CTK Family Devotions Week #151

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (11/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (8/3/2026)

There is no doubt: the restoration of the image of God cannot happen by our own strength.

Romans 3:19–20 (ESV) — 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

1) What does this text mean? Is there any way out of our predicament as sinners that we ourselves can create?

2) Do you know what Paul writes immediately after this? Why is he so thorough is showing our need first?

3) Is showing our need as sinners before proclaiming Christ as savior something all preachers should do? Explain.

4) Do these verses condemn man-made religions that focus on doing our best to earn favor? Explain.

Tuesday (8/4/2026)

Jesus has authority not only over temporal things, but also over eternal realities.

Matthew 9:1–8 (ESV) — 1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

1) Think back to Pastor Joe’s 6/7 sermon: if this was McDonalds, what was the sign & what was the burger bag?

2) Jesus demonstrates He not only has authority to establish a sign pointing to life, but to apply that life itself. Where do we see this played out in the church today? (ex: Songs point to Jesus, but Word & sacraments actually deliver Him)

3) Ask for the Lord to not just demonstrate His power, but to apply His grace to you by His Word daily.

Wednesday (8/5/2026)

The following of God’s Law is to be done as an entire community together.

Nehemiah 10:28–29 (ESV) — 28 “The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, 29 join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and his statutes.

1) What sort of events/traditions do you have as a family? As a church? As a town? As a state? As a country?

2) Is it a good thing to follow God’s Law? What should we do when we fail to? Should we plan to repent? Explain.

3) Do the traditions in your congregation allow you to hear God’s Word, to confess your faith, to confess your sin, to receive forgiveness, to worship, to pray, and to fellowship with others? If not, how can you encourage positive change? Think carefully about other positive changes you may need to encourage in other areas, like home, too!

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s youth-only study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

Thursday (8/6/2026)

Our sinful hearts delight in forsaking the wisdom of our elders and the truth of God in exchange for pleasant lies.

Deuteronomy 32:15–18 (ESV) — 15 “But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation. 16 They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked him to anger. 17 They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never known, to new gods that had come recently, whom your fathers had never dreaded. 18 You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you, and you forgot the God who gave you birth.

1) What is God described as in these verses? (Rock) Explain how this title is fitting.

2) When do we think about God more: in the good times or in the bad times? Why? Is this good or bad?

3) Ask for a heart that remains faithful to the Lord, knowing that He has mercy on you every second of every day.

Friday (8/7/2026)

It is the Lord’s mercy alone that provides for all of our needs.

Joel 2:18–20 (ESV) — 18 Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people. 19 The LORD answered and said to his people, “Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations. 20 “I will remove the northerner far from you, and drive him into a parched and desolate land, his vanguard into the eastern sea, and his rear guard into the western sea; the stench and foul smell of him will rise, for he has done great things.

1) What was the longest you had to go without food recently? What meal did you break your fast with? Was it good?

2) Did the Lord have to deliver His people? Why did He do so? Why does He deliver us?

3) List out some of the specific blessings that the Lord sends to satisfy you. Think physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, etc.

Saturday (8/8/2026)

Relying entirely on the one who works to restore the fallen image of God leads to amazing things.

James 5:13–18 (ESV) — 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

1) How much time do you spend in prayer on a given week? What sort of things do you ask for?

2) How often do you practice v16? Why is confessing our sin & applying forgiveness to each other such a good thing?

3) Ask even now for the Lord’s will to be done in your life & for your heart to be ready to pray, confess, & forgive as needed tomorrow.

Sunday (8/9/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Pray that this summer would be an opportunity to spend more time in God’s Word as a family & at Bible camps.

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

Tonight will be a youth-only study at Christ the King. Students entering 7th grade through college are welcome. Arrive anytime 4:30pm onwards. Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm.

Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun.

CTK Family Devotions Week #152

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (12/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (8/10/2026)

The only hope of restoring the image of God is found in the perfect righteousness of Jesus, given through faith.

Romans 3:21–27 (ESV) — 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.

1) This is a “highlight" verse in Scripture. What important things can you learn from these verses alone?

2) What does it mean that God is both just and a justifier? Why do we need Him to be both?

3) How would you share those truths in your own words to a friend looking for hope?

4) How do these verses serve to give you life? When you are troubled, where then should you look for hope?

Tuesday (8/11/2026)

Unless you recognize your need for the restored image of God, you will always spurn Christ’s efforts to save you.

Matthew 9:9–13 (ESV) — 9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

1) Do you like going to the doctor? Do you go routinely to visits or only when you are really sick?

2) How is Jesus like a doctor (physician)? How is Jesus different than a doctor?

3) What sort of sickness do we all suffer from? How does Christ deal with this sickness of sin? (Died, rose, Word, Spirit)

4) Ask humbly for the Great Physician to heal you and equip you to seek out others who need Him too!

Wednesday (8/12/2026)

Caring for the house of God is not merely about a building, but about His glory being proclaimed consistently.

Nehemiah 10:39 (ESV) — 39 For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.”

1) What is your favorite form of bread? (grain & oil, + extras) How about your favorite drink made from fruit?

2) Why did the temple under the old covenant need these things? Do they point ahead to the new covenant? How?

3) Caring for a church building, if you have one, is important. In what ways can this “house of God” be neglected? 4) Even more importantly, we are the house of God (See: Ephesians 2:21–22; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16; or 2 Corinthians 6:16).

5) How can we neglect this house made of the saints? (Some ideas… Personally: not being in Word; corporately: not gathering together or ignoring needs of others or rejecting cornerstone; other ways you can think of?)

Prayer or praise requests that you want featured for next week? Text or call Pastor Joe any time!

Thursday (8/13/2026)

Those who reject the grace of God can only look forward to a fiery judgment of condemnation.

Deuteronomy 32:19–22 (ESV) — 19 “The LORD saw it and spurned them, because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters. 20 And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness. 21 They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. 22 For a fire is kindled by my anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol, devours the earth and its increase, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains.

1) What’s the biggest fire you’ve ever started? How about the biggest one you’ve ever seen? What did it destroy?

2) Where is the New Testament does it warn us that our God is a consuming fire? Why is this warning important?

3) Ask for the Lord’s mercy, that He wouldn’t condemn you for your sins but that, for Christ’s sake, you would be forgiven & restored

Friday (8/14/2026)

The Lord provides living water through the victory of His Son and by the power of His Spirit.

Joel 2:21–23 (ESV) — 21 “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things! 22 Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield. 23 “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.

1) What’s the most amount of rainfall that you’ve experienced in one day? One week? One month?

2) Use the picture of rain watering the earth to describe what Christ providing living water does for us. (Gives life, produces fruit)

3) Together, list out blessings, both spiritual and temporal, that the Lord has blessed you with in recent days.

Saturday (8/15/2026)

When our brothers fall into sin, we should hunt them down with the Gospel that they might be saved.

James 5:19–20 (ESV) — 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

1) Have you ever been lost? Share what it was like & discuss what place it’d be worst to get lost in (store, woods, cave, etc.)

2) In what ways is turning back to sin like getting lost? What are common ways we are tempted to turn from truth?

3) How can you seeking after a friend and sharing God’s Word (Law and Gospel) restore and save them?

4) Ask for a boldness for yourself in proclaiming truth to your friends, as well as for friends who will proclaim the Gospel to you if you wander into sin. Then, look closely for those friends tomorrow when you gather for worship.

Sunday (8/16/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Pray that this summer would be an opportunity to spend more time in God’s Word as a family & at Bible camps.

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

No studies tonight

Be in prayer for fall activities as they are planned!

CTK Family Devotions Week #153

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (13/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (8/17/2026)

As ones restored in Christ, we continually seek to love our neighbors as we carry out the good law of God.

Romans 3:28–31 (ESV) — 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

1) If God graded you based on how well you kept His law, what score would you get? What is a passing score before God?

2) What is the main fulfilling of the Law? (Love) Who defines what love is? (God, in His law) So do we need the law? (Yes)

3) How would you respond to someone criticizing your faith, saying that you don’t care about doing good anymore since it doesn’t save?

4) Make a plan to “uphold” the law this week, thinking of specific applications of love you have been called to.

Tuesday (8/18/2026)

As we await the return of Christ, things will be difficult, but we have a sure hope & an everlasting reward.

Matthew 9:14–17 (ESV) — 14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

1) What was the last wedding you attended like? Are the tears at a wedding tears of grief? What are they?

2) Since righteousness could never be perfectly achieved under the old covenant, how did Christ institute a new one?

3) What things about Christ’s return excite you? What struggles are you feeling now while you wait for Him?

4) Lift both your joys and sorrows to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to give you patience as you await His return in glory.

Wednesday (8/19/2026)

It is appropriate to use our musical talents to glorify God and lead our hearts in times of praise for His goodness.

Nehemiah 12:27–30 (ESV) — 27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; 29 also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.

1) What’s your favorite musical instrument? How about your favorite genre of music?

2) What are different kinds of music that might be appropriate for a worship service? What might be inappropriate?

3) How often do we use “cymbals, harps, and lyres” in our services? What instruments do we often use? Why?

4) Does it matter what sort of instruments we use when we praise God? What makes some instruments better than others for the public worship service (think about balance, being able to lead the group, etc.)

5) Spend some time looking through the music you listen to and consider if these songs glorify God or not.

6) Likewise, consider what Christian songs might be better suited for listening to, rather than singing in a service.

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s youth-only study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

Thursday (8/20/2026)

The Lord punishes His people severely not out of pettiness, but because of His justice & jealousy for their good.

Deuteronomy 32:23–27 (ESV) — 23 “ ‘And I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend my arrows on them; 24 they shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured by plague and poisonous pestilence; I will send the teeth of beasts against them, with the venom of things that crawl in the dust. 25 Outdoors the sword shall bereave, and indoors terror, for young man and woman alike, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs. 26 I would have said, “I will cut them to pieces; I will wipe them from human memory,” 27 had I not feared provocation by the enemy, lest their adversaries should misunderstand, lest they should say, “Our hand is triumphant, it was not the LORD who did all this.” ’

1) What’s the pettiest story of revenge you’ve ever heard (or carried out yourself…)

2) Is the Lord being petty in punishing His people? What trait does this punishment reveal instead?

3) Does the New Testament talk about the purpose of either punishment or kindness from God? Discuss.

4) Ask for the Lord to gently correct you and restore you, lest you be crushed by His perfect justice.

Friday (8/21/2026)

The Lord who delivers His people provides for them abundantly.

Joel 2:24–27 (ESV) — 24 “The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. 26 “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. 27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

1) What was the last meal that filled you up in a good way? What about a meal that disappointed?

2) What commandment does v.27 remind you of? Why does this “aboveness” of God take such priority?

3) How is following after idols like eating a bad meal? How is following the One true God like eating a perfect feast?

4) List out some practical ways this week that you can dwell on God’s Word, partake in the bread of life, & grow.

Saturday (8/22/2026)

The restoration of the image of God happens as we are united to Christ, our head, and our fellow saints, the body.

Ephesians 1:19–23 (ESV) — 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

1) How long can you stand on your head for? Why can’t we live upside down? (blood rushes to head)

2) If we don’t have Christ as head on top of us, what will happen? (We die, since head designed to be on top OR we will be cut off, since the true head doesn’t tolerate us trying to lower Him to raise ourselves up)

3) Ask Christ to rule over your life, the lives of your family and congregation, and to equip you as His body.

Sunday (8/23/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year starts up. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

Tonight will be a youth-only study at Christ the King. Students entering 7th grade through college are welcome. Arrive anytime 4:30pm onwards. Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm.

Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun.

CTK Family Devotions Week #154

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (14/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (8/24/2026)

The restoration of God’s image isn’t a superficial thing, but a regeneration worked by faith in the external Word.

Romans 4:9–12 (ESV) — 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

1) How much time do you spend on an average morning making yourself look presentable? Why?

2) Paul makes it clear that circumcision (a mark of the old covenant) was merely a confirmation of an already existing faith. By what means today does God both create & sustain faith? (Word, including baptism & Lord’s supper)

3) Knowing the power of the Word, should you spend time worrying about trying to make yourself “look” like a Christian, or receiving God’s gifts in Word and sacrament frequently? Explain how you can do that this week.

Tuesday (8/25/2026)

The radical difference between the world and Christ might lead some to mock your faith, actions, and hope.

Matthew 9:18–26 (ESV) — 18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.

1) What was something dumb someone else did that you laughed at recently? How about something dumb you did?

2) What are “unreasonable” things in this text? (Touching clothes to heal, raising the dead, etc.) What resulted from each? How?

3) Ask the Lord that His will would be done, even if it seems far too wonderful or way beyond what should be expected.

Wednesday (8/26/2026)

Only in Christ is there hope for gentiles, since apart from His work we would be cut off forever.

Nehemiah 13:1–3 (ESV) — 1 On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, 2 for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them—yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. 3 As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.

1) What’s your family heritage? How many generations back can you go, & which people groups / nations are represented?

2) Was it cruel for God to keep Israel from other nations? Why’d He command their separation? (That they wouldn’t turn to idols)

3) Since Christ broke down the barrier between nations & united us as His body, what are we called to separate from? (world)

4) What does being set apart from the world in Christ look like in your life now? In 5 years? 25 years? Eternally?

Prayer or praise requests that you want featured for next week? Text or call Pastor Joe any time!

Thursday (8/27/2026)

Trusting in perverse ideologies and false gods will cause a harvest of wickedness and destruction to spring up.

Deuteronomy 32:28–33 (ESV) — 28 “For they are a nation void of counsel, and there is no understanding in them. 29 If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end! 30 How could one have chased a thousand, and two have put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had given them up? 31 For their rock is not as our Rock; our enemies are by themselves. 32 For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of poison; their clusters are bitter; 33 their wine is the poison of serpents and the cruel venom of asps.

1) When was the last time you had to weed the yard, garden, or field? What makes keeping weeds out so hard?

2) In what ways are false teachings like weeds? What sort of lies that grew in Sodom still grow today? (Violence, immorality, etc.)

3) Ask for God to be merciful by pointing out sin in your life & the lives of those near us & then perfectly forgiving that sin.

Friday (8/28/2026)

The revealed hope of the nations is Christ who has sent out His messengers in these last days.

Joel 2:28–32 (ESV) — 28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. 30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.

1) Race to see who can find where these verses are quoted in a sermon in the New Testament. What was that sermon’s context?

2) For all of the wonders listed, what’re the most amazing outcomes of this prophecy? (Spirit poured out & all who call on Lord saved)

3) Are these promises still at work? What then should we proclaim to ourselves & others? (Jesus saves, Spirit empowers)

Saturday (8/29/2026)

Our vocational ties give us clear frameworks in which we are to love sacrificially.

Ephesians 6:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

1) Your callings in life (vocations) come in pairs. What is the featured pair in this passage? (Parents & children)

2) What are the duties of children toward parents? How about parents toward children? Do you fulfill these duties?

3) For times that you’ve failed as parent or child, ask for forgiveness, then be strengthened in Christ’s mercy to go out and serve not just in this family tie, but in every calling you’ve been entrusted with (spouse, employee, citizen, student, congregation member, etc.)

Sunday (8/30/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year starts up. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

No studies tonight.

Keep an eye out for Fall scheduling plans!

(Tentative: youth on 9/13+27, with Forge for 5th and 6th graders on 9/20, intergenerational on 10/4)

CTK Family Devotions Week #155

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (15/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (8/31/2026)

God alone has the power through His Word to restore His image in us who have no hope apart from Christ.

Romans 4:13–17 (ESV) — 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

1) What’s something that you made that you’re very proud of? What materials did you use? Who made the materials?

2) Re-read v17. How does God calling you to faith fulfill this and echo the creation of the world out of nothing?

3) Where should you turn when you have times of doubt: to your own efforts OR to the forgiveness & grace of Christ? Why?

Tuesday (9/1/2026)

The restoration of the image of God begins with a Spirit-given faith in the authority and goodness of Christ.

Matthew 9:27–31 (ESV) — 27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

1) Thinking through what we discussed yesterday, what first brought faith to these blind men? (Word, as in reports about Jesus)

2) Did the blind men sin by telling others about Jesus? Discuss.

3) Do we sin when we don’t tell others about Jesus, even though He has told us to? Discuss, then pray for boldness.

Wednesday (9/2/2026)

A fierce jealousy for the house of God should move us to cleanse ourselves & our congregations from all sin.

Nehemiah 13:6–11 (ESV) — 6 While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king 7 and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. 8 And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. 9 Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. 10 I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field. 11 So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their stations.

1) Re-read v6. Does it sound like Nehemiah was faithfully honoring his boss and using “time off” well? Discuss.

2) Re-read v8. What action of Christ does this remind you of? (Cleansing of temple) Why did both men do this cleansing?

3) In what ways do we make the physical house of God “too comfortable” that we don’t have awe at God & His Word?

4) In what ways do we neglect to care for the body of Christ as the house of God and thus need restoration?

Prayer or praise requests that you want featured for next week? Text or call Pastor Joe any time!

Thursday (9/3/2026)

An important work of the Lord is destroying our idols that our trust might be in Him alone.

Deuteronomy 32:34–38 (ESV) — 34 “ ‘Is not this laid up in store with me, sealed up in my treasuries? 35 Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’ 36 For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free. 37 Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, 38 who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you; let them be your protection!

1) An idol is anything that you fear, love, or trust in more than God. What were Israel’s idols? Your community’s idols? Yours?

2) Why is it a gracious thing for the Lord to destroy our idols? (They can’t save) Come up with a verbal illustration to explain.

3) Ask the Lord to rid you of the idols of your heart, even if it would hurt, so that He alone might be your King.

Friday (9/4/2026)

The restoration of God’s people will be accompanied with the judgment of the wicked on the Day of the Lord.

Joel 3:1–3 (ESV) — 1 “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, 3 and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.

1) What’s the worst you’ve ever been losing at a game? (Broke in Monopoly, behind in Sorry, no chips in poker, etc.) Did you come back? How?

2) What was the worst situation the Israelites found themselves in? How did God restore them? How about the church?

3) What alone can withstand the judgment of God? (Righteousness of Christ) Is this then the marker of God’s people? Why?

Saturday (9/5/2026)

Even in flawed or broken systems, the faithfulness of believers is to be demonstrated through practical service.

Ephesians 6:5–9 (ESV) — 5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

1) Even though slavery is outlawed, in what ways might we be “bound” to serving others through our work?

2) Even in the case of slaves, what was to define believers on both sides? How did this lead the push for the end of slavery?

3) List out practical ways in which you can serve your employer & customers faithfully (or prepare to do so)

4) Pray that the saints you are gathering with tomorrow to be willing to call you out if you have not been serving well.

Sunday (9/6/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year starts up. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

No studies tonight due to Labor Day

Please be in prayer for all those travelling, as well as for Fall activities starting soon!

CTK Family Devotions Week #156

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (16/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (9/7/2026)

The gift of faith that begins the restoration of the image of God in us is a remarkable, active, and confident thing.

Romans 4:18–25 (ESV) — 18 In hope [Abraham] believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

1) What times have you felt most confident in God? How about least confident? Has He been faithful either way?

2) What sort of promises has God made that directly affect you? How many are connected to Christ?

3) This week, spend extra time in your personal devotions looking for God’s past promises & promises for you.

Tuesday (9/8/2026)

The economy of grace is so entirely different than man-made religion that God’s work is often slandered as evil.

Matthew 9:32–34 (ESV) — 32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

1) Have you ever witnessed someone do something so amazing that you were shocked/surprised/stunned? Share

2) Considering they knew the Scriptures well, why were the Pharisees so quick to blaspheme the work of Christ?

3) Ask God to protect you for dead formalism, legalism, & from rejecting His Holy Spirit who works through His Word.

Wednesday (9/9/2026)

As God restores us through Christ, we should long to faithfully serve Him & equip others to serve Him.

Nehemiah 13:11–14 (ESV) — 11 So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. 12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses. 13 And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. 14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.

1) Who are the top 3 trustworthy people you know? How about the 3 least trustworthy? How did you decide?

2) When dealing with offerings set apart for the Lord, is integrity even more important? How can it be shown?

3) Since we are God’s house, think of ways that you can reliably serve fellow believers this week with your gifts.

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s youth-only study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

Thursday (9/10/2026)

The power of God is incomparable: He is truly almighty.

Deuteronomy 32:39–42 (ESV) — 39 “ ‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand. 40 For I lift up my hand to heaven and swear, As I live forever, 41 if I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand takes hold on judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hate me. 42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh— with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy.’

1) Who is the physically strongest person you know? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? How did you decide?

2) Does the Lord have authority to do all the things listed in v39? Why? Is this good news or bad news?

3) Ask for a humble heart that submits to the Lord and His ways, not one that seeks to usurp His authority.

Friday (9/11/2026)

The Lord will repay those who oppose, oppress, and revile His people.

Joel 3:4–8 (ESV) — 4 “What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. 5 For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. 6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their own border. 7 Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. 8 I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away, for the LORD has spoken.”

1) Have you witnessed anyone “get what they deserved” recently, such as a speeder being pulled over, etc.? How’d it make you feel?

2) While there is debate about when Joel prophesied, what years in history might fit best based on these events?

3) Considering the centuries of God’s faithfulness, do you think He will stop caring about His church now or not give out justice when He returns in glory? How does that shape all that you think, say, do, &s aim for in this life?

Saturday (9/12/2026)

The ongoing restoration of God’s image and all of creation means that there will be conflict with dark forces.

Ephesians 6:10–12 (ESV) — 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

1) What’s your favorite fictional story (book, movie, etc.) about good vs. evil? What real ideas do they get right or wrong?

2) Where does our strength come from? What is that strength to then be used for?

3) Ask the Lord to equip you and your fellow saints for battle tomorrow through His Word & sacraments!

Sunday (9/13/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year starts up. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

Tonight will be a youth-only study at Christ the King. Students entering 7th grade through college are welcome. Arrive anytime 4:30pm onwards. Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm.

Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun.

NEXT week (9/20) will be out first Forge group meeting of the year for 5th and 6th graders!

CTK Family Devotions Week #157

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (17/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (9/14/2026)

The restored image of God leads to more and more righteousness being produced.

Romans 6:19–23 (ESV) — 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1) Recite verse 23 a few times together so that it is committed to memory well. What does this verse mean?

2) Give an example of how sin is like slavery and how it can lead to more lawlessness and/or sin.

3) Give an example of how freedom in Christ is like slavery and how it can lead to more righteousness.

4) Make a plan to “present your members as slaves to righteousness” in three specific ways this week.

Tuesday (9/15/2026)

There is a great need for those who proclaim the Gospel both near and far, ordained and lay.

Matthew 9:35–38 (ESV) — 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

1) How long do you think a herd of domesticated sheep could last without someone caring for them? (Research it after you guess)

2) In what way are those entrusted with the Gospel like shepherds? How are they like harvesters?

3) Have you been entrusted with the Gospel? How is this different than your pastor? (Discuss oversight, sacraments, etc.)

4) Pray for boldness in sharing Christ, for opportunities for men to become pastors, & for faithful lay leaders in congregations.

Wednesday (9/16/2026)

When we turn from the Lord’s ways, there will often be bad consequences, even if they aren’t seen immediately.

Nehemiah 13:15–18 (ESV) — 15 In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. 16 Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”

1) Do you know anyone who cares deeply about certain aspects of the Christian life? Do you know why they care?

2) Nehemiah seems to be afraid for the restored Israelites here. What happened when Sabbaths were ignored before?

3) If the heart of the Sabbath in Christ is honoring the Word of God, in what ways are you tempted to profane the Sabbath?

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s FORGE study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

Thursday (9/17/2026)

Songs that testify to the fullness of our King and His works should not be afraid to highlight His justice.

Deuteronomy 32:43–47 (ESV) — 43 “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land.” 44 Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. 45 And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

1) What are most contemporary Chistian songs like? Would many of them touch on the vengeance of God? Why not?

2) Why is Moses willing to share both the good news & the bad news about God’s might? (See 46–47)

3) Where are you hearing both about God’s wrath and about His grace in Christ? Why do you need both Law & Gospel?

4) Sing from the heart a song that recognizes God’s power, authority, grace, mercy, goodness, and faithfulness.

Friday (9/18/2026)

The nations exist only by the mercies of the Lord who uses them as He sees fit.

Joel 3:9–12 (ESV) — 9 Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” 11 Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down your warriors, O LORD. 12 Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

1) If you could visit another country for a week, what would be your top 3 choices? For a year? Forever?

2) What makes a country? How does the church function beyond even national boundaries? Does this matter? Why?

3) Will any nation be saved purely by their name/reputation? How are people from every nation saved? (Christ)

Saturday (9/19/2026)

The confidence of the Gospel is a surer foundation that any rock, fortress, or man-made philosophy.

1) As you read off the pieces of the armor of God, answer for each one: how it’s given to you, for what purpose, and examples of use.

Ephesians 6:13–17 (ESV) — 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

2) Was it difficult differentiating the pieces of armor? How do the pieces work together in the Christian life?

3) Ask to be fully equipped so that you can stand firm on the promises of God with your fellow believers tomorrow & always.

Sunday (9/20/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year starts up. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

FORGE NIGHT

Tonight will be a Bible study for 5th and 6th graders at Christ the King.

Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm.

Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun.

CTK Family Devotions Week #158

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (18/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (9/21/2026)

Our old nature is so deceitfully wicked, meaning we desperately need to be given a new nature.

Romans 7:7–12 (ESV) — 7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

1) Have you ever been given a rule or instruction that you really hated? (By parents, in school, at work, etc.) Explain.

2) Do any of God’s laws frustrate you? How about church customs? Cultural “rules” for behavior? Explain.

3) Is God’s Law a bad thing? (No, v.12) Why then do we hate obeying so much? (V.11) How then can we be saved?

Tuesday (9/22/2026)

Proclaiming the message of Christ will lead to opposition, so we must be not only above reproach, but also wise.

Matthew 10:16–22 (ESV) — 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

1) What form was Satan in when he deceived Eve? Why then would Jeus call us to be wise (shrewd) like serpents?

2) What sort of persecutions have Christians over the years faced and from whom? Why? Have you faced any?

3) Ask for wisdom, integrity, and boldness in proclaim Christ with every remaining breath that you have left.

Wednesday (9/23/2026)

Sometimes you have to be very direct in correcting those who are ignoring God’s Law.

Nehemiah 13:19–22 (ESV) — 19 As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice. 21 But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.

1) Have you ever had to be more direct or take action when someone wasn’t listening to you? How was it received?

2) Is Nehemiah being rude here in not only calling out those who broke the Sabbath, but threatening them?

3) Share ways we can be this direct with ourselves & our fellow saints when it comes to ignoring God’s Word today.

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s youth-only study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

Thursday (9/24/2026)

Even Moses, called by the Lord, was not perfectly righteous apart from his faith in the coming Messiah.

Deuteronomy 32:48–52 (ESV) — 48 That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.”

1) Have a race to see who can find where in Scripture Moses disobeyed God & struck a rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20)

2) Is God being cruel in keeping Moses from the promised land? What ultimately did Moses have his hope set on? (See Hebrews 11)

3) Ask God to be merciful to you in your sin by forgiving & by giving glimpses of Christ, the fulfilment of every promise.

Friday (9/25/2026)

The day of the Lord is always marked by a judgment of the wicked and a saving of the righteous people of God.

Joel 3:13–16 (ESV) — 13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. 16 The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.

1) Together, draw some of the scenes from this day of the Lord. What things stuck out to you? What do they mean?

2) How does God’s voice continue to cause the heavens and earth to quake today? (His Word)

3) Does Jesus say anything about the longevity of the heavens and earth in comparison to God’s Word? Look it up!

4) Knowing the power of God’s Word, where then do you think our refuge can be found? Specifically where?

5) Hunt during your devotions this weekend for “anchoring” promises in God’s Word that offer life now & forever in Christ.

Saturday (9/26/2026)

As we see our needs & His gifts, we bring everything to the Lord in continual prayer as we live in repentance & faith.

Ephesians 6:18–20 (ESV) — 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

1) What were the pieces of the armor of God that we read last week in the verses before this?

2) What command was given after putting on all that armor? (Stand firm) How does that connect to prayer?

3) How is the Gospel a mystery? (For Gentiles, the sacrificial work of Christ, revealed in Word alone, etc.)

4) Begin to pray now for God’s Word to create you anew, both as you read His Word, dwell on it, & hear it with the congregation Sunday.

Sunday (9/27/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year starts up. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

Tonight will be a youth-only study at Christ the King. Students entering 7th grade through college are welcome. Arrive anytime 4:30pm onwards. Main activities start at 5pm and run until 6:30pm.

Food, fellowship, games, and a lesson time in God’s Word. Invite a friend or two to join in on the fun.

CTK Family Devotions Week #159

Main Topic: Restoring God’s Image (19/19) — (True Christianity Book 1, Chapter 41)

Reminder: These devotions are only a tool to use to help you run family devotions in a way that your family needs. Whether you do it daily, tie it to a prayer or sharing time, or have everyone read these verses on their own time is up to you. My aim is to equip you all to be in the Word as a family by giving you Scripture and questions to consider. Each day you will find a main idea to consider, a Scripture passage to read, and some questions to ask to help discuss the reading and tie it to the main idea. Reminder: These devotions are on CTK’s website too!

Monday (9/28/2026)

Though the image of God is restored in us through Christ, we still have the old image to deal with in this life.

1) This is a very weighty, personal, & important text. Together, have each person read it out loud quietly to themselves before discussing.

Romans 7:21–8:4 (ESV) — 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

2) Since chapter & verse markings are not inspired, but just a helpful tool, do you find it good or bad where ch7 ended? Why?

3) Why are these verses important for you specifically? For the church? For the world?

4) Plan to use this text to show your standing as simultaneously sinner & saint to a friend this week in a way that leads them to Christ.

Tuesday (9/29/2026)

Even though there is salvation in the name of Christ alone, bearing that name will cause the world to hate you.

Matthew 10:23–25 (ESV) — 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

1) What names & nicknames do you go by? Which titles have you had in your life (captain, husband, daughter, etc.)

2) What makes the name of Jesus so special? (Not just His name, but all He has done to save us from our sin)

3) Why might the world hate the name of Jesus and His Word so much? (It says we cannot save ourselves, shows sin, demands loyalty, etc.)

4) Pray that you would be known 1st by the title “faithful Christian servant” & that all you do would reflect this, even in trials.

Wednesday (9/30/2026)

A zealously for the commands of God is a good thing, even if it must be tempered by the love of Christ.

Nehemiah 13:23–29 (ESV) — 23 In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. 25 And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. 26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin. 27 Shall we then listen to you and do all this great evil and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?” 28 And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I chased him from me. 29 Remember them, O my God, because they have desecrated the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.

1) Woah woah woah! Re-read v25. Why is Nehemiah acting this way? Is there any biblical precedent for such action?

2) Since Christ united Jew & Gentile, what temptations to turn from God do we face that are comparable to intermarriage & idolatry?

3) Is there anything to learn about wisely choosing a spouse you can glean from this passage? Discuss.

Have requests for food or activities for this week’s intergenerational study at CTK? Let Pastor Joe know!

Thursday (10/1/2026)

The Lord who takes away is also the Lord who provides abundantly for every need, spiritual and physical.

Joel 3:17–21 (ESV) — 17 “So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it. 18 “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim. 19 “Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations. 21 I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion.”

1) What’s the strangest word-picture you’ve ever heard used that made sense? Share and explain.

2) What does it mean that wine & milk will run from the hills? How does this show God’s grace? (Restoring)

3) Ask God to restore areas of your life that have been broken either due to your sin or others’ sins, then trust His will & timing for this!

Friday (10/2/2026)

Our love that comes from Christ should lead to an honest concern for the spiritual & physical wellbeing of the saints.

Ephesians 6:21–24 (ESV) — 21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

1) How many people in your family do you care for deeply? Your congregation? Your neighborhood? Your country?

2) While there are limits to who we can care for, where should our love be focused first? (Family>congregation>community)

3) Discuss whether the digital age & long-distance communication makes it easier or harder to love faithfully, locally.

4) Implement any ideas that came up during your discussion of how best to rekindle love for those nearest to you.

Saturday (10/3/2026)

There is plenty of work to be done as the name of the Lord is proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Nehemiah 13:30–31 (ESV) — 30 Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; 31 and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

1) What are some of the key events that happened in the book of Nehemiah? What did you learn from it?

2) Instead of temple duties, what sort of duties are needed to proclaim Christ & gather as a congregation?

3) What gifts have you been given by the Holy Spirit for the sake of service & love for others? How are you using them?

4) Ask for opportunities to put your gifts to work even tomorrow, as well as asking for any gifts that still needed to be given.

Sunday (10/4/2026) – Prayer and Praise Requests

1) Keep our students and teachers in your prayers as the school year carries on. Encourage them if you see them!

2) Pray for all those recovering from illness, surgery, and even grief. Ask for God to comfort them.

3) Lift up the Church across the world, especially our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith.

4) Ask for discernment in how best to serve others around you using the gifts God has given you.

5) Ask for God to turn the hearts of leaders (local and national) back to Himself through Christ.

INTERGENERATIONAL NIGHT

A Bible study night for all ages!

Please talk to Pastor Joe or see the bulletin for more information.