The Guide for the Week
September 29- October 5th 2024
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 26:21-28
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 145
Verse to Memorize
Acts 17:30-31
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 31. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Dionne
Ministry: Evangel Presbytery
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Clerk
Lisa Gill
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 26:21-28
Verse 24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart.
One of the core lessons in Proverbs is mastery over the tongue. A wise man knows not only what to say, but when to say it. A fool? He lets his tongue loose, attacking recklessly or pouring out his foolishness for all to hear. But this section of Proverbs takes it deeper. It warns that even smooth words, even gentle, nice language, might not be what they appear. Unlike the fool who can’t control his tongue, the devious man knows how to weaponize his words. He’s strategic. His heart is full of selfishness and hatred, but his words? They flow like honey.
He speaks graciously, but make no mistake—he’s holding the knife. He flatters, not to build you up, but to get ahead. And those who revel in his flattery? They’ll be left broken, because flattery is a trap. It’s the snare that lulls you into false confidence, only to drop you when you’re not looking.
So what's the lesson? Be sharp. Be disciplined. You need to be wise not just in how you speak, but in how you listen. Don’t fall in love with sweet lies. Not everyone who sings your praises is your friend. And not everyone who challenges you is your enemy. The godly man understands the power of a calm response, to turn away anger. But he also knows the importance of speaking hard truth, even if it brings wrath.
Stay vigilant. Guard your tongue. Guard your ears. Guard your heart. Don't crave lies or get caught in flattery. Speak truth, hear truth, and live truth. Truth is life.
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
The early Christians were commanded by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem until He sent them the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to proclaim the gospel to the nations. Jesus promised His disciples that if He ascended to the Father, He would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit would enable them to write Holy Scripture, give them boldness and wisdom to preach, attend their preaching with mighty signs, and give gifts to the church to use in its mission. God the Spirit would be with His people.
Fifty days after the resurrection, at Pentecost, the promise was fulfilled. Jewish believers were gathered to celebrate the Feast of Weeks, Shevuot, which commemorated the harvest and the giving of the law to Moses. But this time, something greater was happening. The same day that once marked the law's giving now marked the outpouring of the Spirit. The harvest celebration became the moment when the Holy Spirit empowered the Church to reap a harvest of souls for Christ.
It didn’t come quietly. The Spirit descended like a rushing wind, with flames of fire resting on each of the disciples. And they began to preach. Not in their own tongue, but in languages they had never learned. Why? Because Jerusalem was filled with Jews from across the Roman Empire—men who spoke different languages. But now, they all heard the same message: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, reigning as King. This wasn’t just for the Jews. This miracle meant the gospel was going to every nation, to Jew and Gentile alike.
So, what does this mean for you?
First, it’s a reminder that Christ keeps His promises. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, and He did. He promises never to leave you or forsake you, and He won’t. He promises to enable you to walk by faith and conquer sin through the Spirit’s power.
We might not see tongues of fire or hear rushing winds today, but if you are in Christ, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit. You have everything you need to do the work God has called you to. God is with us. His Spirit equips you to walk by faith, to fight, and to endure.
The Church will not fail. The gospel will go forward. Walk in that confidence. Pray for the Spirit to guide you. Then go, and do the work.
Psalm 145
Psalm 145:1 I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
David declares his commitment to praising God, his King, not just for a moment, but forever. This isn't casual; it's the resolve of a warrior who understands his purpose. He knows that God is worthy of eternal praise, and David’s confidence in the resurrection fuels this conviction—he believes he will praise God for eternity. That’s not wishful thinking; it's unshakable faith.
We were made for this. To glorify God. To enjoy Him forever. And those who love Him—those who follow Him with their whole heart—will enjoy that glory for eternity. Death might be our enemy. It’s waiting for each of us, one day closer every sunrise. But for the believer, death doesn’t win. It can’t. We will praise God beyond the grave, forever.
God deserves this kind of praise. And in Psalm 145, David gives us at least 19 reasons why God is worthy of it:
Example Prayer for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in awe of Your majesty and power, recognizing that You alone are the source of life and salvation. We praise You for Your steadfast love, for Your mercy that is new every morning, and for Your sovereign rule over all creation. We humbly confess our sins before You, acknowledging our failure to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Forgive us for our pride, our impatience, and for the times we have trusted in ourselves instead of in You. Cleanse us through the blood of Christ, and grant us the grace to walk in faithful obedience.
We lift up the expectant mothers in our congregation—Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, and Danyelle Gehlbach. Lord, we ask for Your protection over them and their unborn children. Grant them strength and peace as they prepare for childbirth, and may these children grow to love and serve You. Let their homes be filled with joy and anticipation, and may You guide them through every challenge, reminding them of Your faithfulness.
We pray for Pastor Andrew Dionne and Trinity Presbyterian Church. Lord, sustain him with wisdom, holy zeal, and strength as he shepherds the flock. Protect him from temptation, discouragement, and discontentment, that he may remain steadfast in his calling. We ask for revival and growth within the church, that they would be a beacon of the gospel in Spartanburg. Bless their efforts to disciple families, nurture reverent worship, and fulfill the Great Commission with boldness and love.
We also lift up the pastors and elders of Evangel Presbytery as they gather for their conference and fall meeting. Grant them unity in Christ and the encouragement they need for the work of shepherding the churches under their care. May their discussions be rooted in Your Word, and may they leave strengthened and better equipped to lead their congregations in truth and love.
We pray for Jeffersonville City Clerk Lisa Gill, asking that You grant her wisdom and discernment in her duties. Help her to recognize the Lordship of Christ in every decision she makes, and may the Holy Spirit lead her to repentance and faith in Your Son. May she serve with integrity, seeking the welfare of her city according to Your Word and for Your glory.
Lord, we bring Seth Puryear before You as he recovers from thyroid cancer surgery. We ask for Your healing hand upon him, for comfort and peace as he faces this trial, and for strength to endure the challenges of recovery. May Your presence be a source of hope and encouragement to him and his family.
Finally, we ask that You bring in Your kingdom. May the nations turn to Christ, and may the Jews repent and rejoin the fold. We pray for the rejection of all heresies and that every schism would be healed in the unity of Your truth. May Your church be purified and strengthened for Your glory, until the day when Christ returns to reign in full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Church History Spotlight:
Jerome - Scholar, Translator, and Theologian
Key Scripture: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB1995)
Introduction: Jerome, born around 347 AD, stands as one of the greatest biblical scholars in Church history. Baptized in his youth during his studies in Rome, he went on to live a life devoted to scholarship and translation. Jerome's most renowned work is his Latin translation of the Bible, known as the Vulgate, which became the foundational text for the Western Church. His tireless work in translating the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin ensured that God’s Word could be read and understood by the common people of his time.
Jerome lived in Bethlehem during his later years, establishing a monastery where he continued his scholarly work until his death on September 30, 420. Despite his passionate and fiery personality, his contributions to biblical understanding remain unparalleled.
Jerome's Work: Jerome’s Vulgate was a major step forward in making Scripture accessible to the average Roman citizen. Prior to his work, there were translations of the Bible into Old Latin, but Jerome surpassed these with his linguistic brilliance, translating from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. Jerome’s translation had a lasting impact, influencing the development of languages such as Spanish, French, and Italian.
Yet, Jerome was not without controversy. His passionate and at times harsh demeanor led to many disputes, even with other great theologians like Augustine. However, his uncompromising stand for biblical orthodoxy and his dedication to accurate translation solidified his legacy as one of the great defenders of the faith.
Key Quote from Jerome: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."
— Jerome, Prologue to the Commentaries on Isaiah
This quote captures Jerome’s belief in the absolute necessity of knowing and understanding Scripture. His life's work was to ensure that Christians had access to God’s Word, believing that without it, they could not fully know Christ.
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the life and legacy of Your servant, Jerome. We are grateful for his tireless work in translating the Scriptures, making Your Word accessible to many who had not yet heard the truth. Thank You for his zeal for accuracy and his passion for upholding Your Word against opposition. We praise You for using him mightily in the building of Your Church. Help us to follow his example of devotion to the Scriptures, and may we seek to know You more deeply through the study of Your Holy Word. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Proverbs 26:21-28
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 145
Verse to Memorize
Acts 17:30-31
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 31. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Dionne
Ministry: Evangel Presbytery
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Clerk
Lisa Gill
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 26:21-28
Verse 24 He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart.
One of the core lessons in Proverbs is mastery over the tongue. A wise man knows not only what to say, but when to say it. A fool? He lets his tongue loose, attacking recklessly or pouring out his foolishness for all to hear. But this section of Proverbs takes it deeper. It warns that even smooth words, even gentle, nice language, might not be what they appear. Unlike the fool who can’t control his tongue, the devious man knows how to weaponize his words. He’s strategic. His heart is full of selfishness and hatred, but his words? They flow like honey.
He speaks graciously, but make no mistake—he’s holding the knife. He flatters, not to build you up, but to get ahead. And those who revel in his flattery? They’ll be left broken, because flattery is a trap. It’s the snare that lulls you into false confidence, only to drop you when you’re not looking.
So what's the lesson? Be sharp. Be disciplined. You need to be wise not just in how you speak, but in how you listen. Don’t fall in love with sweet lies. Not everyone who sings your praises is your friend. And not everyone who challenges you is your enemy. The godly man understands the power of a calm response, to turn away anger. But he also knows the importance of speaking hard truth, even if it brings wrath.
Stay vigilant. Guard your tongue. Guard your ears. Guard your heart. Don't crave lies or get caught in flattery. Speak truth, hear truth, and live truth. Truth is life.
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
The early Christians were commanded by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem until He sent them the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to proclaim the gospel to the nations. Jesus promised His disciples that if He ascended to the Father, He would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit would enable them to write Holy Scripture, give them boldness and wisdom to preach, attend their preaching with mighty signs, and give gifts to the church to use in its mission. God the Spirit would be with His people.
Fifty days after the resurrection, at Pentecost, the promise was fulfilled. Jewish believers were gathered to celebrate the Feast of Weeks, Shevuot, which commemorated the harvest and the giving of the law to Moses. But this time, something greater was happening. The same day that once marked the law's giving now marked the outpouring of the Spirit. The harvest celebration became the moment when the Holy Spirit empowered the Church to reap a harvest of souls for Christ.
It didn’t come quietly. The Spirit descended like a rushing wind, with flames of fire resting on each of the disciples. And they began to preach. Not in their own tongue, but in languages they had never learned. Why? Because Jerusalem was filled with Jews from across the Roman Empire—men who spoke different languages. But now, they all heard the same message: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, reigning as King. This wasn’t just for the Jews. This miracle meant the gospel was going to every nation, to Jew and Gentile alike.
So, what does this mean for you?
First, it’s a reminder that Christ keeps His promises. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, and He did. He promises never to leave you or forsake you, and He won’t. He promises to enable you to walk by faith and conquer sin through the Spirit’s power.
We might not see tongues of fire or hear rushing winds today, but if you are in Christ, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit. You have everything you need to do the work God has called you to. God is with us. His Spirit equips you to walk by faith, to fight, and to endure.
The Church will not fail. The gospel will go forward. Walk in that confidence. Pray for the Spirit to guide you. Then go, and do the work.
Psalm 145
Psalm 145:1 I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
David declares his commitment to praising God, his King, not just for a moment, but forever. This isn't casual; it's the resolve of a warrior who understands his purpose. He knows that God is worthy of eternal praise, and David’s confidence in the resurrection fuels this conviction—he believes he will praise God for eternity. That’s not wishful thinking; it's unshakable faith.
We were made for this. To glorify God. To enjoy Him forever. And those who love Him—those who follow Him with their whole heart—will enjoy that glory for eternity. Death might be our enemy. It’s waiting for each of us, one day closer every sunrise. But for the believer, death doesn’t win. It can’t. We will praise God beyond the grave, forever.
God deserves this kind of praise. And in Psalm 145, David gives us at least 19 reasons why God is worthy of it:
- His Greatness is Unsearchable (v. 3)
God's greatness defies understanding and limits. No one can measure Him. - His Mighty Acts and Deeds (v. 4)
Through history, God’s powerful works testify to His unmatched strength. - His Glorious Majesty (v. 5)
His splendor commands our attention. Majesty like His cannot be ignored. - His Wondrous Works (v. 5)
Miracles. Wonders. Every work of God inspires awe. - His Awesome Power (v. 6)
God's power demands respect. His strength terrifies His enemies. - His Abundant Goodness (v. 7)
God isn’t just good—He overflows with kindness. - His Righteousness (v. 7)
He is morally perfect, just in every way. Always. - His Grace and Compassion (v. 8)
He’s merciful, slow to anger, rich in steadfast love. He doesn’t lash out. He rescues. - His Universal Goodness (v. 9)
God’s goodness reaches every corner of creation. His mercy touches everything. - His Glorious and Everlasting Kingdom (vv. 11-13)
God’s kingdom is not temporary or fragile. It’s eternal. Glorious. Unshakable. - His Faithfulness to His Promises (v. 13)
Every word of God stands. He does not fail. Ever. - His Sustaining Power (v. 14)
He holds up the weak. He lifts the fallen. He strengthens the broken. - His Provision (vv. 15-16)
God provides. He meets every need, every creature, at the right time. - His Righteousness in All His Ways (v. 17)
Everything He does is right. No mistakes. No errors. - His Kindness in All His Works (v. 17)
Kindness flows from everything He does. Even His judgments show care. - His Nearness to Those Who Call on Him (v. 18)
God is not distant. When you call in truth, He’s close. - His Fulfillment of Desires and Salvation for Those Who Fear Him (v. 19)
God satisfies those who fear Him. He hears their cries and saves them. - His Protection of Those Who Love Him (v. 20)
He guards and preserves those who are His. - His Judgment of the Wicked (v. 20)
God brings justice. He will destroy the wicked. They will not escape.
Example Prayer for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in awe of Your majesty and power, recognizing that You alone are the source of life and salvation. We praise You for Your steadfast love, for Your mercy that is new every morning, and for Your sovereign rule over all creation. We humbly confess our sins before You, acknowledging our failure to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Forgive us for our pride, our impatience, and for the times we have trusted in ourselves instead of in You. Cleanse us through the blood of Christ, and grant us the grace to walk in faithful obedience.
We lift up the expectant mothers in our congregation—Gabby Fluhr, Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, and Danyelle Gehlbach. Lord, we ask for Your protection over them and their unborn children. Grant them strength and peace as they prepare for childbirth, and may these children grow to love and serve You. Let their homes be filled with joy and anticipation, and may You guide them through every challenge, reminding them of Your faithfulness.
We pray for Pastor Andrew Dionne and Trinity Presbyterian Church. Lord, sustain him with wisdom, holy zeal, and strength as he shepherds the flock. Protect him from temptation, discouragement, and discontentment, that he may remain steadfast in his calling. We ask for revival and growth within the church, that they would be a beacon of the gospel in Spartanburg. Bless their efforts to disciple families, nurture reverent worship, and fulfill the Great Commission with boldness and love.
We also lift up the pastors and elders of Evangel Presbytery as they gather for their conference and fall meeting. Grant them unity in Christ and the encouragement they need for the work of shepherding the churches under their care. May their discussions be rooted in Your Word, and may they leave strengthened and better equipped to lead their congregations in truth and love.
We pray for Jeffersonville City Clerk Lisa Gill, asking that You grant her wisdom and discernment in her duties. Help her to recognize the Lordship of Christ in every decision she makes, and may the Holy Spirit lead her to repentance and faith in Your Son. May she serve with integrity, seeking the welfare of her city according to Your Word and for Your glory.
Lord, we bring Seth Puryear before You as he recovers from thyroid cancer surgery. We ask for Your healing hand upon him, for comfort and peace as he faces this trial, and for strength to endure the challenges of recovery. May Your presence be a source of hope and encouragement to him and his family.
Finally, we ask that You bring in Your kingdom. May the nations turn to Christ, and may the Jews repent and rejoin the fold. We pray for the rejection of all heresies and that every schism would be healed in the unity of Your truth. May Your church be purified and strengthened for Your glory, until the day when Christ returns to reign in full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Church History Spotlight:
Jerome - Scholar, Translator, and Theologian
Key Scripture: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB1995)
Introduction: Jerome, born around 347 AD, stands as one of the greatest biblical scholars in Church history. Baptized in his youth during his studies in Rome, he went on to live a life devoted to scholarship and translation. Jerome's most renowned work is his Latin translation of the Bible, known as the Vulgate, which became the foundational text for the Western Church. His tireless work in translating the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin ensured that God’s Word could be read and understood by the common people of his time.
Jerome lived in Bethlehem during his later years, establishing a monastery where he continued his scholarly work until his death on September 30, 420. Despite his passionate and fiery personality, his contributions to biblical understanding remain unparalleled.
Jerome's Work: Jerome’s Vulgate was a major step forward in making Scripture accessible to the average Roman citizen. Prior to his work, there were translations of the Bible into Old Latin, but Jerome surpassed these with his linguistic brilliance, translating from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. Jerome’s translation had a lasting impact, influencing the development of languages such as Spanish, French, and Italian.
Yet, Jerome was not without controversy. His passionate and at times harsh demeanor led to many disputes, even with other great theologians like Augustine. However, his uncompromising stand for biblical orthodoxy and his dedication to accurate translation solidified his legacy as one of the great defenders of the faith.
Key Quote from Jerome: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."
— Jerome, Prologue to the Commentaries on Isaiah
This quote captures Jerome’s belief in the absolute necessity of knowing and understanding Scripture. His life's work was to ensure that Christians had access to God’s Word, believing that without it, they could not fully know Christ.
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the life and legacy of Your servant, Jerome. We are grateful for his tireless work in translating the Scriptures, making Your Word accessible to many who had not yet heard the truth. Thank You for his zeal for accuracy and his passion for upholding Your Word against opposition. We praise You for using him mightily in the building of Your Church. Help us to follow his example of devotion to the Scriptures, and may we seek to know You more deeply through the study of Your Holy Word. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.