The Guide for the Week July 28- August 3rd 2024
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 24:1-9
2 Corinthians 6
Psalm 136
Verse to Memorize
Acts 4:12
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.
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.
Church: Pine Grove Community Church
Pastor Jeremy Vander-Galian
Ministry: Michael Foster- Romania
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Bill Burns
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 24:1-9
Verse 5-6 A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight, and more than 2 out of 5 adults are obese in the United States. The rates of obesity in the US have increased significantly over the last few decades. This has contributed to a public health crisis, with obesity-related illnesses and conditions also on the rise. The typical American diet is unhealthy. It is vital that, as Christians, we begin to think better about how we can be good stewards of the bodies that God has given us. We want to be physically strong so that we can carry out the duties that God has given us to Him, the Church, our families, and our nation. A few men from Sovereign King have been going to the YMCA in Jeffersonville to work out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:30 AM. You are welcome to join us.
If obesity is a problem in America, how much worse is the condition of our souls? In other words, if it is important that we take care of our bodies, how much more important is it to ensure our souls are fit? Our body will one day waste away and be placed in a grave. We must not then neglect the right diet and workout for our soul. Scripture teaches us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If it's good to spend time lifting or running, it is much more important to spend time in prayer and the Word of God.
Therefore, let us be wise and strong. Let us be strong in body, mind, and most importantly soul. If you need help developing a plan for your spiritual health, please get wise guidance. Your pastor and elders would love to work with you.
2 Corinthians 6
Verse 11-13 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13 Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also.
Solomon in the Proverbs repeatedly pleads with his son to give his heart to his father. Solomon, a wise father, wants the affections of his children. He wants the affections so that he may present the heart of his son to the Lord. He wants not just rote obedience but true religion from a sincere heart.
The Apostle Paul too wants the affections of the church in Corinth. He wants the heart of the people to be with him and the rest of the apostles so that their hearts may be with Christ. This is not the same thing as being a people pleaser or looking to be popular. The apostles speak truth and they stand with Christ even if no one else will. But they do desire the hearts of the people.
Paul writes to the church in Corinth saying that there is nothing that he has done to restrain their affections. Rather, the Apostle has endured much to make sure the ministry would not be discredited. In verses 4-10, he describes all the ways that he has served the people. He has done so with a mouth that speaks freely and truly. His love for them is sincere. His heart for them is wide. The only restraint was the people holding back their affection.
Paul wants their hearts so that they will listen to the gospel and receive the grace of God. He goes on to remind them that they should not give their affections to the wicked but to the godly.
As a pastor, I can tell you that I too want your affections. I do not desire to be a people pleaser. By the grace of God, I won’t shrink back from speaking truth. But I want your heart. I want your heart to be with the church. And most importantly, I want your heart to be with the Lord, Jesus. I want you to know the grace that is for sinners like you and me. I want you to know that we can be sons and daughters of God, the Father Almighty. Give your hearts to heeding the words that I preach. Give your hearts to love the church and the brotherhood. Give your hearts to Christ.
We must not be people who merely go through the motions. We must not be people whose affections are given to the world and those of it. Rather, we must have hearts that are open wide to the ministry of the gospel.
Finally, fathers and mothers, don’t stop pleading for the hearts of your children. Don’t be satisfied with mere obedience done out of servile fear. Don’t be satisfied having children who do things merely to avoid punishment and who are longing to break free from your home. Plead for and work to win their hearts.
Psalm 136
Verse 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
One complaint about modern music is that it is too repetitive—“They sing the same words over and over again.” This Psalm repeats the same line 26 times. The repetition is purposeful and useful. "His lovingkindness is everlasting," or as the King James says, "for his mercy endureth forever," echoes throughout the Psalm. The repetition conveys the enduring foreverness of God’s mercy or lovingkindness. Just as this song continues, God’s mercy extends to a thousand generations.
The Jews call this Psalm the Great Hallel, meaning “great praise.” The Greek Orthodox call it the Polyeleos, meaning “many mercies.” It is indeed great praise, or better, it should stir in us great praise because of God’s many mercies. Consider how God has been good to His people. Whether in His creation of the world or in His providential care of His creatures, God’s lovingkindness continues each day. Furthermore, God has rescued His people from the clutches of the devil and the slavery to sin. He has defeated their enemies and will continue to do so. Reflect on all the ways God has been kind to you each day. Think about how many times He has overlooked your sins and shortcomings. Meditate on how He has been with you during trials and in your lowest points. Consider His mercy to you in providing food and drink. God gives you sunshine and rain. There is no end to the ways that God has been good, and the wonderful truth is that there will be no end to the ways He will do His people good.
As many of you know, my favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:7: “so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” God has poured out all kinds of mercy and grace to us now, and Scripture says the purpose of it is so that in the future He will show us even more of His riches of grace and kindness. The mercies of the Lord in this life are just the beginning. We who love Him and have been called according to His purpose have an eternity’s worth of His kindness promised to still come. If that does not move you to great praise, then nothing will. So join in the repetitive song and let your heart sing forever of the great love of our God.
Example Prayers for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Prayer for Expectant Mothers
Heavenly Father, we lift up Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, and Christina Puryear, asking for Your mighty hand to be upon them during this time of expectancy. Grant them strength and health, Lord, as they nurture new life within them. May their hearts be steadfast, their bodies resilient, and their spirits uplifted by Your grace. Protect the precious lives growing inside them, and prepare these mothers to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Pine Grove Community Church
Almighty God, we thank You for Pastor Jeremy Vander-Galian and his dedication to Pine Grove Community Church. We pray that his sabbatical will be a time of profound rest and spiritual renewal. Bless his family with unity and joy during this period, and return him to his flock with renewed zeal and wisdom to lead. Strengthen the pastors and elders stepping in during his absence. May they shepherd the congregation with wisdom and grow in their roles. Grant Pine Grove Community Church growth and maturity in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Michael Foster in Romania
Sovereign Lord, we bring before You Pastor Michael Foster as he preaches the gospel in Romania. We pray for the renewal of the Holy Spirit in this land, once vibrant with the gospel but now entangled in traditions devoid of true spiritual life. Soften the hearts of the people, Lord, and use Michael and his family as catalysts for revival. May Your truth pierce through the layers of man-made practices and ignite a genuine awakening. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Jeffersonville City Council and Bill Burns
Righteous Father, we pray for Councilman Bill Burns and the Jeffersonville City Council. Grant Bill wisdom and godliness to uphold Your law and seek the city's submission to the Kingship of Jesus. We ask for repentance among the council members for permitting ungodly events, and a collective desire to honor the one true triune God in all their decisions. May the Holy Spirit guide them towards righteousness and truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Nicodemus, Rabbi
Nicodemus was a religious leader among the Jews in Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. He is mentioned only in the Gospel of John, where he appears three times.
In John 3, he speaks privately with Jesus.
In John 7, he is present at a meeting of Jewish leaders who are considering how to silence Jesus, and he says, "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" To this, others reply, "Are you from Galilee, too?"
In John 19, Nicodemus joins with Joseph of Arimathaea (see 1 Aug) in giving an honorable burial to the body of Jesus.
The best-known of these passages is John 3, in which Jesus tells Nicodemus: "In order for a man to see (enter) the Kingdom of God, he must be born anew (or born from above), born of water and of the Spirit." Most Christians have understood this as a reference to Holy Baptism, but others suppose the water to be amniotic fluid, and take the reference to "water and the Spirit" as contrasting natural with spiritual birth.
The dialog between Jesus and Nicodemus is given in the form of three speeches by Nicodemus and three replies by Jesus. Since ancient manuscripts have no quotation marks, it is not certain whether Jesus' third reply extends to the end of verse 21, or whether it ends earlier, perhaps as early as the end of verse 12, with the remaining verses to the end of verse 21 being a meditation by the Evangelist. Either way, these verses (including the famous John 3:16) affirm that God sent His Son into the world to bring light and salvation.
A prayer of thanksgiving for Nicodemus
O God, who led the learned scholar and judge Nicodemus to seek for wisdom from the mouth of your Son Jesus Christ, give to all persons, both scholars and others, minds that are open and hearts that are ready to hear the good news of salvation, not rejecting out of hand what seems strange or unfamiliar in it, but carefully studying to understand it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Announcements for the Week 07/28/2024- 08/03/2024
Recommended Article: Nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight, and more than 2 out of 5 adults are obese in the United States. The rates of obesity in the US have increased significantly over the last few decades. This has contributed to a public health crisis, with obesity-related illnesses and conditions also on the rise. The typical American diet is unhealthy. It is vital that, as Christians, we begin to think better about how we can be good stewards of the bodies that God has given us. We want to be physically strong so that we can carry out the duties that God has given us to Him, the Church, our families, and our nation. A few men from Sovereign King have been going to the YMCA in Jeffersonville to work out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:30 AM. You are welcome to join us. If obesity is a problem in America, how much worse is the condition of our souls? In other words, if it is important that we take care of our bodies, how much more important is it to ensure our souls are fit? Our body will one day waste away and be placed in a grave. We must not then neglect the right diet and workout for our soul. Scripture teaches us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If it's good to spend time lifting or running, it is much more important to spend time in prayer and the Word of God. Check out this article on spiritual disciplines and, in faith, get at it.
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/truly-spiritual-disciplines
Prayer Concerns:
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.
Nursing Home Ministry August 5
Elders Training August 17
Genevan Pub August 18
Men and Boys Camping Trip August 30-31
All Hallows Reformation Feast TBA - The team will meet August 6th via Zoom
The Patriarchy Conference TBA
For more information and updates, please visit our website
Proverbs 24:1-9
2 Corinthians 6
Psalm 136
Verse to Memorize
Acts 4:12
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.
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.
Church: Pine Grove Community Church
Pastor Jeremy Vander-Galian
Ministry: Michael Foster- Romania
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Bill Burns
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 24:1-9
Verse 5-6 A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight, and more than 2 out of 5 adults are obese in the United States. The rates of obesity in the US have increased significantly over the last few decades. This has contributed to a public health crisis, with obesity-related illnesses and conditions also on the rise. The typical American diet is unhealthy. It is vital that, as Christians, we begin to think better about how we can be good stewards of the bodies that God has given us. We want to be physically strong so that we can carry out the duties that God has given us to Him, the Church, our families, and our nation. A few men from Sovereign King have been going to the YMCA in Jeffersonville to work out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:30 AM. You are welcome to join us.
If obesity is a problem in America, how much worse is the condition of our souls? In other words, if it is important that we take care of our bodies, how much more important is it to ensure our souls are fit? Our body will one day waste away and be placed in a grave. We must not then neglect the right diet and workout for our soul. Scripture teaches us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If it's good to spend time lifting or running, it is much more important to spend time in prayer and the Word of God.
Therefore, let us be wise and strong. Let us be strong in body, mind, and most importantly soul. If you need help developing a plan for your spiritual health, please get wise guidance. Your pastor and elders would love to work with you.
2 Corinthians 6
Verse 11-13 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13 Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also.
Solomon in the Proverbs repeatedly pleads with his son to give his heart to his father. Solomon, a wise father, wants the affections of his children. He wants the affections so that he may present the heart of his son to the Lord. He wants not just rote obedience but true religion from a sincere heart.
The Apostle Paul too wants the affections of the church in Corinth. He wants the heart of the people to be with him and the rest of the apostles so that their hearts may be with Christ. This is not the same thing as being a people pleaser or looking to be popular. The apostles speak truth and they stand with Christ even if no one else will. But they do desire the hearts of the people.
Paul writes to the church in Corinth saying that there is nothing that he has done to restrain their affections. Rather, the Apostle has endured much to make sure the ministry would not be discredited. In verses 4-10, he describes all the ways that he has served the people. He has done so with a mouth that speaks freely and truly. His love for them is sincere. His heart for them is wide. The only restraint was the people holding back their affection.
Paul wants their hearts so that they will listen to the gospel and receive the grace of God. He goes on to remind them that they should not give their affections to the wicked but to the godly.
As a pastor, I can tell you that I too want your affections. I do not desire to be a people pleaser. By the grace of God, I won’t shrink back from speaking truth. But I want your heart. I want your heart to be with the church. And most importantly, I want your heart to be with the Lord, Jesus. I want you to know the grace that is for sinners like you and me. I want you to know that we can be sons and daughters of God, the Father Almighty. Give your hearts to heeding the words that I preach. Give your hearts to love the church and the brotherhood. Give your hearts to Christ.
We must not be people who merely go through the motions. We must not be people whose affections are given to the world and those of it. Rather, we must have hearts that are open wide to the ministry of the gospel.
Finally, fathers and mothers, don’t stop pleading for the hearts of your children. Don’t be satisfied with mere obedience done out of servile fear. Don’t be satisfied having children who do things merely to avoid punishment and who are longing to break free from your home. Plead for and work to win their hearts.
Psalm 136
Verse 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
One complaint about modern music is that it is too repetitive—“They sing the same words over and over again.” This Psalm repeats the same line 26 times. The repetition is purposeful and useful. "His lovingkindness is everlasting," or as the King James says, "for his mercy endureth forever," echoes throughout the Psalm. The repetition conveys the enduring foreverness of God’s mercy or lovingkindness. Just as this song continues, God’s mercy extends to a thousand generations.
The Jews call this Psalm the Great Hallel, meaning “great praise.” The Greek Orthodox call it the Polyeleos, meaning “many mercies.” It is indeed great praise, or better, it should stir in us great praise because of God’s many mercies. Consider how God has been good to His people. Whether in His creation of the world or in His providential care of His creatures, God’s lovingkindness continues each day. Furthermore, God has rescued His people from the clutches of the devil and the slavery to sin. He has defeated their enemies and will continue to do so. Reflect on all the ways God has been kind to you each day. Think about how many times He has overlooked your sins and shortcomings. Meditate on how He has been with you during trials and in your lowest points. Consider His mercy to you in providing food and drink. God gives you sunshine and rain. There is no end to the ways that God has been good, and the wonderful truth is that there will be no end to the ways He will do His people good.
As many of you know, my favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:7: “so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” God has poured out all kinds of mercy and grace to us now, and Scripture says the purpose of it is so that in the future He will show us even more of His riches of grace and kindness. The mercies of the Lord in this life are just the beginning. We who love Him and have been called according to His purpose have an eternity’s worth of His kindness promised to still come. If that does not move you to great praise, then nothing will. So join in the repetitive song and let your heart sing forever of the great love of our God.
Example Prayers for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Prayer for Expectant Mothers
Heavenly Father, we lift up Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, and Christina Puryear, asking for Your mighty hand to be upon them during this time of expectancy. Grant them strength and health, Lord, as they nurture new life within them. May their hearts be steadfast, their bodies resilient, and their spirits uplifted by Your grace. Protect the precious lives growing inside them, and prepare these mothers to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Pine Grove Community Church
Almighty God, we thank You for Pastor Jeremy Vander-Galian and his dedication to Pine Grove Community Church. We pray that his sabbatical will be a time of profound rest and spiritual renewal. Bless his family with unity and joy during this period, and return him to his flock with renewed zeal and wisdom to lead. Strengthen the pastors and elders stepping in during his absence. May they shepherd the congregation with wisdom and grow in their roles. Grant Pine Grove Community Church growth and maturity in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Michael Foster in Romania
Sovereign Lord, we bring before You Pastor Michael Foster as he preaches the gospel in Romania. We pray for the renewal of the Holy Spirit in this land, once vibrant with the gospel but now entangled in traditions devoid of true spiritual life. Soften the hearts of the people, Lord, and use Michael and his family as catalysts for revival. May Your truth pierce through the layers of man-made practices and ignite a genuine awakening. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Jeffersonville City Council and Bill Burns
Righteous Father, we pray for Councilman Bill Burns and the Jeffersonville City Council. Grant Bill wisdom and godliness to uphold Your law and seek the city's submission to the Kingship of Jesus. We ask for repentance among the council members for permitting ungodly events, and a collective desire to honor the one true triune God in all their decisions. May the Holy Spirit guide them towards righteousness and truth. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Nicodemus, Rabbi
Nicodemus was a religious leader among the Jews in Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. He is mentioned only in the Gospel of John, where he appears three times.
In John 3, he speaks privately with Jesus.
In John 7, he is present at a meeting of Jewish leaders who are considering how to silence Jesus, and he says, "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" To this, others reply, "Are you from Galilee, too?"
In John 19, Nicodemus joins with Joseph of Arimathaea (see 1 Aug) in giving an honorable burial to the body of Jesus.
The best-known of these passages is John 3, in which Jesus tells Nicodemus: "In order for a man to see (enter) the Kingdom of God, he must be born anew (or born from above), born of water and of the Spirit." Most Christians have understood this as a reference to Holy Baptism, but others suppose the water to be amniotic fluid, and take the reference to "water and the Spirit" as contrasting natural with spiritual birth.
The dialog between Jesus and Nicodemus is given in the form of three speeches by Nicodemus and three replies by Jesus. Since ancient manuscripts have no quotation marks, it is not certain whether Jesus' third reply extends to the end of verse 21, or whether it ends earlier, perhaps as early as the end of verse 12, with the remaining verses to the end of verse 21 being a meditation by the Evangelist. Either way, these verses (including the famous John 3:16) affirm that God sent His Son into the world to bring light and salvation.
A prayer of thanksgiving for Nicodemus
O God, who led the learned scholar and judge Nicodemus to seek for wisdom from the mouth of your Son Jesus Christ, give to all persons, both scholars and others, minds that are open and hearts that are ready to hear the good news of salvation, not rejecting out of hand what seems strange or unfamiliar in it, but carefully studying to understand it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Announcements for the Week 07/28/2024- 08/03/2024
Recommended Article: Nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight, and more than 2 out of 5 adults are obese in the United States. The rates of obesity in the US have increased significantly over the last few decades. This has contributed to a public health crisis, with obesity-related illnesses and conditions also on the rise. The typical American diet is unhealthy. It is vital that, as Christians, we begin to think better about how we can be good stewards of the bodies that God has given us. We want to be physically strong so that we can carry out the duties that God has given us to Him, the Church, our families, and our nation. A few men from Sovereign King have been going to the YMCA in Jeffersonville to work out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:30 AM. You are welcome to join us. If obesity is a problem in America, how much worse is the condition of our souls? In other words, if it is important that we take care of our bodies, how much more important is it to ensure our souls are fit? Our body will one day waste away and be placed in a grave. We must not then neglect the right diet and workout for our soul. Scripture teaches us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If it's good to spend time lifting or running, it is much more important to spend time in prayer and the Word of God. Check out this article on spiritual disciplines and, in faith, get at it.
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/truly-spiritual-disciplines
Prayer Concerns:
- Expectant Mothers We request special prayers for Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp and Christina Puryear
- Pine Grove Community Church Pastor Jeremy Vander-Galian is a member of Evangel presbytery and Pastor of Pine Grove Community Church in Rhinelander Wisconsin. He has been able to take a three-month sabbatical to get some much needed rest and time with his family. Pray for him that this time will be refreshing to his body and his soul, his family will treasure the time, and that he will returned with renewed zeal and wisdom to lead the church. Pray for the pastors and elders at Pine Grove who are stepping in to fill the work while he is away. Pray for growth and wisdom.
- Michael Foster Pray for Pastor Foster in Romania as he preached the gospel in a country that once influenced by the gospel. The Orthodox church is still heavily influential there but its influence is more ceremonial than spiritual. The gospel has been lost under layers of man-made traditions and practices. The hearts of the people are hard to the gospel. Pray that God will renew the Holy Spirit to this country. Pray that God will use Michael and His family to be a catalyst for revival.
- Jeffersonville City Council Bill Burns The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostle Paul, instructs us to pray for those in authority. Please pray for Councilman Bill Burns to uphold God's law with wisdom and godliness, and to seek Jeffersonville's submission to the Kingship of Jesus. Pray that the entire council would repent for permitting sexually perverse pride events to be held publicly in Jeffersonville. Pray that they seek to honor the one true triune God in all their decisions.
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.
Nursing Home Ministry August 5
Elders Training August 17
Genevan Pub August 18
Men and Boys Camping Trip August 30-31
All Hallows Reformation Feast TBA - The team will meet August 6th via Zoom
The Patriarchy Conference TBA
For more information and updates, please visit our website