The Guide for the Week August 25-31st 2024
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 25:1-10
2 Corinthians 10
1 John 5:11-13
Psalm 140
Verse to Memorize
Hebrews 4:14-16
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Who to pray for
Church: Church of the King
Pastor Jake Mentzel
Ministry: Sovereign King Academy
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Steve Webb
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 25:6-7 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here, Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
I once saw a video of a man meeting a famous actor, but the man did not know who the actor was. The man asked the famous actor what he did, and the actor, not wanting to boast, said, "I do some work in film and entertainment." The man's eyes lit up, and he said, "Wow, me too." He then went on to boast about some obscure media project that no one had ever heard of. He was really laying it on thick as if he were someone important in the film industry. Meanwhile, the famous actor remained humble and smiled. He just let this small-time guy boast away. After the conversation, the actor politely said goodbye and walked away.
Finally, a woman came up to the man, who felt so confident that he had shown this other man how big he was in the business. She asked him, "Do you know who that was?"
"No, who was it?" he asked.
She said, "Tom Cruise."
The look on the man's face regarding his own foolish boasting was quite comical. You could tell he felt really ashamed.
The proverb reminds us to be humble. We ought not to assert ourselves proudly before others, especially those in authority, but rather, we ought to be modest and humble. Rather than boast before your boss, work your tail off trying to do what is best for the company. Make yourself indispensable to the team, and in due time, your boss, unless he is a fool, will see how you work and take responsibility. This doesn’t mean you can never apply for a promotion at work or ask for a raise, but rather, it is a call to do your work as unto the Lord.
Don’t be so quick to sing your own praises. Someone once said, "When someone sings his own praises, he always gets the tune too high." How embarrassing it is to boast and then be shown up by your own boasting.
2 Corinthians 10
Verse 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
The Apostle Paul was not just any preacher; he was appointed to his mission by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Yet, like every faithful man of God, he had enemies—men who were nothing more than wolves in sheep’s clothing, seeking to tear him down at every turn. Nowhere was this battle more intense than in Corinth, where false teachers schemed to undermine Paul’s authority, insult his character, and inflate their own status. These men, puffed up with arrogance, mocked Paul, claiming he was weak in person but bold in his letters. They wanted to make him look like a coward, all while trying to steal the loyalty of the flock for themselves.
But Paul wasn’t shaken by these pitiful attempts to slander him. He knew that gentleness in person didn’t mean weakness, and he was far from powerless. In fact, he wielded a power far greater than anything his enemies could muster. His strength was not found in human weapons—swords, status, or the flashiness of charisma—but in something far more lethal to the kingdom of darkness: the Word of God, driven by the Holy Spirit.
Paul makes it clear: "We do not war according to the flesh." His fight wasn’t waged with fists, brute force, or clever tricks. No, Paul fought with divine power. He understood that the real battle is spiritual, and the weapons God had given him were mighty. His preaching wasn’t just words; it was a spiritual war cry that shattered strongholds and tore down satanic lies in the hearts of men. The false teachers who boasted in their looks, their talent, and their smooth speech were like children playing with toys compared to the spiritual arsenal Paul carried.
The power of the gospel, accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate weapon of destruction against sin and Satan. Paul didn’t need to boast in himself because he was a man under God’s authority, wielding God’s own power. His enemies were nothing more than puffed-up fools who relied on human strength—a strength that crumbles to dust in the face of God’s truth.
It is very easy for us to put our hope in fleshly things. That is rather than trusting the power of the Holy Spirit, we put our hope in how charismatic a preacher is. We look at how nice a beard he has, how many muscles he has, his hip clothing choices, and think that man has all the power to be a good preacher. But the power is not in the strength or skills of man. It’s in the choice of Christ to use whom He will use. He is the one who can make us divinely powerful to wage war against the enemies of darkness.
Let us be men like Paul—men who fight with the divine power of the Word and the Spirit. In this war, we must wield the strength that comes from God, tearing down strongholds, and standing firm in the face of the enemy. Real power comes from standing firm in the truth of God and relying on His might to fight our battles. Let the wolves bark; we have the sword of the Spirit in our hands, and that is all we need.
Psalm 140
Psalm 140 “As for the head of those who surround me, May the mischief of their lips cover them. “May burning coals fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.
Revenge is a dish best served cold- Old Klingon Proverb
In our journey through 1 Samuel, we've witnessed David endure relentless persecution, not only from wicked strangers like Doeg the Edomite but also from those closest to him—his father-in-law Saul and his own kinsmen. Despite this, David shows us a profound example of faith under fire. He knew what it meant to be surrounded, to be pursued, and to live under the threat of death. When it comes to the enemies of God and His people, David is fierce in taking up the sword to defend. Yet, when faced with his personal enemies, David learned the hard lesson of restraint. He chose not to exact vengeance on Saul, even when he had the chance. Instead, David entrusted himself to God, who alone is the perfect Judge.
Psalm 140 is David’s prayer for deliverance, but it is also a prayer for divine justice. David doesn’t hold back in asking God to rain down judgment upon the wicked. He prays for burning coals to fall upon them, invoking the image of God’s righteous wrath. This kind of prayer isn’t just David venting; it reflects a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and justice.
David’s cry for vengeance echoes in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul writes, "Never pay back evil for evil... Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19). Paul even draws on the imagery of burning coals, encouraging us to heap them on our enemies—not through retaliation, but through acts of kindness: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." (Romans 12:20)
Why do we struggle with this? Why do we want to lash out in anger when wronged? At the root of it, we don’t fully trust that God will act in His time. We think vengeance is ours to carry out because we doubt that justice will be done if we don’t intervene. We feel weak or passive when we don’t strike back. But the Psalms teach us otherwise.
David shows us that when we leave vengeance to God, we are not cowering or neglecting justice. Instead, we are exercising a deeper strength—one that keeps our conscience clear and our hearts free from bitterness. By entrusting vengeance to God, we declare that we believe He will act righteously, that His justice is more complete than ours ever could be. We resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands and instead wait upon the Lord, who sees all and will one day execute perfect justice.
Scripture tells us that the hottest, most searing revenge comes when God Himself brings His fiery justice. Our role is to do good, to trust God, and to leave vengeance in His capable hands. The best revenge, after all, isn’t cold, it is letting God serve it—flaming hot.
Example Prayer for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our petitions to Your throne of grace. We ask that Your hand of protection and blessing be upon Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, and Vivian Tocci as they carry new life within them. Grant them strength, peace, and health as they prepare for the arrival of their children, and may they trust in You through every stage of this journey.
Lord, we also bring before You Pastor Jake Mentzel and Benjamin Sulser at Church of the King in Evansville. Grant them wisdom and holy zeal as they lead Your people. Strengthen them to remain steadfast in their calling, resisting temptation and discouragement, and let their leadership bring You glory. Bless their families and the children of their church, and equip the men in elder training with the faith and conviction to shepherd the flock according to Your will.
We give thanks for Sovereign King Academy and the efforts of Pastor Greg Anglen and Mariah Adams. Use this academy to raise up boys and girls in wisdom and grace, shaping them into faithful men and women of God. Strengthen the families involved, that they may diligently disciple their children for Your glory.
Finally, we lift up Steve Webb of the Jeffersonville City Council. Lord, grant him wisdom and godliness to lead in accordance with Your law. May he be convicted of his sin and see the infinite mercy found in Jesus Christ, so that he might cling to the gospel and seek Your righteousness in all his decisions. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Louis IX, King of France
1214-1270 AD
Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis, was born in 1214. He became King of France at the young age of twelve, following the death of his father. During his early reign, his mother, Blanche of Castile, acted as regent and continued to have a strong influence over him even after he reached adulthood. In 1234, Louis married Margaret of Provence, who was the sister of Eleanor, the wife of King Henry III of England.
Louis was known for his deep sense of justice and his dedication to improving the lives of his people. He worked tirelessly to bring unity and peace to France, a country that had long been ravaged by internal conflict. Through treaties such as the Treaty of Paris in 1259 and the Treaty of Corbeil in 1258, Louis sought to settle disputes and secure peace with neighboring regions, including England and Spain. His efforts greatly reduced the feuding among the French nobility, and he took measures to protect the common people from the abuses of their lords.
Louis also made significant reforms to the French legal system. He promoted fairness and justice by ensuring that even the poorest in the kingdom could receive a fair trial. He replaced the barbaric practice of trial by combat with trial by jury, where evidence and testimony were used to determine guilt or innocence, rather than strength in a fight. This shift towards a more just system reflected Louis’ desire to govern in a way that honored God and protected the weak.
One of Louis' notable contributions was the founding of a hospital for the poor, sick, and blind, known as the Quinze-Vingts, which provided care for up to 300 people. His reign also coincided with the great era of Gothic cathedral building in France, and he was a supporter of these magnificent projects that continue to stand as symbols of devotion to God.
Despite the challenges and ultimate lack of success in capturing the Holy Land, Louis IX's involvement in the Crusades demonstrated his unwavering commitment to defending Christendom. In 1248, he led a Crusade to Egypt, where his forces captured the strategic city of Damietta. Although the campaign faced difficulties, including a breakdown in discipline and the spread of disease, Louis and his men exhibited great bravery and steadfastness. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, Louis remained resolute in his mission.
Louis was eventually captured during the Crusade, but his captors, recognizing his courage and piety, treated him with deep respect. They saw in him a noble and holy man, so much so that they would kneel when speaking to him. His release was secured after the surrender of Damietta and the payment of a large ransom. Rather than returning home in defeat, Louis sailed to Palestine, where he visited the few Holy Places that were accessible to Christians, further strengthening his resolve.
In 1270, Louis embarked on another Crusade, this time landing in Tunis. Although he soon fell ill with typhoid fever and passed away on August 25th of that year, his efforts in the Crusades had a broader impact. While they did not succeed in reclaiming the Holy Land, the Crusades played a crucial role in checking the advance of Muslim forces into Europe, thus preserving Christendom's presence in the West.
Louis IX’s participation in the Crusades is a testament to his bravery and his dedication to the cause of Christendom. He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort, safety, and even his life in the defense of the faith. His example reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting in God's greater plan. Let us remember Louis IX for his faithfulness to Christ in both his successes and failures. His example teaches us that whether in positions of power or in humble service, our call is to walk with integrity before God, seeking His glory above all.
Discussion Question:
How does the life of Louis IX reflect the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and humility as described in Micah 6:8?
Scripture Reading:
Micah 6:8 (NASB1995): “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Prayer thanking God for Louis IX
O God, who called your servant Louis of France to an earthly throne that he might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave him zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Announcements for the 08/25/2024- 08/31/2024
Recommended Sermon Series: Pastor Jake Mentzel (whom we are praying for this week) recently began a series through the book of Nehemiah. He is addressing in his sermons some of the same themes we have been looking at. I think you will be encouraged to hear our sister church working in the same ways as us. https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d73617f
Podcast: Check out the latest episode of the Patriarchy Podcast. Https://apple.co/41hLMOu
The latest episode is entitled “What to do if your church doesn’t know what time it is.” It will help you know how to interact better with your pastors and elders. How to share ideas and help your church advance the mission.
Prayer Concerns:
Announcements:
Growing Kids God’s Way Growing Kids Will start back up this week. We only have 4 lessons left. Keep track of your couch time.
Nursery Children (1-3 years old) may go to nursery after the doxology.
Men and Boys Camping Trip September 6-7 at Deam Lake
Nursing Home Ministry September 9 Maple Mannor
Farmers Market Outreach September 14
Ladies Bible Study is starting back up! (Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday). Doors open at 5:30pm for refreshments…. Discussion and study time from 6:00- 8:30 PM September 11th we will launch with ladies fellowship. Bring a dish to share. Coffee and water provided.
Ladies Retreat September 27-28 Heavenly Hills Lodge 7580 Rounds Rd underwood, IN 4177
All Hallows Reformation Feast- October 26
The Patriarchy Conference- November 8-9 We are hosting a men's conference on November 8-9. The theme is "Become the Best Man Your Wife and Children Have Ever Known." There will be three different speakers giving talks on physical fitness/health, spiritual disciplines, and practical help on leading your family. We will also have Tim Bushong with us to lead us in worship. He is the one who wrote "Hail to Jesus." If you sign up before September 30 and use the code EARLYBIRD, you get $20 off. This is a low-cost conference compared to many others. We'd like to have full participation from the men of Sovereign King. Don't wait to register: https://subspla.sh/jkscmt2
Exercise Group There have been a small group of men from SK going to the YMCA on M,W,F mornings to exercise and get in shape. We get there sometime between 5-5:30 AM. If you would like to join us, we would love to have you. You can get a free guest pass with one of us to try it out.
For more information and updates, please visit our website
Proverbs 25:1-10
2 Corinthians 10
1 John 5:11-13
Psalm 140
Verse to Memorize
Hebrews 4:14-16
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Who to pray for
Church: Church of the King
Pastor Jake Mentzel
Ministry: Sovereign King Academy
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Steve Webb
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 25:6-7 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here, Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
I once saw a video of a man meeting a famous actor, but the man did not know who the actor was. The man asked the famous actor what he did, and the actor, not wanting to boast, said, "I do some work in film and entertainment." The man's eyes lit up, and he said, "Wow, me too." He then went on to boast about some obscure media project that no one had ever heard of. He was really laying it on thick as if he were someone important in the film industry. Meanwhile, the famous actor remained humble and smiled. He just let this small-time guy boast away. After the conversation, the actor politely said goodbye and walked away.
Finally, a woman came up to the man, who felt so confident that he had shown this other man how big he was in the business. She asked him, "Do you know who that was?"
"No, who was it?" he asked.
She said, "Tom Cruise."
The look on the man's face regarding his own foolish boasting was quite comical. You could tell he felt really ashamed.
The proverb reminds us to be humble. We ought not to assert ourselves proudly before others, especially those in authority, but rather, we ought to be modest and humble. Rather than boast before your boss, work your tail off trying to do what is best for the company. Make yourself indispensable to the team, and in due time, your boss, unless he is a fool, will see how you work and take responsibility. This doesn’t mean you can never apply for a promotion at work or ask for a raise, but rather, it is a call to do your work as unto the Lord.
Don’t be so quick to sing your own praises. Someone once said, "When someone sings his own praises, he always gets the tune too high." How embarrassing it is to boast and then be shown up by your own boasting.
2 Corinthians 10
Verse 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
The Apostle Paul was not just any preacher; he was appointed to his mission by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Yet, like every faithful man of God, he had enemies—men who were nothing more than wolves in sheep’s clothing, seeking to tear him down at every turn. Nowhere was this battle more intense than in Corinth, where false teachers schemed to undermine Paul’s authority, insult his character, and inflate their own status. These men, puffed up with arrogance, mocked Paul, claiming he was weak in person but bold in his letters. They wanted to make him look like a coward, all while trying to steal the loyalty of the flock for themselves.
But Paul wasn’t shaken by these pitiful attempts to slander him. He knew that gentleness in person didn’t mean weakness, and he was far from powerless. In fact, he wielded a power far greater than anything his enemies could muster. His strength was not found in human weapons—swords, status, or the flashiness of charisma—but in something far more lethal to the kingdom of darkness: the Word of God, driven by the Holy Spirit.
Paul makes it clear: "We do not war according to the flesh." His fight wasn’t waged with fists, brute force, or clever tricks. No, Paul fought with divine power. He understood that the real battle is spiritual, and the weapons God had given him were mighty. His preaching wasn’t just words; it was a spiritual war cry that shattered strongholds and tore down satanic lies in the hearts of men. The false teachers who boasted in their looks, their talent, and their smooth speech were like children playing with toys compared to the spiritual arsenal Paul carried.
The power of the gospel, accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate weapon of destruction against sin and Satan. Paul didn’t need to boast in himself because he was a man under God’s authority, wielding God’s own power. His enemies were nothing more than puffed-up fools who relied on human strength—a strength that crumbles to dust in the face of God’s truth.
It is very easy for us to put our hope in fleshly things. That is rather than trusting the power of the Holy Spirit, we put our hope in how charismatic a preacher is. We look at how nice a beard he has, how many muscles he has, his hip clothing choices, and think that man has all the power to be a good preacher. But the power is not in the strength or skills of man. It’s in the choice of Christ to use whom He will use. He is the one who can make us divinely powerful to wage war against the enemies of darkness.
Let us be men like Paul—men who fight with the divine power of the Word and the Spirit. In this war, we must wield the strength that comes from God, tearing down strongholds, and standing firm in the face of the enemy. Real power comes from standing firm in the truth of God and relying on His might to fight our battles. Let the wolves bark; we have the sword of the Spirit in our hands, and that is all we need.
Psalm 140
Psalm 140 “As for the head of those who surround me, May the mischief of their lips cover them. “May burning coals fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.
Revenge is a dish best served cold- Old Klingon Proverb
In our journey through 1 Samuel, we've witnessed David endure relentless persecution, not only from wicked strangers like Doeg the Edomite but also from those closest to him—his father-in-law Saul and his own kinsmen. Despite this, David shows us a profound example of faith under fire. He knew what it meant to be surrounded, to be pursued, and to live under the threat of death. When it comes to the enemies of God and His people, David is fierce in taking up the sword to defend. Yet, when faced with his personal enemies, David learned the hard lesson of restraint. He chose not to exact vengeance on Saul, even when he had the chance. Instead, David entrusted himself to God, who alone is the perfect Judge.
Psalm 140 is David’s prayer for deliverance, but it is also a prayer for divine justice. David doesn’t hold back in asking God to rain down judgment upon the wicked. He prays for burning coals to fall upon them, invoking the image of God’s righteous wrath. This kind of prayer isn’t just David venting; it reflects a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and justice.
David’s cry for vengeance echoes in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul writes, "Never pay back evil for evil... Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19). Paul even draws on the imagery of burning coals, encouraging us to heap them on our enemies—not through retaliation, but through acts of kindness: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." (Romans 12:20)
Why do we struggle with this? Why do we want to lash out in anger when wronged? At the root of it, we don’t fully trust that God will act in His time. We think vengeance is ours to carry out because we doubt that justice will be done if we don’t intervene. We feel weak or passive when we don’t strike back. But the Psalms teach us otherwise.
David shows us that when we leave vengeance to God, we are not cowering or neglecting justice. Instead, we are exercising a deeper strength—one that keeps our conscience clear and our hearts free from bitterness. By entrusting vengeance to God, we declare that we believe He will act righteously, that His justice is more complete than ours ever could be. We resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands and instead wait upon the Lord, who sees all and will one day execute perfect justice.
Scripture tells us that the hottest, most searing revenge comes when God Himself brings His fiery justice. Our role is to do good, to trust God, and to leave vengeance in His capable hands. The best revenge, after all, isn’t cold, it is letting God serve it—flaming hot.
Example Prayer for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our petitions to Your throne of grace. We ask that Your hand of protection and blessing be upon Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, and Vivian Tocci as they carry new life within them. Grant them strength, peace, and health as they prepare for the arrival of their children, and may they trust in You through every stage of this journey.
Lord, we also bring before You Pastor Jake Mentzel and Benjamin Sulser at Church of the King in Evansville. Grant them wisdom and holy zeal as they lead Your people. Strengthen them to remain steadfast in their calling, resisting temptation and discouragement, and let their leadership bring You glory. Bless their families and the children of their church, and equip the men in elder training with the faith and conviction to shepherd the flock according to Your will.
We give thanks for Sovereign King Academy and the efforts of Pastor Greg Anglen and Mariah Adams. Use this academy to raise up boys and girls in wisdom and grace, shaping them into faithful men and women of God. Strengthen the families involved, that they may diligently disciple their children for Your glory.
Finally, we lift up Steve Webb of the Jeffersonville City Council. Lord, grant him wisdom and godliness to lead in accordance with Your law. May he be convicted of his sin and see the infinite mercy found in Jesus Christ, so that he might cling to the gospel and seek Your righteousness in all his decisions. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Louis IX, King of France
1214-1270 AD
Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis, was born in 1214. He became King of France at the young age of twelve, following the death of his father. During his early reign, his mother, Blanche of Castile, acted as regent and continued to have a strong influence over him even after he reached adulthood. In 1234, Louis married Margaret of Provence, who was the sister of Eleanor, the wife of King Henry III of England.
Louis was known for his deep sense of justice and his dedication to improving the lives of his people. He worked tirelessly to bring unity and peace to France, a country that had long been ravaged by internal conflict. Through treaties such as the Treaty of Paris in 1259 and the Treaty of Corbeil in 1258, Louis sought to settle disputes and secure peace with neighboring regions, including England and Spain. His efforts greatly reduced the feuding among the French nobility, and he took measures to protect the common people from the abuses of their lords.
Louis also made significant reforms to the French legal system. He promoted fairness and justice by ensuring that even the poorest in the kingdom could receive a fair trial. He replaced the barbaric practice of trial by combat with trial by jury, where evidence and testimony were used to determine guilt or innocence, rather than strength in a fight. This shift towards a more just system reflected Louis’ desire to govern in a way that honored God and protected the weak.
One of Louis' notable contributions was the founding of a hospital for the poor, sick, and blind, known as the Quinze-Vingts, which provided care for up to 300 people. His reign also coincided with the great era of Gothic cathedral building in France, and he was a supporter of these magnificent projects that continue to stand as symbols of devotion to God.
Despite the challenges and ultimate lack of success in capturing the Holy Land, Louis IX's involvement in the Crusades demonstrated his unwavering commitment to defending Christendom. In 1248, he led a Crusade to Egypt, where his forces captured the strategic city of Damietta. Although the campaign faced difficulties, including a breakdown in discipline and the spread of disease, Louis and his men exhibited great bravery and steadfastness. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, Louis remained resolute in his mission.
Louis was eventually captured during the Crusade, but his captors, recognizing his courage and piety, treated him with deep respect. They saw in him a noble and holy man, so much so that they would kneel when speaking to him. His release was secured after the surrender of Damietta and the payment of a large ransom. Rather than returning home in defeat, Louis sailed to Palestine, where he visited the few Holy Places that were accessible to Christians, further strengthening his resolve.
In 1270, Louis embarked on another Crusade, this time landing in Tunis. Although he soon fell ill with typhoid fever and passed away on August 25th of that year, his efforts in the Crusades had a broader impact. While they did not succeed in reclaiming the Holy Land, the Crusades played a crucial role in checking the advance of Muslim forces into Europe, thus preserving Christendom's presence in the West.
Louis IX’s participation in the Crusades is a testament to his bravery and his dedication to the cause of Christendom. He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort, safety, and even his life in the defense of the faith. His example reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting in God's greater plan. Let us remember Louis IX for his faithfulness to Christ in both his successes and failures. His example teaches us that whether in positions of power or in humble service, our call is to walk with integrity before God, seeking His glory above all.
Discussion Question:
How does the life of Louis IX reflect the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and humility as described in Micah 6:8?
Scripture Reading:
Micah 6:8 (NASB1995): “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Prayer thanking God for Louis IX
O God, who called your servant Louis of France to an earthly throne that he might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave him zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Announcements for the 08/25/2024- 08/31/2024
Recommended Sermon Series: Pastor Jake Mentzel (whom we are praying for this week) recently began a series through the book of Nehemiah. He is addressing in his sermons some of the same themes we have been looking at. I think you will be encouraged to hear our sister church working in the same ways as us. https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d73617f
Podcast: Check out the latest episode of the Patriarchy Podcast. Https://apple.co/41hLMOu
The latest episode is entitled “What to do if your church doesn’t know what time it is.” It will help you know how to interact better with your pastors and elders. How to share ideas and help your church advance the mission.
Prayer Concerns:
- Expectant Mothers: We request special prayers for Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, and Vivian Tocci
- Church of the King Please lift up Pastor Jake Mentzel and Benjamin Sulser at Church of the King in Evansville. Pray that God would grant them wisdom, holy zeal, and the strength to lead with faithfulness and joy. Ask for protection from temptation, discouragement, or discontentment, and that they remain steadfast in their calling. Remember the families and children of the church, and pray for their spiritual growth and well-being. As a church plant, they are actively training up elders; pray that the men in training would be found faithful and equipped to shepherd the flock according to God's will.
- Sovereign King Academy As we approach the first semester of Sovereign King Academy, we give thanks for Pastor Greg Anglen’s dedication in raising funds and preparing the facility for this new endeavor. We are eager to see the children grow in wisdom and grace through their participation in the academy. Please pray for Pastor Greg Anglen and Mariah Adams as they undertake the vital work of teaching the children. Ask God to use this academy as a powerful tool in raising up boys and girls to become faithful men and women of God. Pray also for the families of those attending, that the parents would diligently oversee their children's education and discipleship, ensuring their growth in faith and knowledge.
- Jeffersonville City Council Steve Webb The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, urges us to lift up those in authority in prayer. Let us pray for Councilmember Steve Webb, that he would be given the wisdom and godliness needed to uphold God's law and seek the submission of Jeffersonville to the Kingship of Christ. May the Lord reveal to him the gravity of his sin and the boundless mercy found in Christ's love for sinners. Pray that he would be gripped by a holy fear of God, leading him to cling to the gospel as his only hope. And may God, in His grace, guide him to make decisions that are rooted in God's good and righteous commands.
Announcements:
Growing Kids God’s Way Growing Kids Will start back up this week. We only have 4 lessons left. Keep track of your couch time.
Nursery Children (1-3 years old) may go to nursery after the doxology.
Men and Boys Camping Trip September 6-7 at Deam Lake
Nursing Home Ministry September 9 Maple Mannor
Farmers Market Outreach September 14
Ladies Bible Study is starting back up! (Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday). Doors open at 5:30pm for refreshments…. Discussion and study time from 6:00- 8:30 PM September 11th we will launch with ladies fellowship. Bring a dish to share. Coffee and water provided.
Ladies Retreat September 27-28 Heavenly Hills Lodge 7580 Rounds Rd underwood, IN 4177
All Hallows Reformation Feast- October 26
The Patriarchy Conference- November 8-9 We are hosting a men's conference on November 8-9. The theme is "Become the Best Man Your Wife and Children Have Ever Known." There will be three different speakers giving talks on physical fitness/health, spiritual disciplines, and practical help on leading your family. We will also have Tim Bushong with us to lead us in worship. He is the one who wrote "Hail to Jesus." If you sign up before September 30 and use the code EARLYBIRD, you get $20 off. This is a low-cost conference compared to many others. We'd like to have full participation from the men of Sovereign King. Don't wait to register: https://subspla.sh/jkscmt2
Exercise Group There have been a small group of men from SK going to the YMCA on M,W,F mornings to exercise and get in shape. We get there sometime between 5-5:30 AM. If you would like to join us, we would love to have you. You can get a free guest pass with one of us to try it out.
For more information and updates, please visit our website