The Guide for the Week
March 17-23rd 2024 The 5th Week of Lent
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 18:1-10
1 Corinthians 9
1 Samuel 16:14-23
Psalm 116
Verse to Memorize
Revelation 4:11
Catechism Questions
Q. 9. What is the work of creation? A. The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
People to Pray for:
Church: Colgate Baptist Church
Pastor Hunter McDavid
Ministry: Daniel Courney
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Scott Hawkins
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 18:1-10
The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
I love chocolate chip cookies. Nibbling on a warm baked delight oozing with melting chocolate morsels fresh from the oven with a glass of milk is a moment just shy of heaven. The only thing close is to eat them before they are baked. You can sneak (don’t tell my wife) into the kitchen when the dough has just been prepared and is waiting in the fridge for its date with the oven and get yourself a pinch of the cookie dough. That’s a dainty morsel. The problem is I am diabetic. The secret bites of yumminess go down into my stomach, and the sugar into my bloodstream. It causes issues with insulin. My glucose monitor and my doctor don’t like it. Enough of it could be harmful to my health and well-being.
The same is true with the words of a whisperer. Some juicy tale about your sister in Christ that no one was supposed to know, some freshly baked gossip regarding your brother's sins, or some complaining given under the guise of a prayer concern can give us a high just like the sugar high of Nestle Toll House cookies. We all like to be in the know. We like to feel important. We like the thrill of pointing out the sins of others. We like how our complaints make us feel superior. And to be the whisperer, that’s a special treat all its own.
But just like sugar to a diabetic, the gossip goes down into your heart, and it does damage. It begins to damage the reputation of your brother or sister in Christ in your own heart. It creates a sense of pride against them. The sweetness of whispers turns bitter in the soul. It stirs up strife and creates divisions. It is a form of hate rather than love. Gossip in a church or a home is deadly.
Be on guard against giving and receiving information about people you have no business being involved with. Be on guard even when you might have some reason to be speaking. Guard the reputation of your brother and sister. Guard them from the lies or so-called truth-telling of others. Guard them in your own heart. And in the heart of your children.
Speaking of which, if you spend your time talking with your husband or wife about other people in front of your children, be mindful that they are listening. They will pick up the grumbling from you, but they won’t be able to filter it the way you often do. They will grow cold and bitter against the people you talk about and grumble about. If you are constantly complaining about the church, for example, don’t be surprised when your children don’t want to go to church. Don’t be surprised when they don’t respect the pastor and elders or other members of the church that you complain about. As a parent, you want your children to love God’s people. Model that in front of them.
Let us guard against gossip and backbiting. It will destroy us.
1 Corinthians 9
In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul established the principle that the love of a fellow brother in Christ is more important than practicing liberties. If eating meat sacrificed to idols would cause a brother to stumble back into idolatry, Paul states he would rather never eat meat again. The point is that for Paul, and thus for Christians, people matter more than material things. Love is primary. We are to love our brothers and look out for them.
Now, in this chapter, the Apostle Paul presents himself as an example. He does so by defending his office of apostle and the rights and privileges that accompany being a minister of the word. He makes it clear that ministers have the right to take a believing wife. The Roman Catholics, who forbid their ministers from marrying, are unlawfully restricting the rights of ministers and, in the process, causing all kinds of problems.
Paul asserts it is his right to get married and to eat and drink what he likes. Furthermore, it is his right as a minister to be supported financially by the people he ministers to. One of the principles of God’s law is that those who work have a right to some of the fruits of their labor. Paul quotes an Old Testament law regarding an ox to illustrate this principle, "For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.'" Notice that Paul uses an Old Testament agricultural law to demonstrate a timeless and binding principle from God. The Apostle Paul is employing what our confession of faith calls "good and necessary consequence." That is, the Bible verse he is quoting doesn’t explicitly say that ministers should be paid, but implied in this verse is the principle that those who work should benefit from their labor. And if this applies to oxen in the field, how much more would it apply to men called by God to preach the gospel. Therefore, it is a right for pastors to receive pay for their work. The people who have been blessed by the work of pastors ought to support their pastors. Paul makes this clear and states it’s a right from God.
Paul, however, points out that he didn’t require the Corinthians to do this. He served them willingly without burdening them for pay. He, whose right it was to receive these things, decided that for the sake of the people, he was willing to set aside that right temporarily for their benefit. They didn’t have the right to ask it of him, but Paul is an example of love.
He is willing to set aside his preferences, his liberties, his rights, and serve God. He was willing to adhere to some Jewish customs to reach Jews. He was willing to adopt Roman customs to reach Romans. He would join with the weak to reach the weak.
The gospel and its impact was more important than anything for Paul. The love of the people was more important than material things. Therefore, the Apostle Paul's instructions (which mirrored instructions given by the council of Apostles and elders in Jerusalem to the whole church) not to eat meat sacrificed to idols is not that big of an ask for the Corinthians church.
Here is the application for parents:
We live in a day when the civil government invents rights and then infringes upon God-given rights. Our liberty is under attack. Therefore, we need to instruct our children on the rights they do have from God. We need to be vigilant against those who would try to manipulate them. Paul didn’t deny that he had rights. He also is quick to defend the rights of others. He is clear in defending the rights of ministers.
But we also need to teach our children to love others and be willing to lay down everything in order to faithfully serve God and reach others. Be willing to set aside your preferences, likes, and possessions in order to love. This doesn’t mean never protecting your property or opposing self-defense. But it means seeing people, especially brothers and sisters in Christ, as image bearers whom you love.
Love is the first and enduring virtue. Be willing to give it all for love.
Parenting tip: When kids are fighting over toys, you have a perfect opportunity to teach these principles. You can teach the one stealing that it's wrong to steal. You can teach the one being stolen from that it's good to protect his toys, but sometimes it's good to share with his younger brother rather than get upset. Teach them that people come before possessions.
Further application for the church: Don’t let preferences keep you from serving your brothers in Christ. Don’t let your food preferences make you unable to fellowship. Sometimes people have legitimate health issues (allergies, diabetic, intolerance) where they can’t eat a particular food. You can make that clear. But sometimes people have preferences for organic, homegrown food and can become real picky about things. Its ok to go to McDonalds to meet a brother in Christ who needs you to encourage him. Its ok to go over to your sisters home and eat the food she spent time preparing even though the ingredients came from Walmart.
Its ok to fishing with man who really likes fishing so that you can share the gospel. Its good for the man who likes fishing to go to the jazz concert that his other brother likes.
Lets give up our preferences to serve once another.
1 Samuel 16:14-23
When David was anointed, the Spirit of God came upon him. It filled him with wisdom and motivated him to improve the skills God had given him, one of which was playing music. This divine influence also led to opportunities to serve in the royal courts. God had chosen David to be king, and therefore, God was going to prepare him in heart, skill, and opportunity to do what God had chosen him for.
At the same time David was being filled, Saul was being abandoned. The Spirit departed from Saul, and in its place, an evil spirit from the Lord came. Saul's refusal to obey God tormented his conscience. Those who reject God will find that God allows them to be overtaken by evil, which can include demonic possession or oppression. The only relief Saul found was through music.
This was the opportunity for David. God, in His wisdom, was bringing down the wicked and elevating His chosen. What was trouble for the wicked became an opportunity for the righteous.
Here are a few points of application:
Psalm 116
Verse 1 I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications.
“Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.”
Do you love God? If so, it's because He first loved you. It's because you know what it means to have been enslaved to sin and to walk the bitter path leading to death. It’s because you know what it is to have heard His voice calling out to your heart, “Arise.” You have experienced His life-giving Spirit. His compassion, His grace, and His mercy have saved you. You love Him because He has first loved you.
Don’t forget this and start getting it backward. Don’t start serving and striving to achieve righteousness on your own. Don’t let the devil tempt you into despair when you sin and feel your weaknesses.
Remember what God has done for you. Reflect back on your life before Him. What was your life like before God rescued you? How has God changed you? How has God borne fruit in your life?
It could be that you grew up in a Christian home, and so what you remember is that you have known God’s love all your life. You can reflect on how He rescued you from the despair of walking in deep regret and sin.
It could be that you grew up not knowing Adam from Noah and you behaved like the wicked men who lived between their times. You deserved to be swept off this earth by a flood, and yet God rescued you. He pulled you out of drugs, addiction to pornography, or some other sinful lifestyle.
Whatever the case, don’t forget His blessings. Instead, love Him and live your life as a giant thank you. The Psalmist asked, "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?" The answer was to lift up the name of the Lord and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Let all you do be done in gratitude. Worship the Lord. Sing of your love for Him and obey His commands.
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Colgate Baptist Church
Heavenly Father,
We bow our heads, calling upon Your grace for Colgate Baptist Church in Clarksville. We ask for Your guiding hand over Pastor Hunter McDavid, a young shepherd tasked with revitalizing a flock that has seen its numbers wane. Grant him wisdom that belies his years, insight to lead, and the fortitude to face the challenges of rebuilding Your congregation.
Infuse the hearts of the church members with a renewed zeal for You, Lord. May their faith be kindled afresh, that they might shine as a beacon of hope and truth in their community. Bless Pastor McDavid's efforts in open-air preaching, that through his words, more souls may be drawn to the saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Your powerful name, we pray,
Amen.
Daniel Courney – Missionary to Nepal
Lord Almighty,
We lift up Daniel Courney, Your servant in Nepal, to Your sovereign care. Following the hit and run accident that left him injured, we ask for Your healing hand over his body and mind. If there be a concussion, we pray for a swift and full recovery, that there be no lasting harm.
In his commitment to preach and teach despite his condition, show him Your strength in his weakness. Protect him and his family, Lord, and grant them peace and resilience in this challenging time. May his dedication to Your work continue to bear fruit in Nepal, undeterred by trials.
In Your mighty name, we pray,
Amen.
Jeffersonville City Council Scott Hawkins
Heavenly Father,
We stand before You, firm in our conviction, seeking Your wisdom for Scott Hawkins as he performs his duties on the Jeffersonville City Council. Grant him the strength to navigate the complexities of governance with Your guidance, making decisions that reflect Your truth and justice.
May he, alongside his fellow council members, possess the courage to uphold what is righteous, even in the face of opposition. Encourage them to steer clear of policies that erode moral integrity and to fiercely protect the freedoms and rights You have bestowed upon the people of Jeffersonville.
In Your name, we pray,
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
St. Patrick of Ireland
17 March 461
Patrick was born about 390, in southwest Britain, somewhere between the Severn and the Clyde rivers, son of a deacon and grandson of a priest. When about sixteen years old, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. Until this time, he had, by his own account, cared nothing for God, but now he turned to God for help. After six years, he either escaped or was freed, made his way to a port 200 miles away, and there persuaded some sailors to take him onto their ship. He returned to his family much changed, and began to prepare for the priesthood, and to study the Bible.
Around 435, Patrick was commissioned, perhaps by bishops in Gaul and perhaps by the Pope, to go to Ireland as a bishop and missionary. Four years earlier another bishop, Palladius, had gone to Ireland to preach, but he was no longer there (my sources disagree on whether he had died, or had become discouraged and left Ireland to preach in Scotland). Patrick made his headquarters at Armagh in the North, where he built a school, and had the protection of the local monarch. From this base he made extensive missionary journeys, with considerable success. To say that he single-handedly turned Ireland from a pagan to a Christian country is an exaggeration, but is not far from the truth.
Almost everything we know about him comes from his own writings. He has left us an autobiography (called the Confession), a Letter to Coroticus in which he denounces the slave trade and rebukes the British chieftain Coroticus for taking part in it, and the Lorica (or "Breastplate" a poem of disputed authorship traditionally attributed to Patrick), a work that has been called "part prayer, part anthem, and part incantation." The Lorica is a truly magnificent hymn, found today in many hymnals.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. Patrick:
Almighty God, who in your providence chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light, that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Announcements for the Week 03/10/2024 -03/16/2024
New Blog
Schedule Updates and Events:
Proverbs 18:1-10
1 Corinthians 9
1 Samuel 16:14-23
Psalm 116
Verse to Memorize
Revelation 4:11
Catechism Questions
Q. 9. What is the work of creation? A. The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
People to Pray for:
Church: Colgate Baptist Church
Pastor Hunter McDavid
Ministry: Daniel Courney
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Scott Hawkins
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 18:1-10
The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
I love chocolate chip cookies. Nibbling on a warm baked delight oozing with melting chocolate morsels fresh from the oven with a glass of milk is a moment just shy of heaven. The only thing close is to eat them before they are baked. You can sneak (don’t tell my wife) into the kitchen when the dough has just been prepared and is waiting in the fridge for its date with the oven and get yourself a pinch of the cookie dough. That’s a dainty morsel. The problem is I am diabetic. The secret bites of yumminess go down into my stomach, and the sugar into my bloodstream. It causes issues with insulin. My glucose monitor and my doctor don’t like it. Enough of it could be harmful to my health and well-being.
The same is true with the words of a whisperer. Some juicy tale about your sister in Christ that no one was supposed to know, some freshly baked gossip regarding your brother's sins, or some complaining given under the guise of a prayer concern can give us a high just like the sugar high of Nestle Toll House cookies. We all like to be in the know. We like to feel important. We like the thrill of pointing out the sins of others. We like how our complaints make us feel superior. And to be the whisperer, that’s a special treat all its own.
But just like sugar to a diabetic, the gossip goes down into your heart, and it does damage. It begins to damage the reputation of your brother or sister in Christ in your own heart. It creates a sense of pride against them. The sweetness of whispers turns bitter in the soul. It stirs up strife and creates divisions. It is a form of hate rather than love. Gossip in a church or a home is deadly.
Be on guard against giving and receiving information about people you have no business being involved with. Be on guard even when you might have some reason to be speaking. Guard the reputation of your brother and sister. Guard them from the lies or so-called truth-telling of others. Guard them in your own heart. And in the heart of your children.
Speaking of which, if you spend your time talking with your husband or wife about other people in front of your children, be mindful that they are listening. They will pick up the grumbling from you, but they won’t be able to filter it the way you often do. They will grow cold and bitter against the people you talk about and grumble about. If you are constantly complaining about the church, for example, don’t be surprised when your children don’t want to go to church. Don’t be surprised when they don’t respect the pastor and elders or other members of the church that you complain about. As a parent, you want your children to love God’s people. Model that in front of them.
Let us guard against gossip and backbiting. It will destroy us.
1 Corinthians 9
In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul established the principle that the love of a fellow brother in Christ is more important than practicing liberties. If eating meat sacrificed to idols would cause a brother to stumble back into idolatry, Paul states he would rather never eat meat again. The point is that for Paul, and thus for Christians, people matter more than material things. Love is primary. We are to love our brothers and look out for them.
Now, in this chapter, the Apostle Paul presents himself as an example. He does so by defending his office of apostle and the rights and privileges that accompany being a minister of the word. He makes it clear that ministers have the right to take a believing wife. The Roman Catholics, who forbid their ministers from marrying, are unlawfully restricting the rights of ministers and, in the process, causing all kinds of problems.
Paul asserts it is his right to get married and to eat and drink what he likes. Furthermore, it is his right as a minister to be supported financially by the people he ministers to. One of the principles of God’s law is that those who work have a right to some of the fruits of their labor. Paul quotes an Old Testament law regarding an ox to illustrate this principle, "For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.'" Notice that Paul uses an Old Testament agricultural law to demonstrate a timeless and binding principle from God. The Apostle Paul is employing what our confession of faith calls "good and necessary consequence." That is, the Bible verse he is quoting doesn’t explicitly say that ministers should be paid, but implied in this verse is the principle that those who work should benefit from their labor. And if this applies to oxen in the field, how much more would it apply to men called by God to preach the gospel. Therefore, it is a right for pastors to receive pay for their work. The people who have been blessed by the work of pastors ought to support their pastors. Paul makes this clear and states it’s a right from God.
Paul, however, points out that he didn’t require the Corinthians to do this. He served them willingly without burdening them for pay. He, whose right it was to receive these things, decided that for the sake of the people, he was willing to set aside that right temporarily for their benefit. They didn’t have the right to ask it of him, but Paul is an example of love.
He is willing to set aside his preferences, his liberties, his rights, and serve God. He was willing to adhere to some Jewish customs to reach Jews. He was willing to adopt Roman customs to reach Romans. He would join with the weak to reach the weak.
The gospel and its impact was more important than anything for Paul. The love of the people was more important than material things. Therefore, the Apostle Paul's instructions (which mirrored instructions given by the council of Apostles and elders in Jerusalem to the whole church) not to eat meat sacrificed to idols is not that big of an ask for the Corinthians church.
Here is the application for parents:
We live in a day when the civil government invents rights and then infringes upon God-given rights. Our liberty is under attack. Therefore, we need to instruct our children on the rights they do have from God. We need to be vigilant against those who would try to manipulate them. Paul didn’t deny that he had rights. He also is quick to defend the rights of others. He is clear in defending the rights of ministers.
But we also need to teach our children to love others and be willing to lay down everything in order to faithfully serve God and reach others. Be willing to set aside your preferences, likes, and possessions in order to love. This doesn’t mean never protecting your property or opposing self-defense. But it means seeing people, especially brothers and sisters in Christ, as image bearers whom you love.
Love is the first and enduring virtue. Be willing to give it all for love.
Parenting tip: When kids are fighting over toys, you have a perfect opportunity to teach these principles. You can teach the one stealing that it's wrong to steal. You can teach the one being stolen from that it's good to protect his toys, but sometimes it's good to share with his younger brother rather than get upset. Teach them that people come before possessions.
Further application for the church: Don’t let preferences keep you from serving your brothers in Christ. Don’t let your food preferences make you unable to fellowship. Sometimes people have legitimate health issues (allergies, diabetic, intolerance) where they can’t eat a particular food. You can make that clear. But sometimes people have preferences for organic, homegrown food and can become real picky about things. Its ok to go to McDonalds to meet a brother in Christ who needs you to encourage him. Its ok to go over to your sisters home and eat the food she spent time preparing even though the ingredients came from Walmart.
Its ok to fishing with man who really likes fishing so that you can share the gospel. Its good for the man who likes fishing to go to the jazz concert that his other brother likes.
Lets give up our preferences to serve once another.
1 Samuel 16:14-23
When David was anointed, the Spirit of God came upon him. It filled him with wisdom and motivated him to improve the skills God had given him, one of which was playing music. This divine influence also led to opportunities to serve in the royal courts. God had chosen David to be king, and therefore, God was going to prepare him in heart, skill, and opportunity to do what God had chosen him for.
At the same time David was being filled, Saul was being abandoned. The Spirit departed from Saul, and in its place, an evil spirit from the Lord came. Saul's refusal to obey God tormented his conscience. Those who reject God will find that God allows them to be overtaken by evil, which can include demonic possession or oppression. The only relief Saul found was through music.
This was the opportunity for David. God, in His wisdom, was bringing down the wicked and elevating His chosen. What was trouble for the wicked became an opportunity for the righteous.
Here are a few points of application:
- If God calls you to something, He will provide you with the opportunity to do it. God is the one who facilitated David's entry into the royal court. David would build up a relationship with King Saul and his son, Jonathan. God prepared David for his future role through the use of his natural talents and skills, experiences, such as we will see in the next chapter when David fights Goliath, and even through suffering, which we will observe in the following chapters. But God will enable you to do what He calls you to. Therefore, have faith in it.
- Recognize that if you reject God and live in disobedience, there can come a time when God allows you to be given over to a debased mind or, worse, to be troubled by demonic spirits. Flee from sin. It destroys the body and the mind.
- Music is a gift from God. A good song can soothe a troubled heart. Sometimes, when things are tough, you just need to stop and sing. When my household was all going through the flu, though we probably sounded terrible with our congested noses, we started singing praises to God. It was such a comfort and joy. We ended up singing for almost 2 hours. Fill your house with the praises of God and good music. If you are able, music lessons are a worthwhile investment for your children. Even the most athletic and warrior-like man, David, was a skilled musician.
Psalm 116
Verse 1 I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications.
“Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.”
Do you love God? If so, it's because He first loved you. It's because you know what it means to have been enslaved to sin and to walk the bitter path leading to death. It’s because you know what it is to have heard His voice calling out to your heart, “Arise.” You have experienced His life-giving Spirit. His compassion, His grace, and His mercy have saved you. You love Him because He has first loved you.
Don’t forget this and start getting it backward. Don’t start serving and striving to achieve righteousness on your own. Don’t let the devil tempt you into despair when you sin and feel your weaknesses.
Remember what God has done for you. Reflect back on your life before Him. What was your life like before God rescued you? How has God changed you? How has God borne fruit in your life?
It could be that you grew up in a Christian home, and so what you remember is that you have known God’s love all your life. You can reflect on how He rescued you from the despair of walking in deep regret and sin.
It could be that you grew up not knowing Adam from Noah and you behaved like the wicked men who lived between their times. You deserved to be swept off this earth by a flood, and yet God rescued you. He pulled you out of drugs, addiction to pornography, or some other sinful lifestyle.
Whatever the case, don’t forget His blessings. Instead, love Him and live your life as a giant thank you. The Psalmist asked, "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?" The answer was to lift up the name of the Lord and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Let all you do be done in gratitude. Worship the Lord. Sing of your love for Him and obey His commands.
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Colgate Baptist Church
Heavenly Father,
We bow our heads, calling upon Your grace for Colgate Baptist Church in Clarksville. We ask for Your guiding hand over Pastor Hunter McDavid, a young shepherd tasked with revitalizing a flock that has seen its numbers wane. Grant him wisdom that belies his years, insight to lead, and the fortitude to face the challenges of rebuilding Your congregation.
Infuse the hearts of the church members with a renewed zeal for You, Lord. May their faith be kindled afresh, that they might shine as a beacon of hope and truth in their community. Bless Pastor McDavid's efforts in open-air preaching, that through his words, more souls may be drawn to the saving knowledge of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Your powerful name, we pray,
Amen.
Daniel Courney – Missionary to Nepal
Lord Almighty,
We lift up Daniel Courney, Your servant in Nepal, to Your sovereign care. Following the hit and run accident that left him injured, we ask for Your healing hand over his body and mind. If there be a concussion, we pray for a swift and full recovery, that there be no lasting harm.
In his commitment to preach and teach despite his condition, show him Your strength in his weakness. Protect him and his family, Lord, and grant them peace and resilience in this challenging time. May his dedication to Your work continue to bear fruit in Nepal, undeterred by trials.
In Your mighty name, we pray,
Amen.
Jeffersonville City Council Scott Hawkins
Heavenly Father,
We stand before You, firm in our conviction, seeking Your wisdom for Scott Hawkins as he performs his duties on the Jeffersonville City Council. Grant him the strength to navigate the complexities of governance with Your guidance, making decisions that reflect Your truth and justice.
May he, alongside his fellow council members, possess the courage to uphold what is righteous, even in the face of opposition. Encourage them to steer clear of policies that erode moral integrity and to fiercely protect the freedoms and rights You have bestowed upon the people of Jeffersonville.
In Your name, we pray,
Amen.
Church History Spotlight
St. Patrick of Ireland
17 March 461
Patrick was born about 390, in southwest Britain, somewhere between the Severn and the Clyde rivers, son of a deacon and grandson of a priest. When about sixteen years old, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. Until this time, he had, by his own account, cared nothing for God, but now he turned to God for help. After six years, he either escaped or was freed, made his way to a port 200 miles away, and there persuaded some sailors to take him onto their ship. He returned to his family much changed, and began to prepare for the priesthood, and to study the Bible.
Around 435, Patrick was commissioned, perhaps by bishops in Gaul and perhaps by the Pope, to go to Ireland as a bishop and missionary. Four years earlier another bishop, Palladius, had gone to Ireland to preach, but he was no longer there (my sources disagree on whether he had died, or had become discouraged and left Ireland to preach in Scotland). Patrick made his headquarters at Armagh in the North, where he built a school, and had the protection of the local monarch. From this base he made extensive missionary journeys, with considerable success. To say that he single-handedly turned Ireland from a pagan to a Christian country is an exaggeration, but is not far from the truth.
Almost everything we know about him comes from his own writings. He has left us an autobiography (called the Confession), a Letter to Coroticus in which he denounces the slave trade and rebukes the British chieftain Coroticus for taking part in it, and the Lorica (or "Breastplate" a poem of disputed authorship traditionally attributed to Patrick), a work that has been called "part prayer, part anthem, and part incantation." The Lorica is a truly magnificent hymn, found today in many hymnals.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. Patrick:
Almighty God, who in your providence chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light, that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Announcements for the Week 03/10/2024 -03/16/2024
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, Gabby Fluhr, and Maddie Sands.
- Sicknesses: The flu bug has been going around again. Praying for all those who have been hit. Remember that God is sovereign. Give thanks that God is teaching us to look forward to the day when there will be no more sickness.
- Prayer for Colgate Baptist Church: Join in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Clarksville. Pastor Hunter McDavid is a young pastor leading an older congregation. He is working on revitalizing a church that once was quite large but has dwindled over the years to be around 30-40 in number. He has also been faithful in joining in open air preaching as well. Pray that God would give him wisdom beyond his years and that the people of the church would be renewed with a zeal for the Lord.
- Prayer for Daniel Courney: Daniel is a missionary in Nepal. He was recently involved in a hit and run accident. Someone plowed into his motorcycle in Nepal and left him. He blacked out and wasn’t able to remember much of the accident. He may have a concussion. He is with him family in Nepal and recovering. He still has been able to preach and teach.
- Jeffersonville City County Scott Hawkins: He is a returning member to the city council. Pray that he would have wisdom from above in the decisions and judgements he makes. Pray that he and the rest of the city council would seek to do what is right whether it is popular or not. That they would not support wicked policies that promote sexual immorality and other sins but rather protect the God-given rights and liberties of Jeffersonville.
Schedule Updates and Events:
- New Members Class: The Final New Members Class will continue this Sunday 1:00 to 2:00 PM, immediately following our worship service.
- Women’s Bible Study: Join the women of Sovereign King Church for some edifying study and fellowship. Wednesday March 13 at 6:30 PM
- Genevan Pub: Calling all men 16 and older. Join us for as we walk through the second chapter of the Westminster confession of faith. Fellowship starts at 4 and discussion at 5PM. We will meet at the church building this coming Sunday.
- King’s Men and Daughters of the King: All children and youth 5 years and up, join us as for food, fun, fellowship, and bible study. March 20th 6-8:00 PM
- 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. Read the instructions and sign up here https://www.sovereignkingchurch.com/blog/2024/02/28/fellowship-meal-instructions
- 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
- Growing Kids God’s Way: We will be starting a weekly parenting class in April. More details to come.
- Spring Dance: April 12 at the Cox’s Home. Come join us for a barn/line dancing night! Don’t know how to dance? Don’t worry about it! there will be a lesson, The lesson will consist of two or three dances. Be there @6:45pm and the lesson will start @7:00, after the lesson it’s all fellowship and dancing. All Adults and young teens 12 and older are invited!! Water will be provided but feel free to bring snacks to share. We will be finishing @9:00pm.