Christ: Divine Righteousness and Treasure [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 19:16–30]

What must we have to enter heaven, and what do we obtain in heaven? Matthew 19:16–30 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ is both what we must have to enter heaven and the heavenliness that we obtain. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 19:16–30

Read Matthew 19:16–30

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does Matthew 19:16 begin? What are we to behold? What did the person who came call Him? How did he think one obtained eternal life? Whom did he think could tell him what good thing to do for that? What does Jesus ask in response (Matthew 19:17)? Whom does Jesus say is good? What does Jesus say to do in order to enter into the commandments? What does the man ask, in response to that (Matthew 19:18)? Which five of the Ten Commandments does Jesus list (Matthew 19:18-19)? What other commandment does Jesus name? What do we find out about the man at the beginning of Matthew 19:20? What does he claim to have done? Since when? What does he ask? What does this imply that he knows about his condition? What does Jesus presume that the young man wants (Matthew 19:21)? What does He say the man should do with his things? So that they can give to whom? How will he be compensated? Where must he then go? Who heard this (Matthew 19:22)? How did he respond? With what demeanor? Why? Who speaks to whom in Matthew 19:23? How does He emphasize the urgency of what He is saying? What does he say is difficult for whom? How does He re-emphasize what He is saying at the beginning of Matthew 19:24? What does He say is easier to happen than a rich man entering the kingdom? Who heard this (Matthew 19:25)? What effect did it have upon them? What did they say? What does Jesus do in Matthew 19:26 to show His aim? What does He say to them? Who answers Him in Matthew 19:27? What does he say they have done? What does he ask? Whom does Jesus answer (Matthew 19:28)? About what time does He answer? Who will be doing what in that time? Who else will be on thrones? Doing what? What things will His followers have left for His Name’s sake (Matthew 19:29)? How much will they receive? What will they inherit? What will many find to be the relationship between their status in this world and their status in the next?

What must we have to enter heaven, and what do we obtain in heaven? Matthew 19:16–30 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ is both what we must have to enter heaven and the heavenliness that we obtain.  

No one good but God (and Jesus is God). The man comes to Jesus thinking that he and Jesus are basically similar. In his mind, he and Jesus are both good, and Jesus knows what particular good work is the trigger for the man to do to have eternal life (Matthew 19:16). When Jesus asks the question in Matthew 19:17, it isn’t because Jesus isn’t good, but because He is. The man intends to call Him good without calling Him God. This is a problem, because no man is good. 

And it is a problem because the man thinks that his eternal life is by something good that he himself does, when we can only have eternal life by something that Jesus Himself does. The man didn’t know who he himself was, because he thought that eternal life could be obtained by some good thing that he did. The man didn’t know who Jesus is, because he did not think that eternal life was obtained by some good thing that Jesus does.

What has to be done: obedience to the commandments. Jesus quotes to him the second table of the law, and then its summary in the second great commandment (Matthew 19:17-19). One thing can be said for the man: the legalist knows in his heart of hearts that he hasn’t done enough. You can never do enough. Despite all that this man thinks that he has done (Matthew 19:20a), he knows that he is lacking something (verse 20b). 

How this is done: coming to count Christ more than all. But what he is lacking is Jesus Himself. The first table of the law has priority, of course. Jesus even teaches this elsewhere (cf. Matthew 22:36–40). This is what the man ultimately lacks. He does not know, worship, reverence, or hallow God, because he does not know Him in Jesus, worship Him through Jesus, and hallow and reverence Him in hallowing and reverencing Jesus. He cannot possibly be complete (NKJ “perfect,” Matthew 19:21), because he does not have Jesus. 

This poor man (poor, because he does not have Jesus!) thinks that he is rich in two different ways, and both are a great hindrance to him. The first is the obvious one, the “great possessions” of Matthew 19:22 that he cannot imagine selling in order to give as charity to the poor (Matthew 19:21). Christian charity doesn’t just keep the second table of the law. It keeps the first table by counting Jesus Himself as abundant compensation for the loss of all material things.

But the second way in which he thought himself rich was in his own personal righteousness. This righteousness is illusory, rather than true—fools’ gold. But it is hard for him to give up. He would have to lose all illusions of being personally good in order to count Christ Himself as all his goodness. God Himself, in Christ Himself, is the treasure that we will have in heaven (Matthew 19:21, cf. Matthew 73:24–25). Giving up all, in order to have Jesus, gives us not only treasure in heaven but on earth. But those who feel that they have much without Him are the most obstructed from entering the kingdom (Matthew 19:23-24). The disciples don’t understand this (Matthew 19:25), but grace can give it (Matthew 19:26) and has even given it to them.

Faith itself is not a work. Peter doesn’t understand that they already have everything because they have Christ. His question in Matthew 19:17 implies that he views giving up all and following Christ as meritorious. Jesus reminds them that all things will be remade (NKJ “regeneration,” Matthew 19:28). But, even then, having Him and being His will be their greatest glory. No one “loses” by giving up for Christ, but rather gains a hundredfold (Matthew 19:29). Faith is not a work that we do by which we earn something from God. It is a resting in which we receive God Himself, and all the good that He does for us, in Christ. This is why the last are first; they put comparatively little upon what they have in themselves, and comparatively much upon what they have in Christ. And for others, the sad opposite is true: because they put much upon what they think they have in themselves, they put rather little upon what they might have in Christ.

In what ways are you poor in yourself? What are some of the riches that are offered you in Christ? What is holding you back from counting Him as all your wealth? As all your righteousness?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are more than everything else unto us. Only You are good, and You have given us Your own goodness in Christ. And You have rewarded that goodness with You Yourself as our treasure in heaven. Whom do we have in heaven but You, and there is nothing on earth we desire beside You, in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly, I Am With You” or TPH73C “In Sweet Communion, Lord, with Thee”

Taking God Seriously [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 5:11]

What must we do with God’s Name? Deuteronomy 5:11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must carry God’s Name weightily upon our lives and upon our lips. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:11

Read Deuteronomy 5:11

Questions from the Scripture text: What shall we not carry (“take,” Deuteronomy 5:11) in the wrong way? Whose/which Name? What relation does He have to us? In what way shall we not carry that name? Who will punish the breaking of this commandment? What will He not do for them (cf. Matthew 12:31)?

What must we do with God’s Name? Deuteronomy 5:11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must carry God’s Name weightily upon our lives and upon our lips.  

As creatures made in God’s image (cf. Genesis 1:26), man has always had a special responsibility to display and apply Lordship of God in all the creation (cf. Genesis 1:28).  But rather than view subjection to God as a display of His Lordship, man attempted to be Lord over himself (cf. Genesis 3:5–6). Still, marvelously, even from among sinners, God has chosen to save some to be His own special people (cf. Deuteronomy 5:6). This amazing note rings out of each of the first five commandments: “before Me” (Deuteronomy 5:7), “YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 5:9), “YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 5:11), “YHWH  your God” (Deuteronomy 5:12), “YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 5:14), “YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 5:15, twice), “YHWH your God” (Deuteronomy 5:16).

So, while all humanity has a special duty among the creation for the honoring of God’s Name, those whom He has redeemed have a special duty even among humanity for the honoring of God’s Name. He gave man speech, so that we could call upon His Name, and the capacity for worship so that we would praise His Name. And He has redeemed sinners so that they will call upon His Name for salvation, and so that they will praise His Name for redeeming them (cf. Revelation 5:9). 

What a weighty thing is the speech of a Christian! It is on this basis that the Spirit warns us against any improper use of our mouths whatsoever (cf. James 3:9–10). But that which is true so intensely with respect to our mouths is also true of our lives as a whole. The people of God are always to be a reflection upon the God of the people (cf. Deuteronomy 4:6–8). 

If we are not careful and intentional about how we speak and how we live, then we treat the Name of God as an empty thing.

If we come thoughtlessly or heartlessly to worship itself, then we treat the Name of God as an empty thing.

If we use the gospel as an excuse for remaining the same, rather than as an assurance that the pursuit of holiness will ultimately succeed, then we treat the Name of God as an empty thing.

If we treat empty pleasures as if they are joyous and the worship of God as if it is dreary, then we treat the Name of God as an empty thing.

If we use the Name of God to add force to our empty words, rather than as a reminder that we are always before Him and dependent upon Him, then we treat the Name of God as an empty thing.

If we use that which is foul or crass to add weight to our words, rather than carefully choosing what comes out of worship-lips, we treat the Name of God as an empty thing. 

If we treat worship as a superstitious magic by which we act in the spiritual realm, rather than an engaging of God Himself; or if we treat worship as a way to feel a certain way, rather than a felt interaction with God; then, we treat the Name of God as an empty thing.

But there is something greatly dangerous about treating the Name of God as an empty thing. By “the Name of God” we mean every part of how He communicates Himself to us. And if He is not divinely weighty unto us, there is no way that we can be saved. His divine weightiness is what makes us see the true guilt of our sin. His divine weightiness is what makes us see the true salvation that there is in the Savior.

Whenever we speak or live irreverently—and especially whenever we do this in worship—we expose the kind of thinking that demands us to ask, “will God really hold me guiltless?” Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain!

When are you most tempted to be silly or crass? What most hinders your reverence in worship?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how marvelous that You have put Your glorious Name upon our lips and upon us ourselves! Grant unto us to speak and live as those in whom You have invested Your glorious Name, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP8 “LORD, Our Lord, in All the Earth” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”

How Satan Attacks the Saints [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 13]

How does the dragon make war on the saints, and what are they to do about it? Revelation 13 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 dragon makes war on the saints by strength of force and by subtlety of falsehood, so the saints must endure by patience and faith and by wisdom.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 13

Read Revelation 13

Questions from the Scripture text: Where did John stand (Revelation 13:1)? What did he see? Rising out of what? With how many heads? And how many horns? And how many of what on the horns? And what upon his heads? What was its body like (Revelation 13:2)? Its feet? Its mouth? Who gave what three things to it? What had happened to one of his heads (Revelation 13:3)? But then what happened to that? How did the world respond? Whom did they worship on account of this (Revelation 13:4)? What rhetorical question did they ask? What was the implied answer? What else were given to the beast in Revelation 13:5? For how long? What did he open his mouth to speak (Revelation 13:6)? Against which four objects? Against whom was he permitted to make war and overcome on the earth (Revelation 13:7)? Over how many of whom was he given authority? How many of whom would worship him (Revelation 13:8)? Only the ones whose names were not written where? Whom does Revelation 13:9 call to do what (cf. Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:29; Revelation 3:6, Revelation 3:13, Revelation 3:22)? What have some done (Revelation 13:10a)? What shall be done to them? What else have some done (verse 10b)? What shall be done to them? How does verse 10c summarize the application of this section? What does John see in Revelation 13:11? Coming from where? What features does he have, like what creature? But how does he speak? What does he exercise (Revelation 13:12)? What does he cause the dwellers of earth to do? What does he perform (Revelation 13:13)? What effect does this have (Revelation 13:14)? What does he give to the image of the beast in Revelation 13:15? What does the image of the beast do to whom? Whom does he cause to receive what (Revelation 13:16)? Upon what two types of places? What does this mark permit people to do? What does v18 say is the primary application of this section? What do they need wisdom to understand? 

How does the dragon make war on the saints, and what are they to do about it? Revelation 13 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 dragon makes war on the saints by strength of force and by subtlety of falsehood, so the saints must endure by patience and faith and by wisdom.

The dragon that fell from heaven makes war on the saints on the earth, but he does so through others who arise from the earth. In this chapter, a beast arises from the sea, and another from the land. This is as much to say that from land and sea, from this whole world, Satan raises up those by whom he attacks the saints. The first beast (Revelation 13:1-10) attacks the saints by strength of force. The second beast (Revelation 13:11-18) attacks the saints by subtlety of falsehood.

The first beast is characterized by ten horns and seven heads, the same images that communicated the authority and power of the dragon himself (Revelation 13:1, cf. Revelation 12:3). He calls himself “Lord,” which the Roman emperors actually required of the citizens and subjects of the empire. This blasphemous name was a great trial for thousands of Christians, under multiple persecutions, who died for refusing to say “Caesar is Lord,” because they knew that it was meant in the way that only “Christ is Lord.” But the beast is not only the Roman empire. For two thousand years, great state/military/political powers have been ferocious (as pictured in Revelation 13:2). 

Additionally, the power of empires and rulers takes on a mythical character, when Satan counterfeits the displays of Christ’s power. The mortal wound that heals in Revelation 13:3 is a counterfeit of Christ and the resurrection; it has sometimes been the case that when it seemed that an empire or ruler was about to die, it has reasserted itself in such a way that causes people to say “Who is like them?” And of some empires or nations, multitudes have been brought to say “Who is able to make war with them?” (Revelation 13:4). All of this was true of the Roman empire at that time, and the saints who first received this book would have understood that this passage teaches us that such earthly empires are empowered and employed by the devil. When people think of them is inevitable and indomitable, they are worshiping not just the beast (the empire), but the dragon behind the beast, the devil himself (verse 4). 

Such empires, over the whole earth, have often persecuted and even slaughtered believers (Revelation 13:7). Such nations speak blasphemously, as if they are the great power in the universe (Revelation 13:5-6). Your own government may be such a nation! And, when it rises to such power, truly it is only the life and light that the Spirit gives to the elect that keeps them from falling into blasphemous reverence for earthly authority and power (Revelation 13:8). 

But the Spirit DOES give the elect ears to hear (Revelation 13:9). Christians should know that sovereign providence shortens such empires for the sake of the elect, as indicated by the forty-two months of Revelation 13:5 (or, sometimes, by “1260 days”; and, other times, by “a time, times, and half a time”). Christians should know that sovereign justice will fully repay the enslaving and murdering empires of this world (Revelation 13:10). The primary application of responding to the first beast is at the end of verse 10: patience and faith. We know who is sovereign even over the most powerful and wicked empires. We overcome them by the blood of Lamb; our names are written in His book, and He rules over all now, and He will set all things right.

The dragon’s second strategy isn’t the strength of force but the subtlety of false religion. This beast is dressed as a lamb (Revelation 13:11). Jesus had warned His disciples about this (cf. Matthew 7:15). And the apostle warned that satanic religion often appears at first as if it were angelic (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13–15). False prophets and churches always seek to be influential and powerful with earthly power (Revelation 13:12a, Revelation 13:14b). As such, they are always in cahoots with national powers (Revelation 13:12b). The Papist church is the greatest example of this, particularly as the pope is that man of sin of 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, setting himself up in the place in the church that belongs only to Jesus. But it’s not just the pope. All whom the dragon employs in this way appeal to fleshly authority and employ fleshly authority. They do not have the blood of the Lamb or the word of the testimony of the saints. The counterfeit authority of the dragon and the first beast are all that they have.

Just as God alone has all true authority and power, but permits the dragon and those civil authorities empowered by the dragon, to have some measure or semblance of political and military authority, the same is true in spiritual things. God actually permits false teachers and churches to perform sins (Revelation 13:13-14a) and to make impressive spiritual displays (Revelation 13:15). Again, only the elect are spared (Revelation 13:16, cf. Matthew 24:24–25). And they make disciples for themselves that are marked off by signs, both those that are upon the head (an indication of identity, just as Christian baptism is upon the head) and those behaviors that are done with the hand (as Christians are also marked by particular ways of behaving). When false religion is winning the day, those who are most excluded from society are true believers (Revelation 13:17). The mark of the beast, the name of the beast, is likened to a number here. Not 777, a divine number, but a corruption of it, 666. Always short in at least one way, always a corruption of the truth. Like Satan coming to the woman with language that sounds like the law of the garden and the purpose of being in the image of God, or Satan coming to the Lord Jesus quoting messianic Scripture, or false/satanic teachers laying just one thing alongside the gospel to the Galatians, false religion is often entirely wrong by way of being almost right. A legalistic false religion will have much accurate theology and correct morality, but be entirely missing actual adoration of Christ and affection toward men. An antinomian false religion will have much that feels like it might be grace but with none of the love for truth or morality that true grace always produces. A ritualistic false religion will be full of spiritual exercises and symbols, but not narrowed strictly to those things that the Spirit Himself has given, and by which the Spirit Himself actually applies to us union with Christ and communion with Christ. 

A satanic false religion is often so close to the genuine article, in its appearance and feel, that it takes wisdom. To be sure, it will find ways to be in league with the earthly powers-that-be, and it can be recognized that way as well. But it especially takes wisdom to recognize how it is a counterfeit of the true religion, with the true Christ, and His true teaching. This is the primary application for us with regard to the second beast: wisdom (Revelation 13:18). We must have wisdom; the elect receive understanding from the Spirit to test the prophets and discern biblical truth from satanic error. 

Patience and faith (Revelation 13:11) and wisdom to identify and keep professing only the true religion (Revelation 13:18). This is the way of the persecuted church during the time between the comings of Christ. Or, as Revelation 12:11 has already put it: we overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony, loving not our lives even unto death! The dragon is a defeated dragon, but his beastly attacks are both strong and subtle. By patience and faith, we must endure his strength through the blood of the Lamb. And by wisdom we must, we must escape his subtlety through the word of our testimony. 

What are some examples in the world, right now, of the power of the state being used to crush genuine Christians? What are some examples in the world, right now, of the deceptiveness of false religion attempting to seduce Christians?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for teaching us about Satan’s devices. Forgive us for being ignorant of them. Forgive us when we are more impacted by how apparently powerful the government is than we are by how truly powerful You are. Forgive us for when we lack the wisdom to detect and avoid “almost”-Christianity. Give us patience and faith and wisdom by Your Spirit, and make us to overcome in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

2025.05.28 Midweek Meeting Livestream

Click below for the:

May 28 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 14:25–32 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.

God Made All Things [Children's Catechism 2—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 2—especially explaining how God alone is Creator, and everything else is His creation.

Q1. What else did God make? God made all things.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Judgment Begins in the Household of God [Family Worship lesson in Micah 1:2–9]

What is it like to meet God? Micah 1:2–9 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 meeting God, apart from Christ, is dreadful and grievous prospect.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 1:2–9

Read Micah 1:2–9

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom do Micah 1:2a–b command to do what? Who is going to do what against them (verse 2c)? From where (verse 2d)? Who is coming from where (Micah 1:3a)? To where (verse 3b)? To do what (verse 3c)? With what effect (Micah 1:4)? On account of what (Micah 1:5a–b)? Who are their transgressions and idolatries (verse 5c–f)? What will the Lord do to Samaria (Micah 1:6)? And to their religion (Micah 1:7)? How will Micah respond (Micah 1:8)? Why—what has happened (Micah 1:9a–b) to whom (verse 9c–d)?

What is it like to meet God? Micah 1:2–9 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 meeting God, apart from Christ, is dreadful and grievous prospect.

Micah 1:2-7 find us in a courtroom in which YHWH is Witness (Micah 1:2), Prosecution (Micah 1:3-4), Judge (Micah 1:5), and Executioner (Micah 1:6-7). When all the peoples are summoned to hear God’s testimony (Micah 1:2), and God Himself comes down both to witness and judge (Micah 1:3) things take a terrifying turn. When the creature comes into contact with the Creator, the creature is overwhelmed and undone (Micah 1:4); the mountains melt and run down into a puddle! God is not safe, and man must not take Him so lightly as to consider meeting Him in any other way than in union with Christ.

What brings the Lord down in this way? His focus is especially upon the sins of His people (Micah 1:5). The church tends to think of the judgment of God as something that will fall upon everyone else, but judgment begins at the household of God (cf. 1 Peter 4:17) as a warning to all (cf. 1 Peter 4:18). 

Israel and Judah have rebelled against God to the extent that their capital cities are not only centers of their nations but centers of sin. “What” in Micah 1:5 is literally “who.” The problem is not merely that they have committed many sins, but that transgression and idolatry have even become their national identity. 

Therefore, the judgment on the northern kingdom also centers upon the capital city of Samaria (Micah 1:6). This literally took place at the hands of the Assyrians at first, and as completed by the Babylonians. They had committed spiritual harlotry with false gods, but the city and all its religion will be destroyed. All that they have will end up in the pockets of immoral invaders who spend it on actual harlots (Micah 1:7).

Micah’s mourning over this is more intense than most in our culture have ever experienced or observed (Micah 1:8). The judgment is not only against the capital of the north, but against Jerusalem as well (Micah 1:9). And this prophet weeps over her judgment, even as the Great Prophet would weep one day (cf. Matthew 23:37–39; Luke 19:41–44). 

How seriously do you take the coming visitation of God in judgment? How urgently do you feel the necessity of meeting Him only in union with Christ and clothed in His righteousness? How intensely do you grieve over the sins of the churches?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how lightly we have taken You, how lightly we have taken our sin against You, and how lightly we have taken Your judgment against our sin. Forgive us for neglecting how the sins of Your church are more provoking than the sins of the world. Forgive us for failing to grieve over the sins of the churches, as Micah did, and as Christ did after him. Blot out our sin by the sacrifice of Christ, and count us righteous in Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP51A “God, Be Merciful to Me” or TPH79A “God, the Nations Have Invaded”

Our Purpose Is Praise [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 146]

Why do we exist? Psalm 146 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we exist to praise God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 146

Read Psalm 146

Questions from the Scripture text: With what double command does the psalm begin (Psalm 146:1)? Especially unto what? What has His praise as its purpose (Psalm 146:2)? In what mustn’t they trust (Psalm 146:3a)? Why not (Psalm 146:3-4)? What comes to the one who trusts correctly (Psalm 146:5)? What has He done (Psalm 146:6a–b)? What nine other things does He do for whom (Psalm 146:6-9b)? But what does He do to whom (Psalm 146:9c)? What will He do, for how long (Psalm 146:10a–b)? What does He specifically call Himself in verse 10b? How are we to respond (verse 10c)?

Why do we exist? Psalm 146 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we exist to praise God.  

Praising the Lord is your purpose, Psalm 146:1–2. From God, and through Him, and to Him are all things, to Him be the glory forever (cf. Romans 11:36). But in Him, we live and move and have our being (cf. Acts 17:28). All creatures exist for His glory. But men are especially created to give Him praise. This is the purpose of our soul (Psalm 146:1b). That is the reason that we live (Psalm 146:2a). And saints are, all the more, redeemed unto their own covenant God to give Him that praise; this is why they have their new, regenerate being (verse 2b). If you are a human, you exist to praise Him. If He is “your God,” this is why You have been redeemed: to praise Him with your soul, to praise Him with your life!

Trusting the Lord is your hope, Psalm 146:3-5. One of the reasons that people fail to praise is that they fail to trust. Instead of trusting the Lord Himself, they trust means that the Lord uses to care for us. Princes are a blessing from God. Civil magistrates, and civil authority, are instruments that He uses for our good. But they’re creatures that the Creator employs. There is no help in the actual son of man (Psalm 146:3b), or life in him (Psalm 146:4a), or hope in his plans (verse 4b). But our help is in our own covenant God (Psalm 146:5a), Who is YHWH Himself (verse 5b). In Him there is infinite help, and infinite life, and sure and effectual plans and purposes.

Behold the Lord in His work, Psalm 146:6-9. God’s works show His character. They are a summons to praise. When we look up into the heavens that He made or consider the wonders that He has made on the earth (Psalm 146:6a), it’s a call to praise. When we consider the vast seas and the creatures in their depths (verse 6b), it’s a call to praise. When we see that His works of providence are perfectly reliable expressions of His faithful character, it’s a call to praise (verse 6c). Whenever there is justice, it is from Him, and a call to praise (Psalm 146:7a). Whenever there is food, it is from Him, and a call to praise (verse 7b). Those who are His cannot remain prisoners (verse 7c), or blind (Psalm 146:8a), or bowed down (verse 8b). And when these things end in time; or, whenever we look forward to their ending in glory, it’s  a call to praise. Whenever we have confidence by right standing with Him, or realize that it was His love that gave us this righteousness (verse 8c), it’s a call to praise. When we consider the plight of the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow—and realize that He considers them all the more (Psalm 146:9a–b)—it’s a call to praise. And even when we see the wicked in his ways, and know that the Lord has ordained even that for good (verse 9c, cf. Genesis 50:20, Acts 4:27–28), it’s a call to praise.

Enjoy the beginnings of forever, Psalm 146:10. The Lord will reign forever (verse 10a). And He does so not only as the Creator and King, but Zion’s own covenant God (verse 10b). Dear believing reader, when you are praising God as your Hope, and responding to His creation and providence, you are enjoying heaven and earth. Praise the Lord (verse 10c)!

How does your life show that its purpose is praising the Lord? What are some occasions on which you regularly see the glory of God in His works of creation? What are some occasions on which you regularly see the glory of God in His works of providence? How are you responding to these calls to praise?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You with our soul, our life, our being. Having You as our own, covenant God is our blessedness and our hope. We see Your glorious character in all of Your works of creation and in all Your works of providence. You, our God, will reign forever and ever. By Your grace, make us to praise You forever, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP146 “Praise the Lord” or TPH146 “Praise the Lord! My Soul, O Praise Him!”

Relating Rightly to God [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 14:25–32]

How can we end well? Proverbs 14:25–32 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we end well by living mindfully of God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 14:25–32

Proverbs 14:25–32

Questions from the Scripture text: What kind of witness does what (Proverbs 14:25a)? What other sort of witness does what (verse 25b)? What gives strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26a)? Why (verse 26b)? What else does the fear of YHWH give (Proverbs 14:27a)? And what does this life do (verse 27b)? What provides what benefit to whom (Proverbs 14:28a)? What does the opposite do (verse 28b)? What does slowness to wrath show (Proverbs 14:29a)? What does impulsiveness show (verse 29b)? What provides what benefit (Proverbs 14:30a)? But what causes what harm (verse 30b)? Who does what to Whom (Proverbs 14:31a)? But who else does what else (verse 31b)? What happens to whom (Proverbs 14:32a)? But who has what (verse 32b)? 

How can we end well? Proverbs 14:25–32 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we end well by living mindfully of God.  

This section combines themes from the previous sections. 

Proverbs 14:25 pulls forward the idea from Proverbs 14:5, focusing now on the fruit of the true and false witness. The tongue can be a great power either for good or for evil.

Proverbs 14:26-27 pull forward the idea from Proverbs 14:16a, focusing now on the fruit of fearing YHWH. Not only does the fearer of YHWH depart from doing evil (verse 16a), he has confidence (Proverbs 14:26a), refuge (verse 26b), and life (Proverbs 14:27a) for himself and his children, so that he does not end in death (verse 27b). The wise not only fear YHWH for themselves but teach this fear to their children as “the law of the wise” (cf. Proverbs 13:14). 

Sadly, the particular application of this to Rehoboam fell upon deaf ears. By rejecting the law of the wise (cf. 1 Kings 12:13), and taking his strong confidence in himself rather than in the fear of YHWH (cf. 1 Kings 12:14), he lost the honor that came from the allegiance of the multitude (Proverbs 14:28a, cf. 1 Kings 12:16) and suffered the downfall that comes by lack of people (Proverbs 14:28b, cf. 1 Kings 12:15). 

Proverbs 14:29-30 pull forward the idea of Proverbs 14:16-17, focusing now on the outcome to the one who rages or is quick-tempered. It is not just that he acts foolishly (cf. Proverbs 14:17a), but that the impulsiveness of his spirit (Proverbs 14:29b) subjects him to an envy that brings him to death and decay even while he lives (Proverbs 14:30b).

Proverbs 14:31 pulls forward the idea of Proverbs 14:20-21, stating what was implicit before. The despiser of the poor neighbor sins, and the one merciful to the poor neighbor is blessed, because of Who is the Maker of that neighbor. Oppressing the poor despises the Lord (Proverbs 14:31a). Honoring the Lord means being merciful to the needy (verse 31b).

Finally, Proverbs 14:32 is a concluding summary to all of chapter 14 to this point. Wisdom and folly are not merely how good at life you are. They refer to whether or not you are responding properly to God in your life. And they have consequences not only for what comes of us in this life, but especially in eternity. The righteous has a refuge not only in life, but in death, because the living God is his Refuge! 

How have you been using your powerful tongue? How are you approaching your life as a response to God? Parents, how are you teaching wisdom to your children? Children, how are you heeding the wisdom of your parents? In what ways is your spirit too impulsive? By what spiritual and mental habits are you addressing this? Where does your heart take refuge; will this avail in your death?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are our Maker and our neighbor’s maker. By Your Spirit, make us to live as those mindful of You, especially as You have been our Redeemer in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.05.25 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

May 25 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 19:13–15 sermon outline

p.m. Song Selections & Deuteronomy 5:8–10 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.

Jesus Loves You, Little Child [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 19:13–15]

What should we do with our children? Matthew 19:13–15 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 we should bring our children to Christ, because they are His, and He is their hope. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 19:13–15

Read Matthew 19:13–15

Questions from the Scripture text: Who were brought (Matthew 19:13)? To Whom? In order that He might do what to them? And do what for them? What did the disciples do? Who speaks in Matthew 19:14? About whom? What does He say to do with them? What does He say not to do with them? Why—what consists of them? What does Jesus do in Matthew 19:15? To whom? And then what?

What should we do with our children? Matthew 19:13–15 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 we should bring our children to Christ, because they are His, and He is their hope.  

Jesus loves children. Jesus loves marriage (Matthew 19:1-12). Now, we see how Jesus loved children. These parents knew that Jesus loved children. Perhaps they had heard of, or even seen, the incident in Matthew 18:1–5. It is likely that it was not an isolated incident. It seems that they not only knew that their children would be welcome, but they knew what Jesus would do with them: lay His hands on them and pray for them (Matthew 19:13). How wonderful it must have been to see and hear Him do so! And Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), because He is YHWH—the One Who was, and is, and is to come. In His human nature, He grows, but always in perfect expression of His holy character. He is still like this with children.

Jesus welcomes children. He even did so at the cost of publicly humiliating His disciples, who had just rebuked these parents. But He commanded, both positively (to leave the children to come to Him, Matthew 19:14a) and negatively (not to prevent them from coming to Him, verse 14b), that the children be brought to Him. This doubling is a verbal way of strongly emphasizing His desire that they be brought to Him.

Jesus identifies Himself with children. When the King says, “of such is the kingdom,” He is saying more than “you have to be like them in order to enter” (cf. Matthew 18:3). He is saying, “these are My subjects, and they have a right and privilege of coming to Me.” It would be an offense against both King and subjects to keep them away. Sadly, many parents do this. They absent themselves from the public worship, or fail to have family worship, or don’t give their children the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They may even do this because they are caving into the children’s preferences. That is no excuse. If you are a Christian parent, your children are Christ’s kingdom-subjects. They are members of the visible church.

It is also likely that Jesus is asserting that at least some children are converted—members not only of the visible church, His kingdom on earth, but even of the invisible church, His everlasting kingdom (cf. Matthew 13:24–50).  The Spirit may regenerate at any age, and we ought not be surprised if He gives to the same children, that have learned to know and trust and love their parents, to come to know and trust and love the Lord Jesus. And this we should especially expect in a house where knowing and trusting and loving Him is a way of thinking and way of life—and where the constantly attend upon the means of the One Who says “they’re Mine,” in dependence upon the One Who says, “they’re Mine.”

Jesus Himself cares for our children. We bring children to Jesus not just because it’s a good thing that we do to them, or a good thing even for them to do, but because He does them good. Jesus lays His hands on them (Matthew 19:15). From the parents’ original desire (Matthew 19:13) it is implied that Jesus prays for them. The Mark parallel tells us that Jesus even took them up into His arms (cf. Mark 10:16). This is our hope: what He will do to them and for them. Just as this is our hope for us!

How are you bringing Jesus’s children to Him (whether in your own home, or in the church more broadly)? What impact does it have on how you think of them, or treat them, that Jesus identifies Himself with them? What is your hope for them? For yourself?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for loving us and our children, and welcoming us, and laying Your hands on us, and praying for us. We are so happy to be Yours, and to trust ourselves and our children to You. Keep us as Yours forever, in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH559 “The Lord’s Prayer”

Truly Loving the True God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 5:8–10]

What should worship seek? Deuteronomy 5:8–10 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that worship seeks the true God in the true way. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:8–10

Read Deuteronomy 5:8–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What must a man not make (Deuteronomy 5:8)? What else from what three places)? For which two purposes is the making or use of such things prohibited (Deuteronomy 5:9)? Why—what does God say about Himself? What will He visit upon whom? To how many generations? What does He call such people? But to whom will He do what (Deuteronomy 5:10)? What two things does He call those who keep this commandment?

What should worship seek? Deuteronomy 5:8–10 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that worship seeks the true God in the true way.  

God won’t share His worship with the image of any creation of ours (Deuteronomy 5:8a) or any creation of His (verse 8b). He has chosen for us a “how” of worship that preserves for us the “Whom” of worship. If we worship in our own way, then in reality we worship ourselves. If we worship in a way that imitates anything in all creation, then we worship the creature rather than the Creator.

Of course, our remaining sinfulness willfully resists the truth that adding anything of our own to God’s worship fundamentally changes not just the nature of our worship but the actual object of Whom it is that we are worshiping. Our remaining fleshliness wants to think that it’s no big deal and that worship should be in a way that pleases us.

So God puts the infinite evil of creaturely worship in no uncertain terms. He calls those who worship their way instead of His way “those who hate Me.” If we say that’s overstating it, we just show how different our judgment is from His and that we need this commandment even more than we think we did. For the ultimate way of knowing and worshiping God is in the Lord Jesus Himself. The way that God gave them to worship before the coming of Christ was all by ways that showed forth Christ. The way that God has given us to worship after His coming, is by ways that are led by Christ Himself from heaven. To come to worship God in any other way, is to come in a way other than Christ.

O the glory that belongs to us, whom God has called to Himself, and whom God has given His true worship! We have  God Himself! And we have Him in Christ! And if we set that aside for something else—something inevitably and infinitesimally less—we hate Him Whom we have and choose the version of Him that we would prefer.

To this strong description, God adds a strong consequence: visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth. A father is without God to the very extent that he worships falsely. And a father without God will have the grief of watching his children grow up to be without God too. Their will-worship will blossom into worse worship or even full apostasy. They come to know less and less of the true God and get caught up in superstition (atheism with religiosity), sentimentalism (atheism with religious emotions), or just plain atheism. Remember—this warning against idolatry was to believers!

And yet, the opposite is true to an even greater extent. If the negative consequences of sin in purity of worship are by a factor of three or four, then the positive consequences of faithfulness in purity of worship are by a factor of a thousand! Right worship—which the Lord here describes as loving Him and keeping His commandments—is a means by which (and in response to which) the Lord shows covenanted love even unto a thousand generations. 

How awful for so much of the “Christian” world to be fighting over one sort of manmade worship vs the other, when all worship complications—old or new—put us on the wrong side of this commandment. The Lord grant His church to return to the purity and simplicity of worship that seeks God alone in His way alone!

What are some ways that man has added to God’s worship over the centuries? What are some ways that man is adding to God’s worship now? Why is it such a big deal? What does this commandment tell us that we can expect to keep happening, if they keep doing this? What can we expect, if we stop?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are truly merciful to have created us to know You and worship You! Forgive us for when we are so foolish as to invent our own ways of knowing or worshiping—for then it is not You that we know or worship. So grant us the help of Your Spirit that we would know You truly in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP16A “Keep Me, O God” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”

Aid and Comfort in the Spiritual War [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 12:13–17]

How are believers able to overcome the fierce persecution of the devil? Revelation 12:13–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers’ strength and help is God Himself.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 12:13–17

Read Revelation 12:13–17

Questions from the Scripture text: What did the dragon see in Revelation 12:13? Where had he been cast? What did he do to the woman? What had the woman done? What was she given (Revelation 12:14)? That she might do what? Into where? What was there? What happens to her in her place? What does the serpent do in Revelation 12:15? Trying to accomplish what? But what happens (Revelation 12:16)? What effect does this have upon the dragon (Revelation 12:17)? What does he go to do to whom? How are these offspring identified?

How are believers able to overcome the fierce persecution of the devil? Revelation 12:13–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers’ strength and help is God Himself.

This passage zooms in upon the third arena of the devil’s defeat, from Revelation 12:10-13: his raging against the brethren, and their overcoming him by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and not loving their lives even unto death.

One important thing to see is that the woman from whom Christ came continues to be the woman whom the dragon persecutes throughout the time between Christ’s coming. There is no room for viewing Israel and the church as two separate entities, whether by dispensational theology (i.e., two tracks of salvation) or replacement theology (i.e., a former entity that has been replaced by a new entity). As we noted when considering the woman, when she was introduced at the beginning of the chapter, Revelation 12 teaches that there is one covenant of grace throughout the ages.

The woe pronounced in Revelation 12:12 teaches us to take the onslaught of the devil seriously. He persecutes the church (Revelation 12:13), attempts to destroy her (Revelation 12:15), and makes war on all true/believing offspring of the church (Revelation 12:17). It is foolish not to take the attacks of the devil seriously. But the focus of the passage is upon the encouragement and comfort that believers have in the face of these attacks.

The Lord is our strength. The woman is given the wings of great eagle. This is Bible language for YHWH Himself being our strength (cf. Exodus 19:4, Isaiah 40:31), which is the believer’s great encouragement and equipment in the spiritual war (cf. Ephesians 6:10–11, ff.).

The Lord selects our place, and takes care of us there. Although no one would choose the wilderness for themselves, the Lord takes His people there, where He alone is their help (cf. Hosea 2:14–15). It is “her place where she is nourished” Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, dear believer, the Lord has planned it for you and is taking care of you there.

The Lord shortens the time. Once again, when describing the time of His people’s affliction, the Lord tells us that it is three and a half (Revelation 12:14). Here, it doesn’t even give a unit, such as days, weeks, or years. That is because the important thing isn’t the quantity of elapsed time, but the implication of the number itself: half seven, opposite the number of completion. He shortens the times of His people’s affliction (cf. Matthew 24:22), accommodating their frame as a sparing Father (cf. Psalm 103:13–15).

The Lord overrules the devil. Satan fell by presuming to above the angels, as God is (cf. Isaiah 14:12–15). And his lying work is full of counterfeiting attempts. Here (Revelation 12:15), he attempts to counterfeit the flood, in order to destroy the objects of his wrath. But he is a mere creature, and the creation is ruled not by our adversary but by our advocate. Therefore, dear Christian, the whole of creation conspires to protect you from the attacks of the devil (Revelation 12:16)!

The Lord gives His people to overcome. Not everyone in the church is the genuine offspring of the church. In fact, there are those who falsely profess faith as a consequence of the schemes of the devil (cf. Matthew 13:28, Matthew 13:38–39). But the true offspring of the church, the ones who believe and obey Scripture (Revelation 12:17), are all objects of the dragon’s wrath. But this word “testimony” draws us immediately back to Revelation 12:11. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (cf. 2 Timothy 3:12), but they all will also overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and love not their lives even unto death.

How do you experience the warfare of the devil, who would have you disbelieve or disobey? How are you standing in the Lord and the strength of His might? What encouragements from this passage do you most need to take to heart?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we have taken Satan lightly. Your Word describes him as a furious and ferocious dragon, who makes war on all true believers. But, forgive us even more for taking your encouragements and helps lightly. Be our strength, and make us to mount up on wings like eagles. Grant that we would see how You have shortened the time of our affliction, and how You overrule, for our good, all that the devil intends for evil. Make us to keep Your commandments and to have the testimony of Jesus, so that we will overcome through Him, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

2025.05.21 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

May 21 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 14:18–24 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 Word of the Incomparable God [Family Worship lesson in Micah 1:1]

What is Micah about? Micah 1:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Micah is about the incomparable God, and His glorious salvation of sinners.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 1:1

Micah 1:1

Questions from the Scripture text: What came? Whose Word? To whom? Where was Micah from? In the days of whom did he prophesy? Who were they? Concerning which two cities did he prophesy?

What is Micah about? Micah 1:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Micah is about the incomparable God, and His glorious salvation of sinners.

What it really is, the Word of YHWH. What the Thessalonians recognized bout the preaching of Paul, Silas, and Timothy (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13), we must recognize about the book of Micah. We must welcome it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, “the Word of YHWH,” which also effectively works in you who believe.

How we got it. It came to Micah. Literally, it “was unto” Micah. Micah didn’t seek it or ask for it. YHWH foisted it upon him. Micah 1:1 says essentially the same thing as 2 Peter 1:21. This prophecy did not come by the will of man. The man, whom God set apart, spoke as the Word of YHWH “was unto” him by the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we see a man’s hometown because it is significant. In this case, we learn about Moresheth for exactly the opposite reason. Moresheth isn’t known for anything else. It’s a nowhere. And, comparatively speaking, Micah is a nobody. The man is nothing; the Word is everything. There is a respect and gratitude due to the servant, but the greatness belongs entirely to the Word itself.

What it addressed. The “what” question, here, is a bit of a “when” question. From at least the last year of Jotham’s reign to at least the first year of Hezekiah’s reign. During this time, the north (capital city, Samaria) was in the process of falling to Assyria, and the south (capital city, Jerusalem) was under increasing danger of the same. But the great threat isn’t power-hungry Assyria so much as a justly offended holy and righteous God. 

But there is no one like this God. That’s what Micah’s name means: “Who is like YHWH?” This book takes us through three cycles of judgment and hope (chapters 1–2, 3–5, 6–7). There is a future coming (cf. Micah 2:12–13), particularly in the person of a promised King (cf. Micah 5:2, Micah 5:7–9), in which God will have wiped out all of His remnant’s sin and guilt (cf. Micah 7:18–20). 

And this is exactly the problem and hope of every child of Adam, including the one typing this devotional, and the one reading it or hearing it. We have provoked the wrath of a just, holy, and almighty God. But our hope is in the promised—now fulfilled—King, in/with Whom a remnant are forgiven and blessed forever. And the conclusion to which such grace and deliverance brings us is this: who is like YHWH?

What are the presenting problems in your circumstances right now? But what is your ultimate problem? Where can you learn about a solution to it? What is that solution—i.e., Who is that solution, and how?

Sample prayer:  Lord, who is like You? Like Samaria and Jerusalem, we have sinned against You. Forgive us for considering earthly problems, like Assyrian invaders in their life, or other problems in our lives, as our biggest problem. Our biggest problem is our sin against You, and Your wrath against us. Thank You for sending to us Your Word about Your gospel of Your salvation. Forgive us for when we are not duly impressed with the fact that Scripture is indeed the written Word of God. Make us to receive Your Word and respond to it in faith and worship, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone”

Great Worship of Our Great God [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 145]

Who will praise God for what? Psalm 145 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all will praise God for all His works. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 145

Read Psalm 145

Questions from the Scripture text: What does this psalm call itself (superscript)? Whose praise is it? What will David do to Whom (Psalm 145:1)? Whose is He? What else does David call Him? What will David do forever and ever (cf. Psalm 145:2b)? What will he do every day (verse 2a)? Who is great (Psalm 145:3a)? What is to be done greatly? What is the extent of His greatness (verse 3b)? Who will do what to whom (Psalm 145:4)? Upon what two things will David meditate (Psalm 145:5)? Of what will men speak (Psalm 145:6a, Psalm 145:7a)? What else will they do (verse 7b)? What will David do (Psalm 145:6b)? What six attributes are emphasized in Psalm 145:8-9 (cf. Exodus 34:6–7)? Who will do what (Psalm 145:10a)? Which ones, in particular (verse 10b)? Of what will they speak (Psalm 145:11)? In order to make what two things known to whom (Psalm 145:12)? What is the glorious majesty of that kingdom (Psalm 145:13)? What does YHWH do for whom (Psalm 145:14)? Who look to Him for what (Psalm 145:15-16)? What two attributes of YHWH show up in how many of His ways and works (Psalm 145:17)? How does He relate to whom (Psalm 145:18)? What will He do with their desires (Psalm 145:19a)? And with their cries (verse 19b)? What does YHWH do for how many of whom (Psalm 145:20a)? But what will He do to how many of whom else (verse 20b)? What will David do (Psalm 145:21a)? How many of whom else will do so (verse 21b)? For how long (verse 21c)? 

Who will praise God for what? Psalm 145 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all will praise God for all His works.  

God is great in His goodness (Psalm 145:7a), righteousness (verse 7b), grace (Psalm 145:8a), compassion (verse 8a), forbearance (verse 8b), covenant love (verse 8b), goodness (Psalm 145:9a), and mercy (verse 9b). And, since God is fully, perfectly, and unchangeably Himself, this greatness is demonstrated in all that He does. All of His creatures will bring Him glory and praise for this. But, especially men—and, among men (Psalm 145:6), especially His saints (Psalm 145:10-11). Among all of His creatures (Psalm 145:15-16), it is especially the lowly (Psalm 145:14) who are beneficiaries of His great goodness. He especially gives those who love Him to know that goodness in the act of prayer (Psalm 145:18-19). The same character that preserves them (Psalm 145:20a) destroys the wicked (verse 20b). He is known in His works. And for this all flesh, and especially saints, will praise Him forever (Psalm 145:1-6, Psalm 145:21)!

What prayers has the Lord answered? What attributes of His have you been seeing? How have you been praising Him?

Sample prayer:  We praise You, our God, O King. We will bless Your Name forever. You are unsearchably great, and greatly to be praised. Your great glory is displayed in all of Your ways. In all of Your works, You show Yourself good, righteous, gracious, compassionate, patient, loving, good, and merciful. So, we gather to tell of You and Your great works from one generation to another. Be near to us, satisfy us in Yourself, hear our cry, save us, and preserve us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP145C “The Eyes of All Are Turned to You” or TPH145B “I Will Exalt You, God, My King” 

Made by God [Children's Catechism 1—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 1—especially explaining how our entire understanding of ourselves and approach to life is determined by the fact that God made us.

Q1. Who made you? God.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Truly Long-term Thinking [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 14:18–24]

Why is it dangerous to seek the favor of men? Proverbs 14:18–24 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that men do not reward what pleases God, so we must aim only at pleasing Him and not them. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 14:18–24

Proverbs 14:18–24

Questions from the Scripture text: What do who inherit (Proverbs 14:18a)? With what are whom crowned (verse 18b)? Who will be made to bow before whom (Proverbs 14:19a)? And where (verse 19b)? Who is hated by whom (Proverbs 14:20a)? But who has many friends (verse 20b)? What does the despiser of the neighbor do (Proverbs 14:21a)? But who is the happy one in verse 21b? Who go astray (Proverbs 14:22a)? To whom do covenant love and faithfulness belong (verse 22b)? To what does labor lead (Proverbs 14:23a)? To what does idle chatter lead (verse 23b)? Who are crowned with what (Proverbs 14:24a)? But who are publicly known in what way (verse 24b)? 

Why is it dangerous to seek the favor of men? Proverbs 14:18–24 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that men do not reward what pleases God, so we must aim only at pleasing Him and not them.  

The crowning of the wise (Proverbs 14:18-19; Proverbs 14:23-24). Wisdom makes one truly royal/noble. The evil/wicked will be made to bow (Proverbs 14:19) before those careful thinkers who are crowned with knowledge (Proverbs 14:18). And the folly of fools will dress them in shameful poverty (Proverbs 14:23) before those diligently laboring wise who are crowned with riches (Proverbs 14:24). 

But the ultimately true reality of Proverbs 14:18-19/Proverbs 14:23-24 is often, temporarily contradicted in this sinful world. Proverbs 14:21a makes sure that we know that Proverbs 14:20 is describing sin, rather than commending people for being rich. We must live by faith, because the wicked are not yet bowing. For now, the world tends to respond not to wisdom but to wealth. 

But Proverbs 14:21b is true, regardless of how the world currently acts. Blessedness, happiness, comes to the merciful, because we are before the face of God. “Mercy and truth” in Proverbs 14:22b is “ḳessed and emmet,” the two attributes that often summarize the whole of the glorious and good character of God. With the merciful, God is merciful (cf. Psalm 18:25; Matthew 5:7). What do you spend your thoughts devising? What the flesh desires (Proverbs 14:22a), or what God directs (verse 22b)?

We must not live by how men respond to us, but by how the Scripture tells us that God responds to us. Prudence, mercy, devising good, diligence… these are attributes of those who are not trying to curry favor with men, but rather aiming to please God.

What is your decision-making process for exercising prudence? To what poor do you show mercy? What do you spend your thoughts figuring out how to do? Where do your habits fall, on the scale from diligent labor to idle chatter? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your Word, which reminds us that You Yourself are the rewarder of those who seek You. Keep us from seeking the favor of men, and by Your, Spirit, give us to live by that wisdom that receives its crown from You at the last, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.05.18 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

May 18 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 19:1–12 sermon outline

3p song selecions & Deuteronomy 5:6–7 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.

Truly Christian Marriage [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 19:1–12]

What should we think of divorce? Matthew 19:1–12 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should hate divorce, just as God does. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 19:1–12

Read Matthew 19:1–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What did Jesus finish (Matthew 19:1)? Then where did He go? Who followed Him (Matthew 19:2)? What did He do there? Who came to Him (Matthew 19:3)? What were they doing to Him? What do they ask Him about? What does He ask them if they had done (Matthew 19:4)? About Whom does He speak? What did He do at the beginning? How did He make them? What did He say about making them this way (Matthew 19:5)? Whom must a man leave? To be joined to whom? How many of them are they? What do they become? What are thy no longer (Matthew 19:6)? Who has joined them together? What must no one do? What do the Pharisees ask about (Matthew 19:7)? What is Jesus’s answer to their “why” question (Matthew 19:8)? When had it not been so? Who adds His Word to Scripture (Matthew 19:9)? What makes for a lawful divorce? What does someone do if he divorces unlawfully? What does someone do if he marries someone unlawfully divorced? Who now answer Him (Matthew 19:10)? What do they say? Whom does He say can accept this saying (Matthew 19:11)? What three types of eunuchs does he say there are (Matthew 19:12)? Whom does He say should accept His saying?

What should we think of divorce? Matthew 19:1–12 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should hate divorce, just as God does.  

The Pharisees “test” Jesus with their question, because they apparently know from His other teaching that His view of divorce doesn’t agree with their reading of Deuteronomy 24:1–4. They think that this is a winning issue, where others will be on their side, and the disciples sadly prove them correct in Matthew 19:10. They all have a sinfully low view of marriage. And they will have to choose between their sin and Jesus. This is always the case! And, how often it is the sad case that one keeps himself from Christ, because he “tests” Jesus by whether he will be able to keep his sin or not. Dear reader, do not let this be you!

Jesus’s answer is not to go to technicalities of the civil law, but to a biblical theology of marriage beginning not in Genesis 2 (Matthew 19:5, cf. Genesis 2:24), but in Genesis 1 (Matthew 19:4, cf. Genesis 1:27). Marriage is glorious because it is part of God’s making us in His own image. And marriage is glorious because it is a miracle in which God makes the two (not the three or more!) into one flesh. And marriage is honorable (cf. Hebrews 13:4) because it is God Who joins the two together (Matthew 19:6, cf. Proverbs 2:17). We must not be driven to our view of divorce by what we wish to be permitted to do, or what we think we are comfortable doing. We must be driven to our view of divorce by God’s view of marriage. If we have God’s view of marriage, how we will prepare for it! How diligently and cheerfully we will labor in it! How jealously and carefully we will guard both our own, and others’, marriages!

The Pharisees (and disciples), however, want to defend their view of marriage and divorce, and appeal to the civil law. But Jesus answers their “why” question not with something in God’s design for marriage, but with something in them: their own sin, their own hardness of heart. But the civil law only establishes and punishes crimes, not sins. They shouldn’t be content with what they can get away with from the state. They must strive for that which actually pleases God. And God hates divorce (cf. Malachi 2:16)—and Jesus’s teaching, here, gives us a window into some of the reason why. All divorce is adulterous. Either it is caused by adultery, or else the divorce itself is adulterous, and it spawns further adultery if there is any remarriage. What abominable perversion! 

We need new natures—kingdom natures—if we are going to accept Jesus’s saying. He speaks authoritatively, as the only One Who has the right to add His own words to Genesis and Deuteronomy—because Genesis and Deuteronomy are also His own words! But His saying is only welcomed by those to whom it is given, those who are given grace to do everything of the sake of heaven (Matthew 19:12). Marriage is God’s gift for our being made in His image. The civil law was God’s gift for restraining the effects of men’s sin. But Christ is the greatest gift, from Whom we receive life and light to take God’s own view of things, and to be willing to do whatever is necessary to please Him. 

How are you guarding your own marriage? How are you guarding others’ marriages? What sin might you be trying to hold on to, rather than giving it up to have Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for he gift of marriage. Grant unto us to take Your own view of it, and to live our lives accordingly. Forgive us for when we form our opinions by what pleases us, rather than by what Scripture teaches, and what therefore pleases You. Glorify Yourself by blessing our marriages we ask, through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH128B “Blest the Man”

YHWH, Alone, Our God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 5:6–7]

What is the great thing in all of life? Deuteronomy 5:6–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the great thing in all of life is to be devoted to, and dependent, upon the Lord as our own covenant God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:6–7

Read Deuteronomy 5:6–7

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does God declare Himself to be (Deuteronomy 5:6)? Whose does He declare Himself to be? From what place has He brought them in order to bring them to Himself? From what condition has He brought them in order to bring them to Himself? What are they not to have (Deuteronomy 5:7)? Before Whose face?

What is the great thing in all of life? Deuteronomy 5:6–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the great thing in all of life is to be devoted to, and dependent, upon the Lord as our own covenant God.  

Deuteronomy 5:6 is really part of the first commandment. “YHWH your God” appears in each commandment in the first table (Deuteronomy 5:6, Deuteronomy 5:9, Deuteronomy 5:11, Deuteronomy 5:12, Deuteronomy 5:14, Deuteronomy 5:15—three times in the fourth). Even in what our catechisms call the “preface” to the Ten Commandments, the Lord taught them what it meant to have Him as their God, so that they would understand what it meant to have no other God.

Worship His Name. “I am YHWH,” the Lord begins in Deuteronomy 5:6. He had revealed His Name to Moses in some detail, eighty years earlier (cf. Exodus 3:13–17). Moses is dying, but YHWH continues. He is the alone eternal God, the uncreated Creator. He is not defined by other aspects or entities; rather, He gives definition to all. And He has revealed Himself especially by covenant, as the God Who takes certain people to be His own covenanted people, and to whom therefore He is their own covenant God. He has introduced Himself as a consuming fire, and begins by declaring His Name, so let us reverence and adore that Name!

Embrace your covenant relation to Him. The Name is glorious: “I am Yahweh.” Therefore, the identification is wondrous, “your God.” If He is the independent I AM, Who is over all and defines all and undefinable by any, is it not truly amazing (mind-stopping in its magnitude) that He proceeds to identify Himself with creatures? And this marvelous identity will take bodily form in the incarnation!

Some think that it’s gnat-straining to quibble about their exclaiming “my God” as a throwaway phrase. But the fact that He is “your God” to His people is one of the great marvels of Scripture, one of the great marvels of all reality. So, even thinking of it as gnat-straining is itself a violation of the third commandment! 

Rather, we should rejoice that He is our own covenant God. And fulfill the obligations of being a member of His corporate people, since He is ours. And reject all incompatible allegiances, since He is ours. And count as small, any other blessing and honor, by comparison to the blessing on honor of having Him as ours. And be holy, and live holy, since He is ours. And hate all sin and unholiness, since He is ours. 

Persist in your repentance. “Who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” As we have seen throughout the wilderness wanderings, it is one thing to get the Israelite out of Egypt, but an altogether different thing to get Egypt out of the Israelite. God has glorified Himself in delivering them from bondage—from what they deserved to have God do to them. Now, He will glorify Himself by bringing them into a life of godliness in the land into which He is bringing them.

Is this not true of us? When God reminds us of that from which He has saved us, He also calls us to live in the manner for which He has saved us. Romans 6:20–22, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.”

Romans 13:11–12, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”

Depend upon His power for your persistence. “Out of the house of bondage.” If Egypt was too strong, against whom they were powerless, then how much more powerless they are against sin! And yet God is about to declare His moral law to them. How can they keep it? Because He speaks to them as One Who has already saved them. He speaks to them as One Who has brought them into covenanted union with Himself as their God. He speaks to them as One by Whose power they are enabled to live in the way required of them as His people.

Devote yourself to, and depend yourself upon, nothing and no one apart from Him. Since He is their God, they must not devote themselves to any other. Since He has brought them out, they are not to depend upon any other. 

The Lord gives us other allegiances, but they are all allegiances under Him. We may only be devoted to that, secondarily, which is under Him to Whom we are primarily devoted. 

The Lord uses means, but they are all means that He uses. We don’t depend upon them; we depend upon Him Who has given them and uses them. Having no gods before Him is more than just not having the names of other “gods” on our lips. It is about giving nothing else, and no one else, the place in our life which belongs to Him alone.

In what situations do you find yourself living for (or depending upon, or delighting in) something or someone apart from the Lord? What are you living for at those times? In what way are you interacting with God at those times?

Sample prayer:  Lord, all things are from You and through You and to You; to You be the glory forever and ever! And in You, we live and move and have our being, so that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we ought to do all unto Your glory. But often we think and speak and act as if we are devoted to some creature rather than You—especially to our own selves. O forgive us, and make us to receive all that is genuinely good in us or others as a gift from You. And make us to enjoy it all and employ it all unto Your glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP119M “O How I Love Your Law!” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”

Triply Defeated Devil [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 12:7–12]

Why shouldn’t believers fear the devil? Revelation 12:7–12 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 the devil has been continuously defeated, from the time of his fall.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 12:7–12

Read Revelation 12:7–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What broke out where (v7)? Who fought with whom? With what result (v8)? Who lost (v9)? What does he do now? Where? With whom? What is heard from where in v10? What four things does it say have come? Why—what has been done to whom? What did he used to do? How does the battle go for him on the earth—who overcomes (v11)? By what two things? In what action? Who should rejoice, then (v12)? And upon whom is there woe? Why—who has come where? In what manner? Why—what does he know?

Why shouldn’t believers fear the devil? Revelation 12:7–16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the devil has been continuously defeated, from the time of his fall.

In the interlude between the trumpet blast warnings about wrath, and the actual pouring out of the wrath (bowls), Jesus’s Revelation portrays to us the great battle that takes place throughout this age. In our brief passage, a description of three defeats of the devil prepares us to think about this battle.

The original fall of Lucifer, v7–9. Isaiah 14:12–14 recalls Satan’s original fall. He was called Lucifer (“light-bearer”), the greatest among the angels, “the stars” of Isa 14:13. But he aspired to rise above the level of creature to put himself in the same category as the Most High. v4 has already referred to this event, and his power (represented as his “tail,” cf. 9:10, 19)  sweeping one third of the remaining angels with him. But even then, he was easily defeated. The new, chief arch-angel Michael, and the remaining two-thirds of the angels prevailed (v7–8). Though he retained the ability to accuse the brethren, he no longer had place or power in glory. This is why all of his activity is on the earth, primarily the activity of deception (v9). 

For the purposes of this passage, the point is that he was defeated—not only immediately by the infinitely greater power of God, but even mediately by the other creatures (as upheld, of course, by the power of God). We must take his raging seriously; his presence and deception and warring are real. But, we must also face it with confidence, remembering that he has suffered continual defeat from his very fall.

The decisive victory of the cross, v10. Other Scripture helps us place the chronology of v10. In Jn 12:31–32, Jesus identifies it as the time of His life and death. In Luk 10:18–19, He associates it with His giving the disciples power on the earth. And they’re going to need it! But, here again, we have a decisive defeat of the devil. His attempt upon the Son (cf. v4–5) results in his displacement by the Son in glory.

Jesus’s death and resurrection is the occasion upon which Satan is no longer permitted to accuse the brethren. We are not told why the Lord had permitted this (cf. Job 1:6, 2:1). But from what happened, we can infer at least one reason: so that Christ may be glorified when our adversary is displaced by Him, our Advocate! With the ascended Christ on the throne, there is no more room for an accuser (v10).

This not only encourages us that the devil continues to be defeated at every turn, but also that Christ is always interceding for us, and that God refuses even to hear accusations now.

The ongoing victory of the persecuted saints, v11–12. The church has fled into the wilderness (v6), and the devil is full of wrath (v12), but even here, where he has been cast down, he suffers continual defeat. Christ is building His church, and the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it (cf. Mt 16:18). The rage is great, the woe is grave (v12), but the victory is real. All the while that saints are being attacked and martyred, they are overcoming. They overcome by the blood of the Lamb: they do not fear death, because they are reconciled to God, washed clean, and being fitted for glory. They overcome by the word of their testimony: they cannot be brought to renounce Christ. In two thousand years of attacking Christians, Satan has never successfully separated a single saint from Christ. Not even by threat of death. They love not their lives, even unto death. Dear believer, individual Christians, and the church as a whole, are under woeful attack, but they are victorious even on the earth. 

How have you been under attack of deception? How have you been under attack to compromise your devotion to Christ? How have you been under attack through fear of suffering or death? How are you overcoming by the blood of the Lamb? How are you overcoming by the word of their testimony? How much do you look forward to death, so that by comparison, you don’t love your life?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You that You have defeated the devil at his fall, and especially at the cross of Jesus Christ. And we thank You that You are constantly defeating him in the lives of Christians. Forgive us for failing to take the devil seriously. And forgive us, on the other hand, for being intimidated or discouraged by the devil’s activity, when he is constantly being defeated. Grant that we would overcome by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive us, for when Christ’s redeeming us is far from our minds. And forgive us for when we are in love with this life. Grant that we would love not our lives to the death, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”