The Guide for the Week
March 3-9 2024 AD.
The Third Week of Lent
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 17:11-20
1 Corinthians 7
1 Samuel 15
Psalm 114
Verse to Memorize
Revelation 4:11
Catechism Questions
Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
Verses for this question:
Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Isaiah 14:22 The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,
Ephesians 1: 11-12 In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
People to Pray for:
Church: Syracuse Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Bushong
Ministry: Michael Foster Romania
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Donna Reed
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 17:11-20
Verse 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
Verse 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
These ten proverbs are chock-full of wisdom, and it is difficult to pick just one to highlight. Several of them teach us that those who seek evil will find evil. Those who stir up strife will find that it's like a hole in a dam. Eventually, the water of violence and heartache will burst forth. We ought to be on guard and work to bring peace as soon as we see the first spark of contention. Now, this doesn’t mean that there is never a time to have an argument. Arguments can be conducted in faith and godliness. That is when two people remain focused on the disagreement and are working towards understanding and aligning with the word of God. But it's very easy for hurt feelings and pride to cause an argument to become a contentious fight. This happens when we take our eyes off the work of disagreeing and begin to go on the attack against the one we are working with. It’s easy for a disagreement in the home to become striving. This is when a husband or wife is careless with their words, or one gets offended and begins to attack the other person. You start to bring up past sins. You take offense and desire to give it right back. You insult. Or you use words aimed not at working through disagreement but at taking out the one disagreeing. This is where you need to listen to this proverb and abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. This doesn’t mean taking your ball and going home. It doesn’t mean running off into another room and giving the silent treatment. In those cases, you haven’t abandoned the quarrel; you have just switched to using a different weapon. Rather, to put an end to strife means apologizing for where you have sinned and getting back to the topic at hand. It means looking for a way to agreement and peace while being in obedience to God’s law.
Remember that scripture calls us to love each other. A friend doesn’t give up when it gets hard. His love will follow God’s commands, but it isn’t the kind of love that is fickle. Brothers in the faith work through disagreements. They don’t run at the drop of a hat. We live in a time when it is so easy to just abandon those we say we love or whom we say are brothers and sisters in the faith. Divorce is rampant and so easy. But godly men and women work for the long haul. Their love isn’t selfish and insincere. A true friend isn’t someone who is fair-weather. He doesn’t just stay around when he benefits but puts in the hard work. Jesus Christ is a friend that loves at all times, and He will never leave us or forsake us.
1 Corinthians 7
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul addresses several issues the Church of Corinth faces regarding marriage. This chapter is often misunderstood, as if the Apostle Paul is implying that singleness is always preferred over marriage and thus marriage is merely a concession for those who cannot remain celibate. However, the Apostle speaks concerning the present distress (vs 26) when he offers pastoral advice regarding marriage. The Church was undergoing significant persecution, and therefore, Paul suggests it may be wise for those who are single to postpone marriage. Yet, he quickly clarifies that it's not a sin to marry even during this time. People are free to do so, though they should be aware there will be troubles associated with it while the church experiences such persecution.
The Apostle Paul does clarify in this passage that marriage is the remedy God provides to prevent us from burning with lust. It is within marriage that sexual intimacy is intended to be fulfilled. Therefore, there are several points of application for you:
b. You can deprive your spouse by never showing any affection outside the context of sex. You never hold hands, kiss, or hug.
c. You may engage in sexual activity with your spouse, but you make it seem like a chore. You are the reluctant partner, constantly finding reasons why it's never the right time. And even when you agree to it, your spouse feels like you were just trying to appease them. You never initiate or show desire for your spouse.
d. You never take any care for your appearance or hygiene. There is more than one way to be immodest, such as being the person who wears pajamas and other unflattering clothes all day. You neglect your appearance, making it hard for your spouse to be physically attracted to you.
e. You never show any emotional intimacy. You don't give gifts or speak kindly to each other. You treat each other merely as roommates.
1 Samuel 15
Here is the command. Holy War. Go fight! Completely eliminate the Amalekites. In other words, genocide. That’s what we are talking about here. Utterly Destroy Amalek. This is often called in the Old Testament, the Ban or the Hebrew Cherem. It means that something is given over to the Lord and put under the Ban. One definition is “uncompromising consecration of property and dedication of the property to God without possibility of recall or redemption.” It means something has been cursed by God and is to be destroyed. In the New Testament we might use the word Anathema. It means curses or damned. And if the thing is under the ban or curse, than there is no good use that can be made of it. Now, here is where you and I might be tempted to balk at God’s commands. I just talked about trusting that they are good. But surely, today we know better than this. Isn’t this the kind of thing that atheists condemn about the Old Testament? How could this be good? And this is where we need to see who God is. He is a just and Holy God. He by His nature has all right to judge his creation. And quite frankly all of us in our sin deserve the ban.
But notice the reason why Samuel gives the command. It isn’t because God is capricious. Its because God is good. The Amalekites were a wicked people. When Moses had led the people out of slavery and through the wilderness, the Amalekites saw the helplessness of God’s people and attacked them. In fact, they attacked them not head on but attacked the rear of their encampment. In that day, this would have been where the woman and children of Israel were camping. That is the Amalekites didn’t rush out to face the soldiers. No, they were terrorists that waited till they could hit the women and children. So they attacked God’s people when they were weak and they attacked the weakest of them. The woman, children, the sick, the wounded, and the disabled. God determined then and there that He would get justice. But you know what? It’s been 300 years since then. And the Amalekites have not gotten any better. They hate God’s people. God had given them 300 years to repent.
And so when we see this command from God, I want you to see God’s goodness. It doesn’t make this command less gruesome but get this right, God’s judgements are terrifying but they are right and good. And for God’s people this is a comforting truth. He will get vengeance on those who attack his church.
The New Testament tells us to leave vengeance to God. It tells us not to worry about the wicked and evil doer because God will get vengeance. But if you are like me you are tempted to think, that will never happen. We see the enemy thriving. We see them harm little children and the women. We see them seeming to thrive. God however doesn’t forget the afflictions of His people.
God will judge His and our enemies in his timing. And He can use various means to do so. It could be like this passage as he raises one nation against another. But if not that, there is a day coming burning like a furnace.
Listen God’s judgements are both good and terrifying. Let us not forget that God is holy and not to be trifled with. This week my children and I were reading how God called Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Exodus 4. And immediately after God called Moses and Moses headed back to Egypt, it says that God set out to kill Moses. My wife and children, were like “What in the world?” Well, Moses had not circumcised himself and his sons. He was in disobedience to God. Now Moses wife did the deed and circumcised them. And God’s anger subsided. What I am getting at is this, God is not someone to be trifled with. He is Holy. He is just. He does is not partial in his judgements. God is holy and for sinners like us that means God is dangerous. But He is good. And its good that He is dangerous. We want a holy and mighty God. We want a God who can and will rescue his people and pour out wrath on those who abuse and mistreat his people. If you were kidnapped and held at gunpoint who would you want to look out the window and see coming to rescue you? A sweet little old lady or a dangerous man with some guns.
Psalm 114
Verse 7 and 8: Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, before the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of water.
This is a short Psalm that harkens back to when God led His people out of slavery and through the wilderness to the promised land. In this psalm, the Psalmist extols God for His control of nature in order to protect His people. God is the One who made all things and therefore all of creation is at His beck and call. He can part the Red Sea and the Jordan River. He can cause water to flow from rocks. And He did all this to provide for His people.
God has not changed. He still controls the wind, the waves, the mountains, and the hills. By His sovereign decree, all of nature answers Him. He still provides for His people.
Therefore, why do we stress out and worry when we feel like we are in need? Why do we look around at our circumstances and raise our blood pressure by our anxious thoughts and ceaseless striving after the things of this life? God is able to make water flow from a rock. He is able to feed His servants with bread from heaven. Jesus teaches us to seek His kingdom first. This doesn’t mean laziness or foolish wasting of the resources He gives us. But it does mean that we can trust God. We can put away greed and stinginess. We can give freely, knowing that God will provide for His people exactly what they need. Rather than fear our circumstances, let us tremble before the Lord and worship Him with all joy.
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.
John Flavel, a puritan, wrote several catechism questions to teach on each Westminster Shorter Catechism. It is like the Inception (Christopher Nolan movie) of the catechisms. It is a catechism of a catechism. As strange as it may seem, it is very helpful in explaining in detail the Westminster question and answer. Our current questions deal with the decrees of God, that is what He in wisdom has decided to bring to pass. God is in control of all things. Nothing happens outside of his control and even more so nothing happens that he did not before time began choose for it to happen. This is often a hard truth for us to accept. We like to think we are in control. But God is in control. This doesn’t mean that we are merely puppets. We do make choices and are held responsible for them. Yet even our choices are under the sovereignty of God.
John Flavel’s catechism questions below are helpful for parsing this out further.
Q. 1. What things are decreed of God?
A. All things whatsoever come to pass, even the smallest. Ephesians 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the Counsel of his own will.
Q. 2. What is the end of God's Decree?
A. The Glory of his own Name. Ephesians 1:11-12. Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will, that we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ.
Q. 3. But there are some evil things done in the world, do they fall under God's Decree?
A. Though God doth neither approve them, nor necessitate men to commit them, yet he doth permit and suffer them to be done, and will turn them to his own Glory. Acts 4:27-28. For of a truth, against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel are gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand, and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Q. 4. Who are the Objects of God's special Decrees?
A. Angels and Men are the Objects of God's special Decrees. 1 Timothy 5:21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect Angels, that thou observe these things, etc. Romans 8:33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?
Q. 5. What is the first property of God's Decrees?
A. That they are most wise Acts of God laid in the depth of Wisdom and Counsel. Romans 11:33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out.
Q. 6. What is the second property of God's Decrees?
A. The Decrees of God are most free, all flowing from the mere pleasure of his Will. Romans 9:18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Q. 7. What is the third property of God's Decrees?
A. They are most firm and stable. 2 Timothy 2:19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this Seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. Zechariah 6:1.
Q. 8. What is the fourth property of God's Decrees?
A. They are Eternal, and before all time. Acts 15:18. Known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world.
Q. 9. What is the fifth property of God's Decrees?
A. They are most pure, and altogether unspotted of sin. 1 John 1:5. This is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is Light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Q. 10. What is the first Instruction from God's Decrees?
A. That we ought to ascribe nothing to Chance, but to appointment or providence of God. Proverbs 16:33. The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from God's Decrees?
A. That God's hand is to be acknowledged in the greatest Afflictions that befall us. 2 Samuel 16:11. And David said to Abishai, and to all his Servants, Behold, my Son which came forth of my bowels seeketh my Life, how much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord hath bidden him.
Q. 12. What is the last Instruction from God's Decrees?
A. That we ought to be thankful to God for all the good, and patient under all the evils that befall us. Job 2:10. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
How to Pray for our Prayer Concerns
Syracuse Baptist Church and Pastor Tim Bushong
Lord God, our Father,
We come before You with hearts united for the congregation of Syracuse Baptist Church. Bless Pastor Tim Bushong, whose musical gifts enrich worship and draw hearts closer to You. May the songs he writes continue to glorify Your name and edify Your people. We ask for growth in both number and spiritual wisdom for the church, that they may be a beacon of Your love and truth in Syracuse. Grant Pastor Tim wisdom and compassion as he leads, guiding his decisions and actions with Your unerring light. Provide for them, Lord, a larger facility that meets their growing needs, and instill in them perseverance through all trials.
In the steadfast name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen
Michael Foster
Lord Almighty,
We lift up Your servant Michael Foster to You, as he shepherds Your flock in Romania. Grant him fluency and clarity in Romanian, that his preaching may feed Your people and draw others to You. Use his words to strengthen the faith of believers and to illuminate the path for those yet to know You. Bless Michael with health, and extend Your protection and grace to his wife and children. May his ministry be fruitful, his family strong, and his spirit steadfast in Your service.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
Jeffersonville City Council Donna Reed:
Heavenly Father,
In Your sovereignty, You have appointed Donna Reed to serve on the Jeffersonville City Council. We come before You, asking for wisdom for Donna in this role. May her decisions reflect Your law and righteousness. Guide her heart towards a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ, that she might seek to obey Him in all aspects of her life. Grant her strength and integrity, both in her public duties and within her home, that she may be a faithful steward of the responsibilities entrusted to her. Keep her steadfast in Your truth, guarded against the temptations of power and pride.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Perpetua and Her Companions, Martyrs at Carthage
7 March 202
During a persecution of Christians under the emperor Septimius Severus, a group of Christians died together in the arena at Carthage. Their final days have been recorded for us in a document that is partly in their own words, and partly in those of an anonymous narrator (sometimes thought to be Tertullian). What follow are extracts, sometimes condensed, from that document.
Vivia Perpetua was a catchumen (i.e. a convert not yet baptized), well educated and from a prosperous family, about 22 years old, married and apparently recently widowed, with a child at her breast, and with two brothers and both parents still living. (Her father was not a Christian.) Felicity (Latin: Felicitas) was a slave woman in advanced pregnancy. With them were Revocatus (also a slave), Saturninus, and Secundus. They were arrested and placed in a dungeon, but after a few days two deacons visited the prison and by a gift of money to the jailers arranged (1) that they should have an interval in the better part of the prison to refresh themselves, and (2) that Perpetua should be allowed to keep her child with her.
Perpetua writes:
After a few days there was a report that we were to have a hearing in court. And my father came to me from the city, worn out with anxiety. He came up to me, that he might cast me down, saying: "Have pity, my daughter, on my grey hairs. Have pity on your father, if I am worthy to be called a father by you. If with these hands I have brought you up to this flower of your age, if I have preferred you to all your brothers, do not deliver me up to the scorn of men. Have regard to your brothers, have regard to your mother and your aunt, have regard to your son, who will not be able to live after you. Lay aside your courage, and do not bring us all to destruction; for none of us will speak in freedom if you should suffer anything." These things said my father in his affection, kissing my hands, and throwing himself at my feet, and with tears he called me not Daughter, but Lady. And I grieved over the grey hairs of my father, that he alone of all my kindred would have no joy in my death. And I comforted him, saying, "On that scaffold, whatever God wills shall happen. For know that we are not placed in our own power but in that of God." And he departed from me in sorrow.
Perpetua had had a brother who died of cancer when he was eight years old.
Her narrative continues:
After a few days, Pudens, an assistant overseer of the prison, began to hold us in high esteem, seeing that God was with us, and he admitted many of the brethren to see us, that we and they might be mutually refreshed.
Perpetua had a drean, in which she saw herself fighting against a gladiator in the arena, and winning. She understood this to signify victory over the devil.
Saturus also had a vision, which he records in his own words, in which he and the others, having died in the arena, are borne by angels into a beautiful garden, where they greet other martyrs who have gone before them, and are brought before the throne of God, surrounded by twenty-four elders (see Revelation 4), who greet them and say, "Enter into joy." Perpetua says to Saturus: "I was joyful in the flesh, and here I am more joyful still."
The narrator writes:
Now Felicitas was eight months pregnant, and the law did not allow a pregnant woman to be executed. She was accordingly fearful that her death would be postponed, and instead of dying with her fellow Christians she would be put to death later in the company of some group of criminals. She and her companions accordingly prayed, and Felicity went into labor, with the pains normal to an eight-month delivery. And a servant of the jailers said to her, "If you cry out like that now, what will you do when you are thrown to the beasts, which you despised when you refused to sacrifice?" And she replied: "Now it is I that suffer what I suffer; but then Another will be in me, who will suffer for me, because I also am about to suffer for Him." Thus she brought forth a little girl, whom a certain sister brought up as her own.
The day of their victory shone forth, and they proceeded from the prison to the amphitheater, as if to an assembly, joyous and of brilliant countenance. At the gate, the guards were going to dress them in the robes of those dedicated to Saturn and to Ceres. But that noble-minded woman [Perpetua] said: "We are here precisely for refusing to honor your gods. By our deaths we earn the right not to wear such garments." The guards recognized the justice of her words, and let them wear their own clothing.
The men of their company were scheduled to be killed by beasts, but the wild boar turned on its keeper instead, and the bear refused to leave its cage. The leopard, however, attacked Saturus and mortally wounded him. He bade farewell to his guard, Pudens, encouraging him to obey God rather than man, and then fell unconscious.
For the young women there was prepared a fierce cow. Perpetua was first led in. She was tossed, and when she saw her tunic torn from her side, she drew it as a veil over her middle, rather mindful of her modesty than of her sufferings. Then the was called up again, and bound up her dishevelled hair, for it is not becoming for a martyr to die with dishevelled hair, which is a sign of mourning. She saw Felicity wounded, and took her hand and raised her up, and at the demand of the populace they were given a respite.
Now all the prisoners were to be slain with the sword, and they went to the center of the arena, first exchanging a farewell kiss of peace. The others died unmoving and silent, but when the awkward hand of the young executioner bungled her death-stroke, Perpetua cried out in pain, and herself guided his hand to her throat.
A prayer of thanksgiving for Perpetua:
O God the King of saints, who strengthened your servants Perpetua and Felicitas and their companions to make a good confession, staunchly resisting, for the cause of Christ, the claims of human affection, and encouraging one another in their time of trial: Grant that we who cherish their blessed memory may share their pure and steadfast faith, and win with them the palm of victory; 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 02/25/2024 – 03/02/2024
New Blog
Schedule Updates and Events:
Proverbs 17:11-20
1 Corinthians 7
1 Samuel 15
Psalm 114
Verse to Memorize
Revelation 4:11
Catechism Questions
Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.
Verses for this question:
Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Isaiah 14:22 The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,
Ephesians 1: 11-12 In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
People to Pray for:
Church: Syracuse Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Bushong
Ministry: Michael Foster Romania
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Donna Reed
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 17:11-20
Verse 14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
Verse 17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
These ten proverbs are chock-full of wisdom, and it is difficult to pick just one to highlight. Several of them teach us that those who seek evil will find evil. Those who stir up strife will find that it's like a hole in a dam. Eventually, the water of violence and heartache will burst forth. We ought to be on guard and work to bring peace as soon as we see the first spark of contention. Now, this doesn’t mean that there is never a time to have an argument. Arguments can be conducted in faith and godliness. That is when two people remain focused on the disagreement and are working towards understanding and aligning with the word of God. But it's very easy for hurt feelings and pride to cause an argument to become a contentious fight. This happens when we take our eyes off the work of disagreeing and begin to go on the attack against the one we are working with. It’s easy for a disagreement in the home to become striving. This is when a husband or wife is careless with their words, or one gets offended and begins to attack the other person. You start to bring up past sins. You take offense and desire to give it right back. You insult. Or you use words aimed not at working through disagreement but at taking out the one disagreeing. This is where you need to listen to this proverb and abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. This doesn’t mean taking your ball and going home. It doesn’t mean running off into another room and giving the silent treatment. In those cases, you haven’t abandoned the quarrel; you have just switched to using a different weapon. Rather, to put an end to strife means apologizing for where you have sinned and getting back to the topic at hand. It means looking for a way to agreement and peace while being in obedience to God’s law.
Remember that scripture calls us to love each other. A friend doesn’t give up when it gets hard. His love will follow God’s commands, but it isn’t the kind of love that is fickle. Brothers in the faith work through disagreements. They don’t run at the drop of a hat. We live in a time when it is so easy to just abandon those we say we love or whom we say are brothers and sisters in the faith. Divorce is rampant and so easy. But godly men and women work for the long haul. Their love isn’t selfish and insincere. A true friend isn’t someone who is fair-weather. He doesn’t just stay around when he benefits but puts in the hard work. Jesus Christ is a friend that loves at all times, and He will never leave us or forsake us.
1 Corinthians 7
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul addresses several issues the Church of Corinth faces regarding marriage. This chapter is often misunderstood, as if the Apostle Paul is implying that singleness is always preferred over marriage and thus marriage is merely a concession for those who cannot remain celibate. However, the Apostle speaks concerning the present distress (vs 26) when he offers pastoral advice regarding marriage. The Church was undergoing significant persecution, and therefore, Paul suggests it may be wise for those who are single to postpone marriage. Yet, he quickly clarifies that it's not a sin to marry even during this time. People are free to do so, though they should be aware there will be troubles associated with it while the church experiences such persecution.
The Apostle Paul does clarify in this passage that marriage is the remedy God provides to prevent us from burning with lust. It is within marriage that sexual intimacy is intended to be fulfilled. Therefore, there are several points of application for you:
- If you are not married and desire to be, this is a good thing. Pray and, by God’s grace, seek a spouse. But do not succumb to sexual immorality. Use this time to serve God faithfully.
- Teach your children that marriage is good. This means setting an example for them in your marriage. Many today have concluded that marriage isn't worth it. This doesn't mean they abstain from sexual activity; it just means they aren't doing it within the bounds of marriage. Sadly, they decide marriage isn't worth it because many have never been shown a positive and godly depiction of marriage. Love your wife. Respect your husbands. Be affectionate with each other.
- If marriage is the outlet for sexual desire, then don't deprive your spouse of this one outlet. There are a few ways you can deprive your spouse:
b. You can deprive your spouse by never showing any affection outside the context of sex. You never hold hands, kiss, or hug.
c. You may engage in sexual activity with your spouse, but you make it seem like a chore. You are the reluctant partner, constantly finding reasons why it's never the right time. And even when you agree to it, your spouse feels like you were just trying to appease them. You never initiate or show desire for your spouse.
d. You never take any care for your appearance or hygiene. There is more than one way to be immodest, such as being the person who wears pajamas and other unflattering clothes all day. You neglect your appearance, making it hard for your spouse to be physically attracted to you.
e. You never show any emotional intimacy. You don't give gifts or speak kindly to each other. You treat each other merely as roommates.
- Devote yourselves to prayer in your marriage. Paul assumes there will be times when you are so completely devoted to the things of God that nothing else will matter. Therefore, pray often together.
1 Samuel 15
Here is the command. Holy War. Go fight! Completely eliminate the Amalekites. In other words, genocide. That’s what we are talking about here. Utterly Destroy Amalek. This is often called in the Old Testament, the Ban or the Hebrew Cherem. It means that something is given over to the Lord and put under the Ban. One definition is “uncompromising consecration of property and dedication of the property to God without possibility of recall or redemption.” It means something has been cursed by God and is to be destroyed. In the New Testament we might use the word Anathema. It means curses or damned. And if the thing is under the ban or curse, than there is no good use that can be made of it. Now, here is where you and I might be tempted to balk at God’s commands. I just talked about trusting that they are good. But surely, today we know better than this. Isn’t this the kind of thing that atheists condemn about the Old Testament? How could this be good? And this is where we need to see who God is. He is a just and Holy God. He by His nature has all right to judge his creation. And quite frankly all of us in our sin deserve the ban.
But notice the reason why Samuel gives the command. It isn’t because God is capricious. Its because God is good. The Amalekites were a wicked people. When Moses had led the people out of slavery and through the wilderness, the Amalekites saw the helplessness of God’s people and attacked them. In fact, they attacked them not head on but attacked the rear of their encampment. In that day, this would have been where the woman and children of Israel were camping. That is the Amalekites didn’t rush out to face the soldiers. No, they were terrorists that waited till they could hit the women and children. So they attacked God’s people when they were weak and they attacked the weakest of them. The woman, children, the sick, the wounded, and the disabled. God determined then and there that He would get justice. But you know what? It’s been 300 years since then. And the Amalekites have not gotten any better. They hate God’s people. God had given them 300 years to repent.
And so when we see this command from God, I want you to see God’s goodness. It doesn’t make this command less gruesome but get this right, God’s judgements are terrifying but they are right and good. And for God’s people this is a comforting truth. He will get vengeance on those who attack his church.
The New Testament tells us to leave vengeance to God. It tells us not to worry about the wicked and evil doer because God will get vengeance. But if you are like me you are tempted to think, that will never happen. We see the enemy thriving. We see them harm little children and the women. We see them seeming to thrive. God however doesn’t forget the afflictions of His people.
God will judge His and our enemies in his timing. And He can use various means to do so. It could be like this passage as he raises one nation against another. But if not that, there is a day coming burning like a furnace.
Listen God’s judgements are both good and terrifying. Let us not forget that God is holy and not to be trifled with. This week my children and I were reading how God called Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Exodus 4. And immediately after God called Moses and Moses headed back to Egypt, it says that God set out to kill Moses. My wife and children, were like “What in the world?” Well, Moses had not circumcised himself and his sons. He was in disobedience to God. Now Moses wife did the deed and circumcised them. And God’s anger subsided. What I am getting at is this, God is not someone to be trifled with. He is Holy. He is just. He does is not partial in his judgements. God is holy and for sinners like us that means God is dangerous. But He is good. And its good that He is dangerous. We want a holy and mighty God. We want a God who can and will rescue his people and pour out wrath on those who abuse and mistreat his people. If you were kidnapped and held at gunpoint who would you want to look out the window and see coming to rescue you? A sweet little old lady or a dangerous man with some guns.
Psalm 114
Verse 7 and 8: Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, before the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of water.
This is a short Psalm that harkens back to when God led His people out of slavery and through the wilderness to the promised land. In this psalm, the Psalmist extols God for His control of nature in order to protect His people. God is the One who made all things and therefore all of creation is at His beck and call. He can part the Red Sea and the Jordan River. He can cause water to flow from rocks. And He did all this to provide for His people.
God has not changed. He still controls the wind, the waves, the mountains, and the hills. By His sovereign decree, all of nature answers Him. He still provides for His people.
Therefore, why do we stress out and worry when we feel like we are in need? Why do we look around at our circumstances and raise our blood pressure by our anxious thoughts and ceaseless striving after the things of this life? God is able to make water flow from a rock. He is able to feed His servants with bread from heaven. Jesus teaches us to seek His kingdom first. This doesn’t mean laziness or foolish wasting of the resources He gives us. But it does mean that we can trust God. We can put away greed and stinginess. We can give freely, knowing that God will provide for His people exactly what they need. Rather than fear our circumstances, let us tremble before the Lord and worship Him with all joy.
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.
John Flavel, a puritan, wrote several catechism questions to teach on each Westminster Shorter Catechism. It is like the Inception (Christopher Nolan movie) of the catechisms. It is a catechism of a catechism. As strange as it may seem, it is very helpful in explaining in detail the Westminster question and answer. Our current questions deal with the decrees of God, that is what He in wisdom has decided to bring to pass. God is in control of all things. Nothing happens outside of his control and even more so nothing happens that he did not before time began choose for it to happen. This is often a hard truth for us to accept. We like to think we are in control. But God is in control. This doesn’t mean that we are merely puppets. We do make choices and are held responsible for them. Yet even our choices are under the sovereignty of God.
John Flavel’s catechism questions below are helpful for parsing this out further.
Q. 1. What things are decreed of God?
A. All things whatsoever come to pass, even the smallest. Ephesians 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the Counsel of his own will.
Q. 2. What is the end of God's Decree?
A. The Glory of his own Name. Ephesians 1:11-12. Who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will, that we should be to the praise of his glory who first trusted in Christ.
Q. 3. But there are some evil things done in the world, do they fall under God's Decree?
A. Though God doth neither approve them, nor necessitate men to commit them, yet he doth permit and suffer them to be done, and will turn them to his own Glory. Acts 4:27-28. For of a truth, against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel are gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand, and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Q. 4. Who are the Objects of God's special Decrees?
A. Angels and Men are the Objects of God's special Decrees. 1 Timothy 5:21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect Angels, that thou observe these things, etc. Romans 8:33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?
Q. 5. What is the first property of God's Decrees?
A. That they are most wise Acts of God laid in the depth of Wisdom and Counsel. Romans 11:33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out.
Q. 6. What is the second property of God's Decrees?
A. The Decrees of God are most free, all flowing from the mere pleasure of his Will. Romans 9:18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Q. 7. What is the third property of God's Decrees?
A. They are most firm and stable. 2 Timothy 2:19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this Seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. Zechariah 6:1.
Q. 8. What is the fourth property of God's Decrees?
A. They are Eternal, and before all time. Acts 15:18. Known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world.
Q. 9. What is the fifth property of God's Decrees?
A. They are most pure, and altogether unspotted of sin. 1 John 1:5. This is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is Light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Q. 10. What is the first Instruction from God's Decrees?
A. That we ought to ascribe nothing to Chance, but to appointment or providence of God. Proverbs 16:33. The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Q. 11. What is the second Instruction from God's Decrees?
A. That God's hand is to be acknowledged in the greatest Afflictions that befall us. 2 Samuel 16:11. And David said to Abishai, and to all his Servants, Behold, my Son which came forth of my bowels seeketh my Life, how much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord hath bidden him.
Q. 12. What is the last Instruction from God's Decrees?
A. That we ought to be thankful to God for all the good, and patient under all the evils that befall us. Job 2:10. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
How to Pray for our Prayer Concerns
Syracuse Baptist Church and Pastor Tim Bushong
Lord God, our Father,
We come before You with hearts united for the congregation of Syracuse Baptist Church. Bless Pastor Tim Bushong, whose musical gifts enrich worship and draw hearts closer to You. May the songs he writes continue to glorify Your name and edify Your people. We ask for growth in both number and spiritual wisdom for the church, that they may be a beacon of Your love and truth in Syracuse. Grant Pastor Tim wisdom and compassion as he leads, guiding his decisions and actions with Your unerring light. Provide for them, Lord, a larger facility that meets their growing needs, and instill in them perseverance through all trials.
In the steadfast name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen
Michael Foster
Lord Almighty,
We lift up Your servant Michael Foster to You, as he shepherds Your flock in Romania. Grant him fluency and clarity in Romanian, that his preaching may feed Your people and draw others to You. Use his words to strengthen the faith of believers and to illuminate the path for those yet to know You. Bless Michael with health, and extend Your protection and grace to his wife and children. May his ministry be fruitful, his family strong, and his spirit steadfast in Your service.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
Jeffersonville City Council Donna Reed:
Heavenly Father,
In Your sovereignty, You have appointed Donna Reed to serve on the Jeffersonville City Council. We come before You, asking for wisdom for Donna in this role. May her decisions reflect Your law and righteousness. Guide her heart towards a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ, that she might seek to obey Him in all aspects of her life. Grant her strength and integrity, both in her public duties and within her home, that she may be a faithful steward of the responsibilities entrusted to her. Keep her steadfast in Your truth, guarded against the temptations of power and pride.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Perpetua and Her Companions, Martyrs at Carthage
7 March 202
During a persecution of Christians under the emperor Septimius Severus, a group of Christians died together in the arena at Carthage. Their final days have been recorded for us in a document that is partly in their own words, and partly in those of an anonymous narrator (sometimes thought to be Tertullian). What follow are extracts, sometimes condensed, from that document.
Vivia Perpetua was a catchumen (i.e. a convert not yet baptized), well educated and from a prosperous family, about 22 years old, married and apparently recently widowed, with a child at her breast, and with two brothers and both parents still living. (Her father was not a Christian.) Felicity (Latin: Felicitas) was a slave woman in advanced pregnancy. With them were Revocatus (also a slave), Saturninus, and Secundus. They were arrested and placed in a dungeon, but after a few days two deacons visited the prison and by a gift of money to the jailers arranged (1) that they should have an interval in the better part of the prison to refresh themselves, and (2) that Perpetua should be allowed to keep her child with her.
Perpetua writes:
After a few days there was a report that we were to have a hearing in court. And my father came to me from the city, worn out with anxiety. He came up to me, that he might cast me down, saying: "Have pity, my daughter, on my grey hairs. Have pity on your father, if I am worthy to be called a father by you. If with these hands I have brought you up to this flower of your age, if I have preferred you to all your brothers, do not deliver me up to the scorn of men. Have regard to your brothers, have regard to your mother and your aunt, have regard to your son, who will not be able to live after you. Lay aside your courage, and do not bring us all to destruction; for none of us will speak in freedom if you should suffer anything." These things said my father in his affection, kissing my hands, and throwing himself at my feet, and with tears he called me not Daughter, but Lady. And I grieved over the grey hairs of my father, that he alone of all my kindred would have no joy in my death. And I comforted him, saying, "On that scaffold, whatever God wills shall happen. For know that we are not placed in our own power but in that of God." And he departed from me in sorrow.
Perpetua had had a brother who died of cancer when he was eight years old.
Her narrative continues:
After a few days, Pudens, an assistant overseer of the prison, began to hold us in high esteem, seeing that God was with us, and he admitted many of the brethren to see us, that we and they might be mutually refreshed.
Perpetua had a drean, in which she saw herself fighting against a gladiator in the arena, and winning. She understood this to signify victory over the devil.
Saturus also had a vision, which he records in his own words, in which he and the others, having died in the arena, are borne by angels into a beautiful garden, where they greet other martyrs who have gone before them, and are brought before the throne of God, surrounded by twenty-four elders (see Revelation 4), who greet them and say, "Enter into joy." Perpetua says to Saturus: "I was joyful in the flesh, and here I am more joyful still."
The narrator writes:
Now Felicitas was eight months pregnant, and the law did not allow a pregnant woman to be executed. She was accordingly fearful that her death would be postponed, and instead of dying with her fellow Christians she would be put to death later in the company of some group of criminals. She and her companions accordingly prayed, and Felicity went into labor, with the pains normal to an eight-month delivery. And a servant of the jailers said to her, "If you cry out like that now, what will you do when you are thrown to the beasts, which you despised when you refused to sacrifice?" And she replied: "Now it is I that suffer what I suffer; but then Another will be in me, who will suffer for me, because I also am about to suffer for Him." Thus she brought forth a little girl, whom a certain sister brought up as her own.
The day of their victory shone forth, and they proceeded from the prison to the amphitheater, as if to an assembly, joyous and of brilliant countenance. At the gate, the guards were going to dress them in the robes of those dedicated to Saturn and to Ceres. But that noble-minded woman [Perpetua] said: "We are here precisely for refusing to honor your gods. By our deaths we earn the right not to wear such garments." The guards recognized the justice of her words, and let them wear their own clothing.
The men of their company were scheduled to be killed by beasts, but the wild boar turned on its keeper instead, and the bear refused to leave its cage. The leopard, however, attacked Saturus and mortally wounded him. He bade farewell to his guard, Pudens, encouraging him to obey God rather than man, and then fell unconscious.
For the young women there was prepared a fierce cow. Perpetua was first led in. She was tossed, and when she saw her tunic torn from her side, she drew it as a veil over her middle, rather mindful of her modesty than of her sufferings. Then the was called up again, and bound up her dishevelled hair, for it is not becoming for a martyr to die with dishevelled hair, which is a sign of mourning. She saw Felicity wounded, and took her hand and raised her up, and at the demand of the populace they were given a respite.
Now all the prisoners were to be slain with the sword, and they went to the center of the arena, first exchanging a farewell kiss of peace. The others died unmoving and silent, but when the awkward hand of the young executioner bungled her death-stroke, Perpetua cried out in pain, and herself guided his hand to her throat.
A prayer of thanksgiving for Perpetua:
O God the King of saints, who strengthened your servants Perpetua and Felicitas and their companions to make a good confession, staunchly resisting, for the cause of Christ, the claims of human affection, and encouraging one another in their time of trial: Grant that we who cherish their blessed memory may share their pure and steadfast faith, and win with them the palm of victory; 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 02/25/2024 – 03/02/2024
New Blog
- Read This: The Bible, though most importantly the revelation of Jesus, is also a book of relationship. Stories and instruction abound on how to treat other people. We are commanded to love others. In a social media world, you need real life fellowship more than ever. https://www.sovereignkingchurch.com/blog/2024/02/22/read-this
- Expectant Mothers: We request special prayers for Shawn Crone, Chelsea Mix, Rowina Spurgeon, and Maddie Sands.
- Prayer for Syracuse Baptist Church: Join in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Syracuse. Pastor Tim Bushong has written a couple of songs that we use frequently in worship, including a great version of Psalm 110, Hail to Jesus. Pray for their church to continue to grow in number and wisdom. Pray that he may have wisdom and compassion in leading the people of God. Pray for them that God will provide a bigger facility to meet in as they grow. Pray for perseverance.
- Prayer for Michael Foster in Romania: Pray for Michael Foster as he works as a pastor in Romania. He is American but has worked hard to learn the language. Pray that his preaching in Romanian will be helpful to the people and be used by God to bring many into the fold. Pray for health and for his wife and children.
- Jeffersonville City County Donna Reed: Donna Reed is one of the new members of the city council. Pray that she will have wisdom while serving and that she will make decisions inline with God’s law. Pray that she will know Jesus and want to obey Him with all her life. Pray that she will be found faithful in her home life as well.
Schedule Updates and Events:
- New Members Class: New Members Class will continue this Sunday 1:00 to 2:00 PM, immediately following our worship service.
- Women’s Bible Study: Why did God make women and how can you fulfill this purpose. Come join the ladies of Sovereign King on Feb 28th 6:30-8:30 for engaging bible study and fellowship.
- Gas Station Outreach: Join us at Thornton's Gas Station on Court Avenue for an impromptu gospel outreach The event will focus on preaching the Gospel, distributing tracts, and displaying signs with powerful Gospel messages to engage the community and share the truth of Christ. Starts at 8:00 AM – 10 AM. 401 W Court Ave.
- Nursing Home Ministry: Join us as we encourage the widow and the aged at Maple Mannor on March 4th. We will start promptly at 6 PM.
- Open Air Preaching with Pastor: On the first Wednesday of each month, join pastor Joseph and other men from the community for some open air preaching in Jeffersonville. Locations include Thornton's on Court Avenue, the Walking bridge in Jeff, and other places where people gather. Check with pastor for this month's location.
- Ladies Night Out: Friday, March 22 at 6:30 PM at Dragon King’s Daughter. Ladies 16 and older are invited for a lovely time of fellowship and exemplary food. Please RSVP at the following link https://subspla.sh/3t6yq3c
- Palm Sunday: On March 24, Celebrate Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem with worship and a fellowship meal afterward
- Good Friday: Join us as we remember the sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. His death paid the penalty of our sins. March 29, 6:30-8:00 PM