Speaking Up for Justice [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 31:8–9]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christians should speak up for those who can’t do so, both as citizens and as magistrates.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Fullnesses of God’s Plan for Us [2024.05.29 Midweek Sermon in Romans 15:13–16]

God's intention toward believers is to fill them with joy, peace, faith, hope, goodness, knowledge, and holiness unto God's glory.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Power and Prayer When Attacked [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 12]

Why is humility so important? Numbers 12 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility keeps us from provoking God’s anger on the one hand, and also from failing, by trying to vindicate ourselves, to leave room for that anger.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 12

Read Numbers 12

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke against whom in Numbers 12:1? On what grounds? But what are they trying to get (Numbers 12:2)? But how does Numbers 12:3 compare Moses to them (and all men)? What suddenly happens in Numbers 12:4? To whom does He speak? What does He tell them to do? What happens when they come out to the tabernacle (Numbers 12:5)? To whom does He call? What does He say about the ministry of prophets in Numbers 12:6? With whom is it different (Numbers 12:7a)? What does YHWH say about Moses in verse 7b? How does He relate differently to Moses than to other prophets (Numbers 12:8a–c, cf. Exodus 33:19–23)? What effect should this have had upon them (Numbers 12:8d–e)? How does Numbers 12:9 describe the abrupt ending to this interview? But what has happened to Miriam (Numbers 12:10)? Who now sees it? Whom does he now address, in what manner (Numbers 12:11)? What does he ask for? What does he confess? How urgent is the pleading in Numbers 12:12? Whom, then, does Moses address (Numbers 12:13)? For what does he ask? What is YHWH’s answer (Numbers 12:14)? What happens (Numbers 12:15)? What does not happen? For how long? Afterward, where do they go (Numbers 12:16)?

Why is humility so important? Numbers 12 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility keeps us from provoking God’s anger on the one hand, and also from leaving no room for that anger by trying to vindicate ourselves.

Attacking the Lord’s servant, Numbers 12:1–3. Moses is faithful in all God’s house (Numbers 12:7b, cf. Hebrews 3:2, Hebrews 3:5). But the Lord’s servants (and His Son, ultimately) have always found themselves under attack. This attack has several classic characteristics. 

• It comes from family. Just as Jesus’s own earthly family were among His detractors during His earthly ministry, He has warned us that those who follow Him will often experience the same. In this case, it is spearheaded by Miriam. We can see this both by her name being listed first in Numbers 12:1, and by the implication of her being the one who is struck with leprosy. 
• Whether women or uncalled men, there is often ministerial jealousy on the part of those who are less prominent in Christ’s service. Aaron was high priest, and it was not enough for him! 
• It is disguised in moral and spiritual terms. Your author once believed that this “Cushite” was an Ethiopian, as the NKJ indicates in its translation. But, apparently, Midian was also identified with Cush (cf. Habakkuk 3:7), and since the Lord tells us nothing of Moses having two wives, it seems that this was Miriam and Aaron’s “spin” on Moses’s marriage to Zipporah. They pass off their challenge as being on the grounds of ethnic integrity (v1) and spiritual equality (Numbers 12:2). But God’s comparison of Moses’s humility exposes the pride that is truly behind their challenge.

The Lord defends His servant, Numbers 12:4-9. When YHWH commands the three to come out, one wonders if Aaron and Miriam think they are about to “get their share” of Moses’s prophetic office. After all, we just heard about the 70 back at ole’ “Graves of Craving,” and they received their office in a similar way. But once they’ve stepped forward in Numbers 12:5, things quickly go downhill for them. 

The Lord asserts Moses’s faithfulness .Numbers 12:7, and singles him out above all other prophets (Numbers 12:8a–c), before rebuking them for speaking against him (verse 8d–e). It is Moses’s knowledge of the God Who is angry with His servants’ attackers (Numbers 12:9) that enables Moses to be so meek with respect to himself (Numbers 12:3). For you too, whether in office or otherwise, confidence in God to vindicate you is the path to loving your enemies and being humble under fire.

The servant intercedes for his attackers, Numbers 12:10-16. One affliction of leprosy upon Miriam (Numbers 12:10), and Aaron goes from challenging Moses to praying to him for forgiveness (Numbers 12:11-12). But Moses knows his own place and prays for that forgiveness (Numbers 12:13). The Lord’s answer (Numbers 12:14) is a reminder that men in leadership must add wisdom and strength to their humility, lest they compromise order, propriety, or justice. But Moses is still heard, for the seven days (Numbers 12:14-16) is half the total time prescribed (cp. Leviticus 13:1–8 with Leviticus 14:8–9). 

The Son Who is faithful over all the house. Hebrews 3:2, Hebrews 3:5 quotes Numbers 12:7 in the context of exalting Christ above Moses. Jesus’s exaltation is of an entirely different order than Moses’s, even when considering how Moses is exalted above all other prophets! And this comes out in Matthew 9:1–8, where Christ does not need to pray to forgive sins. He has that authority in Himself! It must have been encouraging to Aaron and Miriam to hear Moses’s prayer in Numbers 12:13, after they had heard the Lord’s high commendation of Moses. How much more for us to know that Jesus prays for us (cf. Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1)! 

Whom might you be in danger of speaking against wrongly? Who are speaking against you? How would humility help you in both situations? Why don’t you need to try to vindicate yourself for your own sake?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving to us Christ as our Great Prophet. Grant unto us humility under Him, so that we do not speak against His officers. And help us to trust You to vindicate our name. Thank You that Jesus prays for us for our forgiveness. For His sake, do forgive our sins, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH68A “God Shall Arise, and by His Might”

Freed from Fear by What We See [Family Worship lesson in 1John 4:12–20]

What can we see, that will give us boldness for the judgment? 1John 4:12–20 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we can see one another, and the perfecting of God’s own love in our loving one another, which is the work of His Spirit, Whom He has given with His Son.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 John 4:12–20

Read 1 John 4:12–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What has no one done (1 John 4:12)? But of what connection to God can we be sure, in what way? What achieves its end (NKJ: is perfected) in believers’ loving one another? In Whom do believers who love one another abide (1 John 4:13)? Who abides in them? What gift has produced both the love and the mutual abiding? What had the apostles seen (1 John 4:14)? What did they do with what they saw? Who sent Whom as what? What else does the Spirit produce—what do those who have been given of His Spirit confess (1 John 4:15)? Even though we have not seen God (v12), what have we known and believed (1 John 4:16)? How does this relate to Who God is? Why has love achieved its end in believers (1 John 4:17)? In whose conduct, where, is the character of God reflected? Of what is there none in love (1 John 4:18)? What does love that has achieved its end cast out? What does fear involve? What hasn’t happened in the one who is tormented with fear? But if love has achieved its end in us, what do we do (1 John 4:19)? How has this come about? What might someone say (1 John 4:20)? But what if he hates his brother? What is the logic of this verse?

What can we see, that will give us boldness for the judgment? 1 John 4:12–20 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we can see one another, and the perfecting of God’s own love in our loving one another, which is the work of His Spirit, Whom He has given with His Son.

The idea of “seeing” ties this passage together from 1 John 4:12 to 1 John 4:20. 

What we haven’t seen, 1 John 4:12-13. Love is of God (1 John 4:7), so even though we haven’t seen God (1 John 4:12, cf. John 1:18), we have seen that which can come only from God. This is why loving one another in a biblical way assures of this amazing reality: God Himself abides in us. He has given us of His Spirit (1 John 4:13), by Whom God’s own love has achieved its end (“been perfected,” NKJ) in us. Loving one another is a window into a glorious, unseen reality!

What the apostles had seen, 1 John 4:14-16. The “we” in 1 John 4:14 is the apostles (cf. 1 John 1:1–3; John 1:14). They had seen God the Son in human form. They testified to Him Who is the great display of the love in which God sent Him to be the Savior of the world. The same Spirit Who makes us to love one another (1 John 4:13) makes us to confess that Jesus is the Son of God. 

Having the Spirit, confessing the divinity of Christ, loving one another, and a mutual abiding in God… all four of these go together. Either you have all of them, or you have none of them. There’s no in between. Thanks be to God, we have both the testimony of the Holy Spirit in our heart, and a reliable, eye-witness account in our hands and in our hearing.

What we have seen, 1 John 4:17-20. We have seen our brother (1 John 4:20)! This gives us something tangible to embolden us, as we look forward to the day of judgment (1 John 4:17). The God before Whom we will stand is the God Who is love. So, if in this world, with our brother whom we can see, we are loving, then we have boldness. His love makes us to love Him (1 John 4:19), which makes us to love our brother. Someone who is participating in this wonderful cycle of love does not fear the judgment.

Do you fear the judgment, dear reader? Then you must continue to grow in knowing God’s love for you, which will in turn foster your love for Him and your love for your brothers. But if you hate your brother, then you can be sure that what you have “seen” is that you don’t actually love God, no matter what you say (1 John 4:20). 

How is it evident to you that you love the brethren? When you think about your love for the brethren, what does it show (or not show—be honest) about you? If you lack love, from where can it come? How do you feel about the day of judgment? Why? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how much our love lacks! We thank You for sending Your Son and giving Your Spirit. Grant to us the continued ministry of Your Spirit, so that Your love will achieve its goal in us. Grant that this love would cast out all of our fear, so that we will have boldness in the day of judgment, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP197 “Christian Unity” or TPH409 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” 

2024.05.29 Midweek Meeting Live Stream (live at 6:30p)

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Romans 15:13–16 Sermon Outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

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Salvation by the Triune God Alone [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 59]

What hope is there for sinners? Isaiah 59 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the triune God, Himself, is the only hope for sinners. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Isaiah 59

Read Isaiah 59

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does Isaiah 59:1 begin? What two things have not (metaphorically) happened? What is the explanation for the circumstances in which Israel have found themselves (Isaiah 59:2)? Whose body-parts are dysfunctional in what way (Isaiah 59:3, cf. Isaiah 59:7)? But what haven’t they done in response to their sin (Isaiah 59:4a–b)? In what have they trusted instead (verse 4c)? What comes from them (Isaiah 59:4-5)? How effectively will their works help (Isaiah 59:6a–b)? Why (verse 6c–d)? In what sort of path do they walk, and to what two “places” can it never take them (Isaiah 59:7-8)? Who are brought to agree with this assessment in Isaiah 59:9? What are they admitting about themselves (Isaiah 59:10)? What do even their attempts at confession sound like (Isaiah 59:11a–b)? What cannot come from them (verse 11c–d)? Why (Isaiah 59:12)? What has this sin done to their relationship to the Lord (Isaiah 59:13a–b)? To their relationships with one another (Isaiah 59:13-15)? What happens to the righteous in such a society (Isaiah 59:15b)? Who saw this (Isaiah 59:15-16)? What did He think of it? What did He do about it? With what word picture does Isaiah 59:17 describe Him doing this? What four attributes does He “put on”? Whom will He repay in what way in Isaiah 59:18? With what result (Isaiah 59:19)? But in what way does He come to whom in Isaiah 59:20? To which specific people in Jacob (verse 20b)? What does YHWH say to the singular Person in Isaiah 59:21? How does He covenant to produce Israelites who turn from transgression? Upon Whom is the Spirit? In Whose mouth are YHWH’s words? From where (Where) shall this Spirit and these words not depart? From whose else’s mouth? And from whose else’s mouth? According to Whose proclamation? For how long?

What hope is there for sinners? Isaiah 59 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the triune God, Himself, is the only hope for sinners. 

A situation for which we have no solution, Isaiah 59:1–15b. Apparently, there was some thinking that the Lord’s ability to save or willingness to listen to them had somehow diminished (Isaiah 59:1). But the problem was their sin that had fractured their relationship with the Lord (Isaiah 59:2). Their sinful actions had so defiled their hands and fingers that nothing they did could be acceptable before the Lord (Isaiah 59:3a–b), and their sinful words had so defiled their lips and tongue that nothing that they spoke could be acceptable before the Lord (verse 3c–d). 

Rather than calling for repentance (Isaiah 59:4a–b), they comforted themselves with words that turned out to be lies (verse 4c). This is a great danger for all men. We do not realize the greatness of our wickedness, and how it corrupts all of our thinking, acting, and speaking. People comfort themselves with religious-sounding things that are just lies and nonsense. But we are like that viper or spider of Isaiah 59:5, from whom only death can come, and whose “good deeds” are like trying to wear a spider’s web for clothing (Isaiah 59:6). We are so sinful by nature, that there isn’t even a path to peace from where we are in ourselves (Isaiah 59:7-8). 

Isaiah 59:9 tells of a marvel. The people begin to answer in the direction of repentance! The problem is that sin has us so blind that we are unable to repent correctly (Isaiah 59:9-10). If we open our mouths to confess, it is so flawed that Isaiah 59:11 describes it as being animal sounds, rather than intelligible words—moans and groans. Unconverted sinfulness had so saturated Israel (Isaiah 59:12-14a), and genuine conversion had become so rare, that anyone who experienced it (Isaiah 59:15b) made himself prey. 

The Lord Who is, Himself, the solution, Isaiah 59:15-20. One great problem, when no one is righteous, is that there isn’t even anyone who can intercede (Isaiah 59:16b). So the Lord, Who is pleased to save, is displeased with the condition in which there is no Savior, and He Himself brings that salvation (Isaiah 59:15-16)! He is no prey but a mighty Warrior (Isaiah 59:17). Some of us are familiar with Ephesians 6:13–17 and bring that knowledge back into Isaiah 59:17, but that is backward. The wonder of the armor of God is that it is His own, but that He dresses us in it by Christ!

When the Lord delivers His people from that into which their sin has brought them (Isaiah 59:18), He restores His people who see and trust to fearing His Name from west to east (Isaiah 59:19). Thus, the Redeemer comes to Zion (Isaiah 59:20a). In the context of this chapter, we see something greater in verse 20b than even the destroying of all of the enemies of God and His people: repentance in Jacob! Using his original name (heel-grabber, deceiver), the Lord announces the marvel that He will have a nation filled with genuinely repentant worshipers! His mouth has said this, and His arm will do this!

The Servant Who is the Lord, the Savior, Isaiah 59:21. The concluding verse answers the question of how the Lord comes to be Intercessor and Savior. YHWH speaks to the Savior, Who is also YHWH (cf. Isaiah 59:16), about His Spirit Who is also YHWH, being upon Him. How can God’s covenant with sinners be made to stand? God Himself must comprise both parties in the covenant. The Lord Jesus’s mouth will never be defiled like in Isaiah 59:3c–d, or impotent like in Isaiah 59:11a–b. By the same almighty Spirit Who lifts up the standard against the enemies (Isaiah 59:19d), the Lord Jesus speaks the words of the Lord. And, by His Spirit, He has spiritual offspring who speak His words. And He even makes promise of His Spirit to His offspring’s offspring for the same purpose. Will there be branches that are cut out? Yes. But the covenant is genuine for those who remain in or are grafted in (Isaiah 59:20, cf. Romans 11:26), and the method of salvation is the same for all, forever (end of Isaiah 59:21).

What works or words are you tempted to hope in, when you realize that you are in trouble, or that things are not right between you and the Lord? Why can your own words and works never help? What hope can you have, then? What would it look like to lay hold of that hope before the Lord?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us, for our iniquities separate us from You, and our sins hide Your face from us. Our hands and fingers are defiled, and our tongue and lips corrupted. What comes from us, ourselves, is deadly like viper’s poison and useless like spiders’ webs. Words that we thought were so wise and sincere have been as spiritually useful as animal sounds. If we are to be helped, it will not be by our words or our works, but only by You, by Jesus Christ Your Servant, by Your Holy Spirit. So, grant unto us repentance from Christ by His Spirit, and save us in Christ by His Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH435 “Not What My Hands Have Done”

The Twin Tyrannies [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 28:2]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us how letting sin tyrannize our hearts leads to being tyrannized by others.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Two Ways [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 119:25–32]

How can those returning to dust live forever? Psalm 119:25–32 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that dead sinners come to live forever by the Lord Himself, using His Word, to bring us into and keep us in the way of life.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 119:25–32

Read Psalm 119:25–32

Questions from the from the Scripture text: What is the psalmist’s soul doing (Psalm 119:25a)? What does he ask for (versev25b)? According to what? What has the psalmist declared (Psalm 119:26)? Who answers/corrects him, and how? What way is an alternative (Psalm 119:27a)? How can he come to understand them? What is one means by which God does this (verse 27b)? What is happening to the psalmist’s soul (Psalm 119:28a)? What does he need from God (verse 28b)? By what means? From which way is he removed, when he moves from his way to God’s (Psalm 119:29a)? Whom (and how) does he need to give him to walk according to God’s law (verse 29b)? Which way has he chosen (Psalm 119:30a)? So, then, what has he done (verse 30b)? To what is he clinging (Psalm 119:31a)? What does he ask would not be the result of that clinging (verse 31b)? What will the psalmist do, in which way (Psalm 119:32a)? How will he be able to do this running (verse 32b)?

How can those returning to dust live forever? Psalm 119:25–32 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that dead sinners come to live forever by the Lord Himself, using His Word, to bring us into and keep us in the way of life.

The two ways. In this section of this great acrostic song/prayer, every line begins with the first letter in the Hebrew word for “way.” In fact, five of the eight verses begin with the word “way” (Psalm 119:26, Psalm 119:27, Psalm 119:29, Psalm 119:30, Psalm 119:32), while two begin with “cling” (Psalm 119:25, Psalm 119:31) and one with “weep” (Psalm 119:28).  There are two “ways” to live: man’s way (Psalm 119:26a), the way of lying (Psalm 119:28a), and the Lord’s way (Psalm 119:27a), the way of truth (Psalm 119:30a). 

As the children of Adam, we must learn to be suspicious of our own ideas, our own feelings, and our own inclinations. As we learned in John’s preaching (cf. Matthew 3:1) and Jesus’s preaching (cf. Matthew 4:17), we need a complete change of mind—not merely a change of our opinions but a change of the very character of our mind. “Be ye converted!” This is what the psalmist is talking about, in Psalm 119:26, when he describes bringing his own ways before the Lord, and the Lord’s answering him. This is how we need to come to Scripture: as those who are coming before the Lord to receive His correction and instruction.

The Word is the way into the right way. More recently in Matthew, we have heard about the narrow gate (Christ alone), and the confined way, that leads to life (cf. Matthew 7:14). And how is it that we come to enter only by Who Christ is and only by what Christ has done (not at all by what we have done)? How is it that we come to walk as those who have Him alone as our righteousness, and Him entirely as our Master? By hearing His Words and responding accordingly (Matthew 7:24). Otherwise, we are dead. Otherwise our soul is clinging to the dust to which it will return (Psalm 119:25a). His Word is the means by which He revives us, the means by which He brings us into life (verse 25b). Either we will be clinging to His testimonies (Psalm 119:31a), or our souls will be clinging to that dust (Psalm 119:25a). 

The Lord is the way to walk by the Word. Those who do not believe what the Scriptures teach (especially to believe in Christ alone for salvation) and do what the Scriptures command will have their weeping in the great and eternal day. But blessed are those who mourn now (Psalm 119:28a), for when they come to that great day, they will not be put to shame (Psalm 119:31b). Here, the Word itself teaches us to walk as those who have chosen the Lord’s way (Psalm 119:30a). Those who are strengthened by the Lord Himself (Psalm 119:28b) have their heart “enlarged” (Psalm 119:32b) not just to walk, but to run, in the way of the Lord’s commandments (verse 32a). 

We must not be surprised when, having trusted in Christ alone for righteousness before God, we find the way difficult. The path is confined by His Word, and we are afflicted with our remaining sin. So, when we are weeping and clinging and crying out “who will deliver me from this body of death?” (cf. Romans 7:15–24), let us pray and sing with this stanza of Psalm 119. The Lord, Who uses His Word to apply Christ to us, will make us to answer, “Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (cf. Romans 7:25a). 

Who can bring you into the way of life? Who can keep you there? What is especially the means/instrument that He has appointed for doing this work? What use do you make of it at what times? How closely do your own emotions toward sin, toward spiritual life, toward the Word, and toward the Lord Himself, resemble the emotions of the psalmist in this stanza? If it is not very closely, Who can help you and how?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are dust and deserve to return to dust. If we are going to worship You in life, it must be You Who revives us unto that life. Revive us, according to Your Word! Grant that our ways would be corrected in accord with Your ways, and bring us now to meditate upon Your wonderful works. By Your Spirit, strengthen us, according to Your Word, and enlarge our hearts, so that both in worship and in all of life, we will run in the way of Your commandments, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP119D “My Soul Clings to the Dust” or TPH119D “My Soul Is Sinking Down to Dust” 

The Harm of Wrath and Jealousy [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 27:3–4]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us about the great harm that is done by foolish wrath and jealousy.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Contentment with God and Confidence in His Spirit [2024.05.26 Evening Sermon in Numbers 11]

We ought to be content to have the Lord Himself, and we ought to have confidence in His Spirit

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

God Himself Came to Save Us [2024.05.26 Morning Sermon in Matthew 8:23–34]

We must trust in Jesus alone to save us, because He is true and living God; and, we must welcome whatever difference He makes in our lives as our Savior.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

An Infallible Assurance of Faith [2024.05.26 Sabbath School in WCF 18.2—Hopewell 101]

"This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation, and the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made"(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

When Electing Love Becomes Adopting Action [Westminster Shorter Catechism 34—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 34—especially explaining what happens when a sinner is adopted through faith in Christ.

Q34. What is adoption? Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of, the sons of God.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Weightiness of Marriage [Children's Catechism 95—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children’s Catechism question 95—especially explaining how the placement of the seventh commandment urges upon us the weightiness of marriage.

Q95. What is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Christian Fullness [Family Worship lesson in Romans 15:13–16]

Why has the apostle written so boldly to the Roman church? Romans 15:13–16 prepares us for the sermon in the midweek prayer meeting. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God the Holy Spirit is sustaining and blessing the work of consecrating believers for the worship of God in Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Romans 15:13–16

Read Romans 15:13–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Romans 15:13 call God? With what two things does the apostle pray that God will fill them? In/by what will He fill them with this joy and peace? In what do this joy and peace make them abound? By what (Whose!) power? About whom is the apostle confident (Romans 15:14)? Concerning whom? That they are already full of what two things? In order to be able to do what? In what manner does he say that he has written to them at points (Romans 15:15)? To do what to them? Why? Whose minister/liturgist is he (Romans 15:16)? Unto whom? What does he minister to them? In order that they may be able to do what? How is their offering made acceptable? 

Why has the apostle written so boldly to the Roman church? Romans 15:13–16 prepares us for the sermon in the midweek prayer meeting. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God the Holy Spirit is sustaining and blessing the work of consecrating believers for the worship of God in Christ. 

In the previous passage (Romans 15:7-12), we learned that we are to welcome one another for the same reason that Christ has welcomed us: for God’s glory in the united worship of all the nations, who trust in Christ. Now, in this passage, the third person of the Godhead takes center-stage: the Holy Spirit.

Praying for worshipers who are full of joy and peace, Romans 15:13. God is, for believers, the God of hope (Romans 15:13a), the One Who brings the nations to hope in Christ (Romans 15:12d). In this brief prayer, the apostle looks to God to make his readers to abound in hope. His prayer shows us the mechanism of this abounding and the Agent of this abounding. 

The mechanism is joy and peace through faith. The more that we believe in Christ, the more joy and peace we have in Him. The more joy and peace that we have in Him, the surer we become about Him. And it is in this mutually reinforcing joy, peace, and hope that the God of this hope brings us into that glorious worship of Him that He has planned from all eternity.

The agent is the Holy Spirit. It is “by the power of the Holy Spirit” that we come to abound in hope. So it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we rejoice in believing in Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is joy! And it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 5:1). The fruit of the Spirit is peace! Whatever else we do for one another’s edification, let us be sure to pray for it. For, ultimately, it is the almighty work of God the Holy Spirit.

Confident of worshipers who are full of goodness and knowledge, Romans 15:14. The fact that God is the God of hope (Romans 15:13) gives the apostle confidence/conviction about those whom this God is saving. He is persuaded that they are filled with at least two other things that this God uses to save: goodness and knowledge. With these, they are able to admonish one another, so that they don’t “need” him to do it. 

God Himself is equipping His people to help His people. And this is what we need in order to be able to admonish one another: goodness and knowledge. If we have goodness without knowledge, our kind intentions will be corrupting rather than helpful, because it will not be according to truth. If we have knowledge without goodness, we will misuse it and misapply it. But if we are to be useful to one another, to be brought to worship the Lord together with the nations, we must be full of both. And this is what the apostle is convinced is true about the Roman believers. For everyone whom the Lord gives us to participate in their lives, God Himself enables us to be useful to one another’s souls. 

Laboring for worshipers whose offerings please God, Romans 15:15-16. If they are able to help each other, why is the apostle writing them? And if they are full of goodness and knowledge, why has he written to them so boldly (Romans 15:15a)? Because this is what God has graciously given to him (verse 15b), what Jesus Christ has assigned to him (Romans 15:16). He is Jesus’s “liturgist” (“minister,” NKJ) for the nations. By more clearly teaching and applying the gospel of God to them, the apostle is Christ’s agent for bringing them to offer acceptable worship to God. The Holy Spirit, Who consecrates them and their worship, is using the apostle for this work. Thus the apostle knows that his service to the Roman church is worthwhile and effective. God Himself is using it!

When we serve one another in the roles that the Lord has given us in His church (and in our families), we may be sure that the outcome will be Jesus’s leading glorified saints, who are full of every virtue, in worship that is perfectly acceptable to God! Sometimes, our interaction must be pointed. Often, it will not immediately appear to be effective. But we must not lose heart. The Holy Spirit Himself is sustaining this work and making it effective. God will surely be glorified in His Son, and in those whom His Son brings to Him for worship.

What do you need to be filled with, if you are going to abound in hope? Whose power makes this happen? Whom in your life does He especially use to do this? In what activities does He especially do this? In whose lives has He especially given you to be used for building up and sanctifying them?

Sample prayer:  Our gracious God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—thank You for Your loving purpose and plan to make us an innumerable multitude of sanctified worshipers from all the nations. Thank You for those whom You use in our lives, to prepare us for that worship. And thank You for the privilege of being used in others’ lives. Please give us to serve Christ and minister to them by the power of Your Spirit, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2024.05.26 Lord's Day Live Streams (live at 10:10a, 11a, 3p)

Click below for the:

May 26 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

WCF 18.2 Sabbath School Outline

Matthew 8:23–34 Sermon Outline

Numbers 11 Sermon Outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

Each week we LIVESTREAM the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster

An Opportunity to Make Good Use of Our Baptisms [2024.05.25 Pastoral Letter and Hopewell Herald]

Hopewell Herald – May 25, 2024

Dear Congregation,

Tomorrow, Lord-willing, we are looking forward to the administration of a covenant baptism—which is no more than to say the administration “of a baptism.” All baptisms are covenant baptisms. Whether it happens upon addition of a household to the visible church (by profession of faith) or addition to a household of the visible church (by birth, adoption, or some other means), baptism is a covenant sign.

All baptisms are covenant baptisms. And all baptisms are household baptisms. This is something that is often missed by those who protest that there may have been zero children in the households of Cornelius, Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and Stephanas. Even granting the extremely unlikely idea that there were no children in any of these households, focusing upon the individuals upon whom the sign was placed misses that the nature of the sign is that it is a covenant sign, applied to households.

Most of you know and believe this, but there is another important point that we might miss if we stop at “covenantal” sign and “household” sign. Baptism is a “congregational” sign. It belongs only to the visible church. Although the sign and seal itself will only be applied to little Providence tomorrow, it will be administered to the Hopewell ARP Church. Each of us is to receive it as God’s once again placing His sign upon our church, and therefore as an opportunity for every single one of us to continue making ongoing, spiritual use of our own individual baptism—administered to us however long ago.

Who Is Jesus, and Why Did He Come? [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 8:23–34]

Who is Jesus? Matthew 8:23–34 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is God, the Lord over all.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 8:23–34

Read Matthew 8:23–34

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Jesus do in Matthew 8:23? What do His disciples do? What arises in Matthew 8:24? With what effect? What is Jesus doing? What do the disciples do (Matthew 8:25)? What do they say? What does He ask them (Matthew 8:26)? What does He call them? What does He do to what? With what effect? What do the men do in Matthew 8:27? What do they ask? To where do they come in Matthew 8:28? Whose country is it? Whom does He meet there? Coming out of where? Of what character? With what effect? What do the demons use the two men to do (Matthew 8:29)? What do their demons ask? What information does Matthew 8:30 add? What do the demons beg for (Matthew 8:31)? What does Jesus say (Matthew 8:32)? Where do the demons go? With what effect? Who respond in Matthew 8:33? How? Where do they go? What do they do there? What information do they make sure to include? Who come out in Matthew 8:34? To do what? What do they beg Him to do?

Who is Jesus? Matthew 8:23–34 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is God, the Lord over all.

Lord over creation, Matthew 8:23-27. Jesus has just pointed out the great faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:10, and now he turns to the disciples who actually made it onto the boat (Matthew 8:23, cf. Matthew 8:18-22) and tells them that they have “little faith” Matthew 8:26. They do not yet realize (or have not yet taken to heart) that He has the very authority of God in Him. He does not pray for the storm to be stilled. He rebukes the creation itself! This is a hallmark of YHWH Himself in Psalm 65:7, Psalm 89:8–9, Psalm 107:28–29. We must ask and answer the question in Matthew 8:27: “What sort of man is this?” He is the God-Man. And if He is with us, we must never be afraid. If you are a Christian, He is with you. You must not fear!

Lord over the nations and the spiritual powers, Matthew 8:28-34. When they reach the Gentile side of the lake, Jesus’s arm is not shortened nor His hand weakened. These demons have great power over these men (Matthew 8:28), but they are completely at Jesus’s mercy (Matthew 8:31), both now and especially in eternity (Matthew 8:29). They are also enslaved to their own wickedness, immediately destroying the creatures that they enter (Matthew 8:32). We mustn’t read too much of ourselves into Matthew 8:33. Yes, there is a financial loss, but what they especially mention was Jesus’s power over the demons that had been an insurmountable power (end of Matthew 8:28). It is He Whom they fear, and Whom they therefore beg to depart (Matthew 8:34). Many do not close with Christ, because they fear the great power with which He will overthrow their whole lives. We must not respond this way. Let us be willing for Him to do whatever almighty work He wills!

Of what are you tempted to be afraid? What are you reluctant for Christ to change in your life?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You, Who are God almighty, but have come near us and with us to save us. Forgive us our fears and our reluctance to live in proximity to Your power, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP65A “Praise Awaits You, God, in Zion” or TPH533 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord!”

Christ’s Welcome to ALL the Nations [2024.05.22 Midweek Sermon in Romans 15:8–12]

When we welcome one another in order to see all God's elect brought to worship Him, we are participating in that purpose for all things that is Christ's own aim.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Content and Confident in God [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 11]

What is Israel like, as God’s chosen people? Numbers 11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these thirty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel, God’s chosen people, are wrath-deserving sinners like Egypt and the rest of the world.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 11

Read Numbers 11

Questions from the Scripture text: What did the people do in Numbers 11:1? What did the Lord think of this? How did He respond? With what effect? To whom did the people cry (Numbers 11:2)? What did Moses do? With what effect? What did Moses call the place (Numbers 11:3)? Why? Who did what in Numbers 11:4a? Who else wept (verse 4b)? Saying what? What do they “remember” (Numbers 11:5)? What do they compare, negatively, to these “memories” (Numbers 11:6)? What did the manna look like (Numbers 11:7)? How did the people use it (Numbers 11:8)? What did it taste like? How easily was it obtained (Numbers 11:9)? What did Moses hear in Numbers 11:10? Who was doing it? Where? Whose anger was aroused? Who else was displeased? To Whom does Moses take his displeasure (Numbers 11:11)? What two questions does he ask? What does he say that the Lord has done to him? With what two questions does Numbers 11:12 begin? How does he describe the task that God has assigned to him? What does he ask in Numbers 11:13? Why does he want to give them meat? What does he say that he is unable to do (Numbers 11:14)? What does he ask God to do (Numbers 11:15)? According to what from God? In order not to let him see what? Who speaks to whom in Numbers 11:16? What/whom does he say to gather? To where? To do what? What will the Lord do there (Numbers 11:17)? Why? Then to whom must Moses speak (Numbers 11:18)? What is he to tell them to do? What will they do the next day? What have they done in Whose hearing? How will the Lord respond? For how long (Numbers 11:19-20)? Until what happens to them? How does Moses respond in Numbers 11:21-22? But how does YHWH reply to Moses in Numbers 11:23? What does Moses do in Numbers 11:24? And what does YHWH do (Numbers 11:25)? To what effect? Who else prophesy (Numbers 11:26)? Despite what? Who responds in what way (Numbers 11:27)? Prompting whom else to say what to Moses (Numbers 11:28)? How does Moses answer (Numbers 11:29)? Then who do what in Numbers 11:30? What happens in Numbers 11:31? How “deep” (!) are the quail? What do the people do (Numbers 11:32)? But what happens in Numbers 11:33? What does Moses call the place in Numbers 11:34? Then to where does the cloud lead them (Numbers 11:35)?

What is Israel like, as God’s chosen people? Numbers 11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these thirty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel, God’s chosen people, are wrath-deserving sinners like Egypt and the rest of the world.

The first couple “days’” worth of travel ends up taking over a month! But in that day, we learn that while Moses wishes all the people had God’s Spirit as he did, the fact of their spiritual condition is that they are much more like Egypt and the world than Moses.

It burns, Numbers 11:1–3. Because the incident with the meat gets more “press,” we may overlook that it’s not the first wickedness that the Lord punishes, after Israel departs Sinai. The very first thing they do is complain (Numbers 11:1)! Have you ever overheard someone complain about you? The Lord hears all our complaining against Him. A thankless, grumbling spirit is exactly the opposite of glorifying Him as God and giving Him thanks (cf. Romans 1:21). So the fire of YHWH comes out and burns the outskirts of the camp, the place where the ceremonially unclean were. The people had forgotten that the ceremonially unclean reminded them that all sinners are defiled. So their first pit stop is called “it burns.”

Graves of craving, Numbers 11:4-35. The name of stop number two (Numbers 11:35) comes from when the mixed multitude “craved a craving” in Numbers 11:4. But it’s not just these others who have come with them, the children of Israel immediately join in, and with weeping. Not only is their memory of the menu unlikely in Numbers 11:5, but their memory of the price “free” is patently false. The opening scenes of Exodus saw them weeping over their bondage, which was the incalculable price of their food. The Spirit juxtapositions their complaining against the manna (Numbers 11:6) to a reminder of its heavenliness (Numbers 11:7), usefulness (Numbers 11:8), and free (actually!) provision (Numbers 11:9). 

We must watch against joining others in their grumbling. The mixed multitude was doing it, and “throughout their families” (Numbers 11:7 ), all Israel was doing it. But YHWH was “greatly provoked.” He is not sympathetic to our sin because of how “normal” it is, and it is deadly folly that we tend to be sympathetic to our own sin on that account. Rather, we should be like Moses—displeased with a sin, even if the whole world seems to approve of it. 

Knowing the Lord’s fury against the people, Moses cries out to God for help. He knows that he needs more grace (“favor”; Numbers 11:11, Numbers 11:15), and that he is as helpless as a male (“guardian” in Numbers 11:12 is masculine) who must now “nurse”  child with meat (Numbers 11:13). This is, of course, metaphorical. He knows that the people’s great need is not meat. But he himself is unable to lead them in following the Lord. This is why the Lord’s great answer to Moses is not the quail (the quail is a judgment upon the nation, Numbers 11:20) but the 70 elders. They will have a portion of the Spirit for leadership (Numbers 11:17), but as we go through the book of Numbers, it will appear that the people need more than just leadership. The 70 who were at the tabernacle (Numbers 11:24) never prophesied again (Numbers 11:25), and Moses wished that they had all been (Numbers 11:29) like Eldad and Medad, who were elders and officers but had not been among the 70 (Numbers 11:26). It is not enough to have qualified men in positions; they must continue to operate by the Spirit.

Ultimately, the people had wished for the Egypt-treatment (and of Numbers 11:20), and they got it. The provision of quail became a very great plague (end of Numbers 11:33) just before it was exhausted (“chewed” in NKJ of verse 33; cf. Psalm 78:29–31).  He dropped the quail upon them, three feet deep (Numbers 11:31), and they spread it out and gorged themselves for a month (Numbers 11:32). But all that they accomplished was demonstrating that they were of the same wicked character as Egypt, deserving the same acts of judgment with which the Lord had struck Egypt. What even Moses dd not think possible (Numbers 11:21-22), YHWH easily did (Numbers 11:23). The Lord’s arm is never shortened; if we come to Him with unbelief that His arm is strong to save us, we will find instead that His arm is strong to chasten us! 

Two stops, two days’ worth of travel. And the names of the stops (“it burns” and “graves of craving”) should alarm us. May the Lord drive us to Himself for grace. Membership in His church does not, of itself, produce in us the holy difference from the world that it demands from us.

What are you tempted to grumble or complain about in your life? What is there that you are tempted to think would make your life better if you could just have more of it or better of it? How is such thinking similar to that of the mixed multitude and the children of Israel in this chapter? What do you need, if you are going to be more contented?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how easily we complain and grumble. Apart from Your grace, we are like Israel—and therefore like the mixed multitude and like the Egyptians. We easily crave a craving. Grant to us from Your Spirit, so that we would be greatly displeased with our sin. Give us grace to be content with Your great goodness to us in Christ, we ask through His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH68A “God Shall Arise, and by His Might”

True Love's Source, Standard, and Seal [Family Worship lesson in 1John 4:7–11]

Why must Christians love one another? 1John 4:7–11 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christians must love one another because God reveals Himself in loving us and reveals who His children are by their loving with that love.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 John 4:7–11

Read 1 John 4:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the apostle call them (1 John 4:7)? What does he urge them to do? From where does love come? By whom have those who love been begotten? Whom do they know? What is not true about someone who does not love (1 John 4:8)? Why not? What has God done with His love (1 John 4:9)? In what way has He manifested it? What is unique about this Son? Into what has He sent Him? For what purpose? What didn’t we do (1 John 4:10)? But what did God do for people who didn’t? What did He send His Son to be? What does the apostle call them again in 1 John 4:11? What does he say (again!) we ought to do? Upon what basis?

Why must Christians love one another? 1 John 4:7–11 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christians must love one another because God reveals Himself in loving us and reveals who His children are by their loving with that love.

Love is of God, 1 John 4:7-8. God is love. All that love is, God is. It is such an essential characteristic of His that failing to love is proof that we don’t have any real relation to Him (1 John 4:8). This is what the new birth produces in a believer: love for God as someone who knows Him, and love for those who are His. For many, one of the first symptoms of their conversion is their newfound, profound love for believers.

God’s love manifested, 1 John 4:9. The doctrine of God the Son being begotten of God from all eternity has been an important, essential doctrine throughout this letter. But it is a doctrine that is important for more, even, than just knowing the truth about God. It is a doctrine that essential for knowing His love. How very many ways God has displayed His love toward us! But all of them together are not to be compared to His sending His Son into the world.

God’s love initiates, 1 John 4:10. Whom does God love with His saving love? This verse has a surprising answer: those who did not love Him but sinned against Him. Those who sinned against Him. And how much did He love those who sinned against Him? So much that He gave Himself to be the propitiation; He gave Himself to suffer His own wrath in their place. We never begin to love God except by His redeeming love toward us, first in His Son, and then by His Spirit.

God’s love propagates, 1 John 4:11. The logic in this verse works two ways. The first is that the one who has been loved ought therefore to love others. The second is that if we see someone else upon whom God has set His electing, redeeming love, then they must become objects of our special love for God.

When you think about how you relate to others, what evidence is there that you have been born of God? How has God shown His love for you? What part did your loving Him have in this? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we have valued loving too little, when loving is the chief fruit of being born of You and knowing You. Forgive us for forgetting that You have loved us and given Christ for us, when we did not love You and only sinned against You. We thank You that You have given Yourself in Your Son to endure Your own wrath in our place. Grant that through Him Who has atoned for us, we would also love You and one another, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH427 “I Sought the Lord, and Afterward I Knew”

Hiding Ourselves from the Dangerous Path [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 22:3–5]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the prudent hide themselves in Christ, humbling themselves before the Lord and fearing Him.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.22 Midweek Meeting Live Stream (live at 6:30p)

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May 22 Prayer Meeting Folder

Romans 15:8–12 Sermon Outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

Each week we LIVESTREAM the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster

How the Lord Trains Us to Find Pleasure in Him [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 58]

What peace does a true prophet proclaim? Isaiah 58 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a true prophet proclaims the peace of true religion, finding God in Christ to be the great good and the great delight, Who has given us a day to train us in delighting in Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Isaiah 58

Read Isaiah 58

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Isaiah 58:1 say Isaiah is to be telling God’s people and the house of Jacob? Whom does Isaiah 58:2 say that they seek daily? What does verse 2 say that they delight to know? What does verse 2 say that they ask of God? Whom does verse 2 say that they take delight in approaching? What questions do the people ask in Isaiah 58:3? What does Isaiah 58:4 say are the reasons that they were fasting? What were they trying to make happen? What does Isaiah 58:5 say that they did to their souls when they fasted? What did they do to their heads? What does Isaiah 58:6 say that God wants their fasts to be like? What does Isaiah 58:7 say they should do as a result of their fasts? To whom should they bring their bread? Whom should they bring into their house? What should they do for the naked? If their fasts are like this, what does Isaiah 58:8 say will break forth like the morning? What will spring forth speedily? What will go before them? What will be their rear guard? Upon whom does Isaiah 58:9 say they will call? What will He do? To whom will they cry? What will the Lord say when they cry? What does verse 9 say are three things that people who trust in and worship God will take away? To whom does Isaiah 58:10 say they will extend their souls? Whom will they satisfy? What does verse 10 say will then come into the darkness? And what will their darkness be like? Whom does Isaiah 58:11 say will guide them continually? Who will satisfy their souls as in drought? Who will strengthen their bones? What does verse 11 say they will be like? What does Isaiah 58:12 say they will rebuild? What will they raise up? What will they be called? From what were they to turn their feet on the Sabbath (Isaiah 58:13)? Whose day is it? What were they to call a delight? What were they to call honorable? Whom do we honor when we delight in the Sabbath? Whose ways are they not to do on the Sabbath? Whose pleasure are they not to find on the Sabbath? Whose words are they not to speak on the Sabbath? What (whom!) does Isaiah 58:14 say that this kind of Sabbath-keeping will make them delight in? Upon what will this Sabbath keeping make us to ride? Upon whose heritage will this kind of Sabbath-keeping make us to feed? 

What peace does a true prophet proclaim? Isaiah 58 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a true prophet proclaims the peace of true religion, finding God in Christ to be the great good and the great delight, Who has given us a day to train us in delighting in Him. 

The nature of false religion, Isaiah 58:1–3. This chapter compares the false religion of the wicked who have no peace (cf. Isaiah 57:20–21) with the true religion into which the Servant brings His offspring. False religion that thinks that God owes us for making ourselves miserable by obeying Him (Isaiah 58:3). Such religion treats worship and obedience as miseries that we endure so that God will be satisfied with what we do. Doesn’t it frighten you, dear Christian, that these people sought God daily, and delighted to know His ways, and asked from Him ordinances of justice, and took delight to approach Him (Isaiah 58:2)… and yet the introduction to this entire chapter was a trumpet-blast announcement of their sin (Isaiah 58:1)?

The fruit of false religion, Isaiah 58:4-5. If such eagerness for worship, and zeal for learning, and commitment to obedience can be condemned by God as wicked, how can we tell by the fruit of our lives if we genuinely belong to God or not? Thankfully, our passage highlights a fruit that comes from false religion: driving others hard, accusing others, speaking wickedly (Isaiah 58:9b). It turns out that if we consider God hard and demanding and uncaring with us (Isaiah 58:5), requiring us to manipulate Him by what we do (Isaiah 58:4), we will be hard and demanding and uncaring with others.

The nature and fruit of true religion, Isaiah 58:6-12. But the Lord has given us His worship and law generously, giving us that which is for good and for joy—to free us precisely from that sinful mindset that belongs to our natures (Isaiah 58:6), and to turn around and be as merciful with others as God has been with us (Isaiah 58:7).

What’s the great difference between the two kinds of religion? One says, “look what great things I have done for God!” (Isaiah 58:3). The other says, “look what great things God has done for me!” (Isaiah 58:9a). Those who trust in the Lord and rejoice in His mercy and grace become those who are merciful and gracious with others (Isaiah 58:7, Isaiah 58:10). Their lives become abundant not by the impressiveness of their effort, but by the continual work of God’s grace in them (Isaiah 58:8, Isaiah 58:11). And God uses them to bring life and healing and strength to others (Isaiah 58:12).  Isn’t that what you would like, dear Christian? Which religion is yours?

The means by which the Lord trains us in true religion, Isaiah 58:13-14. Now, what if we have discovered that our hearts are too much like the false religion and too little like the true religion? None of us appreciate God’s goodness and generosity as much as we ought to. None of us are merciful and gracious to others as we ought to be.

Enter one of God’s good and generous gifts: His Sabbath. There’s a wonderful “If-then” in Isaiah 58:13-14. It goes exactly opposite what many of us would expect. Apart from grace, we naturally approach Sabbath-keeping like Pharisees, thinking that good Sabbath keeping will show how much we delight in the Lord… we think that “If you delight yourself in the Lord, then you will turn your foot and call the Sabbath a delight.”

However, our passage says exactly the opposite: “If you turn your foot and call the Sabbath a delight, then you will delight yourself in the Lord.” In other words, every Sabbath is a heart-training day, a delight-training day. God has built into every single week a day that cures us just a little bit of the false religion, and grows us just a little bit in the true religion.

What are we to do on His holy day? Treat it as holy! In other words, treat it as His, not ours. There are particular places that He has for us to go (worship!), so we focus on going there instead of wherever else we would have wanted. There are particular pleasures (Him Himself in focused, direct fellowship) that He has for us to enjoy—pleasures that should obsolete and dwarf whatever else we would seek after. Even the type of conversations that we have are determined by the fact that it is His holy day.

We’re so convinced that our natural desires and pleasures are the best, that we don’t always feel like the Sabbath is a gift, but in moments when we don’t feel it, we need to trust what Scripture says. That’s a big part of the Christian life, isn’t it? Doing what God says is best, even when it feels to us like it’s not? There’s already a joy in entrusting ourselves to His wisdom, and the love in which He has given His good commands. It is sweet to submit to the Savior, to yield ourselves to Him who loves our soul.

But it is more than that. There is a promise here, and thousands of years of believers have experienced God’s faithfulness to that promise. The Lord teaches us that there is a mechanism here, and thousands of years of believers have experienced the truth of that teaching.

Oh, how delightful is the Lord, our life! Indeed, He makes us to ride on the heights. What is the heritage of Jacob our father? The Lord Himself is our inheritance! And every good and perfect gift that He provides in that relationship.

How does weekly Lord’s Day keeping turn you away from man-made religion to God-made religion?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us; for we have treated You as a cruel Master, Whose Sabbath command rewards us for enduring misery. Forgive us, for our sinful view of You has resulted in our being demanding and cruel with others. Forgive us, for we have so often chosen our pleasure, rather than choosing Your pleasure. Forgive us, for we have not made good use of Your holy day, in which Your pleasures overwrite our own to train us in delight. Forgive us and conform us to Christ, by Your Spirit, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP92 “It’s Good to Thank the Lord” or TPH151 “Lord of the Sabbath, Hear Us Pray”

Living Acceptably to God [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 21:3–4]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that living acceptably to God is not only in the externals but especially in the conforming of the heart to God’s character and the righteousness of the man and his actions through faith in Christ.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

God, by His Word, Our Joy and Counselor [Family Worship lesson in Psalm119:17–24]

What comfort does a believer have in his troubles? Psalm 119:17–24 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the believer’s great comfort is God Himself, especially by means of His Word.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 119:17–24

Read Psalm 119:17–24

Questions from the from the Scripture text: What does the psalmist call himself in Psalm 119:17a? How does he ask God to deal with him? Unto what end (verse 17b)? What does he need, in order to see what (Psalm 119:18)? What is his status on earth (Psalm 119:19)? So, what does he need revealed to him (verse 19)? What is the condition of his soul (Psalm 119:20a)? For what does he long so much (verse 20b)? What does the Lord do to whom (Psalm 119:21)? So that they are in what state? As they do what? But what does the psalmist ask the Lord to do to him (Psalm 119:22a)? In accordance with what (verse 22b)? How formidable are the psalmist’s enemies (Psalm 119:23a)? And what is his own status (verse 23b)? But Whose servant is he? And upon what does he meditate? What two additional roles do the Lord’s testimonies have in his life (Psalm 119:24)? 

What comfort does a believer have in his troubles? Psalm 119:17–24 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the believer’s great comfort is God Himself, especially by means of His Word.

God’s bounty for our obedience, Psalm 119:17. Fleshly religion obeys in order to earn reward from its deity. But in the true religion, it is the bounteousness, the generosity, of God that even enables us to obey in the first place.

God’s grace for our understanding, Psalm 119:18. The Word is more full of wonders than the world. But they are the sort of wonders to which sin more directly blinds us. While our eyes are still darkened, we cannot see them. A child with grace has more access to the wonders of Scripture than a PhD without it.

God’s instruction for our help, Psalm 119:19. As evidenced by this verse, the believer has been a stranger on the earth for much longer than since 1 Peter was written. It is by following God’s Word that we are able to operate with the whole world against us.

God’s judgments to satisfy our longing, Psalm 119:20. O that we would so desire to know what God says about things that it felt like our souls would break with longing! How satisfying we would find Him in His Word! 

God’s mercies to remove our reproach, Psalm 119:21-23. The proud of the world (Psalm 119:21), the princes of the world (Psalm 119:23), look down their noses at believers. They believe that they are the successful and powerful and intelligent and good ones. But Psalm 119:21 tells the reality of their situation: they are the cursed ones. They stray from the commandments of God; their days are numbered, and their end is destruction. It is better to be a servant of the Lord (Psalm 119:23b) than a prince who is against Him (verse 23a). For, to those to whom He gives to keep His testimonies, He will surely take away their reproach (Psalm 119:22). 

God’s testimonies to delight and counsel us, Psalm 119:24. For those who have such a longing for God and His Word (Psalm 119:18, Psalm 119:20), the things of this world just won’t do. God’s testimonies, however, are the godly one’s delight. I wonder, dear reader, are they your delight? 

And for believers who have no princes to support them (Psalm 119:23) because they are strangers in the earth (Psalm 119:19), God’s testimonies have a special role: they are the “men of my counsel” (Psalm 119:24b). It seems an odd thing to say about words, but they are living words of the living God. He is our great friend and counselor, and the testimonies of His Word are like a multitude of wise counselors, guiding us through life. 

How does God’s generosity relate to your obedience? To your understanding of the Word? How are the truths of His Word your delight? How are they your counselors?

Sample prayer:  Lord, deal bountifully with Your servants in this place. Make us to live and keep Your Word. Open our eyes, so that we may see wondrous things from Your law. We long for You and Your judgments. Your testimonies are our delight and our counselors. So, help us now, as we read Your Word, pray Your Word, sing Your Word, hear it preached, and have it confirmed to us in the Supper. Grant that by Your Spirit, we would draw near to You and reverence You through Your Son, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP119C “That I May Live and Keep Your Word” or TPH119B “Do Good to Me, and I Will Live”

How the Lord (Jesus!) Leads His People [2024.05.19 Evening Sermon in Numbers 10:11–36]

God leads His people by order, human leadership, expertise, but most of all Himself!

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

God's Justifying of the Ungodly [Westminster Shorter Catechism 33—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 33—especially explaining how God makes sinners right with Him.

Q33. What is justification? Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein He pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

God's Remedy for Anger [Children's Catechism 94—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children’s Catechism question 94—especially explaining what the Bible teaches about how to avoid angry passions to keep the sixth commandment.

Q94. What does the sixth commandment teach us? To avoid angry passions.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Dependence and Devotion of Truly Following Christ [2024.05.19 Morning Sermon in Matthew 8:18–22]

Following Christ can only be done by His grace, because following Christ costs us everything

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

True Assurance [2024.05.19 Sabbath School in WCF 18.1c–d (Hopewell 101)]

WCF 18.1c–d presents the biblical teaching that God teaches believers to pursue assurance that they are in a state of grace, that this assurance is possible, and that this assurance is beneficial.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Servants in God's Plan [Family Worship lesson in Romans 15:8–12]

How did the church come to have the strong and the weak in it together? Romans 15:8–12 prepares us for the sermon in the midweek prayer meeting. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the weak and the strong are together in Christ’s church, so that He might be glorified in each, and in how they welcome one another for His sake. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Romans 15:8–12

Read Romans 15:8–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the apostle say that Jesus has become (Romans 15:8)? To whom? In/for what area? To confirm what? Made to whom? And for whom else (Romans 15:9)? To do what? To Whom? For what? Where had this been predicted (cf. 2 Samuel 22:50, Psalm 18:49)? What would the Christ do among whom? What would He make them to do (Romans 15:10, cf. Deuteronomy 32:43; Romans 15:11, cf. Psalm 117:1)? Who prophesied about who would bring this about (Romans 15:12; cf. Isaiah 11:10)? From where would the Root spring? What would He rise to do? Over whom? What would the nations (Gentiles) do? From Whom does this hope come (Romans 15:13)? With what does the apostle pray that God will fill them, as He brings them into this hope (cf. Romans 5:1–2)? Through what would this joy and peace come? How much hope would this produce in them? By what power?

How did the church come to have the strong and the weak in it together? Romans 15:8–12 prepares us for the sermon in the midweek prayer meeting. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the weak and the strong are together in Christ’s church, so that He might be glorified in each, and in how they welcome one another for His sake.

God’s plan for an international church, Romans 15:8-11. Jesus made Himself a servant/minister to the circumcision (Romans 15:8, Jewish believers/ Judaizing believers).He “confirmed” the promises to Abraham (and those who followed Abraham) not by giving more evidence or making them more believable, but by fulfilling them; He Himself is the truth of those promises (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:20)!

But Jesus was no less a servant of the nations (Romans 15:9, Psalm 18:40). It was His pleasure to initiate and lead a glorious, international worship service (Romans 15:10-11; cf. Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, Psalm 22:22). The Scriptures had always prophesied that He would do this!

God’s plan for doing so from among the Jews, Romans 15:12. Multiple times, now, this letter has emphasized that the Lord’s saving plan focuses first upon the Jews and then upon the Gentiles (cf. Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9, chapters 9–11). And the Jews’ greatest glory is that from among them, came (according to the flesh) Jesus (cf. Romans 9:5). Jesus brought joy to the nations in a way that did not pass through the ceremonial law—that did not expose them to the same weaknesses as the Jews. But, still He was a servant to Jewish believers (Romans 15:8). Thus, He is the great example of how the strong are to serve the weak.

So, gloriously, the Christ was prophesied to come from the root of Jesse (Romans 15:12b, cf. Isaiah 11:1–10). The house of David would be cut down to such a stump that the new shoot would come from the root of Jesse, his father. Thus, all Gentile believers bow themselves under a Jewish King (Romans 15:12c) and trust themselves to a Jewish Savior (verse 12d). So, Jews are to rejoice in Christ’s gathering in of the nations, and Gentiles are to rejoice in the glory of a Jewish King. Christ is glorified in both, and each of us rejoice in Him, and in one another for His sake.

This is true not only of Jew and Gentile, but of all believers. Jesus Christ has made Himself our servants to bring us to praise God together in Him (cf. Romans 15:6). If Jesus was willing to be their servant, how could we refuse? So, let the strong carry the weak, not looking down their noses at them. And, let the weak welcome the strong as the treasured of Christ, and not condemn the strong for what they are liberated to do in the Lord Jesus. Serve and welcome one another for the sake of Jesus!

At church, at whom are you tempted to look down your nose? Whom are you tempted to condemn? How can you love and serve them instead? Whose glory must we all serve? How can we serve one another’s being built up into Christ?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for saving us in Your Son, so that all who are His might worship You together with Him. Forgive us for how we have failed to treasure one another, and give us to rejoice in one another’s salvation in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP197 “Christian Unity” or TPH409“Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

2024.05.19 Lord's Day Live Streams [live at 10:10a, 11a, 3p]

Click below for the:

May 19 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

WCF 18.1c–d Sabbath School Outline

Matthew 8:18–22 Sermon Outline

p.m. song selections & Numbers 10:11–36

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

Each week we LIVESTREAM the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster