The Family Worship Guide for February 23- March 1st 2025 The Seventh Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 4:32-40
2 Samuel 3:12-21
Acts 11:19-30
Psalm 17
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 79. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour’s.
Q. 80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his.
Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
Who to pray for
Church: Christ Church Cincy
Pastor Joseph Bayly
Ministry: Sunday School
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Bill Burns
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 4:32-40
"Indeed, ask now concerning the former days which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and inquire from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything been done like this great thing, or has anything been heard like it?"
We live in days that feel unprecedented. But history humbles those who think they are living in the first era of upheaval. Who has ever seen a president lose re-election and then return to office four years later? Grover Cleveland’s name comes to mind—elected in 1884, defeated in 1888, and then re-elected in 1892.
What about leaders who survived assassination attempts and went on to serve? Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan all did.
Are these days still unique? Perhaps. But every generation thinks that. Solomon, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us, "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Human nature remains unchanged. Sin reigns in those apart from Christ. Nations rise and fall. Men fight for power. The world turns.
But there is one moment in history that stands alone—when God chose a people for Himself.
Moses called Israel to search the annals of time. Had any people ever experienced what they had? They were not strong. They were not rich. They were not wise. They were slaves.
Yet God did something that, until that point, was unprecedented. He spoke to a whole nation out of fire—and they survived. He took them out of slavery through all kinds of signs and wonders. God acted miraculously to save these people.
No one else on earth could say that about themselves. These were God’s chosen people.
Why did He do it? Because He loved their fathers and chose them and their descendants to lavish His love upon. He did it to prove that there are no other gods. He did it to set apart a people for Himself—a treasured possession. And He did it so they would obey Him.
But as great as that moment in history was, something far greater has happened in ours.
God has expanded His people. No longer is His choosing limited to one nation. He has called men and women from every nation to Himself through the greatest miracle of all—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The grace lavished on Moses and the Israelites is now ours in full. They saw shadows; we have the substance. They waited for the Messiah; we have seen Him come.
Israel was freed from Pharaoh’s grip; we have been freed from sin and death.
Israel witnessed signs and wonders in Egypt; we have witnessed the greatest sign—the risen Christ.
Israel heard God's voice from Sinai’s fire; we have heard His voice in the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
No other people can claim such a salvation. No other god has done this, for there is no other god.
No other people can claim such a salvation. No other god has done this, for there is no other God. The exclusivity of our faith is not arrogance; it is truth.
And the same truths that applied to Israel apply to us. He saved us because of His great love. He saved us to show that He alone is God. He saved us to make us His own possession. And He saved us so that we would obey Him.
Therefore, do not take this salvation lightly. Marvel at the miracle of God’s election of people like us. Worship Him alone. Obey His commandments. And if we do, it will go well for us and for our children.
Psalm 17: A Cry for God's Protection
"Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 17:8).
Teaching Our Children to Trust in God’s Protection
Life is full of dangers. Some are physical—storms, sickness, accidents. Others are spiritual—temptations, sin, the attacks of the enemy. In Psalm 17, David cries out to God, asking for protection. He knows that he cannot save himself. He knows that his enemies are too strong for him. So, he turns to the only One who can guard and defend him—God Almighty.
This psalm teaches us something important: God listens to the prayers of His people.
David wasn’t perfect, but he sought to follow God. He prayed, "You have tested me and find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not offend" (Psalm 17:3). David wanted to obey God and walk in His ways. He wasn’t asking God for help while living in rebellion—he was striving to live righteously. God hears the cries of those who love Him and walk in His ways.
Teaching Our Children to Pray Boldly
David’s prayer is not weak or half-hearted. He doesn’t mumble a few words before going to bed. He cries out! He pleads with God, knowing that God is near. "I have called upon You, for You will answer me, God" (Psalm 17:6).
Parents, teach your children to pray with confidence. Let them know that God is not far away. He listens when His people call to Him. Teach them to bring their fears, their struggles, and their joys to the Lord in prayer. God is a Father who hears His children.
Teaching Our Children Where to Find Safety
The world teaches us to trust in many things—money, popularity, strength. But those things cannot truly protect us. David knew this. Instead of looking to armies or wealth, he prayed, "Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 17:8).
What does it mean to be the “apple of God’s eye”? It means that God treasures His people. He watches over them carefully, as we would protect our own eyes. And when David speaks of hiding “in the shadow of Your wings,” he paints a picture of a mother bird covering her chicks. God is a strong and loving protector for His children.
Teach your children this truth: the safest place to be is near to God. The world is full of trouble, but no one can snatch us from His hand.
Teaching Our Children Where True Satisfaction Comes From
Many people chase after the things of this world—money, success, fun. They think that if they have enough of these things, they will be happy. But David says something different:
"As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake" (Psalm 17:15).
David knew that nothing in this world would truly satisfy his soul. Only God could do that. One day, he would stand before the Lord, and that would be enough.
Parents, teach your children that true happiness does not come from toys, games, or even good things like family and friends. True joy comes from knowing God and walking in His ways. Those who belong to Christ will one day see Him face to face—and that will be the greatest joy of all.
Application for the Family
Pray like David – Teach your children that God hears the prayers of those who seek Him. Encourage them to pray about everything—big and small.
Find safety in God – Remind them that true protection is not found in money or strength but in trusting God.
Seek satisfaction in Christ – Help them see that the things of this world will not fill their hearts. Only knowing Jesus will.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in reverence and awe, acknowledging that You alone are sovereign over all creation. Your wisdom is infinite, Your judgments are just, and Your mercies are new every morning. We praise You for Your steadfast love, which upholds us and sustains us in all things. Forgive us, O Lord, where we have failed to honor You as we ought, where we have strayed from Your commands, and where we have been sluggish in our obedience. Thank You for the grace found in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who bore our sins on the cross and intercedes for us even now. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk in righteousness and truth, for the glory of Your name.
We lift up before You the expectant mothers of our congregation: Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, and Oli Fluhr. We ask for Your hand of protection upon them and their unborn children. Guard them through the months ahead, granting them health, peace, and strength. May these little ones be fearfully and wonderfully made, growing in the womb under Your sovereign care. Give wisdom to their husbands as they lead their families, and may each home be a place where Christ is exalted and children are welcomed with joy. Let these children be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to know and love You from an early age.
Father, we pray for Christ Church and Pastor Joseph Bayly as they labor to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Bless their congregation with steadfast faith, unwavering commitment to Your Word, and boldness in their witness. Protect them from the schemes of the enemy and keep them unified in truth, unshaken by opposition. Grant Pastor Bayly wisdom, endurance, and courage as he shepherds the flock entrusted to his care. May their ministry bear much fruit for Your kingdom, that the name of Christ would be magnified in their community and beyond.
We also ask for Your blessing upon the launch of Sovereign King Church’s Sunday School. As we embark on this new endeavor, we seek Your favor and guidance. Fill the nursery, Pre-K, children’s, and adult classes with eager hearts ready to receive the teaching of Your Word. Grant our teachers wisdom, clarity, and faithfulness as they instruct and disciple those under their care. May this ministry serve to build up our church in sound doctrine, strengthen the faith of our members, and equip the next generation to walk in obedience to Christ. May it bear lasting fruit, glorifying You and advancing Your kingdom in our midst.
Lord, we pray for Jeffersonville City Councilmember Bill Burns. Grant him wisdom, integrity, and courage as he serves in his role. May he govern with justice and righteousness, standing firm against corruption and seeking the welfare of the community. Give him discernment in every decision, that he may uphold what is good and resist what is evil. We ask that he would fear You above all else, acknowledging that true authority comes from You alone. Protect him and his family, and may he and all who serve in civil leadership recognize Christ as King and rule in accordance with Your divine law.
Finally, we intercede for the families of Sovereign King Church. Strengthen our men to lead with conviction and sacrificial love, our women to walk in godly wisdom and joyful submission, and our children to grow in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Bless our elders and pastors with wisdom and perseverance as they shepherd the flock. May our church be a light in Jeffersonville, standing firm upon Your truth and laboring faithfully for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. Amen.
Church History Lesson:
The Conversion of Constantine
Key Verse: Psalm 2:10-12
"Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
Introduction
Few moments in church history are as dramatic and world-changing as the conversion of Emperor Constantine. In the early 4th century, Christians had endured brutal persecution under Roman emperors like Diocletian. But God, in His providence, was about to turn the tide. Through a vision of the cross and the words “In Hoc Signo Vinces”—“In this sign, you will conquer”—Constantine came to embrace Christianity and forever altered the course of Western civilization.
Historical Account
Constantine was the son of Constantius Chlorus, a Roman general and later emperor, and Helena, a woman who would later become known as Saint Helena for her Christian faith. Raised in a world of paganism and political struggle, Constantine emerged as a contender for the Roman throne after his father's death in 306 AD.
In 312 AD, Constantine marched to battle against his rival, Maxentius, who controlled Rome. According to historical accounts, on the eve of the decisive Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine saw a vision in the sky: a cross of light with the words “In Hoc Signo Vinces.” That night, Christ appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to place the Christian symbol on the shields of his soldiers.
The next day, Constantine led his forces to a stunning victory. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber River, and Constantine entered Rome as the undisputed ruler of the western Roman Empire. Convinced of the power of Christ, he issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, granting Christians freedom to worship and ending centuries of persecution.
Over time, Constantine increasingly favored Christianity. He called the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which affirmed the deity of Christ and condemned the Arian heresy. While his faith journey may have been imperfect—remaining unbaptized until his death—his conversion marked the beginning of Christendom, where the faith would shape laws, culture, and governance for centuries.
Application for Families
God rules over kings and nations – Constantine's conversion reminds us that no ruler is beyond God’s reach. Teach your children to pray for leaders, that they might bow before Christ, the true King.
Courage in the face of opposition – The early Christians suffered, but their faith endured. Even in a world hostile to the gospel, we must stand firm.
The importance of true conversion – Constantine’s faith journey was gradual. While he embraced Christianity outwardly, it took time for full transformation. As parents, we should teach our children that faith is not just a political or cultural identity but a heart transformed by Christ.
Symbolism matters – Constantine placed the cross on his banners and shields. In your homes, it is good to put up scripture on the walls and other signs of your faith (making sure no idolatry), teaching our children that we belong to Christ.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your sovereign hand in history. Thank You for turning the heart of Constantine and using him to end persecution and advance the gospel. Help us to trust in Your power over rulers and nations. Strengthen us to stand firm in our faith, teaching the next generation to serve You boldly. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
