The Guide for the Week
January 19-25 The Second Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Exodus 20:22-26
2 Samuel 1
Acts 9:19b-31
Psalm 12
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 63. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Q. 64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honor and duty which belongeth to everyone in their several places and relations.
Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
Who to pray for
Church: Christ Church (Columbus)
Pastor Andrew Halsey
Ministry: Sports Fan Outreach Bobby McCreery
Civil Magistrate: Indiana Gov Mike Braun
Notes for Parents:
Exodus 22:23
"You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves."
When Yahweh delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites, the scene was terrifying. Thunder clashed, lightning illuminated the sky, and Mount Sinai quaked under the weight of God's holy presence, shrouded in smoke. The people trembled in fear, pleading with Moses, "You speak to us, or we will die." They rightly recognized the awesome holiness and unapproachable justice of God. He is not a God to be trifled with or taken lightly.
You would think such a dramatic revelation would drive the people to unwavering loyalty, but God knew their hearts. He knew the lure of idolatry persisted. So He continued, giving Moses further instructions telling him exactly how they were to worship Him and how they were not. He gave them simple but clear instructions: "Do not make gods of silver or gold" (v. 23). He commanded them to construct altars of uncut stone, to offer sacrifices as He prescribed (vv. 24–25), and to approach Him with reverence. Even the design of the altar prohibited steps, less their nakedness (remember they wore robes, and going up steps would expose them) be revealed (v. 26).
These commands were straightforward: Worship Yahweh alone. Offer sacrifices as He has commanded. Come before Him in humility and modesty. Yet, even with these simple instructions, the sinful hearts of the people would repeatedly stray, crafting gods of their own design.
We no longer bring burnt offerings because the once-for-all sacrifice has been made. Jesus Christ, our High Priest and spotless Lamb, fulfilled the sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:10). Through His atoning death, we have access to God. Yet the principles of worship remain unchanged: God demands exclusivity, sacrifice, and humility. Our attire may have changed, but our approach to God still demands reverence. Modesty is not merely about outward clothing but about the posture of our hearts. We can only stand before a holy God when clothed in the righteousness of Christ, who cleanses our shame and covers our spiritual nakedness. Without Him, we are exposed and condemned.
We might think idolatry is a relic of the past. Few today bow to statues of gold or silver. Yet idolatry is alive and well. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy often incorporate physical images in worship, and other world religions are steeped in idolatrous practices. But idolatry's reach extends far beyond these traditions.
John Calvin aptly described the human heart as an "idol-making factory." We are constantly crafting gods in our hearts, turning good things into ultimate things. Money, comfort, entertainment, relationships, food, drink—anything can become a false god when it takes the place of the Lord in our affections. We may not bow to a golden calf, but we sacrifice to the idols of selfish ambition, greed, and personal pleasure. Even within the church, idolatry lurks. Do we worship the true God, or have we constructed a god who tolerates our sins and affirms our desires? Do we approach worship on our own terms, or do we submit to God’s Word?
Exodus 22:23 confronts us with hard questions: What gods are you serving? Where do you place your trust? Have you allowed idols to creep into your worship? Are you profaning the altar by relying on your own merits rather than Christ’s perfect sacrifice?
Come to the one true God through Jesus Christ, the ultimate altar and perfect sacrifice. Lay down your idols—whether they are made of gold, comfort, ambition, or pride—and worship Him alone. Let your life be marked by the faith, purity, and reverence He demands. For God promises, "In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you" (Exodus 20:24). Draw near to Him in obedience and faith, and He will draw near to you with blessing. Let your worship reflect His holiness, for He alone is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.
Psalm 12: Man’s Words vs. God’s Words
Verse 6
The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
Everyone has an opinion about everything. This has probably always been true. But it’s exacerbated by the fact that now not only does everyone have an opinion, but everyone publishes their opinions far and wide on the internet. There are news stories every day that fill up our feeds. Little splash images appear on the TV and phone, giving you the Fox News Alert or the CNN Breaking News. There are TikToks, shorts, reels, Instagram posts, tweets, and more. Messages bombard us from all sides—some sensationalized, and many simply false
The trusted informational outlets are not trusted anymore. Civil governments, schools, even some pulpits have betrayed the trust placed in them. Lies and half-truths permeate our world, leaving us overwhelmed and uncertain about what is true. Amid this chaos, the psalmist’s cry feels like our own:
“Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men” (Psalm 12:1).
The psalm goes on to describe the corrupt speech of man: lying, boasting, flattery, and double-mindedness. There is no fear of God. The wicked mock Him, saying, “Our lips are our own.” In essence, they declare, “I can say whatever I want; no one can hold me accountable.”
It is easy to be weighed down, distracted, and discouraged by it all. But there is hope in a world of lies. The words of the Lord are pure. God’s Word is tried, tested, and true. Let every man on earth be a liar—God is true. There is safety, security, salvation, and solace in the words of God. The Lord assures His people: He will guard them in the midst of a corrupt generation. Though the wicked may strut with pride and receive the applause of men, God will establish those who fear Him. He will rise up and execute His perfect judgment.
You can bank on these words because they come from the One who is Truth. He has shown His faithfulness in every generation. He has fulfilled His promises by sending His Son, who bore our sins, forgave us, and filled our hearts with joy.
So do not turn from God’s Word. Let it illuminate your path. Build your life upon its unshakable foundation. The sun may grow dark, and the moon may fade, but the Word of the Lord will endure forever. His truth will prevail.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all life. We praise You for Your unchanging goodness, Your perfect wisdom, and the mercy You have shown us in Christ Jesus. In Your kindness, You have adopted us as sons and daughters, forgiving our sins through the blood of Your Son and granting us the joy of fellowship with You. We confess that we are often weak and wayward, failing to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Yet, we are grateful for Your steadfast love, which never fails, and for the sanctifying work of Your Spirit in our lives.
Father, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation—Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. We pray for Your protection over them and the precious children You have knit together in their wombs. Grant these mothers strength, health, and peace in the days ahead. May their husbands support them with love and leadership, and may these children grow to know and serve You all their days.
We also thank You for the gift of new life and rejoice with Emily and Austin Leupp, who welcomed their child on Epiphany, as well as the Puryear family and their newborn. Sustain these mothers as they recover, and bless these families as they raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. May these little ones grow in favor with You and walk faithfully in Your ways.
We pray for Christ Church Columbus, Pastor Andrew Halsey, and their congregation. Strengthen them in their mission to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and fulfill the Great Commission. Uphold Pastor Halsey as he leads his flock, especially as he navigates the challenges of church discipline. Give him courage, wisdom, and grace to shepherd with patience and love. We ask that the one under discipline would repent and be restored, bringing glory to Your name.
We lift up Bobby McCreery and the ministry of Sports Fan Outreach. Bless him as he proclaims Your truth in difficult places, particularly at abortion mills and major sporting events. Protect him and others like Travis Cartwright as they engage in these evangelistic efforts, including at the upcoming Super Bowl. May their words be bold and faithful, and may many be convicted of sin and turned to Christ.
Father, we pray for our new governor, Mike Braun. Grant him wisdom, courage, and discernment as he leads the state of Indiana. May he govern in submission to Your moral law, upholding justice, punishing evil, and protecting the good. Guard him from harm and guide him to walk in the fear of the Lord.
Finally, we intercede for the families of Sovereign King Church, for our pastors and elders, and for the growth and faithfulness of Your Church. Equip us to stand firm on Your Word, to raise our children as arrows in Your quiver, and to shine as lights in Jeffersonville and beyond. May Christ’s kingdom advance powerfully in our community and throughout the world, all for the glory of Your great name.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Family Worship Guide: Church History Lesson and Devotion
Fabian, Bishop and Martyr – January 20, 250
Key Bible Verse
"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." – Revelation 2:10 (NASB1995)
Introduction to Fabian's Life
Fabian served as the bishop of Rome during a time of profound challenge and persecution for the Church. His election as bishop in A.D. 236 was remarkable. According to tradition, during the election process, a dove descended upon him, leading to his unanimous selection, despite his initial obscurity. This event was seen as a sign of divine appointment. Fabian led the church for 14 years, ministering with wisdom and courage during a tumultuous era.
Under his leadership, Fabian strengthened the organizational structure of the Church in Rome. He appointed regional deacons and sub-deacons, ensuring the care of widows, orphans, and the needy. His work helped the Church grow in unity and resilience amidst external pressures.
His Death as a Martyr
Fabian’s faithful service came to a climactic end during the persecution under Emperor Decius. In A.D. 250, the Roman authorities demanded that Christians renounce their faith and worship the emperor as a god. Fabian refused to compromise. His steadfastness in the face of such demands made him a target. He was arrested and ultimately executed for his faith, becoming one of the first martyrs of Decius’ persecution.
Impact on the Church
Fabian’s life and death left a legacy of courage and faithfulness. His martyrdom emboldened believers to stand firm despite the threat of suffering and death. His leadership also laid a foundation for future generations to endure persecution with steadfastness. The example of his unshakable loyalty to Christ served as a rallying cry for the early Church, inspiring countless believers to trust in the promises of God even in the face of death.
Lessons from Fabian’s Life
Family Reflection and Discussion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the life and witness of Fabian, who served as a faithful shepherd to Your Church and laid down his life for the sake of the gospel. We are grateful for his courage, his steadfastness, and his example of faithfulness unto death. Teach us to follow in his footsteps, standing firm in the face of trials and trusting in Your promises. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, that we may always proclaim Christ as Lord, no matter the cost. May the legacy of Fabian inspire us to live boldly for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Exodus 20:22-26
2 Samuel 1
Acts 9:19b-31
Psalm 12
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 63. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Q. 64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honor and duty which belongeth to everyone in their several places and relations.
Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
Who to pray for
Church: Christ Church (Columbus)
Pastor Andrew Halsey
Ministry: Sports Fan Outreach Bobby McCreery
Civil Magistrate: Indiana Gov Mike Braun
Notes for Parents:
Exodus 22:23
"You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves."
When Yahweh delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites, the scene was terrifying. Thunder clashed, lightning illuminated the sky, and Mount Sinai quaked under the weight of God's holy presence, shrouded in smoke. The people trembled in fear, pleading with Moses, "You speak to us, or we will die." They rightly recognized the awesome holiness and unapproachable justice of God. He is not a God to be trifled with or taken lightly.
You would think such a dramatic revelation would drive the people to unwavering loyalty, but God knew their hearts. He knew the lure of idolatry persisted. So He continued, giving Moses further instructions telling him exactly how they were to worship Him and how they were not. He gave them simple but clear instructions: "Do not make gods of silver or gold" (v. 23). He commanded them to construct altars of uncut stone, to offer sacrifices as He prescribed (vv. 24–25), and to approach Him with reverence. Even the design of the altar prohibited steps, less their nakedness (remember they wore robes, and going up steps would expose them) be revealed (v. 26).
These commands were straightforward: Worship Yahweh alone. Offer sacrifices as He has commanded. Come before Him in humility and modesty. Yet, even with these simple instructions, the sinful hearts of the people would repeatedly stray, crafting gods of their own design.
We no longer bring burnt offerings because the once-for-all sacrifice has been made. Jesus Christ, our High Priest and spotless Lamb, fulfilled the sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:10). Through His atoning death, we have access to God. Yet the principles of worship remain unchanged: God demands exclusivity, sacrifice, and humility. Our attire may have changed, but our approach to God still demands reverence. Modesty is not merely about outward clothing but about the posture of our hearts. We can only stand before a holy God when clothed in the righteousness of Christ, who cleanses our shame and covers our spiritual nakedness. Without Him, we are exposed and condemned.
We might think idolatry is a relic of the past. Few today bow to statues of gold or silver. Yet idolatry is alive and well. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy often incorporate physical images in worship, and other world religions are steeped in idolatrous practices. But idolatry's reach extends far beyond these traditions.
John Calvin aptly described the human heart as an "idol-making factory." We are constantly crafting gods in our hearts, turning good things into ultimate things. Money, comfort, entertainment, relationships, food, drink—anything can become a false god when it takes the place of the Lord in our affections. We may not bow to a golden calf, but we sacrifice to the idols of selfish ambition, greed, and personal pleasure. Even within the church, idolatry lurks. Do we worship the true God, or have we constructed a god who tolerates our sins and affirms our desires? Do we approach worship on our own terms, or do we submit to God’s Word?
Exodus 22:23 confronts us with hard questions: What gods are you serving? Where do you place your trust? Have you allowed idols to creep into your worship? Are you profaning the altar by relying on your own merits rather than Christ’s perfect sacrifice?
Come to the one true God through Jesus Christ, the ultimate altar and perfect sacrifice. Lay down your idols—whether they are made of gold, comfort, ambition, or pride—and worship Him alone. Let your life be marked by the faith, purity, and reverence He demands. For God promises, "In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you" (Exodus 20:24). Draw near to Him in obedience and faith, and He will draw near to you with blessing. Let your worship reflect His holiness, for He alone is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.
Psalm 12: Man’s Words vs. God’s Words
Verse 6
The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
Everyone has an opinion about everything. This has probably always been true. But it’s exacerbated by the fact that now not only does everyone have an opinion, but everyone publishes their opinions far and wide on the internet. There are news stories every day that fill up our feeds. Little splash images appear on the TV and phone, giving you the Fox News Alert or the CNN Breaking News. There are TikToks, shorts, reels, Instagram posts, tweets, and more. Messages bombard us from all sides—some sensationalized, and many simply false
The trusted informational outlets are not trusted anymore. Civil governments, schools, even some pulpits have betrayed the trust placed in them. Lies and half-truths permeate our world, leaving us overwhelmed and uncertain about what is true. Amid this chaos, the psalmist’s cry feels like our own:
“Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men” (Psalm 12:1).
The psalm goes on to describe the corrupt speech of man: lying, boasting, flattery, and double-mindedness. There is no fear of God. The wicked mock Him, saying, “Our lips are our own.” In essence, they declare, “I can say whatever I want; no one can hold me accountable.”
It is easy to be weighed down, distracted, and discouraged by it all. But there is hope in a world of lies. The words of the Lord are pure. God’s Word is tried, tested, and true. Let every man on earth be a liar—God is true. There is safety, security, salvation, and solace in the words of God. The Lord assures His people: He will guard them in the midst of a corrupt generation. Though the wicked may strut with pride and receive the applause of men, God will establish those who fear Him. He will rise up and execute His perfect judgment.
You can bank on these words because they come from the One who is Truth. He has shown His faithfulness in every generation. He has fulfilled His promises by sending His Son, who bore our sins, forgave us, and filled our hearts with joy.
So do not turn from God’s Word. Let it illuminate your path. Build your life upon its unshakable foundation. The sun may grow dark, and the moon may fade, but the Word of the Lord will endure forever. His truth will prevail.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are the sovereign Creator and sustainer of all life. We praise You for Your unchanging goodness, Your perfect wisdom, and the mercy You have shown us in Christ Jesus. In Your kindness, You have adopted us as sons and daughters, forgiving our sins through the blood of Your Son and granting us the joy of fellowship with You. We confess that we are often weak and wayward, failing to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Yet, we are grateful for Your steadfast love, which never fails, and for the sanctifying work of Your Spirit in our lives.
Father, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation—Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. We pray for Your protection over them and the precious children You have knit together in their wombs. Grant these mothers strength, health, and peace in the days ahead. May their husbands support them with love and leadership, and may these children grow to know and serve You all their days.
We also thank You for the gift of new life and rejoice with Emily and Austin Leupp, who welcomed their child on Epiphany, as well as the Puryear family and their newborn. Sustain these mothers as they recover, and bless these families as they raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. May these little ones grow in favor with You and walk faithfully in Your ways.
We pray for Christ Church Columbus, Pastor Andrew Halsey, and their congregation. Strengthen them in their mission to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and fulfill the Great Commission. Uphold Pastor Halsey as he leads his flock, especially as he navigates the challenges of church discipline. Give him courage, wisdom, and grace to shepherd with patience and love. We ask that the one under discipline would repent and be restored, bringing glory to Your name.
We lift up Bobby McCreery and the ministry of Sports Fan Outreach. Bless him as he proclaims Your truth in difficult places, particularly at abortion mills and major sporting events. Protect him and others like Travis Cartwright as they engage in these evangelistic efforts, including at the upcoming Super Bowl. May their words be bold and faithful, and may many be convicted of sin and turned to Christ.
Father, we pray for our new governor, Mike Braun. Grant him wisdom, courage, and discernment as he leads the state of Indiana. May he govern in submission to Your moral law, upholding justice, punishing evil, and protecting the good. Guard him from harm and guide him to walk in the fear of the Lord.
Finally, we intercede for the families of Sovereign King Church, for our pastors and elders, and for the growth and faithfulness of Your Church. Equip us to stand firm on Your Word, to raise our children as arrows in Your quiver, and to shine as lights in Jeffersonville and beyond. May Christ’s kingdom advance powerfully in our community and throughout the world, all for the glory of Your great name.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Family Worship Guide: Church History Lesson and Devotion
Fabian, Bishop and Martyr – January 20, 250
Key Bible Verse
"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." – Revelation 2:10 (NASB1995)
Introduction to Fabian's Life
Fabian served as the bishop of Rome during a time of profound challenge and persecution for the Church. His election as bishop in A.D. 236 was remarkable. According to tradition, during the election process, a dove descended upon him, leading to his unanimous selection, despite his initial obscurity. This event was seen as a sign of divine appointment. Fabian led the church for 14 years, ministering with wisdom and courage during a tumultuous era.
Under his leadership, Fabian strengthened the organizational structure of the Church in Rome. He appointed regional deacons and sub-deacons, ensuring the care of widows, orphans, and the needy. His work helped the Church grow in unity and resilience amidst external pressures.
His Death as a Martyr
Fabian’s faithful service came to a climactic end during the persecution under Emperor Decius. In A.D. 250, the Roman authorities demanded that Christians renounce their faith and worship the emperor as a god. Fabian refused to compromise. His steadfastness in the face of such demands made him a target. He was arrested and ultimately executed for his faith, becoming one of the first martyrs of Decius’ persecution.
Impact on the Church
Fabian’s life and death left a legacy of courage and faithfulness. His martyrdom emboldened believers to stand firm despite the threat of suffering and death. His leadership also laid a foundation for future generations to endure persecution with steadfastness. The example of his unshakable loyalty to Christ served as a rallying cry for the early Church, inspiring countless believers to trust in the promises of God even in the face of death.
Lessons from Fabian’s Life
- Faithfulness in Leadership: Fabian exemplified how a leader should act under pressure. He prioritized the spiritual and physical needs of the Church, even amid persecution.
- Courage in Persecution: His refusal to deny Christ reminds us that faithfulness to the Lord is worth every cost, including our lives.
- Preparation and Legacy: Fabian’s organizational work ensured the Church could withstand trials. This shows the importance of building a strong foundation in both faith and practice.
Family Reflection and Discussion
- Discuss how Fabian’s faithfulness encourages us to stand firm for Christ in our daily lives.
- Reflect on what it means to live as though Christ is worth more than anything the world can offer.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the life and witness of Fabian, who served as a faithful shepherd to Your Church and laid down his life for the sake of the gospel. We are grateful for his courage, his steadfastness, and his example of faithfulness unto death. Teach us to follow in his footsteps, standing firm in the face of trials and trusting in Your promises. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, that we may always proclaim Christ as Lord, no matter the cost. May the legacy of Fabian inspire us to live boldly for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.