2026.10.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Job 22

 Read Job 22

Questions from the Scripture text: Who answers (Job 22:1)? What rhetorical questions does he ask (Job 22:2-3)? What is the implied answer? What does he imply about Job’s behavior in Job 22:4? What point does he make in Job 22:5? But what specific accusations does he make in Job 22:6-7, Job 22:9? What evidence does he suggest for the superiority of the mighty and honorable man (Job 22:8)? And what evidence for Job’s supposed wickedness (Job 22:10-11)? What truth about God does he declare in Job 22:12? But how does he accuse Job of responding to this (Job 22:13-14)? Whom else does Eliphaz say have done this (Job 22:15-16)? What did they do to God (Job 22:17), despite His having done what for them (Job 22:18)? Who have what response when God cuts down such wicked (Job 22:19-20)? What does this imply the “righteous” would do about Job’s suffering? What does Eliphaz tell Job to do (Job 22:21a)? With what promised result (verse 21b)? What does he tell him to do in Job 22:22? By taking what action (Job 22:23)? What does Eliphaz say he would then have (Job 22:24)? With what ultimate pleasure (Job 22:25-26)? And what spiritual ability (Job 22:27-28)? Even in what case (Job 22:29-30)? 

How does one come to delight in the Lord? Job 22 looks forward to the opening portion of the public worship of God on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that one comes to delight in the Lord, not by works, but by grace. 

Ironically, Eliphaz makes the true point that God needs nothing from men (Job 22:1-3). So, how can the friends’ message of “earn blessing by doing better” be true, if man can do nothing for God? Eliphaz is actually wrong about his implied question in Job 22:3a. The Almighty does take pleasure in Job’s righteousness. We saw that in Job 1:8 and Job 2:3. And the reason that He takes pleasure in it, as we know from Scripture as a whole, is because it is God’s grace that has produced this righteousness. God’s pleasure is not only in the righteousness, but especially in His own grace that has produced it.

Sadly, Eliphaz concludes, from Job’s suffering, that God has no pleasure in Job (Job 22:4-5). The specific accusations in Job 22:6-7 and Job 22:9 are desperately wicked, despising the image of God in men. Job is exactly opposite this (cf. Job 29:12–13). Eliphaz accuses Job of thinking that he can get away with evil because he thinks God is not paying attention (Job 22:12-14), and warns that those who have done so in the past (Job 22:15-18) have perished, to the delight of the righteous (Job 22:19-20).

So, one more time, Eliphaz suggests that Job return to the Almighty by rejecting iniquity (Job 22:21-23), in order to get material (Job 22:24) and spiritual (Job 22:25-26) blessing, and become the sort of person whose prayers God hears (Job 22:27-29), even when he prays for the wicked (Job 22:30). 

This is actually true (cf. Job 42:7–8)! But if Eliphaz actually believed that he himself is righteous, and that the righteous can do this, why didn’t he just pray for Job?

Oh, let us be careful about drawing conclusions about others based upon difficult providences coming upon them! Many a Pharisee probably thought his opinions about Christ were confirmed at the cross, but he couldn’t have been more wrong. 

God does delight in the grace-produced righteousness of His saints, even when His mysterious providence includes much suffering for them. Let us not be “Eliphazes” who merely talk about having the Almighty as our delight, but let us be “Jobs” who actually persist in faith to have Him as our delight, until He graciously hears us and brings us into the experience of that joy. 

What Christians do you know who have suffered much? What conclusions should you be careful not to draw about this? What righteousness is there in your own character and conduct? Why would/does God actually delight in this righteousness? For what blatantly wicked people are you praying?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how merciful and gracious You are to us sinners, for indeed our wickedness is great, and apart from Christ, our iniquity is without end. But, Your grace brings us to repentance and faith, and makes us more and more holy like Christ. We are amazed that You do take pleasure when we are righteous, because it is Your grace which produces it, and You delight in that grace. Grant that You, the Almighty, would be our delight! Lift up our faces to You. Give us to make our prayer to You, and hear us. And make Your light shine on our ways, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly, I Am with You” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace!”

Loving Men in Light of the Lord [Children's Catechism 75—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 75—especially explaining how the last six commandments apply the knowledge and love of God to how we love ourselves and others.

Q75. What do the last six commandments teach? Our duty to our fellow men. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This lesson explores the theological foundation of the last six commandments, identifying them as a summary of humanity's duty to fellow men. It clarifies that these commandments are not merely social rules but are rooted in the reality that all people are created in the image of God. The teaching corrects the modern notion of self-love as self-indulgence, arguing instead that proper self-regard and neighborly love are derived from, and defined by, God's law. By examining specific commandments regarding authority, life, marriage, property, truth, and desire, the lesson demonstrates how interacting with others is fundamentally an act of interacting with God. The central message emphasizes that our conduct toward neighbors is a direct reflection of our understanding of God's character and our own identity as His image-bearers.

Training the Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 29:1–15]

Why are the Rod and Reproof so necessary? Proverbs 29:1–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rod and reproof are means that God uses to conform a child to Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional explores the divine purpose behind parental discipline, explaining that the combination of verbal rebuke and physical correction is essential for training a child to receive God's Word. It contrasts the tragic trajectory of a child left to himself, who hardens his heart and harms self and others, with the wisdom cultivated through consistent, loving correction. The text emphasizes that this discipline is not an end in itself but serves the rebuke, which is a means of grace by which Christ brings the child to repentance and faith in Himself. The message urges parents to trust in God's sovereignty to use these instruments for the spiritual formation of their children, lest they end up in themselves rather than in Christ and like Christ.

2026.10.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 29:1–15

Read Proverbs 29:1–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the person in Proverbs 29:1 do often? What will happen to him? How quickly? How surely? What two situations does Proverbs 29:2 contrast? What does the son in Proverbs 29:3a love? With what result? What does the son in verse 3b do? How does a king establish the land (Proverbs 29:4)? Who does the opposite? What does the man in Proverbs 29:5 do? With what result? What happens to the evil man, in what way (Proverbs 29:6a)? What does the righteous man do instead (verse 6b)? Whose cause does the righteous consider (Proverbs 29:7)? Who does not understand this? What do scoffers do (Proverbs 29:8)? Who else does what else? What is the situation in Proverbs 29:9? What are the two possible responses, but the one certain outcome? Whom do the bloodthirsty hate (Proverbs 29:10)? But who seeks his soul? What contrast is presented in Proverbs 29:11? What does the ruler in Proverbs 29:12 do? With what result? Who have what in common (Proverbs 29:13)? What does the king in Proverbs 29:14 do? With what result? What two things give wisdom (Proverbs 29:15)? What other option is there with a child? With what result?

Why are the Rod and Reproof so necessary? Proverbs 29:1–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rod and reproof are means that God uses to conform a child to Christ.

The rebuke is necessary (Proverbs 29:15) as a means by which God gives wisdom. But what if a child hardens his neck (Proverbs 29:1)? The one who hardens against rebuke is in great danger. He is on the path to sudden, irremediable destruction (verse 1b), and if he somehow makes it into authority, others will suffer too (Proverbs 29:2).

How will this unrestrained child end up? Lusting for harlots, instead of loving wisdom (Proverbs 29:3). Acting in mercenary interest instead of justice (Proverbs 29:4). Flattering his neighbor in a way that ends up harming him too (Proverbs 29:5). Harming himself in his own sin (Proverbs 29:6). Ignorant of the value of God’s image in others (Proverbs 29:7). The sort of man who inflames conflicts instead of defusing them (Proverbs 29:8). One who is either a rager, or a mocker, but never peaceful (Proverbs 29:9). Hating those who aren’t wicked like he is (Proverbs 29:10). Venting all his feelings, and lacking self-control (Proverbs 29:11). Willing to lie, in a way that corrupts those around him (Proverbs 29:12).

Of these disastrous consequences of the undisciplined, unchastised child, the worst is apparently the ignorance of God’s image in others (Proverbs 29:7). Proverbs 29:13-14 return to this theme, reminding us that to despise God’s image is to despise God Himself (Proverbs 29:13), which is exactly the opposite of what Christ is like (Proverbs 29:14). The point of employing the rod and rebuke as means of God’s grace (cf. Proverbs 23:13–14) is the conforming of the child to Christ! He is the forever-King Who judges the poor with truth, because He treasures God and His image-bearers.

How are you at receiving rebukes? How are your children at receiving them? When you have experienced hardness to rebuke, how have you employed the rod? Whom are you trusting to make it effective? To what end?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank you for giving Your Son, our lord Jesus, to be the King Who judges the poor with truth, and Whose throne will be established forever. By His grace, make us to be parents such as You are in Your Fatherhood, and make us to be children who heed rebukes. Thus, make us to be those who love wisdom, make people rejoice, care for God’s image in others, diffuse conflict, and have self-control. Thus do for us, and our children, by the grace of Christ, we ask, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH100B “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”

2026.10.18 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

To tune in for the Lord's Day streams, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

2026.10.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 11:27–12:12

Thursday, October 15, 2026 ▫ Read Mark 11:27–12:12

Questions from the Scripture text: To where did they come again in v27? Where was Jesus walking? Who came to Him? What did they ask Him (v28)? What did Jesus tell them they would have to do if they wanted Him to answer them (v29)? What does He ask them (v30)? Why didn’t they want to say “from heaven” (v31)? Why didn’t they want to say “from men” (v32)? So, what do they answer (v33)? And what does Jesus say? In what did Jesus then begin to speak to them (12:1)? What is this parable about? Where does the owner of the vineyard go? What does he do at vintage-time, when there should be grapes ready (v2)? What do they do to the servant (v3)? What do they do with the second servant (v4)? And the third (v5)? How many sons did the owner have (v6)? What did the vinedressers say among themselves in v7? What do they do to the son (v8)? What does Jesus say that the owner will do in v9? What Scripture quote does He say in v10-11? About whom did the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders know that Jesus had spoken this parable?

Who is in control of the cross? Mark 11:27–12:12 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is in total control, as He goes to the cross.

In this serial reading, we are starting to feel the buildup of pressure that leads to the cross. The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders have all joined forces now (Mk 11:27). The scribes and the elders were very hostile to Rome, while the chief priests were very friendly to Rome, who had permitted them to continue operating the temple. The others saw the priests as sellouts.

But, these enemies can finally agree on something: they hate Jesus and want to destroy Him. When they come and ask the question about authority (Mk 11:28), it is a catch-22 for Jesus.

If Jesus claims a divine authority to act against the temple order, as currently backed by Rome, the Romans would see it as a crime of rebellion against Rome, and punishable by death.

If Jesus somehow claimed Roman authority for his actions, then the scribe/elder party would consider His selling out to be on the level of blasphemy for desecrating the temple, and they would execute Jesus for that.

In the end, this was, indeed, the charge that they were trying to line up (false!) testimony to prove: that Jesus had spoken against the temple (cf. Mk 14:58). But Jesus confessed Himself to be the Son of God (cf. Mk 14:61–62), and so they based the blasphemy charges upon that instead (cf. Mk 14:63–64).

In the parable, Jesus exposes just how bad this really is. They know that He is from God (Mk 12:6–7). The very thing that they are trying to get Him to admit is that God has invested Him with His own authority to give God the fruit that God has always sought from Israel.

They know that He is from God, and they want to destroy Him anyway. But notice which one is afraid, and which One is in control here. They come to trap Jesus with a question, and He traps them with one instead (Mk 11:29–33). They are out to destroy Jesus, but Jesus is not the One who is afraid. Rather, twice it says that they are afraid of the people/multitude (Mk 11:32, 12:12).

Jesus is in control, and that’s super-important.

It means that the cross was not some tragic miscalculation or accident. The cross was not the Jews or the Romans or even the Devil overpowering Jesus.

The cross was Jesus, intentionally, in total control, laying down His life for His people.

It is so important, dear reader, that you see how powerful and in-control Jesus is, as He goes to the cross. Behold Him who laid down His life for sinners!

When have you felt out of control? Who is really in control of that? What else has He done for you, of which He was in complete control? What does this mean He is doing now?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how forgetful we are of how intentionally Jesus went to the cross. Give us to remember His authority and His intentionality as He laid down His life for us. Our loving too little is a result of failing to dwell upon how much He has loved us, and how much He has forgiven us. Grant that we would love Him because He first loved us. Grant that we would love much, because we have been forgiven much. And grant that we would trust Him as the One Who is sovereign over all things—even over His own death on the cross, we ask in His Name, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP118D “Now Open Wide the Gates” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation”

2026.10.14 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

2026.10.11 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

To tune in for the Lord's Day streams, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

2026.10.03 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 4:14

Read Ephesians 4:14

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the ministry of our pastor-teacher given to us by Jesus to stop us from being? Otherwise, what would various ‘winds’ of doctrine do to us? What else would do this to us? What do some men practice to unsettle believers’ doctrine?

What do believers need if they are going to be united, Christ-like, and Christ-filled? Ephesians 4:14 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers need theological stability. 

This week’s text is one little verse, but it is a hugely important and overlooked point. 

We desperately need theological stability.

We want to be united! We want to know Christ! We want to be filled with Christ! 

These are the praiseworthy goals of Ephesians 4:13, at which each of us aim in our ministry to all the others (Ephesians 4:12b).

And, for this, we need the constant mending by the ministry of faithful shepherd-teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12a).

But why do we need this constant mending?

Because without it, we are like unstable toddlers. 

We’ve all seen a wobbly little one, just learning to walk. But the wobbler in this picture has an additional problem: he’s in a boat, on a wavy sea, during a storm!

This is how the apostle likened the doctrinal instability of believers who did not avail themselves of the ministry of faithful shepherd-teachers.

And things have certainly not improved in the 21st century!

Biblically genuine Christian unity comes by way of theologically stability. Christ-like Christians are theologically stable. Christ-filled Christians are theologically stable. That’s how Ephesians 4:14 is explaining the Ephesians 4:13 fruit of a Ephesians 4:11-12 ministry.

Theological stability is a priority of the Holy Spirit, in the New Testament, that is rejected and contradicted by many in the church today. But, when the Holy Spirit, and many in the church today, are at odds, a believer knows with whom to agree.

What are some ways in which you have been theologically unstable in the past? What has the Lord provided, in order to remedy that? How are you making use of His provision? How have you seen unity, Christ-likeness, or Christ-filledness come from this theological stability? How would you like to?

Sample prayer:  Lord, keep us from being unstable children in doctrine. Don’t let us be tossed to and fro, or carried about. Make us those who prize theological stability, and give us that stability by Your Spirit’s use of the means that You have provided, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People” or TPH409 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” 

2026.10.02 Hopewell @Home ▫ Jeremiah 2:1–13

Read Jeremiah 2:1–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What came to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2:1)? To whom was he to go speak (Jeremiah 2:2)? What did YHWH remember? What was Israel at that time (Jeremiah 2:3)? Whom does YHWH condemn? But now whom does YHWH summon to listen (Jeremiah 2:4)? What have who done (Jeremiah 2:5)? What haven’t they done (Jeremiah 2:6)? What had the Lord done for them (Jeremiah 2:7)? Who failed to inquire of the Lord (Jeremiah 2:8a)? What didn’t the handlers of the law do (verse 8b)? Who else sinned in what way (verse 8c)? And who else, in what other way (verse 8d–e)? What, then, is YHWH doing against whom (Jeremiah 2:9)? What have other nations not done with whom (Jeremiah 2:10-11b)? But who have done so with Whom (Jeremiah 2:11c–d)? Who are called to witness with astonishment (Jeremiah 2:12)? Whom/what have the people evilly forsaken (Jeremiah 2:13a–b)? And what have the people evilly done for themselves (verse 13c)? 

What should we think of idolatry? Jeremiah 2:1–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that idolatry is offensive, ungrateful, and irrational.  

What YHWH remembers, Jeremiah 2:1-3. The Lord does all things out of love for His people. He remembers His covenant with them, and His consecrating them as holy to Himself. Anyone who gets in the way of this is doomed.

The offense of idolatry, Jeremiah 2:4-6. The offense isn’t just that they followed idols. It’s that they did not seek YHWH to follow Him. They did not treat Him as God. And as their God. 

The ingratitude of idolatry, Jeremiah 2:7. After what the Lord had brought them out of (Jeremiah 2:6), and into (Jeremiah 2:7), it is irrational and ungrateful that they would fail to continue seeking Him. Now, consider out of what He has brought you, and into what He has brought you.

The responsibility of idolatry, Jeremiah 2:8. There are four groups (three, if the second is a subcategory of the priests) whose responsibility it was to lead the people in seeking the Lord: the priests, teachers of the law (literally those who lay hold of it), the rulers, and the prophets. The most important thing for any one of these is that he himself seek the Lord, be faithful to Him, and obey Him. What sorts of leaders do you have? What sort of leader would you be? The most important think is to seek the Lord, be faithful to Him, and obey Him.

The irrationality of idolatry, Jeremiah 2:9-13. It is a testimony to the insanity of wickedness (Jeremiah 2:10) that men cling zealously to idols that they create (Jeremiah 2:11a–b), but easily part with the living God Himself (verse 11c–d). It is like trying to slake one’s thirst with the slime on the bottom of a cistern that cannot actually hold the water (Jeremiah 2:13c), when one has access to a fountain of water that is better than one could imagine (verse 13a–b). But this is what we do, when we find our identity, our strength, our purpose, or our joy, in anything apart from the Lord Himself. God save us from idolatry!

How are you seeking the Lord, to follow after Him? From out of what has the Lord brought you? And into what has the Lord brought you? What sorts of leaders do you have? What sort of leader would you be? In what do you find your identity, your strength, your purpose, your joy?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how offensive, ungrateful, and irrational our idolatry is! Have mercy upon us. Forgive us for it, and turn us from it, and make us to see the greatness of Your love for us, and the goodness of Your life for us. Make us to come to You as the fountain of living waters in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP119H “My Portion Is the LORD Himself” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”