Family Worship Guide for March 9-15th
The Guide for the Week March 9-15th 2025 The First Week of Lent
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 5:11-21
2 Samuel 3:22-39
Acts 12:18-25
Psalm 19
Verse to Memorize
Ephesians 2:8-9
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 84. What doth every sin deserve? A. Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
Q. 85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin? A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
Who to pray for
Church: Holy Trinity Reformed Church
Pastor James Brown Jr.
Ministry: Evangel Presbytery
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Scott Anderson
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 5:11-21
Vs 11 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
This past week, I had the privilege of interviewing my dear friend Cal Zastrow for my podcast. Cal is a 40-year veteran in the pro-life movement, a man who has faithfully preached the gospel at abortion clinics, statehouses, and mission fields, including China and Ukraine. Most recently, he was arrested and imprisoned for praying in front of an abortion mill in Tennessee. After a few months in prison, he received a pardon from President Trump.
During our conversation, he told me that the hardest people to deal with in prison were not necessarily the inmates. He was able to befriend them, share the gospel, and even lead Bible studies. But the prison guards were a different story. One guard, in particular, was especially difficult—rude, aggressive, and cursing like a sailor.
One day, during a mealtime when the prisoners were supposed to eat in silence, this guard stormed into the room in a fit of rage, screaming and blaspheming the name of Jesus. Without even thinking, Cal lifted his eyes to heaven and declared:
"Praise You, Lord Jesus! You are good! You are our Sovereign and our King! You are our Savior! Hallelujah! Glory be to Your wonderful name! I love You, Jesus!"
The room fell silent. The inmates near him instinctively backed away, expecting the guard to lash out. Cal braced himself, waiting for the blow. The silence stretched on. Then, suddenly, someone shouted, “Amen!”
It was the prison guard.
From that moment on, Cal said, that man never used the Lord’s name in vain while he was there.
Why do I tell you this story? Because as we read the Ten Commandments—“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Deuteronomy 5:11)—it’s easy to nod in agreement without grasping its weight.
Yet, how often do we hear people blaspheme God’s name, and it goes in one ear and out the other?
Think about it. If someone used your mother’s name as a curse word, how would you react? If they mocked your grandmother’s name in anger, would you ignore it? What if they cursed you directly—insulted you to your face? You wouldn’t stand for it. So why are we so indifferent when the name of our Lord—the One who laid down His life for us—is treated with contempt?
Our God, the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, is dishonored, and we remain silent.
Now, this doesn’t mean we must rebuke every single person who misuses God’s name. But it does mean that we ought to love His name, treasure it, and glorify it. I admire Cal’s boldness—not with anger or self-righteousness, but with praise. When he heard the name of Jesus misused, he responded with worship.
God commands us not to take His name in vain—not just in our speech, but in our actions. If you claim the name of Christ, people should know it. They should see it in your love for your brothers and sisters, in your reverence for God’s law, in your conduct.
One of the reasons that prison guard never blasphemed around Cal again was that he knew Cal was a godly man. Do the people around you know that about you? Do they recognize that you belong to Christ? If they find out you are a Christian, would they be ashamed of the way they’ve spoken in your presence?
Again, none of this will save necessarily save them. But honoring the name of the Lord in how we live and speak should be our priority. We want the name of our God to be exalted. We want the mouth of fools to be stopped.
We must be a people who love Jesus, who cherish His name, who find it wonderful. When we hear His name, it should move us to worship. We pray Hallowed Be Thy Name. Be the answer to that prayer.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there's just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there's something about that name.
2 Samuel 3:22-39
We live in an era of shifting allegiances. Every day, we see politicians, celebrities, influencers, and even pastors making public declarations—denouncing their former positions, switching sides, leaving behind the wreckage of their past ideologies. Sometimes, they renounce woke garbage, embrace truth, and seemingly step toward the light. And we should praise God when that happens. It is a good thing when people begin to recognize reality, abandon deception, and align with righteousness.
But here’s the hard truth: Political shifts are not the same as heart transformation. Changing sides is not the same as repentance. A man can reject the foolishness of leftist insanity, put on a suit, wave the right flag, and still be just as dead in his sins as he was before. We should never mistake a course correction in the culture war for salvation.
Look at Abner. He was a man of power, a kingmaker. When Saul died, he had a choice—unite Israel under David, God’s anointed, or cling to his own influence. He chose the latter. He propped up Ish-bosheth, a weak man, not because he truly believed in him, but because it kept Abner in control. He fought for the wrong side, not because he was deceived, but because it benefited him. And when it no longer benefited him, he switched sides. He came to David, pledged loyalty, and promised to help establish his kingdom.
This was good for David. This was politically strategic. It was a step in the right direction. But was it repentance? No.
Abner wasn’t bowing before God’s will—he was maneuvering. He was realigning himself with power. He saw the writing on the wall. He knew David was going to win, so he switched sides before it was too late. But nowhere in Scripture do we see him crying out in confession. Nowhere do we see him grieving his past rebellion against God’s anointed. He was still a self-serving man playing the game of politics.
And so, when Joab murdered him, David didn’t rejoice. He didn’t say, “Well, Abner got what was coming.” No—David mourned him. He gave him a royal burial. Not because Abner was a righteous man, but because David understood something that we must understand today: A political ally does not always mean a brother in the faith. A shift in strategy does not always mean a transformed heart.
That is why, when we see men in our day reject feminism, denounce critical race theory, call out the lies of the LGBT agenda, or even embrace conservative principles, we should be glad—but not naïve. Applaud when truth is spoken, but do not mistake a cultural pivot for saving faith.
God’s standard is not, “Do you vote the right way?” God’s standard is not, “Do you have good economic policies?” God’s standard is, “Have you bowed the knee to Christ? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been born again?”
The danger is this: When a man changes his outward allegiances but does not have a changed heart, he will eventually revert to his old ways. He will compromise when it benefits him. He will sell out when the pressure comes. Why? Because he was never truly changed.
True repentance is not a political maneuver—it is a death. A man must die to himself. He must forsake his sin, not just the convenient parts of it. He must come under the rule of Christ, not just align himself with those who hold power for now.
This is why now is not the time to relax. Now is not the time to celebrate the culture war as if we’ve won. Now is the time to double down on the gospel.
If we want real, lasting change, it will not come through better politics alone. It will come through the proclamation of Christ crucified. The world does not need merely better arguments—it needs new hearts. And those hearts will only be transformed by the Spirit of God through the faithful preaching of the Word.
So, preach it. Don’t settle for half-measures. Don’t be content when someone merely rejects leftist lies. Call them to true repentance. Call them to true faith. Call them to Christ. Because without Him, every so-called victory is just another man playing Abner’s game—switching sides for a better deal, but still lost in his sins.
Political maneuvering has its place. But repentance is what matters. And now, now is the time to preach the gospel without compromise.
Psalm 19:1-14
“The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2, NASB1995)
Fathers, your children need to see the world the way David did. He spent nights under the open sky, watching the stars blaze across the heavens. He saw the sunrise over the hills, felt its warmth, and knew that creation itself was speaking. The heavens don’t whisper. They shout the glory of God. The sun, the moon, the stars—they proclaim His power, His order, His wisdom. They don’t need words. Their very existence declares the reality of God.
This is what your children must learn. When they look at the sky, when they stand in the midst of a mighty storm, when they feel the warmth of the sun or see the intricacy of a tiny flower—they must recognize the hand of their Creator. Nature tells them that God is real. But that is only the beginning.
David moves from creation to the greater revelation of God’s Word:
“The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:7-8, NASB1995)
God’s creation shows that He exists, but His Word reveals who He is and what He requires. Your children need to know this. The Bible is not just another book. It is the very words of the living God—perfect, trustworthy, life-giving. If they neglect it, they will wander in darkness. If they submit to it, they will walk in the light. The law of the Lord restores the soul. It brings wisdom, joy, and clarity. It is not a burden; it is the path to life.
This is why David ends with a plea:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NASB1995)
This is not a casual request—it is the prayer of a warrior. David knows that sin lurks deep in the heart. He asks God to cleanse him, to guard him from hidden faults, to keep him from willful rebellion. He does not want to merely avoid outward sin; he desires that even his thoughts and words be pleasing to the Lord.
What This Means for Fathers
You are the primary shepherd of your children. It is your duty to train them to see the glory of God in both creation and Scripture. Teach them to recognize that when they look at the sky, they are witnessing a divine declaration. More importantly, lead them to the Word of God, where they will see His character, His commands, and His salvation in Christ.
Ask yourself:
Do your children see you reading and treasuring God’s Word?
Do they hear you speaking about the Lord with reverence and joy?
Do they know that the Bible is not just a book in your house, but the foundation of your life?
If not, then it’s time to act. Open the Scriptures with them. Show them that the law of the Lord revives the soul. Let them hear you pray as David did, asking God to purify not just your actions, but your heart.
Our goal is not just to raise moral children—it is to raise worshipers. Worshipers who, like the heavens, declare the glory of God. Worshipers who love His Word and are shaped by it.
So fathers, take up this charge. Lead your family in worship. Let the heavens declare His glory, and let your household do the same.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in humble adoration, acknowledging You as the sovereign Lord over all creation. You are the giver of life, the sustainer of all things, and the One who directs the steps of men. We confess that we often fall short of Your perfect will, yet we are grateful for the redemption found in Christ Jesus, our Savior. Thank You for Your unchanging Word, Your faithful provision, and the grace that upholds us each day.
Lord, we lift up the expectant mothers in our congregation: Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, Oli Fluhr, and Grace Proud. We ask that You would watch over them and the precious lives they carry. Grant them strength, health, and peace throughout their pregnancies. May their children be brought safely into the world and raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Let these mothers rest in Your goodness and trust in Your sovereign hand as they prepare for the gift of new life.
We rejoice with Nathaniel and Vivian Toci in the birth of their son, Alias. Thank You for this blessing of new life! We ask for Your hand of protection over both mother and child, that Vivian would recover swiftly and that Alias would grow in strength and health. Most of all, we pray that this child would be raised to know and love You, walking in the truth of Your Word from an early age. May the Toci family be strengthened in faith and guided by Your wisdom.
We pray for Holy Trinity Reformed Church and Pastor James Brown Jr. Grant them faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Strengthen Pastor Brown with wisdom, courage, and perseverance as he shepherds his flock. May the church be rooted in sound doctrine, unified in love, and emboldened to stand as a light in their community. Protect them from error, division, and discouragement, and may their labor bear fruit for Your kingdom.
We also lift up Evangel Presbytery, asking that You guide its pastors and elders as they contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Keep them steadfast in truth, united in their mission, and unwavering in their defense of biblical orthodoxy. May their churches be strong, vibrant, and fruitful, training up men to lead and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Let their work bring glory to Your name and strengthen Your church.
Father, we pray for the Jeffersonville City Council, especially Councilman Scott Anderson. Grant him wisdom, integrity, and courage as he governs. May he seek justice, uphold righteousness, and make decisions that align with Your moral law. Turn his heart and the hearts of all civil magistrates toward You, that they may rule justly and in the fear of the Lord. Raise up leaders who will defend life, protect the family, and seek the welfare of the people under their care.
Finally, we intercede for Sovereign King Church, its families, its pastors, and its elders. Strengthen them in faith, unite them in love, and equip them for every good work. Bless the preaching of the Word, the discipleship of the saints, and the raising of children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. May this church be a city on a hill, boldly proclaiming the gospel in Jeffersonville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. Use them mightily for the advancement of Your kingdom.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
Amen.
Church Government Lesson
Key Scripture: Hebrews 13:17 – "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
What is a Ruling Elder?
A ruling elder is a man called by God and elected by the church to provide spiritual leadership, governance, and shepherding care for God’s people. As stated in the Evangel Presbytery Book of Church Order, ruling elders share in the government of the church, ensuring that Christ’s people are fed, protected, and strengthened in the faith.
The Work of a Ruling Elder
Ruling elders serve the congregation in several key ways:
Shepherding the flock – They visit and care for members, encourage them in faith, and admonish them when necessary.
Teaching and defending sound doctrine – They ensure that the Word of God is rightly taught and that error is corrected.
Overseeing church governance – They participate in the leadership of the church, making decisions that promote spiritual health and faithfulness to Christ.
Leading by example – They model godly character, devotion to Christ, and a commitment to service.
The Reward of a Ruling Elder
While the role of an elder carries great responsibility, it also comes with a promise of reward. 1 Peter 5:4 states, "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." Faithful elders who serve Christ’s flock with diligence and love will be honored by God Himself.
Qualifications of a Ruling Elder
The qualifications for ruling elders are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9:
Above reproach – Living a life of integrity and holiness.
Husband of one wife – Faithful in marriage.
Sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable – Leading by example.
Able to teach – Firm in doctrine and able to guide others.
Not a lover of money – Free from greed and selfish ambition.
Not quick-tempered or quarrelsome – Patient and peaceable.
Manages his household well – A faithful leader at home.
Our Duty Toward Ruling Elders
As members of Christ’s body, we have a duty toward our elders:
Submit to their leadership – "Obey your leaders and submit to them" (Hebrews 13:17).
Pray for them – "Brothers, pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
Encourage and care for them – "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17).
Conclusion
God has given ruling elders as a gift to the church for our spiritual good. They watch over our souls, guide us in truth, and labor for our sanctification. Let us, therefore, honor them by submitting to their leadership, praying for their strength, and ensuring their needs are met, so that they may serve with joy and not with grief.
Family Discussion Questions:
Why is it important to have ruling elders in the church?
How can we encourage and support our elders?
How does submitting to godly elders help us grow in faith?
What are some ways you and your children can encourage your ruling elders this coming week?
Call them and ask them to pray for you.
Write them a thank you card.
Greet them with a big hug at church.
Send their wife a thank you card for sharing their husband’s time with the church.
Ask them for advice and take it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of ruling elders. Grant them wisdom, strength, and perseverance as they shepherd Your people. Help us to honor, pray for, and submit to their leadership as unto Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
