January 26- Feb 1 Family Worship Guide 2025
The Guide for the Week
January 26- Feb 1st The Third Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Exodus 21:1-19
2 Samuel 2:1-11
Acts 9:32-43
Psalm 13
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 67. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Q. 68. What is required in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Q. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Who to pray for
Church: Syracuse Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Bushong
Ministry: International Mission Board
Civil Magistrate: Indiana State Legistlature
Notes for Parents:
Exodus 21:1-19
Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:
After delivering the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites, God continued to reveal His laws. These included ordinances for their civil governance as well as instructions for ceremonial worship. Together, these formed the Old Testament law.
Reformed theologians, therefore, divide the Mosaic law into three components.
First, there is the moral law, which is founded on the very character of God. This law is unchanging and binding on all people everywhere. It is written in nature and on the hearts of all men. It is also put into written form in the Ten Commandments. These Ten Commandments summarize all of the moral law, and they themselves are summarized by our Lord Jesus as love for God and love for neighbor.
The second category of laws found in the Old Testament is the ceremonial laws. These are commands given regarding the sacrificial system, the construction of the tabernacle and temple, the feasts and holidays, dietary restrictions, and purity laws. These laws were meant to set God’s people apart from the pagans and to point them to the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. These commands were like scaffolding used to build a great cathedral. Once the cathedral is built, the scaffolding is taken down—it has served its purpose. These ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ. Jesus gave His church two major ceremonies: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The rest of the ceremonial laws are completed in Him and, therefore, we are not required to keep them.
The third category of laws is what we find here in this passage: the civil laws of the people. These laws were given to govern the Old Testament people as a nation. They are based on moral principles found in the moral law but are applied to the civil life of the people. These laws are a divine application of God’s moral law to a specific people at a specific time. We do not live in that time nor under that specific civil government. However, that doesn’t mean these laws are of no use. Rather, we can learn from them how God applies His moral law to specific situations. From these, we can extrapolate God’s application of the moral law and apply it to situations in our day.
Theologians call this the general equity of the law. That is, the things that aren’t specific to Israel in that time and place are principles that are still binding on us. It requires wisdom to discern how these principles apply to modern life, whether in our personal conduct or in shaping civil governance. Therefore, we ought to study these passages and ask God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We should also remember, as we examine these laws, that we can summarize all of them in the Ten Commandments, and thus into the two greatest commandments: love for God and love for neighbor. If you struggle to see how a particular law applies, start there. Consider how the law promotes justice, protects others, and honors God.
However, remember that biblical love is not mere sentimentality. God’s justice is an expression of His holiness, goodness, and love. For example, the death penalty for murder reflects a high regard for human life and the image of God, both of which are violated by the act of murder. It protects society and deters further crime. When we encounter the severity of God’s laws, rather than shying away, we should allow them to teach us what true love and justice look like.
This passage contains much wisdom, but you may find some parts challenging. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your pastors or elders. Additionally, excellent commentaries by theologians like Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Gill are freely available online and offer valuable insights into God’s Word.
In conclusion, God’s Word is a refuge and a guide. Embrace it without shame, allowing it to shape your understanding of love, justice, and righteousness. Let it lead you to worship God and love your neighbor rightly. Above all, let it point you to Jesus Christ, in whom we find forgiveness and grace for our own shortcomings.
Psalm 13: Difficult Singing
Verse 6
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Music has always been woven into the fabric of my life. Growing up in a musical family, taking piano lessons as a child, playing in the marching band, starting college as a music major, touring with a rock band, and even working as a full-time DJ—all these experiences shaped my love for music. To say I love music is an understatement. If you’ve ever ridden with me in the car, you know that silence isn’t an option—there’s always a soundtrack playing. I can’t fathom how some people go through life without it.
But there have been seasons when music felt like a stranger. Times of deep grief, betrayal, overwhelming stress, or the crushing weight of disaster have silenced the melodies in my soul. In those moments, the thought of singing seems impossible. It’s as though the songbird in your chest has flown away.
This is why Psalm 13 is so striking. From the opening verses, David’s cry is raw and unfiltered: “How long, O Lord?” He feels abandoned, forgotten by God, surrounded by triumphant enemies, and teetering on the edge of despair. Music is the farthest thing from his mind. His anguish is palpable, and death feels near.
Yet it is here, in the midst of darkness, sorrow, and possibly death, that a song arises. How? Because David remembers. He recalls God’s steadfast love, His covenant faithfulness, and the promises that never fail. He looks back on the track record of God’s dealings with him—bountiful and good, even when life seemed bleak. David clings to the unshakable truth that God is present, even when He seems silent. God is not absent in the darkness. He orchestrates even the hardest moments for His purposes and our ultimate good. Though David can’t see the full picture, he trusts the Composer of his life. And in that trust, he sings—not from circumstances, but from faith.
This is no shallow tune of denial or false optimism. David’s song includes his complaints, cries, and tears. But it also includes thanksgiving and praise. He refuses to let despair have the final word. His song declares that, despite everything, God is worthy of worship.
What about you? Maybe, like me, music feels essential to your life. Or perhaps it doesn’t. Either way, don’t forget this lesson from David. In the midst of despair, when it seems God has forgotten you, He hasn’t. Even if you sleep the sleep of death, God is with you. And isn’t that worth singing about? So, lift your voice—not because life is easy, but because God is faithful.
"It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end, because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened?
But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.
Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why.
But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something."
-Samwise Gamgee
Example Prayer
We come before You in reverence and awe, acknowledging that You are the Creator of all life, the Sovereign Lord over all things, and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. We praise You for Your infinite wisdom, Your abundant mercy, and Your unchanging faithfulness. We confess that we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory, and we are undeserving of Your kindness. Yet, we thank You for the redemption that is ours through Christ Jesus, for the forgiveness of sins, and for the privilege of approaching Your throne of grace.
We lift up to You the expectant mothers among us, especially Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargis. We ask that You would sustain them during this season, granting them strength, good health, and peace of mind. Protect the precious children within their wombs, knitting them together fearfully and wonderfully according to Your will. May these mothers lean on You in faith, trusting in Your providence and care for both themselves and their unborn children.
We also pray for the newborns and their families in our congregation. We give thanks for Emily and Austin Leupp and their new little one, born on Epiphany, January 6th. We rejoice in this gift of new life and ask for Your blessing upon their home. Continue to watch over the Puryears and their baby as well, providing strength, joy, and the resources they need to nurture their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. May these families be a testimony to Your goodness and a light in the world.
Father, we intercede for Syracuse Baptist Church and their pastor, Tim Bushong. Bless their efforts to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and advance the Great Commission. We pray that this congregation would remain faithful to Your Word, growing in spiritual maturity and steadfastness in the truth. Use Pastor Tim’s work on Battle Hymns for Weary Souls to enrich churches with biblically faithful and musically excellent hymns and psalms. May these songs bring glory to Your name and encourage Your people in worship.
We also pray for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. While we differ in some aspects of polity and practice, we thank You for their work in sending missionaries to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. Strengthen these missionaries, grant them boldness in preaching Your Word, and protect them from all harm. May their labors bear fruit for Your kingdom. Additionally, we ask that You raise up faithful men from Evangel Presbytery to take up the call of missions, that Your Word may be declared among all nations.
Lord, we bring before You the Indiana State Legislature. Grant wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to justice under Your moral law to those who govern our state. Protect each member from harm and guide them to seek not only wisdom to govern but also wisdom to follow Christ. May they uphold justice, punish evil, and defend the good, all in accordance with Your Word. Lead them to fear You above all, that their decisions would honor Your name and promote righteousness in our land.
Finally, we pray for the families of Sovereign King Church, for our pastors and elders, and for the growth of our congregation. Strengthen us in holiness, unity, and love for one another. Bless our efforts to proclaim the gospel in Jeffersonville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. Advance the kingdom of Christ in our midst and use us to shine the light of His truth in this dark world.
We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Amen.
Family Worship Guide: Church History Lesson and Devotion
John Chrysostom, Bishop and Preacher – September 14, 407
Key Bible Verse
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." – 2 Timothy 4:2 (NASB1995)
Introduction to John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom, whose name means “Golden-Mouthed,” was one of the most renowned preachers in the history of the Church. Born in Antioch around A.D. 347, he initially pursued a career in law but turned to a life of Christian service, embracing asceticism and eventually becoming a monk. His deep commitment to Scripture and his love for Christ defined his life and ministry.
Ordained as a deacon in 381 and later as a presbyter (priest) in 386, John quickly became famous for his eloquent and passionate preaching. His sermons, often expository in nature, boldly addressed both doctrinal truths and practical Christian living. His zeal for righteousness extended to his critiques of moral corruption within the Church and society.
His Ministry as Bishop
In 398, John was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople, a position of great influence. He used his office to reform the clergy, care for the poor, and preach the gospel with clarity and boldness. However, his fearless denunciation of sin, including the extravagances of the imperial court, earned him powerful enemies.
John’s commitment to truth led to his exile not once but twice. Despite this, he continued to write letters, encourage believers, and remain faithful to his calling until his death in 407 during his second exile. His last words, "Glory to God for all things," testify to his unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.
Impact on the Church
John Chrysostom’s preaching shaped the Church for generations. His expository approach to Scripture laid a foundation for faithful biblical preaching. His focus on holiness and social justice challenged Christians to align their lives with God’s Word. His resilience under persecution became a beacon for believers facing trials.
Lessons from John Chrysostom’s Life
Faithful Preaching: John’s commitment to the truth of Scripture reminds us to prioritize the Word of God in our lives, both in what we hear and how we live.
Courage in Confrontation: He boldly addressed sin, no matter the cost, showing us the importance of standing firm in righteousness.
Perseverance in Trials: John endured hardship and exile with steadfast faith, teaching us to trust in God’s sovereignty even in suffering.
Family Reflection and Discussion
How does John’s life challenge us to take a stand for truth in our culture?
Reflect on how God uses hardships to refine our faith and deepen our trust in Him.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious God,
We give thanks for Your servant John Chrysostom, who boldly proclaimed Your truth and served Your Church with unwavering faithfulness. Thank You for the example of his life, his fearless preaching, and his perseverance under persecution. Help us to follow his example by loving Your Word, standing firm in righteousness, and trusting in Your providence even in trials. Strengthen us to live as faithful witnesses to Your gospel in our homes and communities.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
John Chrysostom’s legacy reminds us that the gospel demands both courage and faithfulness. Preach the Word with your life, and trust God to work through your obedience.