The Guide for the Week March 16-22nd
The Guide for the Week March 16-22nd 2025 The Second Week of Lent
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 5:22-33
2 Samuel 4
Acts 13:1-12
Psalm 20
Verse to Memorize
Ephesians 2:8-9
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ? A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
Q. 87. What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Dionne
Ministry: Genevan Pub
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Donna Reed
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 5:22-33
Vs 29 Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!
I have a confession to make—I am afraid of heights. There’s something about looking down over a ledge that makes my knees weak and my heart race. When I visited Israel, I took a trolley up a steep mountain in Jericho, where some believe Jesus was tempted by the devil. At the top, I had to climb a narrow staircase carved into the cliffside. Others marveled at the breathtaking view, but I stayed as close to the mountain as possible, avoiding the edge at all costs. Only when I reached a safer platform with a sturdy railing could I truly appreciate the view.
The Israelites in our passage weren’t afraid of heights—they were afraid of something even greater: the presence of the living God. They had just heard His voice thundering from Mount Sinai as He gave the Ten Commandments, and it was too much for them to bear. They trembled in fear, not because of the height of the mountain, but because they had encountered the holiness of God.
Why were they so afraid? Because God’s law exposes us. As they heard His commandments, they realized something dreadful—they had already broken them. They were guilty of idolatry, dishonoring parents, lying, coveting, and harboring anger in their hearts. The Law wasn’t just a list of rules—it was a mirror, revealing their sin and their helplessness before a holy God.
The reason I was afraid of those cliffs was because the greatness of the view made me realize how small I am and how vulnerable I would be if I fell. God’s law did the same thing to the Israelites. They heard His voice and knew that they were terribly vulnerable if they were come to near on their own. God’s eyes are too pure to look on the wicked. Evil cannot stand in his presence.
Just as I was overwhelmed by the sheer drop of the cliff, the Israelites were overwhelmed by the weight of their sin in the presence of a righteous God. They knew they could not stand before Him on their own, so they pleaded for a mediator—someone who could stand between them and God. Moses filled this role, but he was only a temporary and imperfect mediator. He too was a sinner, needing a mediator himself. He pointed forward to the true and perfect Mediator—Jesus Christ.
Just as I needed a railing to give me the courage to look out over the mountain’s edge, we need Christ to stand between us and God’s holiness. Without Him, the weight of our sin would crush us. But through Him, we can approach God with confidence. He has paid the penalty for our sin, cleansing us so that we can draw near to God without terror.
2 Samuel 4
In 2 Samuel 4, we read about two men, Baanah and Rechab, who thought they could gain favor with King David by assassinating Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son. They killed him while he slept, cut off his head, and brought it to David, expecting a reward. But instead of praising them, David condemned them. He called them wicked men and executed them for their crime.
These men made a terrible mistake. They thought that doing evil in the name of a good cause would please the king. But David was a righteous man who knew that you cannot please the King by breaking His law. This teaches us an important truth: God does not accept disobedience, even when it is done with good intentions.
Family Discussion: How Do We Serve God?
Just like Baanah and Rechab got it wrong, we can also serve God in the wrong way. We might think that as long as we are doing something that looks good, God must be pleased. But service to God must be done His way.
Ask your family:
What were Baanah and Rechab hoping to gain by their actions? (Answer: They wanted status, power, and favor from the king.)
Why was David displeased with them? (Answer: Because they committed murder, which was against God’s law.)
What does this teach us about how we should serve God? (Answer: We must obey God’s commands and serve Him in the way He desires, not according to our own ideas.)
Application for the Family
1. Serving God in the Home
God has given each member of the family a role. Parents serve God by leading, teaching, and providing for their children. Children serve God by obeying their parents, helping at home, and showing kindness to their siblings. When we do these things with a right heart, we are serving God in a way that pleases Him.
Ask your family:
Parents, how can you lead your children in a way that honors God?
Children, what are some ways you can serve God by serving your family?
2. Serving Each Other with the Right Heart
Sometimes we help each other, but we do it with the wrong attitude. We might complain about chores, argue about who does more work, or only help when we think we’ll get something in return. But true service is done out of love, not selfishness.
Ask your family:
Have you ever done something “helpful” but with a bad attitude? (Example: Doing a chore while complaining.)
How can we serve one another with love instead of resentment?
3. Serving God with Obedience, Not Just Effort
Baanah and Rechab were eager to serve, but their actions were sinful. Sometimes, we think just doing something is enough—but God cares about how we do it. This means obeying His Word, being honest, and having the right motives.
Ask your family:
What’s the difference between serving God His way and serving God our own way?
How can we make sure that our service to God is done with the right heart?
Psalm 20
Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. Verse 7
Everyone desires to be blessed. People spend their lives chasing after good things—security, success, health, and happiness. Psalm 20 is a blessing for God’s people, but it also reveals the true source of blessing.
This psalm contains powerful petitions:
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.
May He send you help.
May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill your plans.
May He give you joy and victory.
These are the blessings we long for, but how do they come? Verse 7 draws a sharp distinction between those who receive these blessings and those who do not:
"Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God."
The world puts its trust in earthly strength. In biblical times, chariots and horses symbolized military power. Armies that possessed them had a massive advantage. The Philistines struck fear into Israel with their iron chariots. The Egyptians were dreaded for their war horses. Chariots were the tanks and fighter jets of the ancient world—sources of strength, security, and victory. But where are those chariots today? They are obsolete, relics of a past age. This itself exposes the foolishness of trusting in them.
Yet we are not above boasting in modern-day “chariots and horses.” What do we turn to for security? What do we trust in when trouble comes?
Some boast in physical strength—fitness routines, health trends, and diet plans. Some boast in intellect—education, credentials, or mental toughness. Some boast in wealth—bank accounts, investments, or financial plans. Others find security in medicine, politics, technology, or personal achievements. None of these are necessarily evil, just as chariots and horses were not evil. The problem is when we trust in them rather than in the Lord.
All earthly securities are fleeting. Chariots get stuck in the mud. Horses fall in battle. Wealth can disappear overnight. Health can fail in an instant. The only sure foundation is the Lord.
Psalm 20 reminds us that true blessing—the kind that stands in the day of trouble—comes when we boast in the name of the Lord our God. He alone answers us. He alone sends help. He alone grants victory.
So, where is your trust? When trouble comes, what gives you peace? What do you cling to for security? The only sure refuge is Christ.
"Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God."
Trust in Him, and you will never be put to shame.
Example Prayer
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, we come before You with reverence and humility, acknowledging that You alone are sovereign over all things. You are the Creator and Sustainer of life, the Giver of every good gift, and the Ruler of the nations. We praise You for Your holiness, justice, and mercy, and we thank You for the grace You have shown us in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Forgive us, O God, for our sins—our failures to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neglect to love our neighbors as ourselves. Cleanse us, we pray, and renew our hearts to walk in obedience to Your commands. We give You thanks for Your many blessings, for Your steadfast love that never ceases, and for the work of Your Spirit in our lives and in Your Church.
Father, we lift up to You the expectant mothers in our congregation—Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, Oli Fluhr, and Grace Proud. We thank You for the gift of children and the blessing of new life. We ask that You watch over these mothers and their unborn children, granting them health, strength, and safe deliveries. May these little ones be born into homes where Christ is honored, the gospel is proclaimed, and the fear of the Lord is taught diligently. Give these women peace and endurance, and may their husbands lovingly lead and support them in this season of anticipation and joy.
Lord, we also pray for Trinity Presbyterian Church and Pastor Andrew Dionne. Strengthen this congregation in sound doctrine and deepen their love for one another. Grant Pastor Dionne wisdom, perseverance, and faithfulness as he proclaims Your Word and shepherds Your flock. May Trinity Presbyterian be a beacon of truth in their community, bearing much fruit for the kingdom of Christ. Protect them from error and compromise, and give them boldness to stand for righteousness in a world that resists Your truth.
We lift up to You the men of Sovereign King Church as they gather for the Genevan Pub. Use this time to sharpen them in their faith, build strong bonds of Christian brotherhood, and equip them to lead in their homes, church, and community. As the meeting time shifts to the last Sunday of the month, may it continue to be a time of fruitful discussion, encouragement, and biblical growth. Raise up godly men in our midst who stand firm in the truth, reject passivity, and lead with courage and conviction.
Father, we pray for the civil authorities in our community, particularly for the Jeffersonville City Council and Councilmember Donna Reed. Grant them wisdom and integrity in their governance, that they may uphold policies that protect life, strengthen families, and promote godliness in our city. Turn their hearts toward You, O Lord, that they may rule in the fear of God and not according to the shifting whims of culture. May they govern in a way that brings blessing rather than judgment upon our community, and may righteousness be established in our land.
Finally, we ask for Your continued blessing upon Sovereign King Church. Strengthen our families, embolden our pastors and elders, and grow us in faith and obedience to Your Word. May our church be a faithful witness to the gospel in Jeffersonville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. We pray for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, that the name of Jesus would be exalted and that many would be brought to salvation through the faithful proclamation of Your truth.
We ask all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Study on the Sacraments: The Lord’s Supper and Our Children
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a person must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For the one who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not properly recognize the body."
What Is the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is a great gift that Jesus Christ gave to His church. It is not just a religious tradition or a simple meal—it is a means of spiritual nourishment for believers. When we take the Lord’s Supper in faith, we have fellowship with Christ, remembering His death, proclaiming His resurrection, and looking forward to His return.
This is why examining ourselves before partaking is so important. The Apostle Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 that taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner brings judgment, while taking it in faith brings blessing and spiritual strength.
The sacraments are a sign and a seal of God’s promises to His people. They are a blessing to those who receive them rightly, but to those who receive them falsely, they become a curse. This principle is seen throughout Scripture. The very things that bless God’s people bring judgment upon His enemies.
The Red Sea delivered Israel but destroyed the Egyptians (Exodus 14).
The temple sacrifices atoned for Israel's sin, but when done hypocritically, they became an offense to God (Isaiah 1:11-15).
Christ Himself is a cornerstone to those who believe, but a stumbling block to those who reject Him (1 Peter 2:7-8).
Likewise, the Lord’s Supper is a feast of blessing for those who are in Christ, but a dangerous lie when taken by those who are in rebellion against Him.
The Danger of Taking the Lord’s Supper in an Unworthy Manner
When an unbeliever or an unrepentant person partakes of the Lord’s Supper, he is lying about Christ. He is falsely claiming to have fellowship with Jesus while continuing in sin and rebellion. Scripture warns that Christ does not have fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).
To take the Lord’s Supper while clinging to sin is to mock Christ’s sacrifice and to treat His blood as a common thing (Hebrews 10:29). The Apostle Paul gives a grave warning to those who do this:
“For the one who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not properly recognize the body.” – 1 Corinthians 11:29
In Corinth, some had taken the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner, treating it as a common meal, coming with unrepentant hearts, or failing to recognize Christ’s body, the church. Because of this, many of them became sick, and some even died (1 Corinthians 11:30). God does not take false worship lightly.
The Call to Examine Ourselves
Because of these warnings, Scripture commands us to judge ourselves rightly before partaking:
“But a person must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” – 1 Corinthians 11:28
To examine ourselves means to search our hearts and ask:
Am I truly trusting in Christ for salvation?
Am I walking in repentance, turning from sin, and striving for holiness?
Do I have unresolved conflict with a brother or sister in Christ?
If we judge ourselves rightly, we will not be judged by God (1 Corinthians 11:31). But if we come to the Table with a hypocritical or indifferent heart, we invite His discipline.
For the Believer, a Feast of Blessing
For those who take the Lord’s Supper in faith, however, it is a feast of blessing and strength. Christ has given this sacrament as a means of grace, a way to confirm His promises, strengthen our faith, and assure us of His fellowship.
When we come in repentance and faith, the Lord’s Supper nourishes our souls. We spiritually partake of Christ, and He blesses us with assurance, encouragement, and perseverance in the faith.
This is why we must approach the Lord’s Supper with seriousness, reverence, and joy. It is both a warning and a promise—a call to self-examination, but also a feast of grace for those who belong to Christ.
When Should Children Take the Lord’s Supper?
Many Christian parents wonder, "When is my child ready to take the Lord’s Supper?" The Bible teaches that those who partake must:
Be part of the church – This means being baptized and a visible member of Christ’s body.
Have a clear profession of faith – This is not just repeating words but showing a true trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Understand what they are doing – They must be able to remember Christ’s sacrifice and examine their own hearts.
At Sovereign King Church, we encourage parents to look for signs of genuine faith in their children. This is more than just knowledge of Bible stories—it is a love for Christ, a hatred of sin, and a desire to obey Him. When these signs are evident, parents should bring their child to the elders, who will help discern their readiness to partake.
Signs of Genuine Faith in a Child
Parents, you cannot see your child's heart, but you can see the fruit of their faith. Here are some questions to help you evaluate their spiritual growth:
Do they confess sin on their own, without being caught?
Do they love Christ and desire to obey Him?
Do they pray and read Scripture willingly?
Do they desire to take the Lord’s Supper because they love Jesus, or just because others do?
These are important signs that help us determine if a child is ready to come to the Lord’s Table.
The Role of the Church in Admitting Children to the Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is not a family meal—it is a church sacrament. While parents play a crucial role in teaching and guiding their children, the elders of the church have been given the responsibility of admitting believers to the Lord’s Table.
At Sovereign King Church, when a child expresses a desire to take the Lord’s Supper, parents should bring them to speak with the elders. The elders will ask simple but meaningful questions like:
Who is Jesus?
Why do we take the Lord’s Supper?
What is sin, and why do we need forgiveness?
This is not a test—it is an opportunity for the child to profess their faith before the church.
Family Discussion Questions
Why do we take the Lord’s Supper?
What does it mean to examine ourselves before we partake?
What are some signs that a child is ready to take the Lord’s Supper?
Why is it important for the elders to help discern when someone is ready?
Ways to Prepare for the Lord’s Supper as a Family
Read 1 Corinthians 11 together and discuss what it means.
Talk with your children about their faith. Ask them what they believe about Jesus.
Encourage them to pray and ask God to help them grow in their understanding of the Lord’s Supper.
If they show genuine faith, bring them to meet with the elders for further guidance.
