The Guide for the Week April 13-19th 2025 Holy Week
The Guide for the Week April 13-19th 2025 Holy Week
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 7:1-6
Luke 19:28-48
Acts 14:19-29
Psalm 24
Verse to Memorize
Matthew 28:18-20
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 94. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s.
Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?
A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.
Who to pray for
Church: Syracuse Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Bushong
Ministry: Sweetwater Research
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Evan Stoner
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 7:1–6
Verse 6: “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
This passage is often attacked in our day. Unbelievers accuse God of injustice, pointing to His command that Israel utterly destroy the seven nations inhabiting the land of Canaan. They cry out, “Genocide!” and attempt to drag God’s name through the mud.
But as Doug Wilson rightly says, “We must be resolved to have no problem passages.” The faithful do not come to Scripture with suspicion or arrogance. We are not hunting for loopholes to excuse our sin. Nor do we presume to judge God. We come with reverence. We come in faith. We affirm from the outset: God is good, His Word is true, and His judgments are righteous altogether.
So what is God doing in this passage?
Centuries before, God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit this land. But God withheld the promise for a time, because “the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16). God was patient. For generations, these seven nations sank deeper into wickedness—idolatry, sexual perversion, child sacrifice, bloodshed, greed, and corruption. They stored up wrath for the day of judgment. That day had now arrived.
God had chosen Israel to be His people, His possession, a holy nation set apart from all others. He was not merely driving out the wicked—He was protecting His own. His command was clear: they were to show no mercy to these nations, to make no covenants, to enter no marriages, to spare no idols. This was a holy war, not driven by race or conquest, but by righteousness and judgment. The Canaanites weren’t victims—they were recipients of divine justice.
This command reveals both the justice and the mercy of God. Justice upon the wicked. Mercy for His people, whom He set apart and protected from corruption. He gave them boundaries—not to be harsh, but to preserve holiness.
So what about us?
If we are in Christ, then we too are God’s chosen people. A holy nation. A people for His own possession. We are not called to wield the sword, but we are called to be holy. The danger of corruption remains. “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). God hasn’t removed us from the world, but He has called us to be distinct within it.
We must be watchful. The most obvious application is in marriage: we must not give our sons or daughters to unbelievers. This is not about race—it never was. The prohibition was spiritual. Intermarriage with pagans leads to compromise and apostasy. The same danger persists today.
But the application extends beyond marriage. We must examine every area of life—our entertainment, friendships, ambitions, and habits. Are we allowing the world to shape us? Are we letting idols take root in our hearts?
You were bought with a price. Christ shed His blood to redeem you. You now belong to Him. So live like it. Tear down the idols. Guard your heart. Keep yourself unstained by the world. And serve the Lord your God with undivided devotion.
Be holy, for He is holy.
Psalm 24
Verse 3: “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?”
Verse 7: “Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!”
There’s a memorable scene in The Two Towers where Aragorn, presumed dead, suddenly bursts through the great doors of Helm’s Deep. King Théoden is seated in the throne room, uncertain and vulnerable, when the rightful heir enters, alive and battle-worn, to rally the defense. The doors swing open for a king who has been to war.
Psalm 24 paints an even more awe-inspiring scene—the arrival of the true King, the Lord of Glory. It begins with a declaration of absolute sovereignty: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains.” God owns everything because He made everything. His authority is not borrowed. It is total, righteous, and holy. Before such a King, no man can casually stroll into His presence.
So the psalmist asks the piercing question: “Who may ascend?” Who is worthy to stand before this holy God? The answer is devastating: only the one with clean hands and a pure heart. Only the man who has never lifted his soul to falsehood. Who has never spoken deceitfully. In other words, only the righteous may enter—the truly, perfectly righteous. That ought to stop every one of us in our tracks. Who among us dares to claim that we can climb the hill of the Lord on our own merit? None. And yet, the psalm does not end in despair.
And then the cry comes in verse 7:
“Lift up your heads, O gates... that the King of glory may come in!”
The gates are commanded to lift. The doors to open. Why? Because the King of Glory is coming. This King is the answer to verse 3. The doors open—but not for any man. They open for the King. He is strong and mighty in battle, because He has fought and conquered. Not orcs. Not Rome. But sin, Satan, and death itself. And He has returned in triumph.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts. Jesus Christ.
He alone is worthy. He alone has ascended the hill by His own righteousness. But here’s the glory of the gospel: He does not ascend alone. By faith, we ascend with Him. He is not ashamed to call us brothers. He brings us with Him into the sanctuary of God. He shares His righteousness with us. He vouches for us before the Father.
Application for Parents:
Talk with your children about what it means to worship a holy King. Read Psalm 24 together and explain why only Jesus could ascend the hill of the Lord. Ask them if they think they can be good enough on their own. Show them how Jesus made a way for us—not by ignoring sin, but by conquering it. Help them see Sunday worship not as routine, but as a holy privilege. Challenge them to prepare their hearts: to confess sin, to think on Christ’s victory, and to enter worship with awe. Remind them that the gates are open not because we are strong, but because our King is mighty. Teach them to lift their heads and rejoice in the glory of Jesus.
Example Prayer
Almighty and Everlasting God, You are the Maker of heaven and earth, the One who upholds all things by the word of Your power. You are holy, righteous, and full of steadfast love. We praise You for Your sovereign rule over all creation and Your mercy poured out upon undeserving sinners. We confess that we have often failed to walk in Your commandments. Our hearts are prone to wander, and our minds are easily distracted by the fleeting things of this world. Yet You have not dealt with us as our sins deserve. In Your grace, You have sent Your Son to redeem us and poured out Your Spirit to sanctify us. Thank You for Your daily provision, Your protection, and the precious fellowship of the saints.
We lift up to You the expectant mothers of our church—Courtney Parkes, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, Oli Fluhr, and Grace Proud. You are the Author of life, and children are a heritage from Your hand. We ask that You would strengthen these women in body and spirit as they carry the little ones You have knit together in their wombs. Grant them peace, health, and endurance. Cause their husbands to walk in wisdom and sacrificial love, leading their homes with diligence. May each of these families be prepared to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
We pray also for Syracuse Baptist Church and Pastor Tim Bushong. Thank You for his faithful witness and commitment to preaching the gospel without compromise. Guard him in sound doctrine and fortify his heart in personal holiness. May he shepherd the flock under his care with wisdom, courage, and gentleness. We ask that You would bless the congregation of Syracuse Baptist Church—cause them to be a bright light in their community, exalting Christ in worship and raising up godly men to lead in church and home. Strengthen them against the tide of cultural decay, and grant them fruitfulness in both number and maturity.
We thank You for the ministry of Sweetwater Research and their labor in bringing clean water and the good news of Christ to impoverished communities. We praise You for their example of meeting physical needs while proclaiming the eternal truth of the gospel. Open doors for this ministry to reach even more areas of need, and raise up laborers who will give themselves fully to this work. Use their efforts to bring both healing and salvation. May their love and service testify clearly to the grace and glory of Jesus Christ.
We intercede for Councilman Evan Stoner and the Jeffersonville City Council. You have ordained civil authority for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do good. We ask that Councilman Stoner would fear You above all and seek wisdom from Your Word. Turn his heart toward righteousness and give him courage to resist ungodly ideologies. May he defend the innocent, protect the family, and promote laws that reflect Your moral order. And for the entire city council, we plead for Your mercy—that You would restrain evil, thwart the plans of the wicked, and bring conviction and repentance where needed. May Christ be exalted even in the realm of civil government.
Finally, we pray for the households of Sovereign King Church. Strengthen the men to lead with humility and boldness. Grant the women grace to walk in joyful submission and faith. Raise up children who fear Your name and walk in truth. Uphold our pastors and elders, giving them wisdom, courage, and perseverance. Bless the preaching of the Word, the fellowship of the saints, and the sacraments You have appointed. Cause our church to grow in holiness and in number. And may the gospel advance with power in Jeffersonville, throughout Southern Indiana, and to the ends of the earth—for the glory of Christ our King.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Family Worship Guide Lesson: Holy Week — Palm Sunday & Good Friday
Key Verse: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3
Introduction:
Every spring, Christians across the world remember the final week of our Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry—Holy Week. The week begins with the joyful shouts of Hosanna on Psalm Sunday and ends with the grievous shouts of “Crucify Him” on Good Friday. These two days, though very different in tone, are important pillars in the story of our redemption.
The Historical Roots:
The observance of Holy Week goes all the way back to the early church. By the second century, Christians were already marking the days leading up to Easter. Palm Sunday was remembered as the day Christ entered Jerusalem, hailed as King. Good Friday commemorated His crucifixion—the day the spotless Lamb of God bore the wrath of God for sinners.
Early Christians in Jerusalem would reenact Christ’s triumphal entry, waving palm branches and singing psalms. By the fourth century, Egeria, a Christian woman from Spain, wrote detailed accounts of Holy Week celebrations in the Holy Land. The faithful would gather to read Scripture, pray, and walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Reformation and Protestant Practice:
The Protestant Reformers did not throw out Holy Week. While they rightly rejected Roman Catholic abuses and superstitions, they saw great value in remembering the events of Christ’s Passion. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others encouraged the preaching of Christ’s suffering and resurrection during these days.
Reformed churches often held special services on Good Friday, focused on the cross. Palm Sunday sermons centered on Christ’s kingship and humility. What changed was not the meaning—but the method. The focus was shifted away from empty ritual and redirected to the clear preaching of the Gospel.
Meaning Behind the Days:
Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus is the true King—not worldly king, but one who came to conquer sin, Satan, and death. The crowd cried, “Hosanna!”—save us now! They wanted a mere political savior, but Christ came for something greater-to bring peace between God and man.
Good Friday is the darkest and most glorious day in history. It was the day our Champion took our place. He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The wrath we deserved fell on Him. There is no Christianity without the cross. No crown without that cursed tree.
Application for Parents:
Parents, teach your children the weight and wonder of this week. Read the Gospel accounts together each day leading up to Resurrection Sunday. On Palm Sunday, read the triumphal entry in Matthew 21 or John 12. On Good Friday, read Isaiah 53 and the crucifixion from the Gospels.
Explain to your children that Palm Sunday shows us Christ’s humility—He rode a donkey, not a war horse. Good Friday shows us His love—He died for us while we were still sinners.
Don't fear tradition rightly used. Let the rhythms of the Church’s calendar drive home the truths of the Gospel. Use this week to slow down, read more Scripture, pray more deeply, and speak plainly to your family about Christ crucified.