Offspring of Rebellion [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 1:19–46]

Of what must each generation be reminded? Deuteronomy 1:19–46 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every generation must be reminded of the dangers of unbelief and rebellion, and of our need of God’s grace to make us trusting, loving, submissive, and obedient.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 1:19–46

Read Deuteronomy 1:19–46

Questions from the Scripture text: From where did they depart (v19)? Through where did they go? How was the route determined? To where did they come? How did Moses describe that hill country (v20)? What did he say was happening to it? What triple command did he give (v21, cf. v8)? Who did what in v22? What did they say to do? Of what were the men to bring back word? What did Moses think of this (v23)? Whom did he take? What did they do (v24)? What did they take and bring (v25)? What else did they bring? What did they say about the land? But what wouldn’t the people do (v26)? What did they do? Where did they complain (v27)? What did they say about YHWH? Why did they say He had brought them out of Egypt? What did they blame for their response (v28)? How did Moses answer (v29)? What is his answer (v30) to the question in v28? In addition to the power displayed in how He saved them from Egypt (v30), what else had YHWH displayed toward them in the wilderness (v31)? But how did they respond (v32)? Despite His having done what (v33)? Who heard their answer (v34)? How did He respond? What did He now swear, despite what He had previously sworn (v35)? Whom did YHWH except from this judgment (v36, cf. v38)? With whom was YHWH also angry (v37)? Whom did YHWH promise would enter and possess the land (v39)? But to where did He now direct the rebellious generation (v40)? What did they now tell whom that they had done (v41)? But which command do they now want to obey, by doing what? What does YHWH have to say to this (v42)? And what does Moses say to them (v43)? But what do they do to YHWH? And what do they try? With what results (v44)? And how did they respond to this defeat (v45)? But how does YHWH receive their weeping prayers? With what ongoing outcome (v46)?  

Of what must each generation be reminded? Deuteronomy 1:19–46 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every generation must be reminded of the dangers of unbelief and rebellion, and of our need of God’s grace to make us trusting, loving, submissive, and obedient.

Again, the text reminds us that, forty years ago, Israel was right on the cusp of entering the land (v21). The spy-mission plan pleases Moses (v23), and is permitted by the Lord, and indeed the report is good (v25). But their response is bad (v26). v27 gives us a subtle detail, easy to miss but important to learn from: the public rebellion began with what they told themselves in their tents. Let us beware of harboring unbelief and ingratitude in our hearts and our homes, lest they infect our church and bring God’s chastening down upon her!

The unbelief in v28 is worse than thinking too much of the Amorites. It is much, much worse to think too little of God (v30)! Do you consider that? That when you decide that you are going to be able to make it, you are either denying that God is with you, or that God is able, or both. But He had amply demonstrated His power (v30), love (v31) and faithfulness (v33) to them—just as He has to you, dear reader.

Note that although the generation being now addressed is the one named in v39, Moses still addresses them in the second person. They didn’t commit the rebellion of their fathers actively, but they were “in” their fathers when they did so, and their fathers’ rebellion is in them. They need to be reminded and warned against unbelief and rebellion. And so do we. We have all sinned in our first father, Adam. Unbelief and rebellion is in all of us. 

A symptom of this rebellion is seen even in our “repentance,” sometimes. One wonders what Israel were thinking, complaining against going into the land. For, as soon as the Lord commands them back into the wilderness (v40), they are suddenly ready to go into the land (v41)! “We have sinned!” they cry—even as they re proposing to disobey again. The self-deception of the religious feelings in their tears (v45) is exposed by their persistence in disobedience and ingratitude. We know that this was not true contrition, for the Lord Who loves (and gives!) true contrition (cf. Ps 34:18, 51:17; Is 55:17, 66:2) rejects their cry.

What should we say, then? We should say what God was saying, as He is preparing them to hear the rest of this sermon: when we are commanded and convicted by His Word, we must respond by His grace. We must respond in faith, remembering Who He is, and making Him our chief consideration in every circumstance. We must respond in sincerity, that is both sentiment and obedience, “wholly following YHWH” (v36). We cannot afford to indulge doubting, grumbling, or rebellion. Not even “in our tents” (v27). 

The Lord is still the same powerful, loving, faithful God to us now, as He was to them, then. In fact, He has made much greater demonstration of this in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. And He is therefore worthy of all of our thanks, trust, love, and obedience. Indeed, He is able to give it to us, which He does by means of His Word and Spirit, which is why He has given you to worship Him through this passage just now, dear reader. Look to Him for that grace!

In what part of your life are you tempted to consider the obstacles that you face more than Him with Whom you face them? How do you guard against the assumption that your religious feelings are sincere? What has the renewed submission of true repentance looked like in your life? What is some of the history of God’s power and love and faithfulness in your own life? How do you combine that with the account of those things in Scripture, to form your understanding of Him and interaction with Him?

Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You and praise You for being the powerful God, Who brought Israel out of Egypt and have provided the righteousness and atonment of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we thank You and praise You for being the loving God, Who carried Israel like a man does His Son, and Who allows nothing to separate us from Your love, which is in Christ Jesus. And we thank You and praise You for being the faithful God, Who went in the way with Israel by cloud and fire, and Who never leaves us nor forsakes us, but constantly attends us by Your Holy Spirit. Grant, by Your same Spirit, that we would have truly contrite hearts before You, as demonstrated in lives of submission and obedience, by the grace of Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH394 “Eternal Spirit, God of Truth” 

Slain for the Sovereign Lamb [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 6:9–11]

What are believers in glory waiting for? Revelation 6:9–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers in glory are waiting for the ingathering of all the elect, and the subsequent vindication of the judgment of God.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 6:9–11

Read Revelation 6:9–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What did the Lamb open in v9? Where did John see? What? Of whom? For what two things had they been slain? What did they do (v10)? With what sort of voice? What is the primary question? What do they call the Lord? About the timing of what two actions are they asking? What was given to them (v11)? What were they to do? For how long? Until what two numbers were completed?

What are believers in glory waiting for? Revelation 6:9–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers in glory are waiting for the ingathering of all the elect, and the subsequent vindication of the judgment of God.

What they are waiting for. Persecution, and the punishment of it, are under the sovereign authority of the Lamb. It is He Who opens the seal that initiates the exchange in v10–11. The devil violently hates the church, and his seed are at enmity with the seed of the woman. Until the return of Christ, believers will be violently persecuted. Jesus warned about this (Jn 16:2–3, 33). The apostle warned about this (2Tim 3:12). 

If you are a Christian, you should not expect to be excepted. But, you may certainly expect that God will judge and avenge the blood of His saints. This is not a vindictive cry, which would contradict Mt 5:44, Lk 23:34, Ac 7:60, Rom 10:1, etc. But it is a desire that the justice of God would be vindicated. And it is  loud cry (v10). They love God’s justice and the vindication of it.

The nature of their waiting. But believers who are slain for the Word of God and their testimony to Christ (v9) are not defeated. In fact, thy have overcome (cf. 12:11). Here, their souls are in glory—even right under the altar (v9)! And they are dressed in white (v11)—indicating that they are both counted righteous before God and constituted righteous by God. And their waiting is described as “rest.”

The purpose of the delay. Why is God waiting? If He loves His church so much, and the vindication of His justice is on the line, what is so important that it could delay judgment? There are two numbers that need to be completed. 

First, the number of their fellow servants and their brethren (v11). The Lord has elected particular people to everlasting life, and Jesus will not return until they have all been brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, adopted as children of the Father, and been indwelt by the Spirit of the Son (cf. 2Pet 3:9). 

The second number that must be completed is the number of those who would be killed as they were. The honor of being martyred for Christ is a great one, and none of those for whom it has been determined will miss out on that honor. Furthermore, it is a set number. It happens according to the wise plan and loving foreknowledge of God. 

The persecution of believers is under the sovereign authority of the Lamb. If you are to suffer, or even perish, for Christ, dear reader, you can be sure that it happens by His own “opening of the seal.” As the Lamb, He is carrying out the sovereign decree that also belongs to Him as “the One Who sits upon the throne.” 

What persecution have you suffered? What persecution might you suffer? Who is in control of it? Why does He permit it to continue?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our unwillingness to suffer, or even die, for the word of God and for the testimony of the gospel. And forgive us, on the other hand, for not loving Your justice enough that we would cry out to You with a loud voice for that justice to be vindicated. Forgive us for not being as patient as You are for Christ’s return, because we do not desire as You do that none should perish, but that all of the elect should come to the knowledge of the truth. Forgive us, and cleanse us, we pray, until we wear the white robes of holiness in glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP109A “God of My Praise” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation” 

2025.02.26 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

February 26 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 11:15–31 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.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

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.

Sentenced to an Eternity of Love [Family Worship lesson in Hosea 2:2–3:5]

How does God answer His church’s infidelity? Hosea 2:2–3:5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God answers His church’s infidelity by wooing her back to Himself.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hosea 2:2–3:5

Read Hosea 2:2–3:5

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Lord say to whom (Hosea 2:2a)? Why (verse 2b)? What must she do (verse 2c–d)? Otherwise, what will He do with her (Hosea 2:3)? To whom else will He not do what (Hosea 2:4a)? Why (verse 4b)? What their mother done (Hosea 2:5a–b)? Whom had she gone after (verse 5c)? What did she credit them with (verse 5d–f)? What will He do to/for her (Hosea 2:6)? As a result, what will she try to do, but with what success (Hosea 2:7a–c)? What will this compel her to do (verse 7d–f)? Who had actually given her the things from Hosea 2:5 (Hosea 2:8a–c)? But for whom had they employed them (verse 8d)? So, what will He do with those things now (Hosea 2:9)? With what effect upon her false gods (Hosea 2:10)? And with what effect upon her false worship (Hosea 2:11)? Whom had she credit for what else, and what will the Lord do to those things (Hosea 2:12)? What will He do to her (Hosea 2:13a)? For what (verse 13b–e)? How else will He respond to her harlotries (Hosea 2:14)? What will He give her (Hosea 2:15a-b)? With what effect upon her (verse 15c–e)? Then, what will she do (Hosea 2:16)? What will He keep her from doing (Hosea 2:17)? What will He make for them (Hosea 2:18a)? Who/what else will be considered in this covenant (verse 18b–f)? What will He do in this covenant (Hosea 2:19a–b)? What will He produce in them (Hosea 2:19-20a)? What benefit will they enjoy (Hosea 2:20b)? What benefit will be produced in the earth for them (Hosea 2:21-22d)? What day will secure all of this (Hosea 2:22e, cf. Hosea 1:11e)? What (whom) else will the Lord sow in the earth (Hosea 2:23a)? What will He have upon whom (verse 23b)? What will He say to whom (verse 23c–d)? What will they say (verse 23e)? How is Hosea to be an example of the sort of husband that YHWH will be, in restoring Israel (Hosea 3:1)? What does Hosea have to do to reobtain his wife (Hosea 3:2)? What renewed arrangement does he offer her (Hosea 3:3)? What will the Lord remove from Israel for a time, as a sign of their being covenantally disowned for that time (Hosea 3:4)? For how long? But, by the grace of YHWH, what will they do afterward (Hosea 3:5)?

How does God answer His church’s infidelity? Hosea 2:2–3:5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God answers His church’s infidelity by wooing her back to Himself.

The Shameful Situation in which the Love of God Finds Itself, Hosea 2:2-13. What the situation calls for (Hosea 2:3). The instructions are given to the sons of Judah and Israel (Hosea 2:1 “say” is plural), so the woman in view in all these verses is a personified Image of Israel herself.  Because of the way the previous section ended, it is reasonable to assume that this refers to both the northern and southern kingdoms.  The sons of Israel are called to plead with her that she might turn, for the alternative to her turning is her destruction. 

Why the situation is so drastic (Hosea 2:4-5, Hosea 2:8). The offenses of God’s people are as pitiful as they are great.  Not only have they fornicated themselves with other gods; they have convinced themselves that the blessings which they enjoy are from those gods rather than from the hand of YHWH (cf. Deuteronomy 8:18–19). 

The appropriate and remedial chastening that grace inflicts (Hosea 2:6-7, Hosea 2:9-13b). We see here the way that grace responds to ingratitude. It removes the blessing.  This seems harsh, but by the time we finish with verse Hosea 2:14, we will agree that it is gracious. Likewise, grace responds to ignorance of one’s sin by exposing it (Hosea 2:10), and it responds to revelry in one’s sin by eliminating the ability to do so (Hosea 2:11). 

The sum of the situation (Hosea 2:13c–e). The “Me” in verse 13 is emphatic in the Hebrew. Not only does this emphasize the pronoun itself, but the sentence as a whole. The structure of the paragraph puts the last sentence in the place of a legal verdict.  Hosea 2:2-13b read as a list of the charges, and the verdict is given in the language of Deuteronomy 8:19: “‘Me she forgot,’ says YHWH.”

O, dear reader, what an evil thing our ingratitude is! It is no less than the forgetting of our covenant God, the failure to know Him in our lives. And individuals, and whole churches, are capable of doing this simply by crediting the good things that they have to other things, and therefore devoting themselves more to those things.

The Surprising Solution with which God’s Love Responds, Hosea 2:14-15. The verdict having been given, Hosea 2:14 is the sentence.  And what a sentence it is! Verse 14 uses the judgment formula to describe YHWH alluring Israel.  If the image offends you, it should! It is quite offensive that the Lord would stoop to wooing the church, particularly in her sin. 

Here, in the part of the legal formula ordinarily reserved for judgment, we see the resolve of the greatest Lover of all time to win back His bride. Rather than condemn her, He is determined to restore the relationship back to when they were first betrothed and married (Hosea 2:15).

Is this not amazing? “You are guilty, therefore I will love you even more intensely and effectually”! What a mercy, when the Lord comes this way to a congregation and revives/reforms her. And what an everlasting mercy, when He comes to the perishing soul, and says the same thing to it in Christ!

The Successful Seduction of God’s Love, Hosea 2:16-23. The verbs in Hosea 2:16 are statements, not commands. YHWH is just telling what is certain to happen. Hosea 2:17 is stated with finality, and the language of ‘covenant’ in Hosea 2:18 conveys security. The term “cut” (NKJ, “make”), here, implies a new covenant altogether, and the description emphasizes that it will last forever. The difference between the two covenants is then detailed. In this covenant, YHWH provides her the means to keep her end (Hosea 2:19-20). This is a covenant with the visible church that will be instated when Christ is her Mediator. Hosea 2:21-23 describe the blessedness of this new covenant in the language of the original covenant blessings of Deuteronomy 8:7–10 and Leviticus 26:10–12—blessings which had been forfeited (cf. Hosea 2:2-13b). 

But not just the external blessings of Hosea 2:21-22, but the internal blessings of giving her the faithfulness that she had previously lacked (Hosea 2:19-20), and the most important relational blessings of knowing Him and being His (Hosea 2:23). What is being done for the church as a whole must necessarily be done for every elect believer. When the great day comes, visible and invisible church will be one, and both the members and the whole will have the Lord’s own righteousness, justice, steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness both entirely expressed unto them, and graciously reflected in them. Hallelujah!

The Stunning Symbol of God’s Love’s Mechanism, Hosea 3:1–5. YHWH again puts Hosea into action to demonstrate how His own, divine love works. This time, Hosea must recover his wife—whose harlotry has been so complete that he actually has to purchase her (Hosea 3:1)!

We must be careful again not to focus on Hosea and Gomer. The real story is about YHWH and His church. Through Hosea’s action, He gives us an image of the mechanism by which grace recovers the adulterous bride. In the greatness of the shedding of Christ’s blood (n.b. “Jezreel,” Hosea 2:22e), YHWH purchases His people back at a price. 

As with Hosea 2:16, the verbs in Hosea 3:3 (and Hosea 3:5) are all statements, rather than commands. Gomer will certainly be faithful now, because YHWH will make his people to dwell in faithfulness “in the latter days.” Hosea 3:4 is not  punishment, but a statement of how, for “many days” (i.e., an indefinite period of time), His church will live without all these things with which they have fornicated. Lacking earthly king or priest might anticipate the exile, but more than that, it is about when “YHWH their God” comes as “David their King,” i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ! 

What things do you treat (or are you devoted to) in a way that implies that you credit those things for the good things that the Lord gives you? How has the Lord spoken kindly to you, to turn you back to Himself? How has He also made the “competition” to fail you, so that you would turn back to Him? In Whom is the church already what she ought to be? How sure is she to be made to be like Him, so that she will be how she ought to be? How is that also sure for you, yourself, and what difference does this confidence make in your everyday Christian life?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us, we pray. We deserve to have You put us away, and to withhold mercy from us. For, we have often treated created things, and even imaginary things, as if the good that we receive comes from them and not from You. Truly does Your Word describe this in terms of having false lovers, and we are ashamed of it. Grant that every false thing that we pursue would fail us. Turn us back to our first love and our heavenly Husband. Come, as Your Word says, and allure us, and speak comfort to us. Make us sing as we did when we You first bound us to Yourself. Make us to call You our husband, instead of our Baal. Give us Your own righteousness, justice, steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. Both demonstrate them to us, and produce reflections of them in us. Most of all, make us to remember You and know You. Say to us “My people,” and make us to say to You, “My God,” by Your Spirit, which we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP51AB “God, Be Merciful to Me” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

The Privilege of Praise [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 135]

Why should God’s people praise Him? Psalm 135 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-on verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people should praise Him, because it is their inheritance to do so, and He is eminently worthy of it. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 135

Read Psalm 135

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does Psalm 135:1a call us to praise? What, specifically (verse 1b)? Whom does it urge (verse 1c)? Where do they stand (Psalm 135:2)? Why praise Him (Psalm 135:3a)? Why else (verse 3b)? Whom has YHWH chosen (Psalm 135:4a)? For Whom? As what (verse 4b)? What does the psalmist know about YHWH (Psalm 135:5a)? Whose Lord is He (verse 5b)? How exalted is He? What does He do (Psalm 135:6a)? Where (verse 6b–c)? What types of things does He cause in the general creation (Psalm 135:7)? Whom did He destroy (Psalm 135:8)? For what purpose (Psalm 135:9)? Whom did He defeat (Psalm 135:10-11)? What did He do with their land (Psalm 135:12)? How long will His Name be known (Psalm 135:13a)? How long will His fames last (verse 13b)? Why, what will He do for whom (Psalm 135:14a)? And what else for whom (verse 14b)? Who cannot do such things (Psalm 135:15)? Why, what are they made of (verse 15a)? What are they (verse 15b)? What things do they have, and in what ways are they useless (Psalm 135:16-17)? Who else become like this (Psalm 135:18a)? Who else (verse 18b)? What does Psalm 135:19a call whom to do (verse 19a)? Whom else (verse 19b)? Whom else (Psalm 135:20a)? Whom else (verse 20b)? Who is to be blessed from where (Psalm 135:21a)? Who dwell there (verse 21b)? How does verse 21c conclude the Psalm? As an inclusio with what (cf. Psalm 135:1a)?

Why should God’s people praise Him? Psalm 135 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-on verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people should praise Him, because it is their inheritance to do so, and He is eminently worthy of it.   

The Lord’s Name is to be praised (Psalm 135:1b, Psalm 135:3b). It is the special privilege of His chosen (Psalm 135:4) to do so. They may stand in His house (Psalm 135:2a) and its courts (verse 2b), because they are His servants (Psalm 135:1c). 

In Psalm 135:1-4, it is His goodness (Psalm 135:3a) and pleasantness (verse 3b) that are the focus of this praise. 

Then, in Psalm 135:5-7, the Lord’s greatness is the focus of this praise. He is great in His almighty, free, sovereign providence (Psalm 135:6-7). There is nothing that He cannot do (Psalm 135:5)! (as opposed to the “all gods” who are the idols that cannot do anything, Psalm 135:15-17). 

Third, in Psalm 135:8-12, the Lord’s faithfulness is the focus of this praise. He delivered them from their captors (Psalm 135:8-9), and He delivered their enemies into their hands (Psalm 135:10-11), in order to give them what He had promised as their inheritance (Psalm 135:12).

Finally, in Psalm 135:13-13, the Name and fame of the Lord are forever (Psalm 135:13), because His delivering His people and having compassion on His servants is forever (Psalm 135:14). It is foolish to love money, or any false god; they cannot love you back.

What true worship can makers, or trusters, of idols offer? None at all; they are like their idols (Psalm 135:18).

But the chosen of the good, great, faithful, just, and compassionate God… true worship is their great privilege and inheritance (Psalm 135:19)! His worship is the inheritance of the house of Israel (verse 19a). Leading His worship is the inheritance of the house of Aaron (verse 19b). Facilitating His worship is the inheritance of the house of Levi (Psalm 135:20). 

The Lord makes His dwelling among those who fear Him (Psalm 135:21), blessing them from there, unto His praise.

Dear reader, how great is the inheritance of them who are chosen to be worshipers of the true and living God! Is this your inheritance? The praise the Lord, bless the Lord, and sing praises to His Name. Praise the Lord!

How does your valuing of worship compare to its value in this Psalm? What place has God’s goodness had in your praises of Him? What place has God’s supreme sovereignty had in your praises of Him? What place has God’s faithfulness had in your praises of Him? What place have God’s saving acts and persistent compassion had in your praises of Him?

Sample prayer:  We praise You, O Lord. We prise Your Name, as Your servants, in Your house. Help us sing praise to Your Name, for it is pleasant. Truly, You are great above all gods. You do whatever You please in heaven and earth, in the seas and in all deep places! Volcanoes, lightning storms, and hurricanes are all at Your beck and call. You have been faithful to all Your promises, and saved us with a great salvation. No invention of men could do any of this, least of all have compassion upon us. Your greatest compassion has been to choose us for Yourself, as Your special treasure, that we might have the privilege of worshiping You forever and ever. Give us to claim that privilege today, and our whole life long, until You bring us into Your glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP135A “Hallelujah! Praise the LORD’s Name” or TPH135 “O Praise the LORD! His Praise Proclaim!”

Bread of Life Broken Unto Us [Children's Catechism 134—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 134—especially explaining how the bread in the Lord’s Supper represents the Lord Jesus’s giving Himself to us to be our life.

Q134. What does the bread represent? The body of Christ, broken for us. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The End of the Righteous [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 11:15–31]

How can you be rich? Proverbs 11:15–31 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that true riches are to be rich toward God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 11:15–31

Read Proverbs 11:15–31

Questions from the Scripture text: Who will suffer (Proverbs 11:15a)? Who will be secure (verse 15b)? What does a gracious woman retain (Proverbs 11:16a)? What do ruthless men retain (verse 16b)? Who does good for his own soul (Proverbs 11:17a)? Who troubles his own flesh (verse 17b)? What sort of work does the wicked man do (Proverbs 11:18a)? Who will have a sure reward (verse 18b)? What does righteousness lead to (Proverbs 11:19a)? What does the pursuit of evil lead to (verse 19b)? What is the danger of a perverse heart (Proverbs 11:20a)? And the benefit of a blameless one (verse 20b)? What will surely happen to the wicked (Proverbs 11:21a)? And to the righteous (verse 21b)? How appropriate is beauty without taste/discernment (Proverbs 11:22)? What do the righteous desire (Proverbs 11:23a)? What can the wicked expect (verse 23b)? What does the one in Proverbs 11:24a do? With what result? What does the one in verse 24b do? With what result (verse 24c)? Who will be made rich (Proverbs 11:25a)? What happens to the generous (verse 25b)? What happens to the hoarder (Proverbs 11:26a)? And what to the one who sells willingly (verse 26b)? Who finds favor (Proverbs 11:27a)? To whom does trouble come (verse 27b)? What happens to the one who trusts in riches (Proverbs 11:28a)? Who flourish (verse 28b)? What does the troubler of his own house inherit (Proverbs 11:29a)? What will happen to the fool (verse 29b)? What fruit do the righteous produce (Proverbs 11:30a)? What is required for taking/bringing souls (verse 30b)? Who will be rewarded, where (Proverbs 11:31a)? Who, even more so (verse 31b)?

How can you be rich? Proverbs 11:15–31 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that true riches are to be rich toward God.

This extended section begins (Proverbs 11:15-18) and ends (Proverbs 11:23-31) with sections comparing the pursuit of wealth at the expense of others with the fruits of a righteousness that blesses others. This combines the thoughts of the first two sections of the chapter, which taught that the righteous are a blessing to themselves (Proverbs 11:1-8) and to others (Proverbs 11:9-14). Being a surety encourages others to make promises that they cannot keep, which harms both (Proverbs 11:15). The pursuit of riches leads to ruthlessness, but the gain comes at the too-high cost of the loss of honor (Proverbs 11:16). Mercy to others does one’s own soul good, but cruelty troubles one’s flesh. There is no true gain, temporal/physical or eternal/spiritual, by taking advantage of others (Proverbs 11:17). The wicked might think that he is gaining, but he is deceived (Proverbs 11:18a, Proverbs 11:19b, Proverbs 11:23b). The righteous, for whom the pursuit of the reward is not the chief priority, will surely have that reward (Proverbs 11:18b, Proverbs 11:19a, Proverbs 11:23a).

Proverbs 11:24-26 deal specifically with generosity. God’s world is not zero-sum. Those who give generously increase, but the stingy decrease (Proverbs 11:24-26, cf. 2 Corinthians 9:6). This is true not only in what thy possess but especially in others’ esteem of them (Proverbs 11:26). One must not think that favor can be obtained, or trouble avoided, by any evil method (Proverbs 11:27). Pursuing riches, at the cost of others, loses the riches and everything else (Proverbs 11:21a, Proverbs 11:28a, Proverbs 11:29, Proverbs 11:31b, cf. Luke 12:16–21), but pursuing righteousness gains thriving life (Proverbs 11:21b, Proverbs 11:28b, Proverbs 11:30, Proverbs 11:31a, cf. 1 Timothy 6:17–19).

Sandwiched between these two sections are two verses that stand out by their difference from the rest of the passage: a reminder that the main thing in life is to please the Lord (Proverbs 11:20, cf. Proverbs 11:1), and a humorous exposing of how out of place, itself, is beauty (or riches) without wisdom (particularly the wisdom of taste, or discernment, in Proverbs 11:22).

Dear reader, there is nothing more fitting for image-bearers than to pursue righteousness and generosity, like their generous Lord, before His face. Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all good things will be added to you (cf. Matthew 6:33).

What particular earthly treasures are you tempted to pursue as your priority? Whom, specifically, might you disregard or do harm by doing so? Why, before God, would this be so bad? What can you expect from doing so?

Sample prayer: Lord, grant that we would consider You Yourself, and righteousness before You, our great treasure. Keep us from those treasurings that distort us and make us profoundly unfitting to Your beauty upon us. Thank You for Your perfect generosity, especially displayed in Christ’s giving Himself. Make us like Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside” or TPH400“Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.02.23 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11a, and 3p)

Click below for the:

February 23 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 16:5–12 sermon outline

3p songs & Deuteronomy 1:6–18 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.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

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.

Faith Forsakes False Doctrine [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 16:5–12]

What ought we to be very careful to watch out for? Matthew 16:5–12 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we ought to be very careful to watch out for any teaching that emphasizes what we do over what Christ does. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 16:5–12

Read Matthew 16:5–12

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does Matthew 16:5 highlight having come to the other side? What had they forgotten? But what two things does Jesus tell them to do (Matthew 16:6)? To take heed and beware of what? Whose leaven? What do they say among whom (Matthew 16:7)? Who is aware of it (Matthew 16:8)? What does He call them? What does He ask them about their reasoning? About what does He question their understanding (Matthew 16:9)? And their understanding about what else (Matthew 16:10)? And their understanding about what else (Matthew 16:11)? What do they then understand that He is not talking about (Matthew 16:12)? What do they understand that He is talking about? 

What ought we to be very careful to watch out for? Matthew 16:5–12 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we ought to be very careful to watch out for any teaching that emphasizes what we do over what Christ does.  

The Pharisees and Sadducees seemed to disagree very much with one another, but Jesus lumps them in together here. They had begun to agree on one thing in Matthew 16:1: unbelief toward Christ. Their self-satisfaction in religion would later flower and fruit into the murder of the Lord of glory. Really, there are only two religions: salvation by Christ, or some sort of self-salvation (even if that self-salvation is mind-games to push down on the knowledge of God, so that one doesn’t “have” to deal with the condition of his soul). 

The Pharisees and Sadducees each held, in reality, to a form of self-salvation: the Pharisees by spirituality and morality, and the Sadducees by ceremonial religion. Either one of these was deadly. It resulted in blindness to Christ (cf. Matthew 15:12–14; Romans 9:31–10:4), which is blindness unto God. Jesus had warned them to let the Pharisees alone and not try to gain acceptance with them or collaborate with them (cf. Matthew 15:12–14). And He believes that they need to hear this warning again. 

We must watch out for all sorts of self-salvation theology and stay far away from it. He give the double command in Matthew 16:6: “take heed and beware.” “Observe and be careful about.” If we weren’t so prone to error, there would be no reason to be watching out for it. But we are prone to error, and therefore there is reason to be watching out for it. 

The disciples miss His point, thinking that they are being rebuked for irresponsibility. He calls them “of little faith” (Matthew 16:8), because they have failed to see that if they have Jesus, they will have everything that they need (cf. Matthew 6:25–34; Romans 8:32). What great lessons they have recently had of His compassion, wisdom, and power (Matthew 16:9-10)! And now they are worrying about bread?

No, they face a danger much greater than starvation (which they don’t really face at this point). They face the danger of a doctrine (a teaching) in which the main thing is not Who Christ is (God), and what He does (saves), but rather who we are and what we do. They may give lip-service to grace (cf. Luke 18:11a), but the reality is that only one of these can be primary. And Christ’s disciples (then and now) must beware of any thinking or teaching in which what we do is primary. 

Such thinking is not always obvious. It can be like that invisible leaven to which Christ has recently compared the church (cf. Luke 13:33). It appears to be pure, but the leaven of the error is in it, and it will corrupt the whole of one’s relating to God and Christ. So, take heed! Watch for any idea that downplays Christ’s divinity and our entire dependence upon Him being God, Who saves us. And, beware! Don’t just identify such teaching, but be actively careful and vigilant to stay away from it.

What are some sorts of self-salvation that are in the churches? How are you prone to the same things? How are you watching against the effects of such teaching upon yourself? What are you worried that you might lack? How is Christ your hope for what will come of you? Why are you sure that this hope is not misplaced?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the warning against those who are in error about Christ. Grant unto us vigilance to stay away from them, but instead to stay near Christ. Give us the faith to know and remember that if we have Him, then we shall surely have all that we need. So, magnify unto us His love, wisdom, and power, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP26 “LORD, Vindicate Me” or TPH435 “Not What My Hands Have Done”

The Triumph of the Promise [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 1:6–18]

How is God’s covenant administered among His people? Deuteronomy 1:6–18 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s covenant is administered, among His people, through the service of God-given leaders.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 1:6–18

Read Deuteronomy 1:6–18

Questions from the Scripture text: Who had spoken to Israel (Deuteronomy 1:6)? Whose God is He? Where did He speak? How had He assessed their situation? What did He tell them to do (Deuteronomy 1:7)? Where did He tell them to go? What features does He describe? What had He done with the land (Deuteronomy 1:8)? What does He tell them to do with it? How does verse 8b describe/define the land? Who else spoke to Israel (Deuteronomy 1:9)? What was he unable to do? Who had done what (Deuteronomy 1:10)? To what extent (cf. Genesis 15:5)? What does Moses wish/pray upon them (Deuteronomy 1:11)? According to what? What couldn’t he do alone (Deuteronomy 1:12)? Whom were they to choose, for what purpose (Deuteronomy 1:13)? How had the people responded (Deuteronomy 1:14)? What sorts of men did they choose (Deuteronomy 1:15)? What did Moses do with them? In what groupings? Whom did Moses tell them to judge (Deuteronomy 1:16)? In what manner did Moses tell them to judge? What were they not to show (Deuteronomy 1:17)? Whom were they to hear? Whom were they not to fear? What were they to do with the cases that were too hard? What had Moses done at that time (Deuteronomy 1:18)?

How is God’s covenant administered among His people? Deuteronomy 1:6–18 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s covenant is administered, among His people, through the service of God-given leaders.

As Moses is about to give the terms for Israel’s dwelling with God in the land, he reminds them of the authority structure that had been established (cf. Exodus 18, Numbers 11). Just as it was the Lord Who had multiplied them, so they were to pick men who had been blessed by the Lord with wisdom and understanding. Moses is about to die, but this structure is to continue, for it is from God and for God. These magistrates of the people were not to fear any man, but only the Lord. God administered His justice among the people through particular servants. Though the generation had changed, this God-given authority structure was to remain the same. 

What authority structure has the Lord given your home? Your church? Whom, most of all, do these authorities serve? According to what standard? Whom do they serve, under Him?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us Your own design for the operations of the church. Grant that, trusting You, we would follow Your design. and, grant that Your servants among us would govern wisely, in accordance with Your Word, and not showing any partiality or fear of man, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH280 “Wondrous King All Glorious”

 

Famous Last Words [2025.02.16 Evening Sermon in Deuteronomy 1:1–5]

Sermons address believers, individually and corporately, to govern and shape their interaction with their God.

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

The Great Sign [2025.02.16 Morning Sermon in Matthew 16:1–4]

Jesus Himself is the great sign of His Lordship and Christhood.

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

The Greatness of Public Worship [2025.02.16 Sabbath School in Westminster Confession 21.6]

We continued studying through the Scriptural doctrine that our congregation confesses. This week, we continued Westminster Confession chapter 21—continuing with Article 6 and how God especially emphasizes public worship over even family worship and private worship.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Righteousness Is a Blessing [2025.02.12 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 11:1–8]

Wise conduct is conduct that is done in awareness of the presence of the Lord, for the purpose of the pleasure of the Lord. It reaps its benefits not from some mechanism in the creation, but by the will and pleasure of the Creator.

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

History Under the Lamb [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 6:1–8]

What are we to make of these dreadful things described in the seals? Revelation 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is in control of all of the dreadful things that happen in this age, bringing about the spread of His kingdom and the salvation of all of His elect.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 6:1–8

Read Revelation 6:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John see the Lamb do in Revelation 6:1? What did he hear? What did its voice sound like? What did it say to do? So what did John do (Revelation 6:2)? And what did he see? What did the One on it have? What was given to Him? What did He go out to do? What does the Lamb do in Revelation 6:3? Who says what? What does John see (Revelation 6:4)? What color is it? What does it do? What is granted to the one who sat on it? What else is given to him? What does the Lamb do in Revelation 6:5? Who says what? What does John do? What does he see? What color is it? What does the one who is on it have in his hand? What does John hear (Revelation 6:6)? From where? What does the voice say? How much wheat can a day’s wage buy? How much barley? What can’t it buy at all? What does the Lamb do in Revelation 6:7? What does John hear? Saying what? What does John do in Revelation 6:8? What does he see? What color is it? What is the name of its rider? Who follows with him? What is given to them, over whom? To do what, in what ways?

What are we to make of these dreadful things described in the seals? Revelation 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is in control of all of the dreadful things that happen in this age, bringing about the spread of His kingdom and the salvation of all of His elect.

The Lord Jesus, in His earthly ministry, gave us the key to understanding the timing of the seals in Revelation 6. In Matthew 24:2–3, the disciples had mistakenly thought that the destruction of the temple would coincide with Jesus’s coming and the end of the age. But Jesus warns that this would be a deception (cf. Matthew 24:4) and that the things that we now see in Revelation 6:1-8 are merely the beginning of sorrows (cf. Matthew 24:6–8). But the things that will come in the sixth seal (cf. Revelation 6:12-17) come at the end of the period of persecution (cf. Matthew 24:29–31) that extends from the first coming of Christ until the second. More on that next week, Lord-willing.

The Spirit plainly tells us that the second through fourth seals unleash war (Revelation 6:4), poverty (Revelation 6:6), and widespread death (whether by pestilence or by some other means, Revelation 6:8). The latter is so severe that it afflicts one fourth of the earth. But we must heed Jesus’s warning not to be deceived. These are not signs of the end, but ordained occurrences throughout the entire time of His absence. 

Matthew 24 taught us not to be deceived. Now Revelation 6 teaches us not to be dismayed. Jesus is in control. The effect of these seals on the earth are dire, but He Who opens the seals in heaven is in control. This all occurs concurrently with the great throne room scenes in chapters 4–5.

And that is the point of the first seal. For, although He is bodily in heaven, the Lord Jesus is actively conquering on the earth (Revelation 6:2). Despite all of the persecution that believers face, and all of the upheaval in all of creation, the gospel goes out with conquering power. 

The eye of flesh sees only those dreadful effects of the fall all around us: wars and murders (Revelation 6:4); inflation so bad that a day’s wages can barely buy enough grain for a small loaf of bread, and oil and wine are altogether unaffordable (Revelation 6:6); a created order that spawns death, instead of life, at every turn (Revelation 6:8). But the eye of faith sees the Lamb on the throne, not only reacting to these things, but with authority to rule and overrule their unleashing. The eye of faith sees Him as going forth in His church, conquering and to conquer.

Dear reader, we must learn to see all of history this way: the acts of Jesus Christ, ruling from heaven to bring about the spread of His gospel, and complete the gathering-in of all of His elect (cf. Revelation 6:11). When you hear about war in Ukraine, or hurricanes, or persecutions, or economic crises, or world poverty… it is not merely that Christ is somehow able to bring something good out of all these things. Rather, He is worthily and ably accomplishing His plan of redemption even through these things. How comforting to know that our Redeemer rules over all; Christ is in control!

What things, currently in the news, tempt you to be anxious or discouraged? What is actually the “true story” behind all of these events? How can you be participating in the main story line of what is happening on the earth in our days?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how easily we are anxious or discouraged about events around the world. Truly, they are grievous, but You rule and overrule them for the success of Your kingdom and the gathering in of Your elect. Give us to adore the authority and glory of Jesus, the Lamb Who sits upon the throne. And give us to trust Him in all that He is doing and to participate in His kingdom-work. Thus, not only forgive us for our wrong responses, but cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making us to live in this age in faith and love, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH256 “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” 

2025.02.19 Midweek Meeting Livestream

Click below for the:

February 19 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 11:9–14 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.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

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.

The Illogic of Amazing Grace [Family Worship lesson in Hosea 1:1–2:1]

What’s in a marriage and in a name? Hosea 1:1–2:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Hosea’s marriage, and children’s names, taught the greaterness of God’s grace, even to great sinners.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hosea 1:1–2:1

Read Hosea 1:1–2:1

Questions from the Scripture text: What came (Hosea 1:1)? Whose Word? To whom? Whose son was he? When did this happen, with reference to which kingdoms? To whom does YHWH begin speaking (Hosea 1:2a)? What does He tell him to go take (verse 2b)? How would this wife treat him? Who would come from this marriage (verse 2c)? Why should the prophet marry, even with such knowledge (verse 2c)? How had they committed this harlotry (verse 2d)? Whom does Hosea marry (Hosea 1:3)? What does she do? What does YHWH say to call him (Hosea 1:4)? What is YHWH about to do to whose house? With what even more significant result (Hosea 1:4-5)? What does Gomer do in Hosea 1:6? What does YHWH say to name her? Why—what won’t He continue to whom? But to whom will He continue it (Hosea 1:7)? How will He save them? How won’t He save them? What does Gomer finish doing in Hosea 1:8? What does she do then? What does YHWH say to call him (Hosea 1:9)? How does He word the covenantal rejection of Israel (verse 9)? But what will still occur (Hosea 1:10)? Even after, and in contrast to what? What will have been said to them? What will be said to them in the same place? Who will be gathered (Hosea 1:11)? In what manner? Who will be appointed for them? What will happen to them? Because of the greatness of what day? What is Hosea to preach, to whom, in anticipation of that day?

What’s in a marriage and in a name? Hosea 1:1–2:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Hosea’s marriage, and children’s names, taught the greaterness of God’s grace, even to great sinners.

Jeroboam II reigned from 793–753 b.c., and the kings of Judah in Hosea 1:1 from 791–686. But while his reign was successful (YHWH “saved” them through Jeroboam’s hand, cf. 2 Kings 14:27), it also wickedly maintained the centuries-old manmade worship of Jeroboam I (cf. 2 Kings 14:24). So, this reign is a lesson of sovereign grace over, and through, and to sinners. And Hosea’s life and prophecy are going to be an even greater such lesson.

YHWH calls Hosea to be a living picture of God’s own dysfunctional family. He is to marry Gomer, knowing that she will be unfaithful to him (Hosea 1:2-3), as a picture of the Lord, Who was not dissuaded from marrying His church, even though she would be unfaithful to Him. This adulterous woman bears him two sons and a daughter, whose names are lessons for Israel.

Jezreel (Hosea 1:3-5). This is a reference to a bloodbath that took place in 2 Kings 9-10 when Jehu completely annihilated all the descendants of Ahab and Jezebel and slaughtered all the priests of Baal.  He was the instrument of judgment which Yahweh had promised against Ahab. Some think that this passage is punishing the house of Jehu for the manner in which he carried out the executions, but not only did he do it at the command of Yahweh (2 Kings 9:7-9), he is clearly commended for it in 2 Kings 10:30.  The best way, then, to read the passage in Hosea is as a repeat of judgment for the same crime rather than judging Jehu for the manner of the previous judgment. The idolatry of Israel will be punished with a slaughter like that of Jezreel.

She-is-not-shown-compassion (Hosea 1:6-8a). The one daughter has a sad name. Scripture is replete with the idea that God’s wrath against nations relents and relents and relents… to a point.  Then there is no more relenting. Israel has come to that point. The days of compassion for the nation are running out.

Not-my-people (Hosea 1:8-9). This is the ultimate family dysfunction, divorce.  Already, Hosea has married Gomer, the wife who is a picture of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness.  Now, he must name his third child, “Not-my-people.”  God is disowning Israel as His people. The divorce is complete, the bride who spurned her husband’s love has been rejected, and the child of that marriage is orphaned from his father.  The name is a direct allusion to Leviticus 26:12. We cannot overstate what a somber and grievous thing this is that is being declared.  But the sheer tragedy of it makes what follows all the more remarkable!

The irrational logic of grace (Hosea 1:10). “Yet” is not translating an adversative particle. It would be more literally translated, simply, “and.” The reason for it is going to come at the end of Hosea 1:11, but the Spirit first presents to it in a way that is simply inexplicable. After the sure and severe judgments of Hosea 1:4-9, how can this be true? How does an obliterated people become an innumerable multitude? How does a rejected and disowned people come to be called “sons of the living God?” God’s grace gives the exact opposite of what is deserved: blessing for those who deserve only curse. 

The great reason for this irrational grace (Hosea 1:11). How do Judah and Israel come to be not only restored but reunited? Under one King? In one land? “Great will be the day of Jezreel.” The greatness of the day of the slaughter for their sin. This can be nothing less than the greatness of the death of Christ, and the redemption that is in His blood. The greatness of Judah and Israel’s “one Head,” and the greatness of this day of Jezreel, is the reason that it can be said simply to them, “My-people” and “she-is-shown-compassion.” 

What do you deserve from God? What relationship has He planned for you to Him anyway? How does this come not by lessening the punishment of your sin, but actually by the greatness of how that sin has been punished? To whom do you tell the good news that they are God’s people and that they are shown compassion?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for our sin that deserves a bloodbath on the order of what Jehu did at Jezreel. But, Christ’s death on the cross is the greatest bloodshed that there has ever been. How great has been that day of Jezreel! For His sake, do not only forgive us, but cleanse us from all our unrighteousness! Come, again, and speak to us as Your own dear people. Tell us, again, that we are shown compassion, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP130 “LORD, from the Depths to You I Cried” or TPH180 “Kind and Merciful God”

Climax of Blessedness in Christ [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 134]

How does the worship of the church climax? Psalm 134 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the worship of the church climaxes in the evening worship, in heaven itself, and especially in the Lord Jesus Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 134

Read Psalm 134

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of song is this (superscript)? How does Psalm 134:1a demand attention? For what to be done? Unto Whom? Who are to do this blessing/praising (verse 1b)? Whose servants are they? What do they do, when, where (verse 1c)? How do they offer this blessing (Psalm 134:2a)? Where? To do what unto Whom (verse 2b)? Who is He, and what has He done (Psalm 134:3a)? What will He do (verse 3b)?

How does the worship of the church climax? Psalm 134 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the worship of the church climaxes in the evening worship, in heaven itself, and especially in the Lord Jesus Christ.   

This is a wonderful interaction between the ministers “servants of the Lord” and the congregation, who encourage those ministers to the blessing of YHWH’s Name—and then whom the ministers bless in the Name of YHWH.

First, the congregation are invested in the worship leaders’ attention (“Behold,” Psalm 134:1a) and action (“bless YHWH”). They urge their leaders to bless YHWH, the Lord known by His covenant Name. Worship is joyous. It is being caught up with and exalting the blessedness, the divine happiness and goodness, of God. It is reflecting to Him that blessedness, especially by His appointed servants (v1b), who were at that time the Levitical priests. 

But now, in much greater glory, this is done both by and in the Lord Jesus, in His everlasting priesthood. Still, those by whom He leads on earth, ought to be urged to attention and diligence in leading worship.

Notice that there is special attention given to the evening service (Psalm 134:1c). God’s mercies are not just new every morning. They are new all day long. How great are the riches of His blessing toward us that, coming to the end of the day, the cause to worship Him abounds anew! 

He has taught us this by evenings and mornings in the creation, and all the more for His church by the morning and evening sacrifices—both of which are doubled on the Sabbath. Those congregations that apply this to the Lord’s Day find that it is all the more true on that day, and the close of the day by worship at night crowns it with blessedness in Him. 

Second, the object of worship is YHWH Himself in His glory. The lifting up of the hands is not “in” the holy place, but unto it. Psalm 134:2 recognizes that it is not the temple that is the holy place. The hands and eyes would be lifted up, not as if the Lord dwelt in the skies (or anywhere in creation, cf. 1 Kings 8:27), but looking to Him Who is above and beyond creation altogether. He has designed the heavens to be beyond us in a way that points us to how He is infinitely beyond them. 

Even in Old Testament worship, they knew that the ultimate “place” of worship was in glory. But, now, we have a Priest Who has passed through those heavens into the place where God has most manifested His glory(cf. Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 10:19–21). 

Finally, note that the response from the servants in v3 is not so much from them as from the Lord Himself. “YHWH bless you from Zion!” Because He had made His Name to dwell in that particular place, there was a special blessing from Him to be pronounced from that place. This is fitting for the final “Song of Ascents,” in which the gathering pilgrims would remember that, though they are only able to gather in that place three times per year, the Lord is always pouring out upon them the blessing associated with the place. He is Creator (“made heaven and earth”) and Redeemer (“from Zion”), and He relates to His redeemed in the full abundance of both as He blesses them. 

How much more this is true now, when Zion is found not so much in a place (though that place is the third heaven!), but in a Person Whose own body is the temple (cf. John 2:21; Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 8:2)!

How much delight do you take in public worship? How much, specifically, in evening worship (if your church has public worship in the evening)? How does (or would) remembering your Priest help you in this? What is your habit for encouraging the diligence of the servants on earth who preside over this worship? From where does your blessing in worship come? How is this a “from Whom” question, and how does that make it even better?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we bless You from Your congregation on earth. Be blessed by the worship of Your Servant, Jesus Christ our Priest, in glory. We lift our hearts to You and Your holy place, where He ministers, Who has passed through the heavens. Come, now, and bless us from Zion, You Who made the heavens and the earth!

Suggested Songs: ARP134 “Bless the LORD, All You His Servants” or TPH134 “Come, Bless the LORD with One Accord” 

What the Lord's Supper Is [Children's Catechism 133—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 133—especially explaining how the Lord’s Supper is only what the Lord Jesus commanded it to be.

Q133. What is the Lord's Supper? The eating of bread and drinking of wine in remembrance of the sufferings and death of Christ.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Blessed Words of the Wise [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 11:9–14]

What makes a city to rejoice at the benefit of the righteous but at the elimination of the wicked? Proverbs 11:9–14 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a city rejoices over the righteous especially because of how they use their mouths. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 11:9–14

Read Proverbs 11:9–14

Questions from the Scripture text: Who does what (Proverbs 11:9a)? To whom? With what? Who will be delivered, and how (verse 9b)? When does the city rejoice (Proverbs 11:10a)? And when is there jubilation (verse 10b)? How is the city exalted (Proverbs 11:11a)? By what is it overthrown (verse 11b)? What does the one who lacks a heart do (Proverbs 11:12a)? By contrast, who does what (verse 12b)? Who does what in Proverbs 11:13a? What other sort of person does what in verse 13b? What makes people to fall (Proverbs 11:14a)? What makes safety (verse 14b)? 

What makes a city to rejoice at the benefit of the righteous but at the elimination of the wicked? Proverbs 11:9–14 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a city rejoices over the righteous especially because of how they use their mouths.  

A blessing not only to themselves but to others (Proverbs 11:9-11). In Proverbs 11:1-8, we saw that the righteousness of the wise benefits them, because they are relating rightly to God. Now, in Proverbs 11:9-14, we find that the wise benefit more than just themselves. This is true in a general sense (Proverbs 11:10), and we will see more ways in which the wise and righteous are a blessing to others. What makes a city to rejoice at the benefit of the righteous (verse 10a) but at the elimination of the wicked (verse 10b)? Many things, but especially how they use their mouths.

The word translated “hypocrite” in Proverbs 11:9 refers to someone who willfully rejects the Lord. It is the polar opposite of that fear of YHWH that is the beginning of wisdom and of the knowledge of the Holy One that is understanding. Since the hypocrite rejects God, he also attacks his neighbor, who is made in the image of God (cf. James 3:9). 

The “blessing” of the upright (Proverbs 11:11a) is both the blessing that comes upon them, which they are glad to spread to others—as well as the blessing that they pronounce upon others. This last—the blessing that they pronounce upon others—is especially in view, by its contrast to verse 11b. The wicked speak in such a way that destroys the city, and even pronounce curses by their mouth. No wonder the city rejoices when they are gone!

Proverbs 11:12-14 give three specific ways that the mouth of the righteous becomes such a blessing to his neighbors/city.

Quiet instead of insults (Proverbs 11:12). Literally, the man in verse 12a is missing his heart. This is much worse than the unkindness that we would mean by such a phrase. The heart was also the seat of the intellect and the will. When one’s faculties reject God, he becomes a despiser of his neighbor. When the heart is intact, with understanding (verse 12b), one of the most important things that he knows is how to keep his mouth shut!

Discretion instead of talebearing (Proverbs 11:13). Gossip is more than just speaking ill of others, or speaking falsely of others. It is often just telling others’ tales, giving information that isn’t yours to give. There is the sort of person that is a “talebearer” (verse 13a). He just can’t wait to go around, telling something—and usually something about others. If you are this kind of person, you go around telling others this information, relishing (or even embellishing) it a little more each time. The trustworthy person, however, holds back the words (verse 13b). Often, a faithful friend is faithful by what he does not say to others.

Wise, humble counsel (Proverbs 11:14). There are, of course, times when a word must be fitly spoken. If there is no one to speak it, the people who need that wisdom will fall (verse 14a). But the one who speaks wisely speaks not as the end of wisdom in himself, but as one of many counselors. Those who have both this humility, and the wisdom, increase he safety of those who receive that counsel. 

What a blessing the righteous are—especially in how they use (or refrain from using) their mouths! God give you to be such a blessing, dear reader.

How well do you “keep your mouth shut” and refrain from sharing others’ information/stories? In what situations in your life should you be using your mouth less? In what situations in your life should you be using your mouth more?

Sample prayer:  Father, thank You for giving to us Your wise Son, Who has the words of eternal life, when He should, and also opens not His mouth, when He shouldn’t. Please give to us to be like Him in speaking, and in not speaking, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” 

2025.02.16 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

February 16 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 16:1–4 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 1:1–5 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.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

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.

Wicked, Adulterous Skepticism [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 16:1–4]

Why is it wicked to seek a sign from God? Matthew 16:1–4 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has already given His Son’s resurrection as a sign, so seeking for another one is evil and adulterous. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 16:1–4

Read Matthew 16:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: Who come to Jesus in Matthew 16:1? To do what to Him? Asking Him to do what? What illustration does He give in Matthew 16:2-3a? What does He call them? What does this imply about their “inability” to discern the signs of their times (Matthew 16:3b)? What two things does Jesus call their generation (Matthew 16:4)? For doing what? What sign would be given to them? What does Jesus do after saying this?

Why is it wicked to seek a sign from God? Matthew 16:1–4 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has already given His Son’s resurrection as a sign, so seeking for another one is evil and adulterous.  

A Devilish Request. The verb for “testing” in Matthew 16:1 is the same as that behind “tempted” and “tempter” in Matthew 4:1-2. Jesus has performed multitudes of signs upon multitudes of people. But, just like the devil, these Pharisees and Sadducees want to control what kind of sign (“from heaven,” Matthew 16:1). This is a slightly bolder request than that in Matthew 12:38. But Jesus calls them both evil and adulterous (Matthew 16:4, cf. Matthew 12:39). We must never come to God demanding that He answer our challenges or fulfill our demands. This is exactly he posture of the devil toward God.

A Diagnostic Revelation. Their request didn’t show anything about Jesus, like they thought it would; instead, it exposed them themselves. The challenge of the Pharisees and Sadducees reveals how false, how two-faced (Hypocrites! Matthew 16:3), their religiosity is. Like many people today, they are far more interested in what the weather is doing than how their generation was relating to the Lord Himself. 

A Dreadful Repetition. Now, in Matthew 16:4, the Lord Jesus gives the same answer that He had given before (cf. Matthew 12:39). Their request is evil. It represents unbelief and rejection of all that He has already said and done. Their request is adulterous. They professed to be the church of God, which He had betrothed to His Son. But now the Son is here, and they want nothing to do with Him (cf. John 1:11; Luke 19:13).

A Divine Resurrection. Just as Jonah did not perform signs, but was himself the sign to Nineveh, alive from the dead—so also, Jesus’s great sign is Jesus Himself, alive from the dead. This had been prophesied in Psalm 16:10, which ends up being part of the text of the first apostolic sermon (cf. Acts 2:25–32, Psalm 16:8–11). Of all the signs that the Lord Jesus performed, His resurrected Self is the great sign, by which He is declared to be the Son of God with power (cf. Romans 1:4). Jesus’s answer is punctuated even more strongly by His “mic drop” moment: “And He left them and departed.”

How have you been coming to Jesus: making demands or submitting to His words and actions? What sorts of things (including, but not limited to, the weather) do you spend more attention to than to the condition of your church/community before the Lord? What place does Christ’s resurrection have in your thoughts about Him? How are you responding to it and to Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for the glorious resurrection of Your Son. Truly, He is one God, the second Person, with You, and with the Spirit, from everlasting to everlasting. And, You have saved us by the blood of God, Who died on account of our sins and was raised on account of our justification. Give us to care, most of all, about how we are responding to You in Your Son, our Lord Jesus, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP110B “The LORD Has Spoken to My Lord” or TPH16A “Preserve Me, O My God”

A Covenanting Sermon [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 1:1–8]

What is Deuteronomy? Deuteronomy 1:1–8 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Deuteronomy is a sermon of warning and encouragement as Israel are coming into the possession of the promised land.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 1:1–8

Read Deuteronomy 1:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke these words (Deuteronomy 1:1)? To whom? Where/when? How long should the journey from Sinai have taken (Deuteronomy 1:2)? How long did it take (Deuteronomy 1:3)? In accord with what did Moses preach this sermon? When (Deuteronomy 1:4)? What details does Deuteronomy 1:5 add about the location? How does Deuteronomy 1:5 describe the sermon? Who had spoken to Israel (Deuteronomy 1:6)? Whose God is He? Where did He speak? How had He assessed their situation? What did He tell them to do (Deuteronomy 1:7)? Where did He tell them to go? What features does He describe? What had He done with the land (Deuteronomy 1:8)? What does He tell them to do with it? How does verse 8b describe/define the land?

What is Deuteronomy? Deuteronomy 1:1–8 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Deuteronomy is a sermon of warning and encouragement as Israel are coming into the possession of the promised land.

Deuteronomy as an occasion. Moses’s final sermon is an explanation (Deuteronomy 1:5) of all YHWH’s commandments (Deuteronomy 1:3). As they are about to enter and receive the promised land, they are to do so with a clear understanding of what God expects from them. After this introduction, he will spend the better part of four chapters recounting the Lord’s history with them and relationship to them. So, in these eight verses, he introduces the sermon itself.

It is a sermon. These words were spoken (Deuteronomy 1:1), in a very specific place (verse 1b, Deuteronomy 1:5), at a very specific time (Deuteronomy 1:3-4). It is almost 41 years since the Exodus. This is the only exact date given in the book, and cements the importance of the preaching of this sermon as an occasion in Israel’s life. Preaching is an occasion—an interaction between the Lord and the soul of each hearer, and a corporate interaction between the Lord and the assembly. 

Deuteronomy as a warning. Although it won’t be until chapter 27 that the curses of failing to keep this law are detailed, there is a reminder here of the dangers of disobedience. It was only an eleven days’ journey from Sinai (Horeb) to the place that this sermon was preached (Deuteronomy 1:2), but they have been taking that journey for forty years (Deuteronomy 1:3)!

Deuteronomy as an invitation. Forty years earlier, YHWH had welcomed Israel to end their wanderings (“You have dwelt long enough at this mountain,” Deuteronomy 1:6) and enter the land. It was that good land, spacious and with a variety of geography, that He had prepared for them (Deuteronomy 1:7). It was that promised land, sworn to the patriarchs, sworn as a covenantal land for their descendants as well (Deuteronomy 1:8b, cf. Genesis 12:7). 

Now, the Lord again gives them welcome to the land, with three imperatives in Deuteronomy 1:8. 

“See”: behold, take stock of the land that the Lord has set before you (cf. Genesis 12:8–9). Just as with Israel, here, believers are to consider the blessed inheritance that the Lord has promised to them.

“Enter” and “Possess”: the land is a gift to them and their descendants after them, but grace-sustained action is still required on their part. So it is with Christians. It is Christ Who has earned their heaven. And it is God Who has begun a good work in them, is working in them to will and to work, and will complete that good work in them (cf. Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:13). But, they are still to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling (cf. Philippians 2:12). Thus, entry is abundantly supplied to them into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Peter 1:10–11). 

How do you treat preaching as an interaction between yourself and the Lord? How do you treat preaching as an interaction between your congregation and the Lord? What are some occasions, in Scripture and in history, that serve as a warning to you against unfaithfulness and disobedience? How do you go about beholding what the Lord has promised to you and to the church? What has Scripture commanded as the path/procedure for entering and possessing the kingdom, and how are you following it? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for addressing us by Your Word, which protectively warns us against unfaithfulness, and encouragingly urges us to behold and enter and possess what You have promised us. Grant that, by Your Spirit’s applying Christ to us, we would work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH280 “Wondrous King All Glorious”

Glorious Divinity of the Redeemer [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 5]

How do we see Christ's divinity? Revelation 5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's authority, atonement, and adoration all prove His divinity.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 5

Read Revelation 5

Questions from the Scripture text: In what hand did John see what (Revelation 5:1)? Where was this scroll written? How was it sealed? What/whom did John see in Revelation 5:2? What was his voice like? What was he asking? Who could open it or look at it (Revelation 5:3)? What does John do in Revelation 5:4? Why? Who speaks to John in Revelation 5:5? What does he tell him (not) to do? What two things does he call Jesus? What two things does he say that Jesus can do? Where does he look in Revelation 5:6? What does he see that is the same as before? What new thing does he see? What is its apparent condition? What two things does it have? How many of each? What does verse 6 say that they are? What does the Lamb do (Revelation 5:7)? Before Whom do who fall down in Revelation 5:8? What two priestly things does each have? How is the incense explained? What priestly thing do they do in Revelation 5:9? What do they sing about the Lamb and the scroll/seals? Why is He worthy? What has His being slain accomplished? From out of whom has He redeemed them? What has He made them (Revelation 5:10)? Unto Whom? Where shall they reign? What three groups does John see and hear in Revelation 5:11? How many were there altogether? With what sort of voice were they speaking (Revelation 5:12)? What did they say about the Lamb? What had happened to Him? What seven things is He worthy to receive? Whom does the group in Revelation 5:13 include? What four things are they ascribing? To what two beings? For how long? Who say what in Revelation 5:14? And who do what? Unto Whom?

How do we see Christ's divinity? Revelation 5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's authority, atonement, and adoration all prove His divinity.

What no one can do. The first four verses introduce a vision of a scroll. Written on both sides (Revelation 5:1), there is no room for revisions, because there is no need. It is the scroll of the decree of God—His plan for what will happen in history. And it is divinely (seven) certain and secure (seals). The secret things belong to the Lord our God (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29), but here they are represented in this scroll! So, John’s disappointment is great (Revelation 5:4), when he finds that the secret things are going to remain secret (Revelation 5:3), because there is no one who has the worthiness of God (Revelation 5:2), to Whom these secret things belong.

What just One could do. As John begins to weep, one of the elders stops him, because there is actually One Who can open the scroll and bring about the decree of God in history (Revelation 5:5). This mighty One is a Lion, a King from Judah (cf. Genesis 49:9), from Whom all the kingliness of David has come (“root” cf. Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10). To Him belongs the sevenfold Spirit of Isaiah 11:2. When John looks for the Lion, He sees a Lamb (Revelation 5:6). This Lamb has all of the power (horns) and wisdom (eyes) of the sevenfold Spirit of God. And this Lamb rules and conquers by dying. It appears as if slain. Jesus’s death is the key that unlocks all of history, and He has the authority and ability to take the scroll (Revelation 5:7).

What everyone and everything else does. The response, just to His taking the scroll, is amazing. The four living creatures (representing all of the creatures from the seraphim on down) and the twenty-four elders (representing the church from all ages) fall down to worship. The church, in particular, are represented as priestly in three ways (instrumental music, incense, and singing; Revelation 5:8-9). 

It is the church’s privilege to lead the worship of the whole creation, just as it was once the Levites’ privilege to lead Israel in worship. But the church does not sing of its own glory as kings on thrones and priests who lead all creatures in worship. Rather, it sings of the glory of Him Who has redeemed them into this royal priesthood (Revelation 5:9-10)!

Though the Lamb was slain (something He had to take on creatureliness to do), He is clearly worthy with a divine worthiness, represented in the sevenfold list in Revelation 5:12: power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, blessing.

Right on cue from those leading them in the worship, the whole rest of the creation joins in, in Revelation 5:13. Here, the praise is not only of Jesus as the incarnate Redeemer (the Lamb), but also of Him in the identity of the Triune God (Him Who sits on the throne). This is the great privilege of those whom the Lord redeems and gives to reign: to worship Him. Behold how great is your privilege, dear Christian!

What place does Jesus’s humanity and death have in your thoughts of Him as you worship? What place does His true and full divinity have in your thoughts of Him as you worship? What is your desire for all of creation? What is your desire for the church?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we let our experience of history cloud our vision. Truly, faith ought always to rejoice that Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, reigning and ruling in glory. And, faith ought to remember that He has accomplished this by being slain. But we get discouraged at the lesser crosses of Your people, so that we are distracted from the rejoicing and worship that is our privilege and duty. Grant that we would take our rightful place, praising You, as indeed we hope to do forever and ever, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH358 “Sing, Choirs of New Jerusalem”