdom, Lord, to discern between right and wrong, that the wicked may be justly punished and the innocent safeguarded under her jurisdiction. We also pray for her personal salvation, that she may come to know You deeply and walk in Your ways. Bless her health, and fortify her commitment to her family, enabling her to be devoted to her household.
Lastly, we implore You to raise up faithful and just judges in our nation, men who fear You and obey Your commands in all aspects of their lives and service.
In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray,
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Antioch and of Constantinople,
Preacher, Theologian
27 January 407
John, known as "Chrysostom" ("Golden Mouth") for his exceptional eloquence, was not just a priest of Antioch and an outstanding preacher but also a significant figure in early Christian history. His audiences were so captivated by his words that they often fell prey to pickpockets during his sermons. His straightforward expositions of Holy Scripture, particularly his extensive commentaries on both Testaments with a focus on the Epistles of Paul, are notable for their emphasis on the literal meaning, contrasting with the allegorical style popular in Alexandria.
John Chrysostom, born around 349 AD in Antioch, was raised by his widowed mother, Anthusa, who was only twenty years old at the time of his father's death. He received an excellent education under the guidance of Libanius, a famous orator of the time, which laid the foundation for his exceptional oratorical skills.
After his initial education, John studied theology and was baptized in 368 or 369. He then spent several years as a hermit, practicing extreme asceticism, which permanently damaged his health. However, these years were also a period of prolific writing, during which he penned many of his most significant theological works.
In 386, John was ordained and quickly became renowned for his sermons, which were notable for their practical application of scripture to everyday life. Chrysostom's deep love for the city and people of Antioch was reciprocated by their affection for him. However, his fame reached the Empress in Constantinople, who, desiring him as her court preacher, had him forcibly brought to Constantinople and made bishop. This new role, however, led to tumultuous times. His sermons, boldly criticizing corruption among the elite, earned him powerful enemies, including the Empress herself. This opposition ultimately led to his exile.
Chrysostom's final journey was to the remote town of Pityus on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, to which he was being forcibly relocated. However, weakened by harsh travel conditions and his deteriorating health, he died on September 14, 407, during the journey. His last words are reported to have been “Glory be to God for all things.”
As a pivotal figure in early Christian theology, John Chrysostom is revered as one of the Four Great Eastern (or Greek) Doctors of the Ancient Church, alongside Athanasius of Alexandria, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus. This group mirrors the Four Great Western (or Latin) Doctors – Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory the Great.
I, like many others, have found John Chrysostom's sermons profoundly helpful. These sermons, which have stood the test of time, are widely accessible online and continue to be a source of sound teaching, reflecting Chrysostom's lasting impact on Christian thought and doctrine.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. John Chrysostom:
O God, who gave to your servant John Chrysostom 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 pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering your Word, that your people shall 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, 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
- Clearnote Church: Join in prayer for our brothers and sisters at Clearnote Church and their pastor, David Abu-sara. 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 them to be faithful in discipling the many young men who are a part of their congregation.
- Prayer for the women’s ministry of Our Church: Pray for the women of Sovereign King Church as they serve God through their femininity. Pray for them as they submit to their husbands and care for their families. Pray also for the older women of the church that they would in the spirit of Titus 2 teach the younger women to love pure and good caretakers of their homes.
- Clark County Circuit Court #3 Judge N. Lisa Glickfield: The Bible instructs us to pray on behalf of all people and to pray for those in authority. Pray that her 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. Pray for her salvation and for her health and family. Pray that she would be devoted to her household. Finally ask God to place into office faithful and just judges who will obey God in all ways.
- Evangel Presbytery: We will be hosting the annual winter meeting of Evangel Presbytery on February 16. Rowina will be heading up the hospitality committee but we will need volunteers to help make the members of the presbytery feel at home. We will provide food for breakfast and lunch. Please let Rowina know if you are able to help.
- Nursing Home Ministry: We return to Maple Mannor Nursing Home on February 5th. This is a perfect opportunity for you and your family to minister to those desperately longing for human contact. True religion is taking care of the widows and orphans.
- Reformation Warcamp: Pastor Jerry Dorris from Reformation Church sent us an invite to join them at their weekend war camp and gave a discount just for us. They are having Eric and Summer Jaeger from Apologia Church lead the camp and help us set a vision for our homes. FAMILY CODE: SKC50
- Get Your SKC Swag: Grab one of these limited run water bottles for Sovereign King Church. $15 each, 32 available. All proceeds go toward the building fund. https://subspla.sh/p72cy9x/