July 21-27th Family Worship Guide 2024

The Guide for the Week July 21-27th  2024

Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 23:29-35
2 Corinthians 5
1 Samuel 24
Psalm 135

Verse to Memorize
Acts 4:12

Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her yet without sin.

People to Pray for

Church:  Colgate Baptist Church
                 Pastor Hunter McDavid
Ministry:  Daniel Courney- Missionary to Nepal
                   
                     
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
                                Dustin White
 
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 23:29-35
Proverbs 23: 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup,
In the 1800s, the feminist movement arose in America, and regrettably, many in the church were a part of it. A major focus of this movement was the belief that women possessed a higher moral character than men and had a duty to work for moral reform. Among these reforms was the push for the prohibition of alcohol. Prominent feminists, such as Susan B. Anthony, linked the fight for women's suffrage with the fight to criminalize alcohol. It is no coincidence that the prohibition amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified by the states just a year before the amendment giving women the right to vote.

The 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol was disastrous in practice for the country and, in many ways, set back the case for allowing religious morality to be the basis for law. While prohibition failed in the civil realm, many churches, influenced by and significantly aligned with the movement, continued to hold that alcohol was forbidden. Though Christians for nearly 1800 years had not believed that drinking wine or beer was inherently sinful, the prohibition movement succeeded in adding this extrabiblical requirement to many churches' constitutions or membership covenants.

Some in this church may have grown up in churches and families still under this influence. But we, thankfully, know better. Scripture says God made wine to gladden the hearts of man. God even gave instructions for His people to spend their tithe on strong drink so they could celebrate before Him. Christians have the liberty to drink. We appreciate good craft beer and a fine scotch. These are blessings.

However, the feminist movement gained traction with the cause of prohibition because many families suffered from the sinful abuse of alcohol. Drunkenness was, and still is, tragically common.

Scripture warns us against drunkenness. It warns that drunkards don’t inherit the kingdom of God. They have made their bellies their god, turning the fruit of the vine into an idol. It controls them, fills them, and guides them. As Proverbs says, it takes over their vision and controls their tongue. But alcohol is a poor god. It doesn’t give life; it takes it. It makes you sick, makes you poor, and gives you wounds without cause. It knocks you down.
These are real warnings in Scripture. We don’t have to become prohibitionists to recognize that these warnings are for us. Good Reformed Christians must heed the warnings of the one true God. Do not be drunk but be filled with the Spirit. Be self-controlled. Drunkards are outside of the kingdom.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, while you enjoy the gift of alcohol, which God made for man to rule over, don’t exchange God for that gift and become ruled by it. If your eye is drawn to linger over the beer and you crave another and another, you need to turn your eyes back to Jesus. And if you think you don't need this warning, tremble and fear.
Make good use of the gifts of God with thanksgiving. Don’t be enslaved to anything!

2 Corinthians 5

Verse 9-10 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

As I write this family worship guide, my son Ezra comes into my office with some Legos that he has put together. Ezra loves to build things. He builds cars, trucks, spaceships, houses, and all kinds of other things with Legos. But I think he likes giving away the things he makes more than making them. He likes to build something and give it to his siblings or to me. As he comes into my office today, he gives me a flying car. He’s excited to tell me about all the things it can do. He looks me in the eyes and talks big for a three-year-old. The thing he wants most in this moment is his father’s approval. I take the car he made, play with it for a few minutes, and then set it on my desk. I give him a big hug and tell him thank you for thinking of me. He smiles and is happy.

Sons love to please their fathers. They live for their dad’s approval. This is good and as it should be. And good fathers love to give their sons plenty of approval and affirmation.
The Apostle Paul, in the letter to the church in Corinth, explains the great hope that Christians have. In this chapter, he writes about our eternal home with God and the blessing of life after death. Our bodies will one day give out on us. We should be good stewards of them, but even the most fit athlete will one day close his eyes and say goodbye to his body. Christians have the hope that even though our bodies will die and we say goodbye to this earth, we will find a home with God that is imperishable. We look forward to a joy that is far greater than anything in this life. We will get to see our God face to face. We will get to be with the one who saved our souls. We long to be with God and we will. In light of this reality, a Christian, though not wishing for death, is willing to face death so that he could be with the Lord.

We have a future hope, and therefore we know that this life is temporary. The Apostle Paul, though, would not have us be lazy as if this life does not matter. Rather, he says we are always of good courage. We are always bold because we know that no matter what happens in this life, we have hope. Furthermore, we want to please our Father. We long to be with Him, and we also long to make Him happy. Therefore, just like my son Ezra, we give ourselves to building and working for His glory. We work making things, loving people, speaking truth, growing in holiness, fighting sin, and building up the kingdom so that we can be pleasing to Him. We will all one day stand before Him. And we will give an account. Our goal is to hear on that day, “Well done, my faithful servant.”
 
 
 
1 Samuel 24
David was on the run for his life. He fled from his wife and home. He took his parents to a foreign land. He said goodbye to his best friend. He had people he did good to turn on him. And at every stage of the way, he managed by God’s providence to be one step ahead of King Saul. In this chapter, the tables have turned on Saul. In his search to find David, he went into a cave thinking he would be alone and safe. But in the cave was David waiting with his own army of men. His men were ready to pounce. Is it now the time to get revenge? While Saul was using the restroom, David was able to sneak up to him and cut off the edge of his robe. But before David could attack Saul, his conscience began to bother him. Before him was his own father-in-law. He was ignorant and helpless. He was the king of God’s people. He had been accusing David of lying in wait to kill him and all kinds of other slander. And now was his chance.

But David couldn’t do it. His conscience wouldn’t let him strike down the defenseless man. His conscience wouldn’t let him attack the one that the Lord had anointed to be King. David wouldn’t become what Saul had lied about. He wouldn’t strike him down.
Can you imagine being in this situation? How would you have done? Would you have been so angry at all that had transpired that you would stab Saul right there? Would anyone really blame you for doing so?

We know from scripture that God honored David’s commitment not to get vengeance. It would not have been self-defense. Saul at this time was the one who was defenseless. It would not have been to protect someone else. It would simply have been an act of revenge. David knew that he should trust God to get vengeance. He could be merciful even to his enemy. God will judge who is right.

Scripture tells us that we are not to seek revenge. We are to trust God to destroy our enemies. This doesn’t mean that we are pacifists. David was not a pacifist. Self-defense and the defense of others is not only allowed in scripture, it is commanded. But attacking a personal enemy when he is helpless is not self-defense.

There is a whole lot to learn from this passage.
We must leave vengeance to God.
We should respect the office of authority even when the one holding it is not worthy of it.
We should not go against our conscience. Don’t harden your conscience when it is speaking to you.
Don’t overcome evil with evil.

Psalm 135
We get to come and worship the God who does whatever He pleases. No one and nothing can thwart his plans. All the gods of the other nations are false. All the idols of our own nation are nothing. They cannot stop the work of God to rescue His people from the clutches of evil. Therefore, let us worship Him at all times. Let us come into his presence with joy and with reverent faith. He is good and He is great.

Example Prayers for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Prayer for Expectant Mothers

Heavenly Father, we lift up Gabby Fluhr and Emily Leupp, who are expecting new life. We ask You to surround them with Your mighty protection and strength. Grant them peace and health during this time, and prepare them for the task of motherhood. May their children be born healthy, strong, and ready to serve You all their days. We trust in Your sovereign will and care, and we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer for New Babies
Lord Almighty, we thank You for the blessings of new life. We pray for Rowina Spurgeon, Shawn Crone, and Maddie Sands as they embrace their roles as mothers. Grant them swift recovery and enduring strength. We ask You to watch over their little ones, ensuring they grow healthy and firm in the knowledge and love of the Lord. May these children become faithful saints in Your kingdom. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

Prayer for Colgate Baptist Church
Sovereign Lord, we lift up Pastor Hunter McDavid and Colgate Baptist Church. Though their numbers have dwindled, we know Your power is not limited by human measure. Fill Pastor Hunter with unwavering zeal, confidence in Your promises, and wisdom beyond his years. May he shepherd the flock with courage and lead many to Christ. Strengthen this church to stand firm and grow in faith and number. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Prayer for Daniel Courney
Almighty God, we bring before You Your servant Daniel Courney, who boldly preaches Your Word in Nepal and cares for orphans. As he travels to Scotland, empower his preaching, plant churches, and aid the needy. Grant him and his wife protection and strength. May their ministry bear much fruit for Your kingdom. We pray for Your anointing on those partnering with him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for Jeffersonville City Council
Lord of Lords, we pray for Dustin White and the Jeffersonville City Council. Your Word instructs us to pray for those in authority. Grant Councilman White wisdom and a heart that seeks after Your laws. We pray for the repentance of the entire council, that they would turn from permitting public celebrations of sin and submit to the Kingship of Jesus. May Your truth and righteousness prevail in Jeffersonville. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


Church History Spotlight
Thomas Hammerken a Kempis, Priest, Monk, and Writer
25  July 1471

Thomas Hammerken (or Hammerlein -- both mean "little hammer") was born at Kempen (hence the "A Kempis") in the duchy of Cleves in Germany around 1380. He was educated by a religious order called the Brethren of the Common Life, and in due course joined the order, was ordained a priest, became sub-prior of his house (in the low Countries), and died 25 July 1471
Thomas is known almost entirely for composing or compiling a manual of spiritual advice known as The Imitation of Christ, in which he urges the reader to seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be conformed in all things to His will. An extract follows:
When God bestows Spiritual comfort, receive it with a grateful heart; but remember that it comes of God's free gift, and not of your own merit. Do not be proud, nor over joyful, nor foolishly presumptuous; rather, be the more humble for this gift, more cautious, and more prudent in all your doings, for this hour will pass, and temptation will follow it. When comfort is withdrawn, do not immediately despair, but humbly and patiently await the will of Heaven; for God is able to restore you to a consolation even richer than before. This is nothing new or strange to those who know the ways of God, for the great Saints and Prophets of old often experienced these changes. ...Indeed, the temptation that precedes is often a sign of comfort to follow. For heavenly comfort is promised to those who have been tried and tempted."To him who overcomes," says God, "I will give to eat of the Tree of Life."

A prayer of thanksgiving for Thomas Hammerken
Holy Father, who have nourished and strengthened your Church by the writings of your servant Thomas a Kempis: Grant that we may learn from him to know what we ought to know, to love what we ought to love, to praise what highly pleases you, and always to seek to know and follow your will; 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 07/21/2024- 07/27/2024
Recommended Article:    In today's world, it can be challenging to find modest and affordable clothing for our daughters. Most retail stores offer apparel that is either increasingly immodest or covered with messages promoting feminism and self-empowerment. As Christians, we still aim to dress in ways that honor the Lord. Here is a helpful article on how you can find modest and affordable clothing for girls. https://www.themodestmomblog.com/5-ways-to-find-modest-affordable-clothing-for-girls/

Prayer Concerns:

  • Expectant Mothers: We request special prayers for Gabby Fluhr and Emily Leupp. 
  • New Babies:  Rowina Spurgeon, Shawn Crone, and Maddie Sands have welcomed their new babies. Pray for these mothers as they recover and for their little ones to grow healthy and strong in the Lord.
  • Colgate Baptist Church:  Please pray for Pastor Hunter McDavid as he endeavors to revitalize Colgate Baptist Church. This church once had hundreds of members but has now dwindled to around 30. Pastor Hunter, though young, is a faithful shepherd. Pray for him to maintain his zeal, to be confident in the Lord, and to possess great wisdom in pastoring the flock at Colgate.
  • Daniel Courney Daniel Courney is a missionary in Nepal, boldly preaching in the open air. He and his wife also run an orphanage. Pray for his efforts in preaching, planting churches, and aiding orphans. This week, he has traveled to Scotland to preach. Pray for his work there and for those partnering with him in proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
  • Jeffersonville City Council Dustin White The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostle Paul, instructs us to pray for those in authority. Please pray for Councilman White to uphold God's law with wisdom and godliness, and to seek Jeffersonville's submission to the Kingship of Jesus. Councilman White, the president of the council, is liberal. When we were preaching outside the Jeffersonville Pride Event, we encountered him entering the event. Pray that the entire council would repent for permitting sexually perverse pride events to be held publicly in Jeffersonville.

Announcements:
Growing Kids God’s Way  Sunday Evenings in June 5-7 PM
Nursery Children (1-3 years old) may go to nursery after the doxology.  The volunteers do ask that parents quickly drop of the children and don’t linger around.  It makes for a quicker and smoother transition. The goal of the nursery is to come alongside parents and help them instruct and teach their children so that they can participate together in worship.  The Nursery is also a good tool to help our children learn to listen to and show respect to adults who are not their own parents.  These adults are reinforcing the same teaching that they are getting at home by working on catechism questions and bible lessons that they can understand.  The volunteers work on teaching self-control and learning to sit and listen when its not time to play. Read more about the nursery here:  https://www.sovereignkingchurch.com/blog/2024/06/26/announcing-our-nursery
Nursing Home Ministry August 5
Elders Training August 17
Genevan Pub August 18
Men and Boys Camping Trip August 30-31
For more information and updates, please visit our website
 
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