Jesus Is Coming Back [Children's Catechism 139—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 139—especially explaining how the great day of Jesus’s return in glory is coming.

Q139. Will He come again? Yes; at the last day Christ will come to judge the world.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The True Riches [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 13:6–11]

What is the true riches? Proverbs 13:6–11 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the true riches are the Lord Himself, and the righteousness by which He provides Himself to us. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 13:6–11

Read Proverbs 13:6–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What guards the man whose way is blameless (Proverbs 13:6a)? What does wickedness do (verse 6b)? What does the one in Proverbs 13:7a do to himself? But what does he truly have? And what does the one in verse 7b do to himself, but what does he truly have? What does the man in Proverbs 13:8a motivated? Who is more difficult to motivate in this way (verse 8b)? What truly makes the difference between joy and perishing (Proverbs 13:9)? What truly enables someone to live well (Proverbs 13:10)? What happens to the sort of wealth in Proverbs 13:11a? How is it gained? What happens to the sort of wealth in verse 11b? How is it gained?

What is the true riches? Proverbs 13:6–11 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the true riches are the Lord Himself, and the righteousness by which He provides Himself to us.  

Proverbs 13:6 was the conclusion to the first section of the chapter, but it also functions as the introduction to this section. Men tend to think that wealth will guard them and prevent them from being overthrown, but it is actually righteousness that does this. This is echoed in Proverbs 13:10, which again teaches righteousness as the true riches, which gives life and joy.

We were prepared for this section by Proverbs 13:4 which introduced the concept of riches. Now, we find that there’s riches, and then there’s riches. 

One may accumulate material riches, but have nothing of the true wealth toward God (Proverbs 13:7a, cf. 1 Timothy 6:17; Luke 12:21), and one may be materially poor but rich in the Lord (Proverbs 13:7b). This is the true riches.

Proverbs 13:8 teaches one benefit of material wealth. One may be motivated to humble himself by it, in order to hear rebuke. 

The contrasting danger appears in Proverbs 13:10. Pride, which is often associated with riches, prevents someone from hearing rebuke, and turns even well-given counsel into strife.

There is nothing wrong with wealth itself, and one of the ways that we can see whether we have a right view of it is by how we go about accumulating it. If righteousness is our true wealth, then we will refuse to gain material wealth by dishonesty (Proverbs 13:11a). But, if righteousness is our true wealth, it will be by diligent labor that we gather material wealth, and we ourselves will grow great by way of righteousness (verse 11b).

What makes you feel truly wealthy? Is this “sane” in light of this passage? How are you seeking the true wealth? How do you go about accumulating material wealth? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving Yourself to us as our true wealth. And thank You for giving Your righteousness to us in Christ, as the riches by which this wealth is obtained. Grant that we would have the humility to be well-advised by You, and make us rich toward You forever in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP16A “Keep Me, O God” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.03.30 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

March 30 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 16:27–17:13 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 3:12–22 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.

Hearing Our God and Savior [Family Worship lesson in Mathew 16:28–17:13]

What sign does Jesus give for the glory that awaits us on the other side of our cross? Matthew 16:28–17:13 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the sign that confirms coming glory is faith’s own glimpse of Jesus’s glory. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 16:28–17:13

Read Matthew 16:28–7:13

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Jesus introduce the prophecy in Matthew 16:28? How many would see? What would they see? Before what? How many days later does Matthew 17:1 occur? Whom does Jesus take? Where? What happens to Him there (Matthew 17:2)? What does His face look like? What do His clothes look like? Who appeared to them (Matthew 17:3)? What were they doing? Who speaks up (Matthew 17:4)? To Whom does he make what suggestion? What interrupts him (Matthew 17:5)? What comes out of the cloud? What does it say about Jesus? What does it command them to do? How do the disciples respond to this (Matthew 17:6)? Who relieves them (Matthew 17:7) How? What does He do? What does He say? What do they do in Matthew 17:8? What do they see? Where do they go in Matthew 17:9? What does Jesus say not to do? Until when? Who ask what question in Matthew 17:10? What does Jesus answer in Matthew 17:11-12? What has been done to this “Elijah”? What do they know in Matthew 17:13?

What sign does Jesus give for the glory that awaits us on the other side of our cross? Matthew 16:28–17:13 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the sign that confirms coming glory is faith’s own glimpse of Jesus’s glory.  

Jesus has been teaching them about following Him to glory through a cross (cf. Matthew 16:24-27), and now He promises a sign: some standing there will actually get to see that glory with their eyes (Matthew 16:28).

Six days later (Matthew 17:1), exactly that happens. And they see that Jesus is God, Jesus is Christ, and Jesus is Savior. They had confessed this about Him already. But they were just beginning to learn what this all means. So are we. We have only just begun to know His greatness and is grace.

Jesus is God. That is evident from His face shining like the sun and clothes as white as light (Matthew 17:2). It is even more evident from Moses and Elijah, who do not shine like He does, appearing as His prophets (Matthew 17:3)—Peter was mistaken to desire three tabernacles on the mountain (Matthew 17:4), when he already had Jesus Himself in ordinary life. It is even more evident from the glory cloud that appears with such brightness that it overshadows the One Who is shining like the sun (Matthew 17:5)! It is most evident in the Word that is spoken, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus is Christ. He is the anointed. He is the Prophet. Even with Moses and Elijah there, the Voice says to hear Jesus. After all, they were His prophets (cf. 1 Peter 1:10–11). It was the Sprit of Christ Who spoke through them, and He proclaimed the very thing that Jesus has been teaching: “the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” The prophecy of Malachi 4:5 was fulfilled in John the baptizer, the last of the prophets ( (Matthew 17:11-13). But in these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son. When we hear Moses, we are to hear Him. when we hear Elijah, we are to hear Him. Rather than proposing our own spirituality ideas, as Peter did, we must hear Him. And now, we hear Him not only as our God, but as our Prophet.

Jesus is Savior. When we hear Him, we hear Him inviting us to come behind Him. True, that path takes us through a cross (cf. Matthew 16:24), but it takes us through to glory, and how great is this glory! He is the beloved, well-pleasing Son. And those who trust in Him are beloved in Him and well-pleasing in Him. What God declares about His only-begotten Son, He declares about His adopted children, whom He has taken to Himself in Him. 

And Jesus is Savior in our sanctification and glorification, not just our justification and adoption. Those who are in Him are being made well-pleasing like He is. In ourselves, we are not well-pleasing. Of Whom were he disciples greatly afraid in v6? God? Christ? If they understood correctly: both! But, Jesus comes and touches them ( (Matthew 17:7). Because He has come to us, and touched us, and joined Himself to us, we are safe from the guilt of our sin, and we are being cleansed from the presence of our sin.

Ultimately the preaching of Christ—the apostles saying Who He is (cf. Matthew 16:15)—is only effective by His own attending it with His saving power, by His Spirit. So, it is His prerogative to dictate when they may proclaim Him ( (Matthew 17:9). And proclaim Him they did, even recalling this very incident, and the glory that was set before them (cf. 2 Peter 1:16–18). Yet, Peter had learned that, even as an eyewitness of His majesty, he was to find the prophetic Word more sure than his own experience (cf. 2 Peter 1:19). 

Ultimately, we can glimpse His glory in this superior way: by faith that responds to Christ’s Word. And as we do so, we glimpse the glory unto which He takes us through our cross. Behold His glory by faith. Hear Him!

Have you believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God? How have you continued to learn what this means? When and how have you especially seen Him as glorious? What is your hope, in the midst of your crosses? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for making the light of the knowledge of Your glory shine in our hearts in the face of Jesus Christ. Grant that we would be willing to endure whatever cross through which You bring us to that glory, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72C “May Waving Grain on Hilltops Thrive” or TPH45B “My Heart Doth Overflow”

Applying God's History with Us [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 3:12–22]

How should we respond to the memory of God’s great and gracious dealings? Deuteronomy 3:12–22 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should respond to God’s greatness and grace with trust, praise, thankfulness, obedience, and courage.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 3:12–22

Read Deuteronomy 3:12–22

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Deuteronomy 3:12 say about the land where this sermon is being preached (verse 12)? What are its boundaries? To whom did YHWH give it? To what land does Deuteronomy 3:13 refer? Whose kingdom was it? To whom did YHWH give it? What had all this land previously been called? Who took Argob and Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:14)? What did he call it? To which son of Manasseh did YHWH give Gilead (Deuteronomy 3:15)? How do Deuteronomy 3:16-17 describe whose possession? Then what did Moses do to them (Deuteronomy 3:18)? Whom did he say had done what for them? Now who were commanded to do what? Whom would they leave behind (Deuteronomy 3:19)? What special consideration was made? Until when did they need to do this—what two things would YHWH give whom (Deuteronomy 3:20)? Then what may the men of valor do? Whom else did Moses command (Deuteronomy 3:21)? When? Of what does he remind him? What does he promise him? What command (prohibition) does he give him (Deuteronomy 3:22)? Why mustn’t he fear?

How should we respond to the memory of God’s great and gracious dealings? Deuteronomy 3:12–22 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should respond to God’s greatness and grace with trust, praise, thankfulness, obedience, and courage.

As he introduces his final sermon, Moses is winding down the historical review of their relationship to YHWH, their own covenant God, Who binds them to Himself and to His law. He will then remind them of why this has to be his last sermon, as he cannot enter the land with them (cf. Deuteronomy 3:23–29). Then, He will urge upon them the importance of keeping God’s law (especially the second commandment, chapter 4), restate the Ten Commandments as the “text” for the sermon (chapter 5), explain and apply that law to the life of Israel as a nation-church (chapters 6–26), before establishing the blessings and curses of their covenant with God as it is established going forward (chapters 27–34).

Here, then, is the end to the historical review of their relationship thus far with the Lord. Having reminded them of the Lord’s power and faithfulness in giving them victory over Sihon and Og (cf. Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11), Moses now reminds them of the commandments given at the time, as he applies to them the lessons learned on this side of the Jordan, in preparation for their calling as they cross over into the land.

Trust Him for His faithfulness. He has begun to give an inheritance to His people, as He promised (Deuteronomy 3:12-13a).

Praise Him for His greatness. That which He gave them used to be called “the land of the giants” (Deuteronomy 3:13b). 

Thank Him for His generosity. Behold all that He has given to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:14-17). 

Obey Him, as He commands you. The reason that these men of valor from the two-and-half tribes are with the rest of Israel is that the Lord has commanded them. One might say, “if YHWH Himself fights for them (cf. Deuteronomy 3:22), why would they need their brethren to come fight with them?” The Lord, Who fights for them, and Who gives them the land, has commanded them to. It is an honor and a privilege to be used by Him. And it is our duty to do whatever He says.

Have courage in Him, as He glorifies Himself in doing you good. They had what the Lord did to Egypt in their cultural memory. But what He did to Sihon and Og, they had seen with their own eyes (Deuteronomy 3:22). You, too, dear Christian have seen that the Lord’s dealing with you in your life tracks with His glory and grace in all of Scripture and history. Not only have you seen this in many other events and moments, but you have especially seen this in your conversion. Fear nothing that is before you, for YHWH your God Himself works in your behalf!

What biggest thing has the Lord done in your own life? What are some other things that He has done? How have these been causes for your praising Him? Thanking Him? Trusting Him? Obeying Him? Having courage?

Sample prayer: Lord, we praise and thank You for Who You are in Yourself, and Whom You have shown Yourself to be in our lives—especially in our conversion. Grant that we would always remember this—always remember that You are perfectly faithful. Make us to count obedience as a privilege and honor, and give us courage to do everything as those who have You Yourself, especially in Christ, and by His Spirit—we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

God's Alarms to a Guilty World [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 8:7–13]

What should we take away from the blasting of the trumpets? Revelation 8:7–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the trumpets sound the alarm for the coming judgment of God, and against reliance upon prosperity and power that must surely be destroyed.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 8:7–13

Read Revelation 8:7–13

 Questions from the Scripture text: Who does what to his trumpet in Revelation 8:7? What appear? Where are they thrown (cf. Revelation 8:5)? What happens to the trees? How many of them? Who does what to his trumpet in Revelation 8:8? What was thrown where? With what effect? Upon how much of it? And what secondary effects (Revelation 8:9)? Upon how many of them? Who does what to his trumpet in Revelation 8:10? What falls? In what condition? Upon what does it fall? How many of them? What is its name (Revelation 8:11)? What happens to the water? How much of it? With what secondary effect? Who does what to his trumpet in Revelation 8:12? What happens to what three things? How many of them? With what effect? What does John now see in Revelation 8:13? Doing what? Speaking with what sort of voice? Announcing what? To whom? Because of what?

What should we take away from the blasting of the trumpets? Revelation 8:7–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the trumpets sound the alarm for the coming judgment of God, and against reliance upon prosperity and power that must surely be destroyed.

The visions now move from seals to trumpets. The nature of a seal is to authenticate and confirm the decision of the king. It implies especially the determined certainty of what occurs, and the king’s sovereignty over all of it. With trumpets, the emphasis is upon announcement, alarm, warning. 

So, there are those events that characterize the entire time between the two comings of Christ, concerning which believers may have comfort and confidence, because they occur by the decree of God and under the sovereignty of God. Throughout this time, the wickedness of men and brokenness of the creation remind us that this is a world under curse. And, now, the trumpets are teaching us that there are those extraordinary acts of God in history that are alarms from God to warn us of the judgment to come.

Some mistake all of the trumpets for the final trumpet (cf. Revelation 11:15, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Matthew 24:30–31). But the Lord gives as the content of the trumpets examples of ways that His judgment has already invaded history as a declaration of Himself and warning against wicked, self-sufficient and self-satisfied men. Most notably, the hail, the destruction of the vegetation, the water becoming blood with the fish dying, and the darkness all hearken back to the plagues of Egypt. The casting of a mountain into the sea has indicated great calamity (cf. Psalm 46:2). The drinking of bitter water has indicated judgments, especially against churches (cf. Jeremiah 9:15–16; Lamentations 3:15). Sun/moon/stars are the first authorities in the Bible (cf. Genesis 1:16), and their falling down has indicated the humbling of authorities (cf. Genesis 37:9). To someone who knows his Bible, the first four trumpets are using images and events we already know to refer to the breakings-into-history of God’s judgments.

So, the ordinary experience of the brokenness of creation is associated with the ¼ destruction in the seals, and the breakings in of judgment are associated with the ⅓ destruction in the trumpets, and the last day of the last trumpet is associated with the complete destruction in the bowls.

But for now, in these four trumpets, we learn that God, in His great patience is not only waiting for all of the elect to be gathered in (as we saw in the first and fifth seals). He is also giving fair warning—repeatedly invading history with such acts of judgment as sound the alarm to those in danger of His wrath. 

And in the devastating of the resources and powers of this world, the trumpets remind us not to grow dependent upon earthly prosperity or powers, which are all to be devastated anyway. Rather, we are to enjoy God’s good gifts as those who enjoy Him, and to employ God’s good gifts as those who depend upon Him and serve Him. For, at the last, believers shall enjoy and serve the Lord in prosperity and power that we cannot imagine in this world. 

What comforts do you have, that are good gifts from God? How are you guarding yourself against enjoying them in a way that does not enjoy Him? What authorities has God placed over you for your good? How are you guarding yourself against depending upon them in a way that does not depend upon Him? What use do you make of the judgments of God that have invaded history and continue to do so; how are you taking them as warnings for yourself? How are you employing them as warnings for others?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we confess that all mankind deserves the fullness of Your wrath. We confess that we deserve for the entire creation to be destroyed, and for us to die in bitterness. So, we praise You for the patience in which You have not yet done this. And we thank You for the goodness in which You break into history with devastations that are like trumpets, sounding an alarm. Grant that our alarm would drive us to Christ. Make us to enjoy earthly things, and to employ earthly things, as temporary trusts from You. Grant that we would enjoy You Yourself in all things, and that we would only depend upon them in a way that ultimately depends upon You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear?”

2025.03.26 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

March 26 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 13:1–6 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.

Why We Need Another Adam [Family Worship lesson in Hosea 6:4–7:16]

What remedy is there for those who are like Adam? Hosea 6:4–7:16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our own repenting is so riddled with sin like Adam, that our only hope is another Adam, the last Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hosea 6:4–7:16

Read Hosea 6:4–7:16

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does v4a address? Whom does Hosea 6:4b address? What does the Lord ask each of them? Why (verse 4b–c)? How has the Lord responded to this fickleness (Hosea 6:5)? What does He desire, as compared to what (Hosea 6:6)? But what have Israel and Judah done (Hosea 6:7)? Like whom? Who are involved in what sin in Hosea 6:8-9? Whom does the Lord condemn in Hosea 6:10-11? What happened at what time in Hosea 7:1a–c? What wickedness, specifically, was uncovered (verse 1d–f)? What did they fail to consider (Hosea 7:2)? But whom did they please (Hosea 7:3)? To what do Hosea 7:4-7 describe the preparation and intensity of their sinning? What, especially, led to this level of sin (Hosea 7:8-9)? With what results? And yet, what did they still not do (Hosea 7:10)? To whom did they turn instead (Hosea 7:11)? But why will this fail (Hosea 7:12)? What have they done to Whom (Hosea 7:13)? Despite His doing what? What was lacking in their crying, wailing “repentance” (Hosea 7:14a–b)? When thy gathered for worship, what were they really gathering for (verse 14c)? So that they were really doing what (verse 14d)? How did they repay God’s doing what (Hosea 7:15)? What was lacking in their repentance in Hosea 7:16a–b? With what result (verse 16c–e)? 

What remedy is there for those who are like Adam? Hosea 6:4–7:16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our own repenting is so riddled with sin like Adam, that our only hope is another Adam, the last Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ.

There was much good to be said for the form of repentance in Hosea 6:1–3. Sadly, the Lord evaluates it as short-lived (Hosea 6:4). Their fickleness has been the reason that He has sent prophet after prophet with words that had to cut (Hosea 6:5). The externals of religion are no substitute for a truly transformed heart (Hosea 6:6).

That is just the issue: our need for a transformed heart. Like He did for Adam, the Lord had given Israel every possible advantage. But like Adam did to Him, they betrayed Him and violated His covenant with them (Hosea 6:7; n.b. it is “like Adam” not “like men”). 

Indeed, some of His good gifts were themselves twisted or perverted into spiritual harm, rather than spiritual help. Why wasn’t the priesthood a help against the violence of Gilead (Hosea 6:8)? Because the priests themselves were committing murder and lewdness (Hosea 6:9)! Why wasn’t civil government a deterrent to their sin? Because the capital city itself was one of wickedness, fraud, theft, and robbery (Hosea 7:1), so that people did not please the king or princes by doing what is good, but rather with wickedness and lies (v3). Indeed, they were so bent on pleasing men with their wickedness, that they completely neglected that they should have been doing what pleases the Lord before His own face (Hosea 7:2). 

They had so perfected their craft, that they were like expert bakers, keeping the oven of the heart continuously ready to turn out loaves of sin (Hosea 7:4-7). And the crowning factor was their mixing with the peoples and foreigners (v8–9), so that they had spent their lives in sinning without even realizing that their strength was gone, and their hair was gray (Hosea 7:8-9). 

Yet, not only did they fail to turn to YHWH (Hosea 7:10), but they actually turned to Egypt and Assyria instead (Hosea 7:11). Since they’re acting like bird-brains (verse 11), the Lord will trap them like birds, just as His Word has said (Hosea 7:12). Their wickedness has not merely been against a moral standard but personally against the Lord Himself (Hosea 7:13). Even their weeping repentance didn’t include the actual turning of the heart toward God (Hosea 7:14a–b), and even their religious services were no about submitting to the Lord as much as they were about enjoying grain and new wine (verse 14c–d). Their turning was not to the Lord Who had helped them (Hosea 7:15-16b), so their punishment would be sure and severe (Hosea 7:16c–e). 

What a dreadful thing our sinful natures are, so that even our repenting and worshiping are so corrupted as to be offensive to God! We are, indeed, just like our first father, Adam, in whom we sinned, and like unto whom we now sin. This is why we have so desperately needed a righteous priest, a righteous king, and the new and last Adam: our Lord Jesus Christ. All that is in Him, and from Him in us, is pleasing unto the Lord. Only in Him can we escape dreadful and permanent disaster!

How can your repenting be acceptable to God? How does this inform the way that you come to God? How does it inform the way that you worship? What are you seeking from Jesus that He would do in you? How do you remember that you are before God’s face? How do you maintain your heart unto Him?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how fickle and short-lived our repentance often is. Grant that we would bring You not only the externals of religion, but mercy and sacrifice. Grant to us to be in Your Son, our Lord Jesus, as the last Adam. And just as He has kept Your covenant for us, make us also to be covenant-keepers like He is. Give us leadership in the church and the state that help us to remember that we are before Your face. And forgive us for when we have been forgetful of You. Forgive us also for when, rather than being careful to keep our hearts turned toward You, we have actually been like bakers who keep the ovens of our hearts hot for making loaves of sin. Indeed, O Lord, all our sin is a wicked treachery against You, and deserves great and permanent punishment. So, forgive us for the sake of Christ, and conform us to His image, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

Bearing Witness as Image Bearers [Westminster Shorter Catechism 77—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 77—especially explaining how God has given each of us an unique set of experiences that place us under obligation to T.H.I.N.K. before we speak.

Q77. What is required in the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbor’s good name, especially in witness-bearing.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Our Glorified Mediator [Children's Catechism 138—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 138—especially explaining how the Lord Jesus is, right now, in glory, as our Mediator.

Q138. Where is Christ now? In heaven, interceding for sinners.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Living in Light of God's Divinity [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 139:1–12]

What difference do God’s omniscience and omnipresence make? Psalm 139:1–12 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that knowing the God Who knows us and all things, we ought to live conscientiously, humbly, and confidently. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 139:1–12

Read Psalm 139:1–12

Questions from the Scripture text: To whom was this psalm sent (superscript)? Whose was it? Whom does it address (Psalm 139:1)? What has YHWH done? What does He know (Psalm 139:2a), understand (verse 2b), measure (Psalm 139:3a), and recognize (verse 3b)? When, and how much, does He know David’s words (Psalm 139:4)? How closely does He attend him (Psalm 139:5)? How does this knowledge compare to David’s (Psalm 139:6)? What does David ask in Psalm 139:7? At what height and depth is God there (Psalm 139:8)? At what distance (Psalm 139:9)? What is He doing in those places (Psalm 139:10)? What might David fear will crush him (Psalm 139:11a)? But what will be the outcome for him (verse 11b)? Why—for Whom is darkness not dark (Psalm 139:12a)? With what effect/result (verse 12b–c)?

What difference do God’s omniscience and omnipresence make? Psalm 139:1–12 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that knowing the God Who knows us and all things, we ought to live conscientiously, humbly, and confidently.   

The first half of this well-loved Psalm focuses upon God’s knowing everything (His omniscience, Psalm 139:1-6) and being everywhere (His omnipresence, Psalm 139:7-12). 

In thinking about God’s omniscience, it isn’t just that He knows the total number of things that there is to know. Rather, knowing is inherent to Him. There can be nothing to know, except that He knows it entirely. Creatures know things in a derivative, borrowed way from Him; but He possess all knowledge, because He possess knowledge itself. The way that we experience this is that He knows both the inner life of our resting and the outer life of our activity (Psalm 139:2a, Psalm 139:3); He knows our inner life without need of time or proximity for inspection (Psalm 139:2b, Psalm 139:4). There are two great applications here: conscientiousness and humility.

First, we must live every moment of our life conscientiously—as before God Himself. But the language of Psalm 139:5 doesn’t just communicate this in the sense of being subject to His observation. It literally “presses” upon us that we are to live as those whose lives are I constant contact with God. Perhaps you have had the experience of being engaged in some foolishness, when you were brought suddenly to correct it by the sensation of the loving hand of your earthly father upon your shoulder. The image something like that.

Second, we ought to be humbled. Sadly, many of us operate in a judgmental spirit toward others, under the assumption that we know the inner workings of their hearts. But, we must be humbled, right along with David, as we consider the way in which the Lord knows us and our hearts. How can we be so proud as to think we know others that way? We don’t even know ourselves (cf. Jeremiah 17:9)! But YHWH does (cf. Jeremiah 17:10), and this should instill humility into us.

In Psalm 139:7-12, praise of God’s omniscience continues, but with His omnipresence coming more into focus. Again, we know that heaven and highest heaven cannot contain Him (cf. 1 Kings 8:27). So, we mustn’t think of this as God existing in any place, or even in all places. Rather, existence is inherent to Himself. He is the only One Whose being is independent, and therefore, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. Since everyone (and everything) else exists only in dependence upon Him, there is literally no existence apart from Him. Again, there are at least two important applications here: comfort and confidence.

The comfort we see, especially, in Psalm 139:10. It is not just that He is always at hand, but that His hand is leading us and holding us! And the confidence we see, especially in Psalm 139:11. The word behind “fall” has more of the sense of “crush” than of “cover.” But darkness can do neither of these to us, if we are living by His grace, rather than trusting in our own ability. Our night is light when living by the grace of the One Who cannot be limited by any circumstance whatsoever! The world mistakenly associates confidence with pride. But the student of Psalm 139 knows that truly undauntable confidence comes not by pride, but by the humility to live in dependence upon the Lord, Who knows us and has brought us to know Him.

When do you tend to be forgetful that you are before the face of God? In what circumstances are you most temped to pride? In what areas do you most tend to overestimate your knowledge? In what circumstances are you most apprehensive or fearful? How will you arm yourself against such situations by meditation upon God’s attributes? How will you bring mindfulness of Him and His attributes into the situations themselves?

Sample prayer:  O YHWH, You have searched us and known us. You know our sitting down and our rising up; You understand our thought afar off. You comprehend our path and our lying down. And You are acquainted with all our ways. For there is not a word on our tongue, but behold, O YHWH, You know it altogether. You have hedged us in behind and before, and laid Your hand upon us. Such knowledge is too wonderful for us; it is high, we cannot attain it.

Where can we go from Your Spirit? Or where can we flee from Your presence? If we ascend into heaven, You are there; if we make our bed in the pit, behold, You are there. If we fly upon the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead us, and Your right hand shall hold us. If we say, “Surely the darkness shall crush us,” even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.

So come, now, by Your Spirit, and make the light of the knowledge of Your glory to shine in our hearts in the face of Jesus Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP139B “Where Can I From Your Spirit Flee” or TPH139B “LORD, You Have Searched Me” 

Fruitful Words and Fruitful Work [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 13:1–6]

How does a man image God? Proverbs 13:1–6 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that one way a man images God is by fruitfulness in words and work. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 13:1–6

Read Proverbs 13:1–6

Questions from the Scripture text: What does a wise son do (v1a)? But what doesn’t the scoffer do (v1b)? By what may a man eat well (v2a)? Upon what does the soul of the unfaithful feed (v2b)? Who preserves his life (v3a)? Who opens wise his lips (v3b)? What does the soul of the lazy man desire (v4a)? What does he have? What happens to the soul of the diligent (v4b)? What does the righteous man hate (v5a)? What is the wicked man (v5b)? What happens to him? What guards the man whose way is blameless (v6a)? What does wickedness do (v6b)? 

How does a man image God? Proverbs 13:1–6 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that one way a man images God is by fruitfulness in words and work.

Like the two sections that made up the halves of chapter 12, our passage begins with a restatement of the importance of teachability (v1), pointing us back to the teaching of the first several families. The passage concludes similarly to those sections, emphasizing the difference in outcomes between the righteous and the wicked (v6).

Just as in the first part of each half of ch12, our passage deals primarily with wise speech (v2, 3, 5). The remaining verse (v4) ties our passage backward to the sections on diligence from ch12, and forward to the next section in ch13, which treats the subject of wealth.

Although men at the time focused upon the work of their hands to put food on the table, v2 teaches us that when a man bears good fruit from his mouth, he will not ordinarily lack. The imbalance of the verb reminds us that, in order for good fruit to come from our mouth, we must first feed upon that which is good. The unfaithful is unable to produce good fruit from his mouth because of what he has been feeding upon: violence. When it comes to what will overflow from our mouths, truly “you are what you eat.”

v3 describes the mouth in the language of the city gate. If there is not a man guarding the gate, and making sure it only opens for that which is safe, the city will be in trouble. Good gate-keeping saves lives. That suggests the question, dear reader: is the gate of your mouth guarded? Or, does your mouth open wide and let just anything out? How much destruction can come by way of an unguarded mouth!

v5 adds the engagement of the affection, to the employment of the will, in the guarding of the mouth. We have heard that YHWH hates lying (cf. 12:22). Now, we are taught that it is not enough merely to avoid lying. We must positively hate what the Lord hates. The righteous man hates lying. Either you must hate lying (v5a), or you will find yourself hateful (v5b). Dear reader, why would you risk making yourself hateful to the Lord? Flee lying!

Finally, coming back to v4, we see the poverty of the lazy and the wealth of the diligent. But notice what is impoverished and what is enriched: the soul. We were created in God’s image, created to work. In order for our eternal soul to be fulfilled, it must be imaging Him Who created it for Himself. Laziness un-humans a man.

Just as we ought to be guarding our mouths like a city gate, so the Lord makes righteousness to guard a man. We know, of course, that this righteousness comes first as a right standing with God, which a man can only have in Christ. And those who are in Christ are then made to be more and more like Christ, so that they are overthrown neither by the guilt, nor the effects, of their sin. The Lord conform you to Christ, dear reader, both in the area of your words and of your work.

With what have you been supplying your heart, in order for your mouth to bear good fruit? What are some situations in which you ought to be setting a guard over your mouth? How is it evident to you that you hate lying?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for creating us in Your image, so that we might be fruitful in our words and our work. Grant that, by the grace of Christ, we would image You well, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

2025.03.23 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

Click below for the:

March 23 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 16:24–28 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deut 2:26–3:11 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.

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.

Crucified Disciples [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 16:24–28]

How does one follow a crucified Christ? Matthew 16:24–28 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we follow a crucified Christ by taking up our own cross, in dependence upon Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 16:24–28

Read Matthew 16:24–28

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom in Matthew 16:24? What desire does He encourage? Whom must they leave/behind in order to do so? What must they take up in order to follow Him? What desire does He warn against in Matthew 16:25? What will happen to the one who tries to do this for himself? What must he give up, for Whose sake, instead? What will the outcome of that be? What would it be worthless to gain, even if you could (Matthew 16:26)? What can’t he keep in this way? Why—what will the Son of Man do (Matthew 16:27)? In what glory? To do what? Who will do what, before when (Matthew 16:28)?

How does one follow a crucified Christ? Matthew 16:24–28 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we follow a crucified Christ by taking up our own cross, in dependence upon Him.  

Jesus has refused the temptation to have a kingdom without a cross.

If we follow a King Who goes through a cross to glory, then we must be followers who go through crosses behind Him to go to glory with Him.

In order to be Christ’s we must leave behind being our own. We cannot be our own purpose, must not attempt to live by our own power, ought not to live for our own pleasure. This, of course, is no loss at all—however impossible it is for our flesh to be that way. Who can compare being one’s own to being Christ’s in any of these areas?

One of these areas is of particular importance. In Matthew 10:39, it was him who finds his life who loses it. Now, in Matthew 16:25, it is the one who desires to save his life who will lose it. If Christ cannot come into His glory except through a cross, how much more this is true for us: we cannot come to His glory with Him, except through His cross. We must give up saving ourselves, or else we will lose our lives. Losing our lives for His sake begins with losing any illusions of being our own savior.

But being crucified with Christ is not only how the Christian life begins. It defines how the Christian life proceeds. Galatians 2:20 is the Bible’s own commentary on the concept that Jesus teaches here. To be crucified with Christ means that it can no longer be we who live, but Christ Who lives in us—that the life that we live in the flesh can only be lived by faith in the Son of God, Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Though only Christ’s cross can atone for ourselves or achieve our standing with God, each of us have our own cross assigned to us by God. The One Who created us and loves us has assigned to each of us our own cross. We are not permitted to take up His cross; we are not offered anyone else’s cross but ours. Whatever pain, whatever shame, whatever death He might assign to us, it comes with the territory, and that territory is Christ. How worthwhile each believer ought to consider his own personal cross to be.

If we would spare ourselves pain to seek comfort, or spare ourselves shame to seek status, or spare ourselves death to prolong life… what would we gain? Suppose you could achieve all of those things to the maximum. When the Son of Man comes in the glory of His Father, what will all that you had, taken altogether, amount to by comparison? And when He begins to reward according to works, what could be your hope without Christ and His works? You cannot give anything in exchange for your soul (Matthew 16:26, cf. Psalm. 49:6–9). 

Indeed, some disciples were just about to get a glimpse of that glory (Matthew 16:28, cf. Matthew 17:1–8). And every Christian is one who has seen that glory by faith (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6). 

What is your purpose in life? How are you bringing that into the purpose of each day, specifically? By what power do you live? By what means has He given you to depend upon Him and His power? What crosses has He given you to bear? In what hope do you bear those crosses?

Sample prayer:  We praise You, our crucified Lord, and ask that by Your grace, we might be Yours and not our own. Grant that we might lose our lives for Christ’s sake and come into His glory with Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP49A “Hear This, All Earth’s Nations” or TPH332 “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” 

Trusting and Obeying the Lord Our God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11]

Who destroyed Sihon and Og? Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the One Who destroyed Sihon and Og was Israel’s very own covenant God.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11

Read Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom did Moses send to whom in Deuteronomy 2:26? With what sorts of words? What arrangement did he propose (Deuteronomy 2:27-28)? Similar to what (Deuteronomy 2:29)? How did Siho respond (Deuteronomy 2:30)? Why? Who speaks to whom in Deuteronomy 2:31? How does He explain Sihon’s refusal? What does Sihon do (Deuteronomy 2:32)? With whom? Who did what in Deuteronomy 2:33? With what result? What did Israel take (Deuteronomy 2:34)? Whom did they destroy? What did they take (Deuteronomy 2:35)? What was not true, of which cities (Deuteronomy 2:36)? Why/how? Where did Moses say that they avoided (Deuteronomy 2:37)? Why? Then, where did they go (Deuteronomy 3:1)? Who did what, where? Who spoke to whom in Deuteronomy 3:2? What did He say not to do? Why not? What would they do to him? What did YHWH do (Deuteronomy 3:3)? With what results (Deuteronomy 3:3-7)? What was the total result from both kings/peoples (Deuteronomy 3:8-10)? What had been significant about Og in particular? What did his bedstead have to be made of? How large did it have to be? What was done with it after he died?

Who destroyed Sihon and Og? Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the One Who destroyed Sihon and Og was Israel’s very own covenant God.

Just as with destroying the other giants, and giving their lands to other peoples, in Deuteronomy 2:1-24, there is a display of YHWH’s power, generosity, and faithfulness in Israel’s encounters with Sihon and Og. 

The passage’s unique vocabulary/language emphasizes that the Lord does this as Israel’s covenant God. “YHWH our God” (Deuteronomy 2:29). “YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 2:30). “YHWH our God” (Deuteronomy 2:33).  “YHWH our God” (Deuteronomy 2:36). “YHWH our God” (Deuteronomy 2:37). “YHWH our God” (Deuteronomy 3:3). He Who works all things according to the counsel of His will is the One Who has predestined us to an inheritance (cf. Ephesians 1:11). He is ours, and we are His.

The Lord has done His works in history as their own covenant God, Who has taken them to be His own covenant people. As part of the introduction of the sermon that is Deuteronomy, the Lord is cementing to them their covenant bond with Himself. As He expounds His law to them in the rest of the sermon/book, He gives those laws not merely as their Creator and Lord, but as their own covenant God. He has been faithful to them, and they are bound to covenant faithfulness to Him. Indeed, this was one of the reasons for the complete wiping out of those nations that were under the ban for the completion of their sin against YHWH (cf. Deuteronomy 2:34, Deuteronomy 3:6, Genesis 15:16, Leviticus 27:28). 

Does the Lord not do the same with you, dear Christian? He has given Christ, and overcome sin and death and hell, not merely as One providing hypothetical or potential salvation for all who are willing to take it. Rather, His salvation is covenantally focused upon those whom He is taking to Himself. So, not only does He save you in covenantally specific intentionality, but He also calls you to faithfulness in the same way. He is Your very own God, Who has saved you and bound you to Himself. When He gives you His commands, and calls you to obedience, He is not only calling you to obedience and submission, but also to faithfulness to your covenant relationship with Him.   

Because He is your very own God, you needn’t fear anyone, not even a 13.5 ft tall, 6 ft wide, giant. And because He is your very own God, you mustn’t disobey or disregard the “smallest” one of His laws or principles. After all, they are His.

What great challenges or dangers do you face? What relation do you have to Him Who is sovereign over them? What commands and principles has He given that you continue to struggle with? What relation do you have to Him Who has given them?

Sample prayer: Lord, You are our God, and You have power and rule over all. We thank You for Your promises and praise You for Your faithfulness to keep them. Thank You for taking us to be Your very own people. Give us Your grace that we may also be faithful to perform all that we owe unto You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People” or TPH496 “My Jesus, I Love Thee”

The Glory of Prayer [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 8:1–6]

If God has decreed everything why pray? Revelation 8:1–6 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has decreed to act in response to His people’s prayers, as mediated by the intercession of His Son.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 8:1–6

Read Revelation 8:1–6

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Lamb open in v1? What happened? Where? For how long? How many of whom does he see in v2? Standing before Whom? What was given to them? Then Whom does he see in v3? What does He have? Where does He come and stand? What is He given? To offer it with what? Upon what? Where? What ascended (v4)? With what else? Before Whom? From what? What does He take in v5? With what does He fill it? Where does He throw it? With what effect? What other response is there to the prayers (v6)?  

If God has decreed everything why pray? Revelation 8:1–6 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has decreed to act in response to His people’s prayers, as mediated by the intercession of His Son.

The necessity of prayer. The Lamb is still opening the seals on the scroll of the decree of all that will happen between the two comings of Christ. The opening of this seal, however, is unique. What has God decreed this time? Prayer. The last seal will include the sounding of the seven trumpets, from 8:7–11:15. But the point of the seal is the prayer that precedes the trumpets. Heaven, which has been full of noise and activity, goes silent for an extended period of time (v1). Heaven is waiting for the prayers of the saints! Since God has completely decreed all that will happen (the scroll is written front and back), prayer is not only effective but required; for, He has decreed to act in response to prayer. 

The efficacy of prayer. In v3, we are introduced to another Christophany. This one Angel is different than the other seven. He is a Priest, Who mediates the prayers of the saints. This is the true and great ministry of which the tabernacle’s incense altar was an earthly shadow-copy (cf. Ex 30:1–10; Heb 8:5). All saints pray, and all their prayers are attended by the Lord Jesus, Who offers His own incense along with them. How this ought to encourage you in prayer! Our prayers are not effective because of how strong they are, but because of the strength of Him to Whom we pray, and of Him through Whom we pray. Every time we pray, the Lord Jesus is commending our prayers to God, unto Whom they smell of the sweet aroma of His Son’s ministry, offered straight from His hand (v4).

The effects of prayer. The outcome of this praying is seen in two different ways in this passage. First, there is the action of the Priest in v5. His response to the prayers of His saints literally shakes up the earth. The world is full of those who compete for power and influence, but the real power is wielded by Christ, in response to the prayers of His saints. The other outcome is seen in v6. The sounding of the trumpets, that anticipate the end of the age, is a direct response to the prayers of all the saints. Whether the shaking up of kingdoms during the age, or the shaking of all kingdoms at the end of the age, we see here an answer especially to the petition, “Thy kingdom come.” Indeed, this will be the ultimate result of the final trumpet (cf. 11:15)!

When do you pray? What is happening when you pray? What difference does this make to you for your praying? How will you change your frequency and manner of prayer in response to this passage?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how little we have valued prayer, when John’s vision showed its importance by heaven’s waiting in silence for half an hour for the prayers of the saints. Thank You for the Lord Jesus’s priestly intercession. Forgive us for how we have missed out on enjoying the fellowship that we have with Him when we pray, and grant that we would be more mindful of Christ, as we come to You through Him, which we also ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP5 “Listen to My Words, O LORD” or TPH518 “Come, My Soul, with Every Care” 

2025.03.19 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

March 19 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 12:15–28 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.

Great Faithfulness Overcoming Great Faithlessness [2025.03.16 Evening Sermon in Deuteronomy 2:1–25]

Our faith should respond to the overwhelming evidence of God's faithfulness

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

God's Mind About Christ [2025.03.16 Morning Sermon in Matthew 16:21–23]

Knowing Jesus as Christ and God means adoring His glory at the cross and humbling ourselves to learn more about Him from Him Himself.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Nurturing the Christian Life [2025.03.16 Book Study in How to Live as a Christian]

Nurturing the Christian life: • Reading the Scriptures • Why and How We Pray • Worship and the Means of Grace • Fellowship with Believers(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Lion Who Tears and Heals Us [Family Worship lesson in Hosea 5:1–6:3]

How severe is the Lord’s chastening of His people? Hosea 5:1–6:3 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord chastens His people as severely as necessary for forcing them to turn to Him Himself for healing.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hosea 5:1–6:3

Read Hosea 5:1–6:3

Questions from the Scripture text: What three groups are addressed in Hosea 5:1a–c? What are they urged to do? Why—what is theirs (verse 1d)? Why—what have they done/been (verse 1e–f)? What have they been involved in (Hosea 5:2a)? What will YHWH do (verse 2b)? What does He know about whom (Hosea 5:3)? What do they not direct toward what (Hosea 5:4a–b)? What is in their midst (verse 4c)? Whom do they not know (verse 4d)? Who stumble, in/due to what (Hosea 5:5)? What will they “do” in Hosea 5:6a–b (cf. Hosea 5:4a–b; Exodus 10:9)? With what success (Hosea 5:6c)? Why (verse 6d)? What have they done (Hosea 5:7a)? In what manner (verse 7b)? So, what will their worship do to them (verse 7c)? Where will the alarms be sounded (Hosea 5:8)? Who else will be devastated (Hosea 5:9)? Whose princes were doing what (Hosea 5:10a)? How will YHWH respond (verse 10b)? To what extent (cf. Hosea 5:12)? What is one form this wrath will take (Hosea 5:11a)? Why is the Lord doing this (verse 11b)? To whom will Ephraim and Judah first turn in their distress (Hosea 5:13a–d)? With what effect (verse 13e–f)? Why won’t these be able to help them (Hosea 5:14)? What will this force them into (Hosea 5:15)? What will the logic of their seeking Him be (Hosea 6:1)? What will He do (Hosea 6:2)? Unto what end (verse 2c)? What do they urge one another to do (Hosea 6:3a–b)? Why—how strong and faithful is He (verse 3c–e)?

How severe is the Lord’s chastening of His people? Hosea 5:1–6:3 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord chastens His people as severely as necessary for forcing them to turn to Him Himself for healing.

Complete judgment, Hosea 5:1-12. Most of our passage is concerned with the massive scope of the judgment. 

The judgment will be upon all classes of people (Hosea 5:1-4). The clergy and bureaucrats are named specifically. With leadership comes increased responsibility and guilt. However, sandwiched between the two we find the entire house of Israel, the general population. The “you” is plural. The reason all these classes of people are to pay attention to what is coming is because the judgment is for all of them. God’s justice is equal-opportunity.

The judgment will be upon both kingdoms (Hosea 5:5). That Judah is specifically included is important because of the seeming protection of Judah as the covenant people toward the end of chapter 4. The unity of north and south in their punishment should not surprise us, however, because the first few chapters had already introduced the idea of their having both been guilty—and that God’s plan for their restoration included a plan for reconciling them to one another.

The judgment will be complete and certain (Hosea 5:6-12). They won’t be able to find Him anywhere (Hosea 5:6). Their devastation will be the very picture of certainty (Hosea 5:9). Note here that judgment is described in terms of an inability to find YHWH in their seeking. There is no greater chastening, discipline, or trial for a covenant people than being cut of from fellowship with the covenant God—even when they have not properly desired that fellowship! Though we disregard Him (Hosea 5:12), He is what we must have.

Where help cannot be found, Hosea 5:13. This is just one, small verse, but it really stands on its own in the passage. The people recognize their infirmities, and seek out the aid of various secular sources, but there is no help to be found in any of them. When we as believers find ourselves hurting, where do we turn? Do we examine ourselves and turn to YHWH as sinners, or do we seek first another solution that seems as if it could rationally offer us some help?

Why none else can help: the Lion Who tears, Hosea 5:14-15a. The image is strong. It is of a lion (two different words for lion are used here) tearing its prey limb from limb and carrying it off to enjoy it. This has at least two primary implications: the death is gory and final, and the carcass is irrecoverable. The image of the exile comes with fearful violence and finality!

Who alone can help: the Lion Who heals, Hosea 5:15-16:3. 

The purpose of the tearing (Hosea 5:15b). Though there is great finality of judgment through verse 15a, verse 15b clues us in that this finality is not permanent. This brutal attack has a purpose: to cause YHWH’s people to seek Him. Indeed, we find that His discipline in our daily lives has the same purpose (cf. Hebrews 12). On a grander scale, the most brutal of deaths was endured to ensure the reconciliation of covenant God to covenant people. The final statement of the chapter is plain vanilla indicative in the Hebrew, just a matter of fact. Yahweh declares that His people will seek Him.

The certainty of the tearing’s success (Hosea 5:15-16:1). As soon as YHWH speaks it (Hosea 5:15b), we have the very “seeking” (Hosea 6:1) of which He speaks. The response itself will take years, even generations. But it is reported immediately as an indication of how certain it is to come.

The description of the tearing’s success (Hosea 6:1–3). Note their twofold reasoning as they repent: YHWH is the only one who can help, and that it is certain that He will. If it is YHWH who has torn, then it must be YHWH who heals. The language of Hosea 6:2 implies that only One Who has resurrection power will be able to heal them from such death as has come upon them. This is how every believer feels as he comes to the Lord. 

Finally, there is a theme of certainty in this passage. It began with Yahweh’s judgment as the very definition of certainty, but it ends with His grace as certain as the dawn. “His going forth is established as the morning (Hosea 6:3c). Through the One Whose violent death and third-day-resurrection are hinted at in this very passage, God’s grace is certain for His people.

What are some situations from which it was painfully evident that you needed divine power and mercy to rescue you? Who brough you into those circumstances? Why? From what ultimate/great trouble, inflicted by the Lord, is He the only true hope of rescue/healing? Is He YOUR hope in this?

Sample prayer: Lord, like Israel and Judah, our guilt has been complete, and we deserve complete wrath. How much of our life has been lived apart from knowing You, and even rejecting to know You. At times, even when we have made effort and appearance to seek You, yet we did not direct our deeds toward turning to our God. So we thank You for that severe kindness in which You have afflicted us so that we might know that only You can heal us. Forgive us, however, when we have turned to other things for that healing. How grievous our sin can be! And thank You that You made us to find healing only in You Yourself. Truly, You have given that healing in Christ. So, we praise You and thank You and look to You for all forgiveness and cleansing in Jesus Christ, through Whom we also now pray, AMEN!

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

The Greatest Display of God's Glory [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 138]

For what is the Lord worthy of praise? Psalm 138 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord is great in glory, and the great display of that glory is especially in His grace. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 138

Read Psalm 138

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose psalm is this (superscript)? What will he do to the Lord (Psalm 138:1a)? With how much of himself? Before whom, will he do what (verse 1b)? What will he do (Psalm 138:2a)? Toward where? And do what (verse 2b)? For what attributes of His (verse 2c)? What has He magnified above what (verse 2d)? To what day does Psalm 138:3a refer? What did the Lord do, when David cried out? What form dd that answer take (verse 3b)? Who will do what, in Psalm 138:4a? In response to what (verse 4b)? Of what will they sing (Psalm 138:5a)? Why? Where is YHWH (Psalm 138:6a)? Whom does He regard (verse 6b)? Whom does He keep at a distance (verse 6c)? What may happen to the lowly who cries to Him (Psalm 138:7a)? What will the Lord do to him (Psalm 138:7a, d)? And what will the Lord to whom else (verse 7b–c)? What is the Lord sure, ultimately, to do (Psalm 138:8a)? In accordance with what attribute of His (verse 8b)? With what request does the psalm close (verse 8c)?

For what is the Lord worthy of praise? Psalm 138 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord is great in glory, and the great display of that glory is especially in His grace.   

The Lord is great in glory. The word translated “gods” (Psalm 138:1b) can sometimes mean supremely great ones. Rather than this communicate that there are multiple gods, the fact that YHWH is infinitely above any of these great ones is further demonstration that He alone is the one, true God. This is supported by David’s statement in Psalm 138:2a. Remember, the physical temple hasn’t been built yet. David is identifying YHWH’s holiness as His true temple (cf. 1 Kings 8:27). 

The Lord glorifies Himself especially by His Word. In showing Moses His glory (cf. Exodus 33:18–34:8), YHWH especially glorified Himself as “abounding in goodness and truth” (cf. Exodus 34:6)—the same words in the original as “lovingkindness” and “truth” in Psalm 138:2c. God’s “favorite” way of displaying His glory is by His Word. When He shows His glory, it is by proclaiming His Name (cf. Exodus 34:6). 

This is not only vocally as in Exodus 34; and written, as in His showing His glory by use of Scripture and the plain speaking of the truth (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:2–6)—but most of all in the Word, made flesh. When John refers to this as a display of His glory, he emphasizes the same attributes, quoting from the Greek translation of Exodus 34:6 in John 1:14. The Lord Jesus, Himself, is God’s great display of His own glory.

The Lord is especially glorified in His grace. Considering that proclamation in Exodus 34:6, before it climaxes at “abounding in goodness and truth,” YHWH’s declaration of His own Name begins with “merciful, gracious, longsuffering.” The Kings of earth respond to the greatness of YHWH’s glory in His Word (Psalm 138:4-5), but it is especially the Lord’s regard for him in his lowliness (Psalm 138:3, Psalm 138:6-7) that is David’s focus in this Psalm. His lowliness and trouble were an occasion for the greatness of YHWH’s mercy to be displayed. 

If you know yourself to be the “work of His hands” (Psalm 138:8c), and that His covenant love (NKJ, “mercy,” verse 8b) endures forever, then you may be confident that YHWH will perfect (complete) what concerns us (verse 8a). You know that His beginning the work came from electing and redeeming love, so you may be confident that His completing the work will come from the same electing and redeeming love (cf. Philippians 1:6). 

God displays the riches of His glory especially in His mercy (cf. Romans 9:22–23), which He shows forth especially by His Word, and especially in the person of His Son!

When you are brought low or in trouble, what opportunity is there for glorifying God’s mercy? To what activities does His preferred method of glorifying Himself direct you for seeing His glory? How does your own talking to God, and about God, reflect His own emphasis upon His mercy? How does it reflect His own emphasis upon His Son, the Word made flesh?

Sample prayer:  We praise You with our whole heart, O Lord. You are infinitely above everything that seems great. Heaven and highest heaven cannot contain You, so we worship Your holiness, and come to that very holiness through Your Son, our Lord Jesus. Magnify Your steadfast love and faithfulness in Christ, as we worship You through Your Word. We are lowly and often troubled, which makes us precisely the sort to whom You show Your great mercy. You have begun Your good work in us; do not forsake the works of Your hands, but perfect that which concerns us, that we may praise Your steadfast love and faithfulness forever, through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP138 “With All My Heart, My Thanks I’ll Bring” or TPH138A “With All My Heart, My Thanks I’ll Bring”

Our Neighbor's Precious Name [Westminster Shorter Catechism 76—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 76—especially explaining how the our neighbor’s name isa valuable gift to him from God.

Q76. Which is the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Certainty and Necessity of the Resurrection [Children's Catechism 137—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 137—especially explaining how the resurrection is a historical fact, and a theological and spiritual necessity.

Q137. Did Christ remain in the tomb after His crucifixion? No; He rose from the tomb on the third day after His death.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Discrete Words and Diligent Work [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 12:15–28]

What does walking with God involve? Proverbs 12:15–28 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture. the Holy Spirit teaches us that walking with God involves godly speech, and diligence, in the path that leads to eternal life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 12:15–28

Read Proverbs 12:15–28

Questions from the Scripture text: What does a fool think of his way (Proverbs 12:15a)? What does the wise man do instead (verse 15b)? When is a fool’s wrath known (Proverbs 12:16a)? What does a prudent man do instead (verse 16b)? What does the truth-speaker declare (Proverbs 12:17a)? What does the false witness declare (verse 17b)? What can a man speak like (Proverbs 12:18a)? But what does the wise tongue do (verse 18b)? How long will the truthful lip be established (Proverbs 12:19a)? How long the lying tongue (verse 19b)? What is in the heart of the deviser of evil (Proverbs 12:20a)? But what does a counselor of peace have (verse 20b)? What cannot overtake whom (Proverbs 12:21a)? What will the wicked have a filling of (verse 21b)? Who abominates the lying lip (Proverbs 12:22a, cf. Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 11:20)? What does He think of the truthful (Proverbs 12:22b)? What does a prudent man do with some of his knowledge (Proverbs 12:23a)? What does a fool’s heart proclaim (verse 23b)? Whose hand will rule (Proverbs 12:24a)? But what will happen to the lazy man (verse 24b)? What does anxiety lead to (Proverbs 12:25a)? What has the opposite effect (verse 25b)? What should the righteous diligently do (Proverbs 12:26a)? What does the lazy man fail to cook (Proverbs 12:27a)? What, therefore, has great value (verse 27b)? To what does the way of the righteous lead (Proverbs 12:28a)? What does it certainly avoid (verse 28b)?

What does walking with God involve? Proverbs 12:15–28 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, )? the Holy Spirit teaches us that walking with God involves godly speech, and diligence, in the path that leads to eternal life.

The second section of chapter 12 also (cf. Proverbs 12:1) begins with an introduction about the need to be instructible (Proverbs 12:15).And it ends with a conclusion that is a synthesis of how the difference in ways, that was introduced in verse 15, makes quite literally all the difference for the righteous (Proverbs 12:28). Just as in the first half of the chapter, the core of this second half are two subsections, one on wise words (Proverbs 12:16-23) and another on wise work (Proverbs 12:24-27). In both sections, the instruction is given almost entirely by way of comparison.

Proverbs 12:16-23 address the subject of wise words. A fool always expresses his emotions (Proverbs 12:16a), is willing to lie from his own false heart that devises evil (Proverbs 12:17b, Proverbs 12:19b, Proverbs 12:20a), uses words like sword thrusts (v18a), and expresses all of his thoughts (Proverbs 12:23b). However, the prudent man conceals wrong emotions (Proverbs 12:16b), speaks only truth in righteousness that seeks peace (Proverbs 12:17a, Proverbs 12:19a, Proverbs 12:20b), uses words to heal others (Proverbs 12:18b), and keeps most knowledge to himself (Proverbs 12:23a). How important (and beneficial) a part of walking with God is godly speech!

Proverbs 12:24-27 address the subject of wise work. The man who can’t make himself work will be forced to by others (Proverbs 12:24b), allow himself to be easily discouraged (Proverbs 12:25b), be lazy even about choosing friends (Proverbs 12:26b), and even too lazy to benefit from work that he has already done (Proverbs 12:27a). However, the diligent will rule others (Proverbs 12:24a), employ good words to stir up gladness to live (Proverbs 12:25b), be diligent even about choosing friends (Proverbs 12:26a), and treasure the diligence that improves all else to him (Proverbs 12:27b).How important (and beneficial) a part of walking with God is diligence!

The conclusion (Proverbs 12:28) is set up by the pathways in Proverbs 12:15 and the outcomes in Proverbs 12:19, Proverbs 12:21. Now, the conclusion synthesizes these two themes. The reason that there is only life and no death in the well-counseled way of the righteous is because death is a just sentence from YHWH, while life (in Him!) is His reward to the righteous. In the same manner as Proverbs 11:20 (cf. Proverbs 11:1), Proverbs 12:22 reminds us of the personal nature of these outcomes from His hand.

How are you relating to God in your words? How are you relating to God in your work?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us to be righteous in Your Son, our Lord Jesus. And thank You for Your Spirit’s ministry in applying His character to us in the areas of our words and our work. Glorify Yourself in Him, by conforming us to His image, and rewarding us with His inheritance, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

2025.03.16 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

March 16 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 16:21–23 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 2:1–25 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.

Learning Jesus from Jesus [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 16:21–23]

How ought we to respond to the truth that Jesus is Christ and God? Matthew 16:21–23 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that part of responding rightly to Jesus’s identity is humbly learning more from Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 16:21–23

Read Matthew 16:21–23

Questions from the Scripture text: When does Jesus do this (Matthew 16:21)? To whom does He show? What things does He show to them? What two things does Peter do to Him in Matthew 16:22? How does he say it? What does Jesus tell Peter to do in Matthew 16:23 (cf. Matthew 4:10a)? What does He call Peter? What does He say that Peter is unto Him? Of what does He say that Peter is not mindful? Of what does He say that Peter is mindful instead?

How ought we to respond to the truth that Jesus is Christ and God? Matthew 16:21–23 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that part of responding rightly to Jesus’s identity is humbly learning more from Him.  

No kingdom without a cross. The apostles are on the record, now, as confessors of Jesus as Christ and Son of the Living God. Now, they must learn what the Scriptures taught is necessary, that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things at the hands of the sinful leaders of Israel, and be raised the third day (Matthew 16:21). 

It says that He “showed” them, because this was taught throughout the Scriptures (cf. Luke 24:25–26). So, He showed them from the Scripture, and from the force of logic of how immense a thing sin is, and its guilt, and how the salvation of the elect absolutely required the incarnation and the cross.

The need for humility to continue to be shown. We praise God for the truth of Matthew 16:17, that proper knowledge of Jesus, and confessing of Him, as Christ and God is a gift of divine convincing. However, we must hold that together with the humility to know that we will always be growing in our understanding of the implications and applications of the identity of Jesus. 

Having begun as those taught of God, we must continue, in humility, to learn from God. Pride can be so blinding. Peter was so blind that he missed that rebuking Jesus is totally incompatible with maintaining the proper place and dignity of Jesus’s identity. 

The danger of pride that sets out on its own, apart from Scripture. By drawing half-baked conclusions based upon the identity of Christ (“far be it from You, Lord,”), rather than submitting himself to what Jesus was showing from the Scriptures, Peter put himself in a pace where he was operating from the flesh, rather than from the Spirit. In Jesus’s words, he had not the mindset of God but the mindset of men. But the origin of all fleshly thought is, indeed, the devil himself. 

And Jesus recognized the logic that offered Him the kingdom without a cross. It was the same logic that proposed a very public and dramatic sign-display in order to galvanize the nation around Him (cf. Matthew 4:5–6). It was the same logic that offered all the kingdoms of this world and their glory for a moment’s bowing (cf. Matthew 4:8–9). It was satanic logic that would see Jesus stumble, rather than go resolutely to the cross. 

If we are going to have the mindset of God, to overcome the satanic mindset of our own flesh, we must be taught by Christ, as He shows us the truth from the Scriptures. May He give us that humility, and the sweet and stabilizing experience of learning from Him. 

In what particular actions and circumstances is Jesus showing you, from Scripture, more of the implications and applications of His identity as Christ and God? How are you bringing humility into those actions and circumstances, so that you do not respond to them with the satanic reasoning of the flesh, but with humble conformity to the mind of God?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. We thank You and praise You that, just as the Scriptures taught was necessary, You suffered many things, and died for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Grant us the grace of humility to continue learning from You so that our minds would be more and more conformed to Yours, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH332 “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”