The Guide for the Week
January 12-18th The First Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Exodus 20:1-21
Acts 9:1-19a
Psalm 11
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 57. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Q. 58. What is required in the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself
Q. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly
sabbath? A. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.
Q. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?
A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.
Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.
Q. 62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.
Who to pray for
Church: Church of the King (Evansville)
Pastor Jake Mentzel
Ministry: Michael Foster (Romania)
Civil Magistrate: Vice President Elect- JD Vance
Notes for Parents:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:1–2 NASB1995)
The Ten Commandments are familiar to most of us, even if we cannot recite them from memory. We’ve encountered them in church, seen them depicted in films (yes, Charlton Heston comes to mind), and witnessed debates about their public display. Yet beyond their cultural presence, the Ten Commandments resonate with us on a deeper, personal level. Scripture declares that the moral law of God is written on the hearts of all mankind.
The Apostle Paul makes this plain in Romans 2:14–15: “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them….”
St. Paul emphasizes that even those who never received the stone tablets at Sinai instinctively reflect God’s Law in their behavior. Why? Because God has etched His moral order into creation and into the hearts of every person.
The Universality of God’s Law
Everyone knows stealing is wrong. How do we know this? Try taking something from another, and their anger will testify to the truth. All of humanity recognizes the duty to worship something. All acknowledge that murder is evil. Across cultures, parents want to be honored, even in places devoid of direct biblical influence. The moral law is not arbitrary—it is universal, binding all people at all times.
Yet sin corrupts. Though the Law is written on their hearts, sinful men suppress the truth. Instead of worshiping the Creator, they worship creation or idols fashioned in their own image. They twist the Law, finding loopholes to justify their rebellion. In doing so, mankind stands condemned. The Law, so clear and undeniable, bears witness against us.
When you examine the Ten Commandments, if you’re honest, you see your guilt. You have broken every command in thought, word, or deed. The Law is relentless in its judgment. It condemns.
The Law and the Gospel: A Proper Perspective
But Exodus 20 begins with something remarkable: a preface. Before God commands, He reminds His people of who He is and what He has done: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
This context changes everything. God doesn’t give the Law to crush His people but to shape them as His redeemed. Unlike the Law written in creation and on human consciences, which condemns, this giving of the Law begins with grace. It is addressed to a people already delivered.
This is the key: the Law condemns, but it is not the final word for those who belong to God. For those in Christ, God’s deliverance precedes His demands. He has saved us from something great than Pharoah or political oppression- sin and Satan’s dominion. Through Jesus Christ, God has set us free from the curse of the Law and made us His people.
The Law as a Guide for the Redeemed
Now, the Law no longer stands as a curse over our heads. For those in Christ, it becomes a blessing. It shows us how to live in gratitude and obedience to the One who redeemed us. We are not crushed by the weight of commandments; we are empowered to obey them in faith.
Responding to the Ten Commandments
Do not overlook the preface to the Ten Commandments. Without it, the Law is a list of demands, each one proclaiming our guilt. But with it, the Law points to the God who redeems. It reminds us that our obedience flows from deliverance, not the other way around.
If you are in Christ, the Ten Commandments no longer condemn you—they call you to live as one who is redeemed. They are the words of a loving Father, guiding His children.
Let the Law do its proper work. Let it convict you of sin and drive you to Jesus for mercy. Then, by the grace of God, live in obedience, not to earn salvation but as an expression of gratitude for the deliverance you have already received. This is the right use of the Law: to show us our sin, point us to Christ, and guide us in godly living.
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments are not merely rules—they are a reflection of God’s character and His will for His redeemed people. Read them with faith. See them through the lens of the cross. Let them drive you to Jesus for grace and compel you to live for His glory. God’s commands are no longer a curse—they are life to those who belong to Him. Obey them with joy.
Psalm 11: Confidence in the Lord's Shelter
Verse 1
In the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
Have you ever longed to retreat from the chaos of the world? You see the news: terrorist attacks, pride parades flaunting sin, foolish politicians, and even divisions within the body of Christ. Your heart whispers, “Get me out of here.” The temptation is real. It’s easy to think the solution is finding a remote sanctuary, far from the noise and the conflict. That same counsel was given to David: “Flee as a bird to your mountain.” Fearful voices around him said, “Escape! Hide! The enemies are too many, and the foundations of righteousness are crumbling. What can the righteous possibly do?”
But David knew better. Hastily fleeing problems doesn’t solve them. The answer is this: trust in the Lord.
Our dear brother, Pastor Andrew Dionne shared this wisdom on his Social media. :
“Do not be hasty in your distresses.” That’s John Owen's advice from his exposition of Psalm 130. When distress comes—sickness, financial troubles, loneliness, persecution, the accusations of Satan, the haunting of past sins—our temptation is to turn quickly from God to what we perceive as immediate relief. Entertainment, intoxicants, wealth, legal battles, conspiracy theories—they all call to us, promising solace. But these are lies. Hastiness in distress will either drag us into despair or make us place our trust in impotent idols.
Yet nothing and no one is as near and ready to help as the omnipotent God who delights in His children. Patience in distress will leave you at the feet of His omnipotent love. Hastiness will only lead you to wander, seeking help where none truly exists.
Attack hastiness by remembering your Advocate, Jesus Christ. “For with the Lord is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption” (Psalm 130:7). Wait for the Lord's help. He alone has the power and the abundance of grace you need. He is never stingy with His children. “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
This wisdom calls us back to the heart of Psalm 11. It’s not a condemnation of prudence. There are moments when fleeing is wise and necessary—Scripture commands us to “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). But Psalm 11 reminds us that the only true refuge is Christ. No mountain, no strategy, no hiding place on earth offers the shelter found in the Lord Jesus.
David declares that God reigns in His holy temple. He is not absent. He sees. He judges. And He will deliver His saints. This doesn’t guarantee the absence of earthly trouble, but it does promise ultimate justice. The wicked—whether terrorists, tyrants, sodomites, false teachers, or even death itself—will face His judgment. They will be cast into hell, never again to trouble the righteous.
Do not act in haste. Anchor yourself in the truth: Jesus Christ is your refuge. He will not forsake you.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the Sovereign Lord of all creation, full of majesty, power, and glory. Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your wisdom is beyond measure. We humbly acknowledge our sin before You. We have not loved You as we ought, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. Cleanse us through the blood of Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross. Thank You for the grace that saves and sustains us, for calling us into Your family, and for the sure hope of eternal life. We praise You for Your faithfulness and steadfast love that never fail.
Lord, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation: Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. Thank You for the gift of new life and the blessing of children. We pray for their health and safety as they await the arrival of their little ones. Grant them peace and strength in body, mind, and spirit. Surround them with Your comfort in moments of anxiety and Your joy in anticipation of the good gift You are bringing into their families. Bless these children even now, preparing their hearts to know and love You all the days of their lives.
Father, we thank You for the precious gift of new life and rejoice with Emily and Austin Leupp in the birth of their child on Epiphany, January 6th. Bless their home with peace, joy, and love as they nurture this little one in the faith. Continue to uphold the Puryear family as they care for their newborn. Give these parents wisdom and endurance for the days ahead, and fill their hearts with gratitude for the children You have entrusted to their care. May these little ones grow strong in health and faith, coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Lord, we pray for Church of the King in Evansville, and for Pastor Jake Mentzel and the congregation there. Strengthen them in their work of proclaiming the gospel, discipling believers, and advancing the Great Commission. Bless their efforts to ordain men to the office of ruling elder and to become a particularized church. Fill them with zeal for Your truth and unwavering faithfulness to Your Word. May their ministry bear much fruit in the lives of their members and in their witness to the community. Let them shine brightly as a beacon of hope and truth in Evansville.
Gracious Father, we thank You for the gospel going forth in eastern Europe through the ministry of Michael Foster. Provide him with all the spiritual, physical, and financial resources he needs to build up the church in Romania. Strengthen him with endurance for the task and boldness to speak Your truth. We pray that You would lift the fog of superstition and hard-heartedness from the people of Romania, opening their eyes to the glory of Christ. May the light of the gospel penetrate the darkness, bringing salvation and transformation to many souls.
Lord, we lift up JD Vance as he prepares to take office as Vice President of the United States. Grant him wisdom and discernment to govern justly according to Your moral law. Protect him from harm and guide him in humility to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness. May he serve as a steady counselor to the president. Above all, we pray that he would follow Christ faithfully and lead with integrity, humility, and a heart set on doing what is right in Your sight.
Father, we pray for the families of our church, that You would strengthen them in faith, love, and unity. Build them up in Your truth and equip them to shine as lights in this world. We pray for the gospel to go forth in power across Jeffersonville and Indiana. Open the hearts of the lost to receive Christ as King. May every family, business, and institution in our community bow the knee to Jesus, confessing Him as Lord. Advance Your kingdom, O God, and glorify Your name through Your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Church History Lesson: Hilary of Poitiers – Bishop and Defender of the Faith
Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) stands as a towering figure in the early church. Born in Gaul (modern-day France) to a pagan family of wealth and influence, Hilary was highly educated, particularly in rhetoric and philosophy. In his studies, he encountered the Scriptures and was drawn to the truth of the Gospel. He embraced the Christian faith and was baptized in his adult years. By God’s providence, he was elected bishop of Poitiers around 350, a time when the Church was embroiled in the Arian controversy—a heresy that denied the full divinity of Christ.
Hilary courageously opposed Arianism, defending the orthodox understanding of Christ as fully God and fully man, as affirmed by Scripture and the Nicene Creed. His clear teaching earned him the title "Doctor of the Divinity of Christ." His efforts were not without suffering; Hilary was exiled by Emperor Constantius II for refusing to support Arian doctrine. Despite this, he continued to write extensively, encouraging the faithful and refuting error. His exile proved a blessing, as it spread his writings and influence far beyond his native region.
The Importance of Hilary’s Work
Hilary’s writings, especially On the Trinity (De Trinitate), are a masterful defense of the triune nature of God. His clear exposition of Scripture and logical arguments strengthened the Church's understanding of Christ’s divine nature, ensuring that subsequent generations would stand on solid theological ground. His work demonstrated that Scripture, not the opinions of men, must remain the foundation of all doctrine.
Hilary also exemplified the pastoral heart of a bishop. While he was a fierce defender of orthodoxy, his writings reveal a tender concern for the spiritual welfare of his flock. He often encouraged Christians to persevere in faith, even under persecution, reminding them of the hope they have in Christ.
Key Bible Verse
"For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." — Colossians 2:9
This verse encapsulates the truth Hilary tirelessly defended: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. Hilary’s life reminds us that our faith rests on the unchanging reality of who Christ is.
Lessons from Hilary’s Life
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Hilary stood firm against powerful forces that sought to distort the truth. We too must hold fast to sound doctrine, even when it is unpopular or costly.
Faithfulness to Scripture
Hilary’s theology was deeply rooted in the Word of God. He demonstrates that careful study of Scripture equips believers to discern truth from error.
Love for the Church
Hilary’s commitment to the unity and purity of the Church reminds us of our duty to care for and protect the Body of Christ, praying and working for its health.
Perseverance in Suffering
Though exiled and opposed, Hilary endured, trusting that God would use his faithfulness for His glory. Likewise, we are called to persevere in trials, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for raising up faithful men like Hilary of Poitiers to defend the truth of Your Word and uphold the glory of Your Son. We praise You for his courage in the face of heresy, his devotion to the Scriptures, and his love for Your Church. Strengthen us to follow his example of faithfulness, equipping us with Your Word to stand firm in truth and love. Grant us boldness to proclaim Christ’s divinity and humanity with clarity and conviction, for Your glory and the building up of Your Church. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Exodus 20:1-21
Acts 9:1-19a
Psalm 11
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 57. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Q. 58. What is required in the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself
Q. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly
sabbath? A. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.
Q. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?
A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.
Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.
Q. 62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.
Who to pray for
Church: Church of the King (Evansville)
Pastor Jake Mentzel
Ministry: Michael Foster (Romania)
Civil Magistrate: Vice President Elect- JD Vance
Notes for Parents:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:1–2 NASB1995)
The Ten Commandments are familiar to most of us, even if we cannot recite them from memory. We’ve encountered them in church, seen them depicted in films (yes, Charlton Heston comes to mind), and witnessed debates about their public display. Yet beyond their cultural presence, the Ten Commandments resonate with us on a deeper, personal level. Scripture declares that the moral law of God is written on the hearts of all mankind.
The Apostle Paul makes this plain in Romans 2:14–15: “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them….”
St. Paul emphasizes that even those who never received the stone tablets at Sinai instinctively reflect God’s Law in their behavior. Why? Because God has etched His moral order into creation and into the hearts of every person.
The Universality of God’s Law
Everyone knows stealing is wrong. How do we know this? Try taking something from another, and their anger will testify to the truth. All of humanity recognizes the duty to worship something. All acknowledge that murder is evil. Across cultures, parents want to be honored, even in places devoid of direct biblical influence. The moral law is not arbitrary—it is universal, binding all people at all times.
Yet sin corrupts. Though the Law is written on their hearts, sinful men suppress the truth. Instead of worshiping the Creator, they worship creation or idols fashioned in their own image. They twist the Law, finding loopholes to justify their rebellion. In doing so, mankind stands condemned. The Law, so clear and undeniable, bears witness against us.
When you examine the Ten Commandments, if you’re honest, you see your guilt. You have broken every command in thought, word, or deed. The Law is relentless in its judgment. It condemns.
The Law and the Gospel: A Proper Perspective
But Exodus 20 begins with something remarkable: a preface. Before God commands, He reminds His people of who He is and what He has done: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
This context changes everything. God doesn’t give the Law to crush His people but to shape them as His redeemed. Unlike the Law written in creation and on human consciences, which condemns, this giving of the Law begins with grace. It is addressed to a people already delivered.
This is the key: the Law condemns, but it is not the final word for those who belong to God. For those in Christ, God’s deliverance precedes His demands. He has saved us from something great than Pharoah or political oppression- sin and Satan’s dominion. Through Jesus Christ, God has set us free from the curse of the Law and made us His people.
The Law as a Guide for the Redeemed
Now, the Law no longer stands as a curse over our heads. For those in Christ, it becomes a blessing. It shows us how to live in gratitude and obedience to the One who redeemed us. We are not crushed by the weight of commandments; we are empowered to obey them in faith.
- We get to have no other gods before Him.
- We get to be free from idols.
- We get to honor His name and keep His Sabbath.
- We get to love our neighbor, honor our parents, and live free from murder, theft, and lies.
Responding to the Ten Commandments
Do not overlook the preface to the Ten Commandments. Without it, the Law is a list of demands, each one proclaiming our guilt. But with it, the Law points to the God who redeems. It reminds us that our obedience flows from deliverance, not the other way around.
If you are in Christ, the Ten Commandments no longer condemn you—they call you to live as one who is redeemed. They are the words of a loving Father, guiding His children.
Let the Law do its proper work. Let it convict you of sin and drive you to Jesus for mercy. Then, by the grace of God, live in obedience, not to earn salvation but as an expression of gratitude for the deliverance you have already received. This is the right use of the Law: to show us our sin, point us to Christ, and guide us in godly living.
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments are not merely rules—they are a reflection of God’s character and His will for His redeemed people. Read them with faith. See them through the lens of the cross. Let them drive you to Jesus for grace and compel you to live for His glory. God’s commands are no longer a curse—they are life to those who belong to Him. Obey them with joy.
Psalm 11: Confidence in the Lord's Shelter
Verse 1
In the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
Have you ever longed to retreat from the chaos of the world? You see the news: terrorist attacks, pride parades flaunting sin, foolish politicians, and even divisions within the body of Christ. Your heart whispers, “Get me out of here.” The temptation is real. It’s easy to think the solution is finding a remote sanctuary, far from the noise and the conflict. That same counsel was given to David: “Flee as a bird to your mountain.” Fearful voices around him said, “Escape! Hide! The enemies are too many, and the foundations of righteousness are crumbling. What can the righteous possibly do?”
But David knew better. Hastily fleeing problems doesn’t solve them. The answer is this: trust in the Lord.
Our dear brother, Pastor Andrew Dionne shared this wisdom on his Social media. :
“Do not be hasty in your distresses.” That’s John Owen's advice from his exposition of Psalm 130. When distress comes—sickness, financial troubles, loneliness, persecution, the accusations of Satan, the haunting of past sins—our temptation is to turn quickly from God to what we perceive as immediate relief. Entertainment, intoxicants, wealth, legal battles, conspiracy theories—they all call to us, promising solace. But these are lies. Hastiness in distress will either drag us into despair or make us place our trust in impotent idols.
Yet nothing and no one is as near and ready to help as the omnipotent God who delights in His children. Patience in distress will leave you at the feet of His omnipotent love. Hastiness will only lead you to wander, seeking help where none truly exists.
Attack hastiness by remembering your Advocate, Jesus Christ. “For with the Lord is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption” (Psalm 130:7). Wait for the Lord's help. He alone has the power and the abundance of grace you need. He is never stingy with His children. “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
This wisdom calls us back to the heart of Psalm 11. It’s not a condemnation of prudence. There are moments when fleeing is wise and necessary—Scripture commands us to “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). But Psalm 11 reminds us that the only true refuge is Christ. No mountain, no strategy, no hiding place on earth offers the shelter found in the Lord Jesus.
David declares that God reigns in His holy temple. He is not absent. He sees. He judges. And He will deliver His saints. This doesn’t guarantee the absence of earthly trouble, but it does promise ultimate justice. The wicked—whether terrorists, tyrants, sodomites, false teachers, or even death itself—will face His judgment. They will be cast into hell, never again to trouble the righteous.
Do not act in haste. Anchor yourself in the truth: Jesus Christ is your refuge. He will not forsake you.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the Sovereign Lord of all creation, full of majesty, power, and glory. Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your wisdom is beyond measure. We humbly acknowledge our sin before You. We have not loved You as we ought, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. Cleanse us through the blood of Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross. Thank You for the grace that saves and sustains us, for calling us into Your family, and for the sure hope of eternal life. We praise You for Your faithfulness and steadfast love that never fail.
Lord, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation: Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. Thank You for the gift of new life and the blessing of children. We pray for their health and safety as they await the arrival of their little ones. Grant them peace and strength in body, mind, and spirit. Surround them with Your comfort in moments of anxiety and Your joy in anticipation of the good gift You are bringing into their families. Bless these children even now, preparing their hearts to know and love You all the days of their lives.
Father, we thank You for the precious gift of new life and rejoice with Emily and Austin Leupp in the birth of their child on Epiphany, January 6th. Bless their home with peace, joy, and love as they nurture this little one in the faith. Continue to uphold the Puryear family as they care for their newborn. Give these parents wisdom and endurance for the days ahead, and fill their hearts with gratitude for the children You have entrusted to their care. May these little ones grow strong in health and faith, coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Lord, we pray for Church of the King in Evansville, and for Pastor Jake Mentzel and the congregation there. Strengthen them in their work of proclaiming the gospel, discipling believers, and advancing the Great Commission. Bless their efforts to ordain men to the office of ruling elder and to become a particularized church. Fill them with zeal for Your truth and unwavering faithfulness to Your Word. May their ministry bear much fruit in the lives of their members and in their witness to the community. Let them shine brightly as a beacon of hope and truth in Evansville.
Gracious Father, we thank You for the gospel going forth in eastern Europe through the ministry of Michael Foster. Provide him with all the spiritual, physical, and financial resources he needs to build up the church in Romania. Strengthen him with endurance for the task and boldness to speak Your truth. We pray that You would lift the fog of superstition and hard-heartedness from the people of Romania, opening their eyes to the glory of Christ. May the light of the gospel penetrate the darkness, bringing salvation and transformation to many souls.
Lord, we lift up JD Vance as he prepares to take office as Vice President of the United States. Grant him wisdom and discernment to govern justly according to Your moral law. Protect him from harm and guide him in humility to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness. May he serve as a steady counselor to the president. Above all, we pray that he would follow Christ faithfully and lead with integrity, humility, and a heart set on doing what is right in Your sight.
Father, we pray for the families of our church, that You would strengthen them in faith, love, and unity. Build them up in Your truth and equip them to shine as lights in this world. We pray for the gospel to go forth in power across Jeffersonville and Indiana. Open the hearts of the lost to receive Christ as King. May every family, business, and institution in our community bow the knee to Jesus, confessing Him as Lord. Advance Your kingdom, O God, and glorify Your name through Your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Church History Lesson: Hilary of Poitiers – Bishop and Defender of the Faith
Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) stands as a towering figure in the early church. Born in Gaul (modern-day France) to a pagan family of wealth and influence, Hilary was highly educated, particularly in rhetoric and philosophy. In his studies, he encountered the Scriptures and was drawn to the truth of the Gospel. He embraced the Christian faith and was baptized in his adult years. By God’s providence, he was elected bishop of Poitiers around 350, a time when the Church was embroiled in the Arian controversy—a heresy that denied the full divinity of Christ.
Hilary courageously opposed Arianism, defending the orthodox understanding of Christ as fully God and fully man, as affirmed by Scripture and the Nicene Creed. His clear teaching earned him the title "Doctor of the Divinity of Christ." His efforts were not without suffering; Hilary was exiled by Emperor Constantius II for refusing to support Arian doctrine. Despite this, he continued to write extensively, encouraging the faithful and refuting error. His exile proved a blessing, as it spread his writings and influence far beyond his native region.
The Importance of Hilary’s Work
Hilary’s writings, especially On the Trinity (De Trinitate), are a masterful defense of the triune nature of God. His clear exposition of Scripture and logical arguments strengthened the Church's understanding of Christ’s divine nature, ensuring that subsequent generations would stand on solid theological ground. His work demonstrated that Scripture, not the opinions of men, must remain the foundation of all doctrine.
Hilary also exemplified the pastoral heart of a bishop. While he was a fierce defender of orthodoxy, his writings reveal a tender concern for the spiritual welfare of his flock. He often encouraged Christians to persevere in faith, even under persecution, reminding them of the hope they have in Christ.
Key Bible Verse
"For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." — Colossians 2:9
This verse encapsulates the truth Hilary tirelessly defended: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. Hilary’s life reminds us that our faith rests on the unchanging reality of who Christ is.
Lessons from Hilary’s Life
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Hilary stood firm against powerful forces that sought to distort the truth. We too must hold fast to sound doctrine, even when it is unpopular or costly.
Faithfulness to Scripture
Hilary’s theology was deeply rooted in the Word of God. He demonstrates that careful study of Scripture equips believers to discern truth from error.
Love for the Church
Hilary’s commitment to the unity and purity of the Church reminds us of our duty to care for and protect the Body of Christ, praying and working for its health.
Perseverance in Suffering
Though exiled and opposed, Hilary endured, trusting that God would use his faithfulness for His glory. Likewise, we are called to persevere in trials, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for raising up faithful men like Hilary of Poitiers to defend the truth of Your Word and uphold the glory of Your Son. We praise You for his courage in the face of heresy, his devotion to the Scriptures, and his love for Your Church. Strengthen us to follow his example of faithfulness, equipping us with Your Word to stand firm in truth and love. Grant us boldness to proclaim Christ’s divinity and humanity with clarity and conviction, for Your glory and the building up of Your Church. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.