The Guide for the Week March 23-29th
The Guide for the Week March 23-29th 2025 The Third Week of Lent
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
2 Samuel 5
Acts 13:13-43
Psalm 21
Verse to Memorize
Ephesians 2:8-9
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Reformed Church
Pastor Jody Killingsworth
Ministry: Nursing Home Ministry
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Steve Webb
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Verse 1-2 Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it, 2 so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
My grandfather passed away two years ago at the age of 91. But before he died, he wrote a short autobiography and gave it to our family. It’s a treasure. On the last page, he left us these words:
“I’m sure there are many other stories I could write about, but what I hope you will always remember when you think of me is that I love you all as a dad, grandpa, and loving husband. I am very proud of you and the Christian families you are raising. I have made many mistakes throughout life, and by the grace of the Good Lord through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, I am saved and will see you all in heaven. I love you.”
That was my grandfather. A godly man. And I have been blessed to inherit a godly heritage. My father is also a Christian man, a pastor. If I go further back, my great-grandparents were the same. This is a gift. One I pray I can pass down to my children.
Now, I know some of you come from families like mine. But many of you don’t. Some of you are the first in your family to believe in Jesus and walk in His ways. Praise God for new beginnings.
One thing we all have in common: none of us wants to be the last in our family to believe. Whether we’re continuing the line of faith or starting one, we want a long heritage of Christian descendants. And that’s God’s desire too.
God’s Multi-Generational Plan
In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to a new generation of Israelites. Their fathers—rescued from Egypt—failed to trust God and enter the Promised Land. Their disobedience led to their deaths in the wilderness. But their children have now grown, and Moses commands them to obey God as they enter the land flowing with milk and honey.
Why? So that they, their sons, and their grandsons would fear the Lord, obey Him, and live long, fruitful lives.
This is God’s vision: multi-generational faithfulness. God’s will has always been that we and our children would serve Him. He made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless his children and remain faithful—even when they failed. And the New Testament teaches that we are Abraham’s children by faith. That means God’s covenant still stands. He will be our God and the God of our children.
This passage in Deuteronomy doesn’t just reveal God’s heart—it shows us His method. If we want a legacy of faith, we need to follow God’s blueprint.
This passage is often called the Shema Israel, from the Hebrew words meaning “Hear, O Israel.” This is where multi-generational faithfulness begins: with God’s call.
It starts with God’s work, not ours. He must speak, and we must have ears to hear. Before we focus on what we do, we must acknowledge this truth—salvation is of the Lord. It is His work from beginning to end. If we, our children, and our grandchildren are to remain faithful, God must call us, and we must listen.
The good news? God has promised to be with us.
“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One!” (Deut. 6:4)
He is not a distant, impersonal deity. He is our God. And because He is our God, we can receive His promises by faith. He has made a covenant with His people, and He remains faithful to that covenant.
So pray. Pray that He will open your ears and the ears of your children. Do not stop praying. Do not stop believing. He is the one true God, and He is faithful.
1. Love the Lord with All That You Are
Before we talk about sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons, we must start with ourselves.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deut. 6:5)
This is the foundation. If we do not love God, how can we expect our children to? I grew up with people whose parents brought them to church, yet some of them do not walk with the Lord today. Why?
Yes, God is sovereign in salvation. But from a human perspective, one of the reasons is clear: their parents did not walk out their faith at home.
Children learn what their fathers love. If we treat church as a duty rather than a delight, they will notice. If we love money, status, or entertainment more than God, they will notice. If our faith is half-hearted, why would they take it seriously?
You can bring your kids to church every Sunday. And God can save them despite your failings. But what good will that do you, if you yourself have not loved the Lord?
Your children will follow in your footsteps. The apple does not fall far from the tree.
2. Treasure God’s Word
Next, Moses commands:
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.” (Deut. 6:6)
Faith. Love for God. And then—treasuring His Word.
Read it. Study it. Obey it.
In our day, we have Bibles on our phones, tablets, and computers. But previous generations understood something we often forget: the value of a well-worn Bible. Many of you know the feeling of receiving a parent’s or grandparent’s Bible, filled with underlines, notes, and tear-stained pages.
A Bible like that is evidence of a life spent treasuring God’s Word.
So let me ask you—what will your children inherit from you?
Will they inherit an unread Bible, gathering dust on a shelf? Or will they inherit a legacy of faith, written in the margins of Scripture and lived out in the home?
Take up the Word. Read it. Treasure it. And obey it.
3. Teach Your Children Diligently
This is crucial. Teach your sons the Word of God.
Verse 7 says:
“You shall teach them diligently to your sons…”
The word diligently matters. It means intentionality, consistency, and care. This is not casual. It is not occasional. It is meticulous.
You must not be haphazard about this. Set aside time. Read the Bible with your children. Teach them Scripture on purpose.
I assume you are already practicing family worship. If you’re reading this, you likely care about leading your home in the faith. So keep going. Stay faithful. Work on being more consistent.
Because if you don’t disciple your children, the world will.
4. Talk About God Everywhere
Faith is not just for Sunday morning. It should saturate your life.
Moses commands:
“…when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.” (Deut. 6:7)
That means all day, everywhere.
Talk about God at the dinner table. Talk about Him in the car on the way to school. Talk about Him when you play catch in the backyard. Talk about Him when you tuck your kids in at night.
Live your faith in such a way that your children cannot escape it. Not because you force it, but because it is woven into everything you do.
Teach them not just what to believe, but why.
And don’t stop there—teach them to pass it on. You want Christian grandsons, don’t you? Then start training your sons now to be the kind of men who will raise their own children in the faith.
5. Mark Your Life for Christ
Verses 8-9 command:
“You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
The Jews took this literally, wearing small boxes of Scripture on their foreheads and posting scrolls on their doors. While we are not bound to that specific practice, the principle remains: our faith should be visible, unmistakable, and central in our lives.
What does that look like for us?
Fill your home with Scripture. Put verses on the walls.
Fill your home with Christian music. Let your children hear truth in song.
Fill your home with godly conversation. Speak of the Lord often.
But this is not just about decoration. It is about obedience. Your faith must govern how you think, how you work, how you speak, how you live.
There is no area of life where you should take off your Christianity. No compartments. No compromise.
A Legacy That Endures
I am grateful for a grandfather who never set aside his faith. I am grateful for a father who walks in the same way.
And I pray that I will do the same.
I pray that my sons and grandsons will follow after me. And I pray the same for you and your families.
I look forward to baptizing your children and your grandchildren. I look forward to seeing your sons and daughters rise up to take their place in the leadership of God’s church.
Let us be faithful. And may God establish our families in the faith for generations to come.
2 Samuel 5
The world is full of men who reject the rightful King. They build their own little kingdoms, they set up their own rule, and they pretend they are in charge. But history tells a different story. Every false kingdom falls. Every rebel king is crushed. In the end, there is only one King who remains.
David was God’s anointed king. But for seven years, Israel resisted him. They clung to the ruins of Saul’s failed rule. They delayed the inevitable. Yet, God patiently worked, and in time, He established David as king over all Israel.
And through David’s story, we see the greater reality of Christ’s reign. David was a shadow, a mere glimpse of the King to come. In the ways God established David, we see how He has already established His Son, Jesus Christ. And if we belong to Christ, these truths shape how we live under His rule today.
1. God Gave David a Crown
David didn’t take the throne by force. God gave it to him. He was anointed long before he sat on the throne. For years, he waited while Saul’s broken kingdom dragged on. But when the time came, David didn’t have to seize power—God placed it in his hands.
And so it is with Christ. His kingship was not given by men, nor did He have to fight for it. God the Father crowned Him King from the beginning. The world may resist, but their resistance changes nothing. Christ reigns now. His rule is not up for debate.
Application: You don’t make Jesus King—He already is. Your choice is simple: submit or rebel. Faith is not about making Christ Lord of your life. He already is Lord. Faith is about recognizing what is already true and trust in your King!
2. God Gave David a City
A king must have a kingdom. When David was crowned, he still needed a capital—a place from which to rule. Jerusalem was that city. But the Jebusites stood in the way. They mocked him. They thought they were untouchable. Yet, David took the city. He made it his stronghold.
This is a picture of Christ’s kingdom. The world laughs at the idea of Christ’s reign. The nations rage. But Psalm 2 tells us that God laughs at their rebellion. Christ is already seated on His throne, and His kingdom is advancing. It is not an earthly city—it is the Church. The true Jerusalem is not built by human hands. It is a spiritual kingdom, and it cannot be shaken.
Application: Are you living as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom or the kingdom of man? The city of man is full of rebellion, sin, and fleeting pleasures. The city of God stands forever. If you belong to Christ, then live as one of His people—holy, set apart, and loyal to your true King.
3. God Gave David a House
A king with a throne and a city still needs a dwelling place. God provided that too. He moved the heart of Hiram, king of Tyre, to build a house for David. It was not David’s own doing—it was a gift.
And here’s the greater truth: Christ is building His house. But His house is not made of cedar and stone. His house is His people. The Church is the dwelling place of God. Every believer is a living stone, fitted together for His glory.
Application: Are you building the house of God, or are you only focused on your own? Haggai warned Israel about neglecting God’s house while they built up their own homes. How many Christians today give all their time, energy, and resources to personal success, while the work of the Church is neglected? Seek first the Kingdom. Christ is building His house—be a part of it.
4. God Gave David a Family
A kingdom is more than buildings and battles—it’s about people. God gave David a family. Sons and daughters to secure his line, to continue his reign. But here, we also see David’s imperfections. He took multiple wives. He grasped when he should have waited.
This reminds us that David was not the final King. The true King, Jesus Christ, has been given a family too. But unlike David, Christ’s family is not through earthly marriage. It is a spiritual family—the redeemed people of God. And He is not ashamed to call us brothers.
Application: If you are in Christ, you belong to the family of God. You are not an outsider. You are not alone. Your true identity is not found in your past sins but in your adoption as a child of God. Live as part of the household of faith—love your brothers, serve the Church, and stand together under the rule of your King.
5. God Gave David Victory Over His Enemies
No king reigns without opposition. The moment David was crowned, the Philistines attacked. They heard of his reign and came to fight. The enemy always resists when God’s anointed takes the throne.
The same is true of Christ. When He reigns in a life, the enemy fights back. The world, the flesh, and the devil do not surrender easily. But the victory belongs to the King. Just as God went before David and struck down his enemies, so Christ fights for His people. He has already defeated sin, death, and the grave.
Application: Expect opposition, but don’t fear it. The moment you submit to Christ, you will face battle. Temptation, persecution, spiritual warfare—they will come. But take heart. The King fights for you. Stand firm. March forward. The gates of hell will not prevail.
Conclusion: The King Reigns—Are You With Him?
God gave David a crown. A city. A house. A family. Victory. But David was only a foreshadowing of the greater King to come. Jesus Christ reigns now. His kingdom is established. His people are secured. And He is marching toward final victory.
The question is not whether Christ reigns. The question is whether you will stand with Him or against Him. Will you cling to your own failing kingdom? Or will you bow before the King of kings and live as a citizen of His unshakable Kingdom?
“The Guard dies, but it does not surrender”-that’s what Napoleon’s elite warriors said at Waterloo as their empire fell. They fought to the last man for a dying kingdom.
But you do not serve a dying king. You serve the risen Christ. His empire is not crumbling. His reign is not fading. One day, He will return to finish what He started—to put every enemy under His feet and to bring His people into eternal glory.
So stand firm. Fight in faith. Live in obedience. Your King is on the throne. And He is bringing you home.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are the Lord of all creation, the Giver of life, and the Sustainer of Your people. In You, we live and move and have our being. We give You thanks for Your steadfast love and mercy, for the grace that You pour out upon us through Jesus Christ, our Savior. We confess our sins before You, acknowledging that we fall short of Your perfect righteousness, yet we rejoice in the atonement secured for us by Christ’s blood. Strengthen us, O Lord, to walk in obedience, to love Your law, and to glorify You in all that we do.
We lift before You the expectant mothers of our church—Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, Oli Fluhr, and Grace Proud. Lord, we ask for Your hand of protection upon them and the precious children they carry. Guard them from harm, grant them strength in their bodies, and give them peace of mind as they prepare for the gift of new life. May their husbands lead them with wisdom and love, and may these little ones grow to know and fear You all their days.
Father, we pray for Pastor Jody Killingsworth and the congregation of Trinity Reformed Church. Bless their efforts in proclaiming the gospel, and strengthen them in sound doctrine. Deepen their love for one another and their boldness in bearing witness to Christ. Grant Pastor Killingsworth wisdom, perseverance, and faithfulness in his preaching and leadership. May their church be a pillar of truth in their community, shining the light of Christ in the midst of a perverse generation.
We also lift up the Nursing Home Ministry, asking that You would bless those who labor to bring the truth of Your Word to the elderly and infirm. Give them compassion and patience, and embolden them to proclaim the gospel without fear. Open the hearts of residents and staff alike, that many would turn to Christ in faith. May this ministry be a source of comfort and joy to those who often feel forgotten, reminding them that their hope is found in You alone.
Lord, we pray for the civil authorities You have placed over us, particularly for Jeffersonville City Councilmember Steve Webb. Grant him wisdom, integrity, and a fear of the Lord as he makes decisions that affect our community. May he stand for righteousness, protect the sanctity of life, and promote policies that honor Your moral law. Turn the hearts of our leaders toward You, that they might govern in a manner that brings blessing rather than judgment upon our land.
Father, we also intercede for those among us who are dealing with sickness. We ask for Your healing hand upon them, that they may be restored to health according to Your will. Grant them patience in their affliction and draw them closer to You in their suffering. Help us, as a church body, to care for one another in love—bearing each other's burdens, providing support, and being mindful of how we can protect the health of our brothers and sisters. May we walk in wisdom and kindness, considering one another's needs above our own.
Finally, we pray for the families of Sovereign King Church. Strengthen the fathers to lead their homes with courage and faithfulness. Grant the mothers joy in their calling as they nurture their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Bless the children of our congregation, that they may grow in obedience and wisdom. Uphold our pastors and elders, giving them boldness to preach the whole counsel of Your Word. And Lord, may Your kingdom advance in Jeffersonville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. Turn the hearts of men to Christ, that many would bow the knee to His Lordship.
We ask all these things in the name of our risen King, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Church History Lesson: Jonathan Edwards – Zeal for the Glory of God
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Introduction: A Man Ablaze for God’s Glory
Jonathan Edwards was a man utterly consumed with the glory of God. He was a preacher, theologian, and revivalist who stood boldly for biblical truth, even when it cost him everything. His passionate preaching and unrelenting zeal helped spark the Great Awakening, a revival that transformed countless lives and reshaped the spiritual landscape of America.
But Edwards’ life was not one of ease. He stood firm in the face of opposition, was cast out of his church for his convictions, and yet continued to labor for Christ until the day he died. His legacy continues to shape theology, evangelism, and our understanding of how God’s glory and our joy are intertwined.
The Life and Work of Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards was born in 1703 in East Windsor, Connecticut. Raised in a devout Puritan home, he quickly displayed a keen intellect and a love for theology. By the age of 13, he was studying at Yale, and by 17, he had graduated with honors. His mind was sharp, but more importantly, his heart burned for the Lord.
Edwards became a pastor in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he preached with great passion. His sermons weren’t designed to entertain or coddle—he thundered forth the truth of God’s sovereignty, the horrors of sin, and the necessity of repentance. His most famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” was used by God to bring many to their knees in conviction and faith. People wept, clung to pews, and cried out for mercy as they recognized their desperate need for Christ.
This fire of conviction spread, and what we now call The Great Awakening swept across the American colonies. Under Edwards’ leadership, thousands repented, churches were revived, and society itself was shaken. His writings, such as Religious Affections and The End for Which God Created the World, continue to influence Christian thought on revival and the purpose of life—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
A Costly Stand for Truth
Despite his influence, Edwards was not a man-pleaser. He stood firmly on biblical truth, even when it cost him dearly. His commitment to biblical discipline led to conflict with his own congregation. He opposed the easy, shallow Christianity that had taken root in New England and insisted that only those who had experienced true conversion should take communion.
This stance angered many, and in 1750, he was fired from his church after over two decades of faithful ministry. But Edwards did not despair. He took his family to the frontier, where he became a missionary to the Mohican and Mohawk Indians, faithfully preaching the Gospel and training new leaders. His passion for God’s glory and for reaching the lost never wavered.
Later, in 1758, Edwards was called to become the president of Princeton (then known as the College of New Jersey). Sadly, he only served for a few months before dying from complications following a smallpox inoculation. Yet even in his brief time, he sought to train young men in sound theology, passing the torch of biblical truth to the next generation.
A Lasting Influence on America
Edwards’ influence on America is undeniable. The Great Awakening laid the spiritual foundation for the American colonies, reinforcing biblical faith, personal responsibility before God, and the importance of revival. The movement encouraged bold, convictional preaching, a high view of God’s sovereignty, and a willingness to stand against spiritual compromise.
Even today, his theological writings challenge believers to pursue God with all their heart, mind, and soul. His works on revival remain some of the best resources for understanding true, God-ordained spiritual renewal.
Perhaps Edwards’ most profound insight was his understanding that God’s glory and our joy are one and the same. He famously wrote, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” True joy is not found in worldly pleasure but in knowing and delighting in our Creator.
Application for Families
Edwards' life is a call to serious faith. He refused to settle for lukewarm Christianity, and neither should we. Here are some ways we can learn from his example:
Seek God’s Glory Above All – Teach your children that life is not about personal success, but about glorifying God in all things.
Be Zealous for the Truth – Do not compromise God’s Word for the sake of comfort or popularity.
Pray for Revival – God still works mightily when His people humble themselves and seek Him earnestly.
Pursue True Joy in Christ – Show your family that the greatest pleasure in life is knowing and walking with God.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards. Thank You for using him to awaken a nation and for his unwavering commitment to Your truth. May we, like him, seek Your glory above all else. Give us boldness to stand for righteousness, passion for true revival, and hearts that delight in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
