2025.06.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 15:20–24

Read Proverbs 15:20–24

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of son does what for whom (Proverbs 15:20a)? But who does what to whom else (verse 20b)? What is joyous to whom in Proverbs 15:21a? Who is his counterpart, and what does he do (verse 21b)? What is there a risk of lacking, and what happens in that case (Proverbs 15:22a)? How are plans established (verse 22b)? What can give a man joy (Proverbs 15:23a)? What sort of answer, specifically (verse 23b)? Whose way goes where (Proverbs 15:24a)? Turning away from where (verse 24b)? 

Who have true joy? Proverbs 15:20–24 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek meeting this week. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that those who rejoice in the Lord have true joy.  

The previous section (Proverbs 15:13-19) drove home the principle that one is made happy not by changed circumstances but by a changed heart. Now, the Scripture focuses upon some of those circumstances that themselves change, when the heart is changed, and how joyful they are to the godly heart.

Proverbs 15:20 reminds us of the introduction to this extended section of “proverbs of Solomon” (cf. Proverbs 10:1). But it rings a little differently in the context of a section that is focused upon joy. Just as the Christian must hate to grieve Christ, so the son should hate to grieve his parents. Christ is not robbed of joy, but how dreadful to grieve the most joyful Man there has ever been! And a godly father and mother have continual joy in the Lord (cf. Philippians 4:4), which makes it even better to be part of the Lord’s good gifts to them (Proverbs 15:20a), and even worse to be a grief to them. In fact, a man cannot rightly claim to love his mother if he is a fool; the willingness to grieve her by his folly demonstrates that he truly has little regard for her (verse 20b). 

Proverbs 15:21-22 describe the joyous path. It’s not the fool’s gold of the fool’s joy. He loves folly. He enjoys just letting himself go—as if the Lord doesn’t exist, and as if life from God, through God, and to God is not a weighty thing. This shows that he is heartless (Proverbs 15:21a, literally)—not in the way of being cruel, but in the way of being senseless about what is truly good and joyous. His plans do not go straight (Proverbs 15:22a), according to what is right, like those of the man in Proverbs 15:21b. By contrast, that man, the upright man, has the heart not only to desire the right way, but to value input from those whom the Lord has given him to guide him in that way (Proverbs 15:22b). So the upright man has joy in the Lord that desires what is right, joy in the counsel that directs him in what is right, and joy in the actual doing of what is right! This, of course, begins with that first set of counselors that Proverbs 15:20 had in view: the godly father and mother.

Proverbs 15:23-24 build upon this idea of the joy of receiving and following good counsel—and of coming to be the one who gives it as well. To the one who has joy in the Lord, he delights not only to learn the Lord’s ways, but to be used by the Lord to teach others (Proverbs 15:23a). As the Lord graces him and gifts him, his delight isn’t so much in himself as it is in the Lord, in those moments of speaking the right word, in the right way, at the right time (verse 23b). He rejoices, in part, because this skill that the Lord is growing in him is just one part of the Lord’s bringing him steadily to glory (Proverbs 15:24a)—a reminder that the good God is giving him the opposite of what he deserves (Proverbs 15:24b).

So, dear reader, it is possible that you may need a “joy transplant,” where you learn to delight, more in more, in those things that those people delight in, who delight themselves in the Lord. There are so many who wish to have the desires of their heart; the Bible recipe for that is to begin by delighting oneself in the Lord (cf. Psalm 37:4). 

What are your joys in life? Which joys would be greater? How can they become your joys? How greatly would you enjoy them? What evidence, in your life, do you have that the Lord is taking you to glory? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving to us Your own joy—delight in You Yourself. Grant unto us to enjoy desiring that delight, being directed into that delight, and doing that which You teach us to find delightful. So, give us that wonderful aspect of the fruit of Your Spirit that is the joy of Christ Himself, in Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah”

2025.06.29 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

June 29 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 20:17–19 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 5:17 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.

2025.06.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 20:17–19

Read Matthew 20:17–19

Questions from the Scripture text: Where was Jesus going now (v17, cf. 19:1)? Whom did He take aside along the way? To do what? What command does He give at the beginning of v18? Who are going where? What is His identity? What will happen to Him first? Then what will the chief priests and scribes judge about Him? To whom will they deliver Him (v19)? What three things will they do to Him? What will He do on what day?

How are we to think about the cross? Matthew 20:17–19 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 Jesus Himself shows us His glory and salvation, as He leads us in contemplating His cross.  

Jesus takes you aside.

He commands you to behold. To pay attention. To consider. To meditate.

He points out His and your union in His atoning work.

He points out the glory of His Person.

He points out the humility of His work.

He turns us away from hope in men, or mindless esteeming of their words and works.

He commands the rightly condemned to consider His own condemnation.

He suffers all that we deserve, not only condemnation but mocking, punishment, and curse.

He models for us how to do our own suffering, albeit less than His own.

He prepares us to see the completeness of His work, that He rises even though He had our sin upon Him.

He prepares us to see the perfection of His power, that death cannot hold Him.

He prepares us to see Him Himself as God’s great sign to us.

He tells all of this in advance, so that we will see Him Himself as the sign (which is also indicated by the number, the third day, recalling how Jonah himself was the sign to the Ninevites). 

How does Christ take you aside to mediate upon His death and resurrection? How often do you do these things? How are you responding to the greatness of His glory? What things did He suffer for you? How are you sure that this was effective?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You and praise You for humbling Yourself to the death of the cross, for our sakes. Give us to meditate often upon it. And having been loved much and forgiven much, make us to love You much. Make us to meditate upon Your resurrection with joy, confidence, and adoration, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP22A “My God, My God” or TPH352 “Man of Sorrows”

2025.06.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:17

Read Deuteronomy 5:17

Questions from the Scripture text: What does this verse prohibit?

What is the most basic requirement for honoring God in our interactions with others? Deuteronomy 5:17 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that valuing God in others means especially valuing man as made in the image of God.  

In the first five commandments, the primary interaction was with God. Even in the fifth, the honor/glory/ weightiness was primarily God’s, with father and mother as surrogate authorities under Him. Now, as the moral law turns from loving God with all the heart to loving our neighbor, the first thing that it highlights is a proper valuing of God’s image in man.

It was obvious, when Cain murdered Abel in Genesis 4, that it was wicked. Genesis 1 had emphasized that man is made in the image of God, and God had warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, desiring to control him (cf. Gen 4:7). 

But the logic prohibiting murder is explicitly detailed in Gen 9:6, “Whoever sheds man’s blood by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.” There, God Himself makes a distinction between that killing that despises the image of God (murder) and that killing that justly vindicates the image of God (by man his blood shall be shed). 

There are many words for killing in Hebrew, and this one has the shade of meaning of striking down or assassination. This is important not only because it highlights the component of intent and premeditation but also because, as we have seen in other commandments, its focus is especially on the heart. Our Lord Jesus’s own expounding upon this was that rash anger, name-calling, and lashing out are all worthy of condemnation (cf. Mat 5:22). 

Combining these two, we see that we are not just to treat people as made in the image of God, but we are to love God, to love God’s image, to love that He made people in His image, and to love from our hearts His image in those people.

When that is the case, both with ourselves and others, we become diligent and zealous for the preservation of life and dignity. We treat others and ourselves with respect. We take care of our health. We bear patiently with others and exercise gentleness and compassion, refusing all strife or bitterness. Indeed, when others are mistreated, we defend and protect them. And all of this not primarily to feel good about ourselves or make others feel good about themselves or about us, but to respond rightly to the infinite value of God Himself.

In all of this, the regard is first for the Lord. No one actually keeps this commandment apart from knowledge of Him and love for Him. And so the place for us to begin is with fostering love for Him by His Word and meditation upon His love for us (cf. 1Jo 4:19). We dare not trust ourselves to think of or interact rightly with others until our hearts have been set right by love for Him.

What people do you have a difficult time loving well? What truth about them will help you? What interaction with God will help you? What must be recovered in our culture for life to be valued properly?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for making us in Your own image. Forgive us for failing to value Your image will either in ourselves or in others. Thank You for valuing us infinitely and eternally in Christ. Grant that we would imitate you in this, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP5B “Listen to My Words, O Lord” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments” 

2025.06.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 14:14–20

Read Revelation 14:14–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John do in v14? What did he see? Who sat on it? What was on His head? What was in His hand? Who came out of where (v15)? What was he doing to Whom? What did he say for Him to do with His sickle? Why? What was ripe? Who does what in v16? With what result? Who comes out of where in v17? Having what? Who comes out of where in v18? Over what did he have power? Unto whom does he cry? Telling him to gather what? Why? What does this other angel do (v19)? Where does he throw what is gathered from the vine? Where was this winepress trampled (v20)? What came out? How high? For how wide?

What is the last day like? Revelation 14:14–20 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 last day is a day of double harvest.

This passage concludes the section that began in v12 detailing the war with the dragon. 

As with the messages to the churches, the seven seals, and the seven trumpets, the war with the dragon applies to the entire period between the comings of Christ. 

And, as with those other sections, the close of the section focuses more specifically on the close of the age. Here, there are two harvestings, one of those who belong to the Son of Man, and the other of those who are gathered for fire.

There can be no question Who the Son of Man (v14) is, as He is identified by this title (cf. Dan 7:13–14). He is also identified by His crown (cf. Rev 19:12), and the cloud. This “white” cloud is not like a rain cloud; it is the glory cloud by which the Lord appeared to Israel, inhabited the temple, and displayed His presence at the Transfiguration. Marvelously, Jesus is not just in the cloud, or surrounded by it, but seated on top of it. He is the King of Glory. Even as He returns as Mediator, a glorified man, He is the God-Man, a divine Person, Who sits atop the display of God’s glory!

Notice that His sickle is sharp. He has not been idle. True to His promise, He has been preparing a place for those who are His (cf. Jn 14:1–3). He is preparing to gather in His own, and when the Day comes, the preparation will be perfect. His servant-angle in v15 cries out to Him that all is ready, and He harvests His own.

But it is not just the “wheat” who are harvested on this day, but the tares. Another angel emerges from the temple for this work in v17. And a third angel cries out to him (v18). This harvest isn’t “tares” as in the parable, but grapes, because the wine of their blood is pressed by the wrath of God (v19). 

As we have seen before, the number four often refers to the whole earth (“four corners,” “four winds,” etc.). And here, 4x4x100 indicates the fullness of the earth. Just as those who are Christ’s shall be completely and securely harvested to Him in one great moment of His gathering, so also those who are not His shall be gathered unto their everlasting suffering of wrath in one fell swoop. 

The harvest of the last day will be swift and sure for you, dear reader, either the one way or the other. 

Which shall it be? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb, by which you overcome? Or shall that day be, for you, the day of the wrath of the Lamb?

What is Jesus doing for you now? What will He do for you (or to you) on the last day? How do you know? How sure is this to happen? What will He be like when you see Him? What will this be like for you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our carelessness about the last day. Thank You for preparing a place for us now, and the certainty of Your gathering us in the last day. Thank You for saving us from Your own dreadful wrath. Grant that, by You Sprit, we would live with the courage and confidence that is appropriate to those who belong to You, ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.06.25 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

June 25 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 15:13–18 sermon outline

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

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

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

2025.06.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 149

Read Psalm 149

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom shall we praise (Psalm 149:1)? What shall we sing? Where? In whom is Israel to rejoice (Psalm 149:2)? In whom must the children of Zion be joyful? What aspects of the worship led by Levitical priests are named in Psalm 149:3? In whom does the Lord take pleasure (Psalm 149:4)? With what does He beautify the humble (verse 4)? In what should saints be joyful (Psalm 149:5)? What should they do on their beds? What should be in their mouths (Psalm 149:6)? And what should be in their hands? For what purpose (Psalm 149:7-9a)? Which of the Lord’s saints have this honor?

What does the assembly of praising saints enjoy? Psalm 149 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the assembly of praising saints enjoys the pleasure of the Lord and the power of the Lord.  

This is a Psalm about corporate worship—the praise of the Lord in the assembly of the saints. 

Yes, it’s a praise that continues to resound in their hearts and mouths even when they are at home on their beds (Psalm 149:5). 

But it is something that distinctly belongs to the assembly (Psalm 149:1), as evidenced by the reference to the specifically Levite-led activities of Psalm 149:3.

We, of course, are no longer led by Levites in a temple on earth, but we ourselves are the temple, and we are led by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Great High Priest over the congregation in glory! Therefore, the joy of the song is not diminished, but rather increased—as the saints are joyful in glory. 

In particular, we now know how it can even be that YHWH Himself takes pleasure in us in Psalm 149:4 (!!). 

It is because we come to Him through His beloved Son, with Whom He is well pleased. 

He delights in His Son, and He delights in us who are in His Son!

But not only do we have the privilege of a great reception on High, week by week in this life. We also have the privilege of a great power on earth.

Which of the Lord’s saints wield this great sword to which Psalm 149:6-9 refer? 

All His saints. Psalm 149:9 says, “This honor have ALL His saints.” 

Now, we know that not all His saints carry physical swords by which they subjugate rulers. 

But, just as our worship must come from God and not be merely the worship of men, so also our weapons are the weapons of God.

As we believe the Scripture together, and confess it in worship, and admonish one another with it, and teach it to our children, we are participating in the subjugation of all the nations, which shall surely be accomplished by God’s mighty Word. 

And, we have the privilege, as we depart worship each week, of carrying His high praise in our mouths, and His sword in our hands. Hallelujah!

How do you know that God takes pleasure in You in the public worship? What power do you have?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You, Who have made us. We rejoice in You, our King. We marvel that You take pleasure in us, as in Your beloved Son, with Whom You are well pleased. Grant that we would take Your praise into the rest of our lives, especially as You give us to conquer the world through ordinary, faithful Christianity. Thank You for giving this honor to all of Your saints. Grant it to us, we ask, through Christ, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP149B “O Praise the Lord, O Sing Aloud” or TPH149B “O Praise Ye the Lord”

2025.06.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 15:13–19

Read Proverbs 15:13–19

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of heart has what effect in Proverbs 15:13a? But what sort of heart has what other effect in verse 13b? Whose heart seeks what in Proverbs 15:14a? But what do fools employ instead of the heart (verse 14b)? Upon what does it feed? How many of the afflicted’s days are evil (Proverbs 15:15a)? What is the condition of the heart in verse 15b? How often does it feast? What are the two combinations in Proverbs 15:16? Which is better? What are the wo combinations in Proverbs 15:17? Which is better? What two types of men does Proverbs 15:18 describe? What differing effects do they produce? What two types of men does Proverbs 15:19 describe? How does their character determine their experiences? 

What can make someone happy in his circumstances? Proverbs 15:13–19 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek meeting this week. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that happiness is gained not by improved circumstances but by godliness with contentment, the fear of the Lord.  

The thread that ties this section together is how one’s character actually shapes his circumstances or his experience of them.

In Proverbs 15:13-15, it’s not differing circumstances, but different dispositions of the heart that make someone either glad or miserable. The merry heart is the understanding heart. It has a continual fest in the knowledge that it seeks, and it is glad in every circumstance. The sorrowful/afflicted heart lets its mouth run out ahead of it. Because it feeds on foolishness, it does not enjoy the sumptuous fare of a feast. Instead, its spirit is broken, and it finds every day evil.

In Proverbs 15:16, the fear of the Lord makes what little one might have into a blessing. But is absence makes any amount that one might have into a problem. The more that the godless has, the worse. What is true vertically, with the first table of the law and the first great commandment in verse 16, has its counterpart horizontally, with the second table of the law and the second great commandment in Proverbs 15:17. This verse is not praising vegetarianism; it says that when there is love in the place, even being vegetarian can be overcome! But there is no quality or quantity of food that can be a blessing in the midst of hating and being hated.

In Proverbs 15:18, strife does not come from the circumstances but from the type of man that is involved—either wrathful or slow to anger. And in Proverbs 15:19, one finds his path painful, or safe and secure, not because of the features in the path itself but due to his own constitution: whether he is lazy or upright.

In all of these ways, we see the difference that the fear of the Lord makes in one’s life. It is more of a blessing than if one’s circumstances could be dramatically altered. For, the chief thing in every situation is to know Him and to receive the good from His hand, in whatever particulars His love and wisdom agree together to give to us. 

This is not only the effect of a right attitude, but also because of differences that the fear of the Lord make in one’s character, such as his seeking knowledge, being slow to anger, and being diligent. Such character qualities change the actual circumstances, which is a blessing compounded by the contentment of the heart that fears the Lord.

Dear reader, you may be tempted to think that if this or that thing in your circumstances changed, you would be happier. But the truth is that if you, yourself, were changed, to fear the Lord more, then you would be happier.

What changes to your circumstances are you tempted to think would make you happier? But what are some specific things, mentioned in this passage, that actually need to change, for you to be happier?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving to us to fear You and to know Your goodness to us. Grant that we would be content with You, and that as You conform us by Your Spirit to the character of Christ, You would make us to find ourselves filled with the joy of Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah”

2025.06.22 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

Click below for the:

June 22 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 20:1–16 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 5:16 sermon outline

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

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.

A Good Eye for the Good God [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 20:1–16]

What is the nature of the rewards of the kingdom? Matthew 20:1–16 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rewards of the kingdom are given not by merit, but by grace. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.06.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 20:1–16

Read Matthew 20:1–16

Questions from the Scripture text: With what word does v1 begin? What is this passage explaining (cf. 19:30)? What is being compared? To whom? Where did this landowner go? When? To do what? What agreement did he reach (v2)? Where did he send them? When did he go out in v3? What did he see? What did he tell them to do (v4)? What does he say that he will give them? What do they do? At what other times does he do this (v5)? And even at what time (v6)? What does he find at that time? What does he ask him? What do they answer (v7)? What does he tell them to do? Again, what does he promise to give them? What comes in v8? Who tells whom to do what? With whom does he say to begin? Who come in v9? What do they receive? Who come in v10? What do they expect? What do they receive? What do they do, when they have received it (v11)? What do they complain about the other men (v12)? What do they complain about their own service? What does the landowner call one of them (v13)? What does he say that he has not done them? According to what standard? What does he tell them to take (v14)? Where does he tell them to go? What does he say about himself? What two rhetorical questions does he ask in v15? What is the implied answer to each? Who knew themselves to have the least to offer (“the last,” v16)? What do they end up receiving, in their understanding of the landowner himself? Who thought they had the most to offer (the “first”)? What do they end up receiving, in their understanding and rejection of him?

What is the nature of the rewards of the kingdom? Matthew 20:1–16 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rewards of the kingdom are given not by merit, but by grace.  

The workers who were first invited had the most information. They knew exactly what they were promised. But they responded to the agreement that was offered them by presuming that they were earning what they were being given. Those who went out later had a less precise knowledge of what was agreed upon, but they go out trusting Him to do what is right (v4). They are encouraged to do so by the character of the landowner, who had sought them in compassion, to give them a reward. They are glad to work for Him, but they do not think they are worthy of what they receive. They expect that it will be of grace.

None of them are receiving what they deserve. By implication, not even the first group that works the twelve hours. The pattern of the rest of the day makes it plain that even they are receiving, not upon the basis of what they deserve, but upon the basis of what he generously wishes to give. The theme in the passage as a whole comes in v15: that all of the giving is coming based upon the goodness of God (“because I am good”). 

When it comes time to pay them, starting with the last is not a “gotcha.” It’s a lesson in how to perceive/understand the reward that is given. As they see men being paid obviously more than they deserve, it should become apparent that this is always the case. Reward is not merited but dispensed from the good pleasure of the landowner’s generosity. 

As they see that reward is not of merit, but of grace, they ought to be more grateful to be participating in such a wonderful thing, rather than less grateful because the quantity that they receive is the same as others. The proper response is to rejoice to be called to do this work, in this place, because it belongs to this person. The person himself is the best gift in the situation.

There are two complaints that legalists make, which are communicated in v12. The first complaint is that they are not treated better than the others to whom they consider themselves superior. The second complaint is that they are mistreated by God, by being rewarded less than they deserve. 

Many are offered this gospel of grace. This is the external call of the gospel. But only those who conclude that it is all of grace, with reward infinitely greater than could ever be earned, are those who had been chosen by grace.

To what service have you been called in the Lord’s kingdom? What is your greatest reward in the kingdom? What other reward might you receive? Upon what principle (merit or grace) do you receive these rewards? How should this impact your view of the giver and of your rewards?

Sample prayer:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for coming to us in compassion and calling us into Your household to labor and be rewarded. We are worthy of no good thing, but we praise the generosity of Your grace that You reward us anyway. Give us humble, thankful hearts always, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

How God Uses the Word to Save Us [Westminster Shorter Catechism 89—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 89—especially explaining how God uses His Word in every part of saving us.

Q89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation? The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Created and Redeemed to Glorify God [Children's Catechism 5—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 5—especially explaining how glorifying God is the purpose of both our creation and our redemption.

Q5. Why ought you to glorify God? Because He made me and takes care of me. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.06.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:16

Read Deuteronomy 5:16

Questions from the Scripture text: What one-word command begins Deuteronomy 5:16? Whom does it command to honor? Who had previously commanded this (cf. Exodus 20:12)? What was His covenant relation to them? That what may be long? And that what else may happen? Where? Who was giving it to them? What was His covenant relation to them?

What are we to do with authority and why? Deuteronomy 5:16 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord starts us out with the best of authorities, so that we will learn to honor authorities as part of His means of bringing us into the blessings that He has promised us.  

There is no authority except that it comes from God (cf. Romans 13:1). Sometimes, this is harder to see than others, so the Lord has designed to give us a good start in honoring and obeying authority. The first authorities He gives us to deal with are father and mother. Those from whose flesh we have come, and who, by natural affection, would sacrifice themselves for us. Sadly, there are those parents who lack natural affection for their children and thus do violence to this commandment. And there are parents who lack wisdom to see the needfulness of the authority over their children, and thus deprive them of the designed benefits.

Just as with the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 10th commandments, the 5th focuses especially upon the heart. The Lord Jesus would plainly teach that all of God’s law was to be obeyed first and foremost from the heart. Indeed, all of Scripture teaches that. 

Here, it is important to see that this is much more than a commandment to obey. It is a commandment to honor. To treat father and mother as weighty. Worthy of respect. It’s the word that is even most commonly used to convey the idea of “glory.” 

When parents and children fulfill their God-given roles, they enjoy a provision that helps turn our hearts to the Lord from the youngest age. And when the church and society are full of such life-long-trained appreciators of authority, then those who come into other seats of authority do so with fatherly affection and service unto those entrusted to their care.

When sin is resisted, so that abuse of authority is restrained, and the heeding of this good authority is maintained with respect and affection, the result in the state or church is the benefit of all. 

The LORD had given them to have Him as their covenant God.

The LORD was giving them the land to which they were coming.

And the LORD had given them authority structure, beginning in the household, beginning from birth, by which to prosper them in that land.

The provision of the commandment itself is highlighted here, in Deuteronomy 5, by the addition of “as YHWH Your God has commanded you.” The commandment itself is a gracious gift.

Resisting authority and abusing authority were two core components of the curse upon fallen humanity (cf. Genesis 3:16). Now the Lord assures His people that part of His gracious covenant with them was that as they depended upon Him to conform their hearts to His law, He would bless the keeping of that law unto their good in home, church, and state. If we hope to see His blessing upon us, we must recognize that resistance to authority is ingrained in the fleshliness of the old man, and watch against it by fostering not only obedience but grace-sustained honoring.

What authorities do you have the most difficulty honoring? What would honoring them more look like? What authority roles, if any, do you have? In them, how are you aiming at the good of those under you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for taking us to Yourself as Your very own people, and for promising to give us every good thing along with You. Forgive us when we forget that You are behind every authority. Many of them are evil, but they are not a terror to us, since You rule and overrule them for our good. Help us to honor them as lesser authorities under You, so that all our obedience comes from obeying You, and all our disobedience to them also comes from obeying You. So, give us grace to maintain humble spirits, wisdom to discern, and integrity to live consistently, in Jesus’s Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly I Am With You” or TPH550 “Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds”

Persevering in Unpopular Faith [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 14:6–13]

What must we do in light of the end that is coming? Revelation 14:6–13 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 we must persevere in faith and obedience in light of the coming ends of the wicked and the righteous.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.06.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 14:6–13

Read Revelation 14:6–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John see in Revelation 14:6? Where was he flying? What did he have to preach? To whom? With what sort of voice did he speak (Revelation 14:7)? What three commands did he give? Why? Who followed in Revelation 14:8? About whom did this angel speak? What had happened to it? What had she done? Who followed them in Revelation 14:9? About whom did this angel speak? What would the worshipers and followers of the beast drink (Revelation 14:10)? How intensely? In what way? In whose, and Whose, presence? How long will this occur (Revelation 14:11)? How constantly? What must the saints have as they wait for this (Revelation 14:12)? By the keeping of what two things may these saints be identified? What does John hear in Revelation 14:13a? What is he commanded to do? What is he commanded to write—who are blessed? Who affirms this (verse 13b)? From what does the Spirit say they rest, in death? What follow them in their death?

What must we do in light of the end that is coming? Revelation 14:6–13 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 we must persevere in faith and obedience in light of the coming ends of the wicked and the righteous.

The three angels of this passage set the end before us for our instruction. The first angel identifies “the hour of His judgment” (Revelation 14:7) as the context for his preaching. He preaches the everlasting gospel. Not in terms of what we are saved from (sin and guilt and punishment). Not in terms of what we are saved by (Jesus Christ, and particularly His righteousness and sacrifice, applied to us by the Holy Spirit through grace-given faith). But in terms of what we are saved unto: fearing God, giving Him glory, and worshiping Him as the Creator, the true and living God. Whatever nation, tribe, tongue, or people you are from (Revelation 14:6), the good proclamation (gospel) is that God is reconciling and restoring men unto being His worshipers. All have fallen short of this glory, but all in Christ are restored unto worship. Come to Christ, dear reader, and be restored unto this worship of God!

The second angel announces the end of that common human enterprise exemplified in Genesis 10:10, Genesis 11:1–9; and echoing through history wherever a great earthly power or endeavor has succeeded by the seductiveness of power, prosperity, and pleasure. Babylon has its beginning at Babel, but runs throughout history.

Whether earthly or religious empires, or the present worldliness that dominates the writer’s own nation, when the wine of this fornication is drunk, it is ultimately discovered to be the wine of wrath (Revelation 14:8). Here is a counterfeit cup to the cup of the new covenant in the blood of Christ. And how many drink of the sacrament of seductive power, prosperity, and pleasure! But, though “great,” she will fall (verse 8), and all who are with her will drink fully of wrath.

The third angel announces that those who receive the counterfeit sacramental mark (Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11b) of the counterfeit trinity (dragon, sea-beast, land-beast), will drink not the cup of the new covenant but the wine of God’s wrath in the cup of His indignation (Revelation 14:10a). They will be tormented in the presence of the Lamb (verse 10b, cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:9), without end, and without respite (Revelation 14:11). To identify oneself with the world is to be marked for everlasting destruction.

John responds to all of this by observing the necessity of the saints’ perseverance in faith and obedience (Revelation 14:12). And the Spirit speaks from heaven about the condition of deceased saints as they wait for their exalted end. As they lived in the Lord, and thus their lives were blessed, so also they die in the Lord, and their deaths are blessed (Revelation 14:13a; cf. Hebrews 4:4, Hebrews 4:10; Revelation 6:11), a resting from their labors and rewarding for their works done in Christ (Revelation 14:13b, cf.  Romans 2:6; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 6:10). Dear saint, persevere in faith and obedience. Blessed are the lives, deaths, and eternities of those who do!

In what ways are you tempted to identify yourself with the world? In what ways ought you, instead, to be identifying yourself with the Lord? How does your baptism help you in this? How does the Lord’s Supper help you in this? What do you consider to be “the happy life”? What do you consider to be a happy death?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for falling short of Your glory. We have pushed down on Your truth in unrighteousness, failing to glorify You and give You thanks. And we have identified ourselves with the world, seduced by power, pride, prosperity, and pleasure. Forgive us, and grant us perseverance in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH446 “Be Thou My Vision”

2025.06.18 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

June 18 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 15:5–12 sermon outline

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

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 to Lament Evil [Family Worship lesson in Micah 2:1–5]

What is the lesson from God’s judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria? Micah 2:1–5 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 God brought the judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria, in part, to warn us against the grief of committing similar sin ourselves.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.06.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 2:1–5

Read Micah 2:1–5

Questions from the Scripture text: What does v1a pronounce upon whom (Micah 2:1a)? When do they devise it (versev1b)? When do they do it (verse 1c) Why (verse 1d)? What are some examples of the evil that they devise (Micah 2:2)? Who speaks in Micah 2:3a? Against whom is He devising what (verse 3b)? What will they be unable to do (verse 3c–d)? Why (verse 3e)? When will who speak what (Micah 2:4a)? What kind of Proverb (verse 4b)? Saying what (verse 4c)? What will they complain against God (verse 4d–e)? To whom will they say He has given what (verse 4f)? What else will the Lord take away (Micah 2:5)? 

What is the lesson from God’s judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria? Micah 2:1–5 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 God brought the judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria, in part, to warn us against the grief of committing similar sin ourselves.

Crime. We’ve seen that Israel and Judah’s sin centered in the capital cities (cf. Micah 1:5). Chief among these sins was idolatry (cf. Micah 1:7), but breaking the first great commandment goes hand in hand with breaking the second. The Lord now convicts them for their covetousness (Micah 2:2a). From covetous heart, to scheming head (Micah 2:1a–b), to the brutal (Micah 2:2a, c) execution (Micah 2:1c) of their plan, the upper class of these nations have been pressing households (Micah 2:2c) out of their God-given inheritance (verse 2d). The crime is premeditated (Micah 2:1a–b), proud (verse 1d), and pitiless (Micah 2:2c–d). 

Punishment. They devised (Micah 2:2a) evil (verse 2b), and now YHWH is devising an evil (NKJ “disaster,” Micah 2:3b) against them. Whereas they thought they could get away with it (Micah 2:2d), their punishment will be inescapable (Micah 2:3c). Whereas they proudly employed their legal standing (Micah 2:2), He will humiliate them (Micah 2:3d). Whereas they target the means by which a family would be sustained (Micah 2:2c–d), He passes judgment upon their families (Micah 2:3b). 

Lesson. The punishment serves not only justice but instruction. God’s just action becomes a proverb and lamentation (Micah 2:4). Rather than commit evil and have to lament over their own destruction, the Lord gives the singer/speaker to do so over that of the nobles of Samaria and Jerusalem. He had commanded lamentation (cf. Micah 1:10–16), and now He provides it (Micah 2:4). The assembly of YHWH will continue (Micah 2:5b), and there will again be those who lay the boundary lines (verse 5a), but the perpetrators of Micah’s day will not have access to them. Rather, the Lord is showing mercy to those who will come later, by providing them this lesson in His Word (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 1 Corinthians 10:11). 

That is to say, dear reader, that the Lord’s justice in Micah’s day was intended as a mercy to you! Beware the covetous heart, the scheming mind, the pride and arrogance that leverages your power to take advantage of others. The Lord sees, the Lord will repay, and His justice is perfect. There is no escape. There is only fullness of punishment, either upon your beloved Redeemer, or perhaps even upon your own soul forever in Hell—which is almost certainly your case if you can commit such sin with an untroubled conscience. 

What are situations in which, in your flesh, you have felt like you could “get away with’ sinning? How has failure to properly regard the Lord Himself showed up in your disregarding those made in His image?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us. For, we have coveted with our hearts and devised schemes to get what we wanted. We have done what we thought was in the power of our hand. And we have not learned from the lamentation of Your people, when You have judged them in the past. So please, renew our hearts and minds. And make us to learn from judgments like those that You were bringing upon Jerusalem and Samaria in the time of Micah, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP7B “God Is My Shield” or TPH178 “We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought”

Exalted to Exalt the LORD [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 148]

Who is exalted, and why has He exalted us? Psalm 148 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH is infinitely exalted, but He has exalted His people and their praise so that they might praise Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.06.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 148

Read Psalm 148

Questions from the Scripture text: What command bookends this Psalm (Psalm 148:1a, 14e)? How many times is this command repeated (verse 1b, verse 1c, Psalm 148:2a, verse 2b, Psalm 148:3a, verse 3b, Psalm 148:4a, Psalm 148:5a, Psalm 148:7a, Psalm 148:13a)? Who are to praise Him (Psalm 148:1b, verse 1c, Psalm 148:2a, verse 2b, Psalm 148:3a, verse 3c, Psalm 148:4a, verse 4b, Psalm 148:7b, Psalm 148:8a, verse 8b, Psalm 148:9a, verse 9b, Psalm 148:10a, verse 10b, Psalm 148:11a, verse 11b, Psalm 148:12a, verse 12b)? How do some of these creatures praise Him (Psalm 148:8b)? For what three things are His creatures to praise Him in Psalm 148:5b, Psalm 148:6a, and verse 6b? For what are they to praise Him in Psalm 148:13b, verse 13c? What is the greatest of all His works (Psalm 148:14a–c)? What has this done for them (verse 14d), uniquely situating them to praise Him?

Who is exalted, and why has He exalted us? Psalm 148 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH is infinitely exalted, but He has exalted His people and their praise so that they might praise Him.  

From the highest heavens (Psalm 148:1) to the deepest depths (Psalm 148:7), from angels and heavenly bodies (Psalm 148:2-3) to all inanimate (Psalm 148:8-9) and animate (Psalm 148:10) creatures of the earth all of the Lord’s creatures are to praise Him.

Every station in life (Psalm 148:11) and stage of life (Psalm 148:12) is called to praise Him. How our lives and lips should be full of praise! Literally, every single thing that we see, every single thing that we remember, every occurrence in all of providence, summons us to praise Him. It is all the display of His works of creation (Psalm 148:5) and providence (Psalm 148:6).

But the chief praise-ers (Psalm 148:11-12) are the recipients of the greatest works of His providence: His exalting the horn of His people (Psalm 148:14a). Luke 1:69 explicitly identifies this horn (salvation, strength, dominion) as the Lord Jesus Himself. He has exalted the Lord Jesus, and in the Lord Jesus, He has exalted His saints and their praise. 

We are saved and lifted up, in Jesus Christ, in order to praise the Lord. His glory is exalted above the heavens and the earth (Psalm 148:13c), but He has exalted His people so much that they are near, even to this Exalted One (Psalm 148:14d). In order for our praise to reach up to Him, the praise itself had to be exalted (verse 14b)! This is what the Lord has saved us for; this that for which He has lifted us up; this is that for which He has brought us near to Himself, Who is infinitely exalted: that we might behold and bless His exalted glory.

All creation does it, fulfilling His Word. But, dear saint, let you and I do it most of all, in and through and with our Lord Jesus Christ, our horn of salvation that the Lord has raised up for us in the house of His servant David. Let us praise YHWH!

To what creatures in God’s creation have you recently responded with praise for Him? How does your union with Christ inform your understanding of how exalted a thing it is to draw near to God? What place does the exaltedness of Christ have in your thoughts? What place does your own exaltedness in Him now, and with Him later, have in your hopes? In your praising?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise you with the angels. We praise You with the sun, moon, and stars. We praise You with all the hosts of heaven. We praise You now, on the earth, and look forward to praising You more exaltedly when You have exalted us unto glory. For You commanded, and they were created. You have established Your creatures, and You have made a decree which shall not pass away. Your Name alone is exalted. Your glory is above the earth and heaven. You have raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of Your servant David. You have exalted the praise of all Your saints. For this reason, You have brought us near to Yourself, that we might praise You. And we praise You, by Your Spirit, in Your Son, in Whose Name we do so, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP148 “From Heav’n O Praise the Lord” or TPH148B “Hallelujah, Praise JeHoVaH”

2025.06.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 15:5–12

Read Proverbs 15:5–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the fool do (Proverbs 15:5a)? What does the one keeping correction show about himself (verse 5b)? What is in the house of the righteous (Proverbs 15:6a)? What revenue do the wicked have (verse 6b)? What do the lips of the wise scatter (Proverbs 15:7a)? What do not do this (verse 7b)? What does YHWH think of the wicked’s sacrifice (Proverbs 15:8a)? What does He think of the prayer of the upright (verse 8b)? What does He think of the way of the wicked? (Proverbs 15:9a)? What does He think of Him who follows righteousness (verse 9b)? What is for him who forsakes the way (Proverbs 15:10a)? What will come of him who hates correction (verse 10b)? What are before Whom (Proverbs 15:11a)? What else is before Him (verse 11b)? Who does not love his corrector (Proverbs 15:12a)? What does he refuse to do (verse 12b)? 

What does our response to correction show us? Proverbs 15:5–12 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek meeting this week. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our response to correction can expose our relation to the Lord.  

Proverbs 15:5 and Proverbs 15:12 bookend the passage, reminding us once again that one’s relationship to God is displayed in how they respond to correction. The fool, who does not fear or know God, despises his father’s instruction (Proverbs 15:5a), does not love the one correcting him (Proverbs 15:12a), and declines to go to the wise to receive that correction (verse 12b). God is the ultimate reality, and those who acknowledge Him swallow their pride in order to receive the correction that enables them to engage with things as they truly are.

Proverbs 15:6-7 bond the riches of wealth and wisdom. By naming their “house” as full of wealth, v6a implies that these riches are a resource for those who come to this house for it. This is parallel to how their lips scatter knowledge in Proverbs 15:7a. By contrast, one ought not to go to the house of the wicked for financial help, because that money comes with trouble (Proverbs 15:6b). Analogous to that, what is scattered by the heart of the fool is not knowledge and should not be trusted or heeded (Proverbs 15:7b). 

Proverbs 15:8-9 pull back the curtain, so that we can see the ultimate reason behind Proverbs 15:6-7. Both types of treasure, earthly wealth and true knowledge, come from the Lord. But those wicked, who are not right with God by the blood and righteousness of Jesus, continue under His wrath and curse. Both their way (Proverbs 15:9a) and their worship (Proverbs 15:8a) are an abomination to YHWH, cutting them off from all true treasure. Those who are counted upright (verse 8b) and pursue righteousness (Proverbs 15:9b) have something much better than the secondary treasures of wealth and knowledge. Their prayers are YHWH’s delight (Proverbs 15:8b), and they themselves are the objects of His love (Proverbs 15:9b).

Proverbs 15:10-11 correspond to Proverbs 15:6-7. Here, the warning to those who might go to the wicked for treasure, but to the wicked themselves. Just as the righteous have something better than treasure, the wicked have something worse than trouble. The death in Proverbs 15:10 is much more than expiring from this world. The forsaker of the way and hater of correction receives a rebuking death (verse 10a) from Him Who observes their hearts (Proverbs 15:11b) and consigns them to Sheol and Destruction (verse 11a). YHWH Himself observe them and is justly against them.

We may not think that there is so much at stake, at first, when we are being corrected. But how we respond to it, and to those through whom the Lord brings that correction, will tell us much about where things stand between ourselves and the Lord.

Through whom, in your life, does the Lord usually bring you correction? How do you usually respond? What does this tell you about where things stand between you and the Lord?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us the correction that we need. Please give us humble hearts to receive it. Count us righteous with Yourself through Christ’s own blood and righteousness. And give us to know Your love and delight in us in Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH141 “O Lord, to You I Call ”

2025.06.15 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

June 15 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 19:27–30 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 5:12–15 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.

2025.06.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 19:27–30

Read Matthew 19:27–30

Questions from the Scripture text: Who answers Jesus in v27? What does he say they have done? What does he ask? Whom does Jesus answer (v28)? 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 (v29)? 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 (v30)?

What do we learn from Jesus’s gentle correction of Peter’s question? Matthew 19:27–30 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that faith itself is not a work.  

Peter doesn’t understand that they already have everything because they have Christ. His question in v17 implies that he views giving up all and following Christ as meritorious. He has misinterpreted Jesus’s words about the young man, because Peter thinks that the disciples’ “sacrifice” should earn something.

Jesus reminds them that all things will be remade (NKJ “regeneration,” v28). Reward in this world, whatever it is, is short-lived. And living for it is short-sighted. Even in the renewed world, having Jesus and belonging to Him will be their greatest glory. The glory of their thrones is only a derivative glory from His throne.

What Peter has failed to understand is that no one “loses” by giving up for Christ, but rather gains a hundredfold (v29). All of his relationships and possessions, he now has in union with Christ. As a gift from Christ and  service unto Christ. They become more than a hundredfold more blessed this way. Not only that, but by becoming part of Christ’s family, believers have more in and with their brothers and sisters in the Lord than they could have ever had in the world. Most of all, if they have Christ, literally everyone and everything in existence is now for them (cf. Rom 8:32)

No, Peter has not followed Jesus as some sort of meritorious work by which he has earned reward. 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. If Peter was speaking with better theological accuracy, he would have said, “We have gained everything by following You! How much we already have! And how much more we will have forever!”

This principle of faith 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. They do not think that they have given much, but rather that they have gained everything. And they are correct.

But for others, for those who think they are first, 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. And in the end, they find that they are last.

Faith gives nothing and receives everything. It is not a work. It is a receiving and resting upon the Christ Who works. And since faith receives Him, faith receives everything. He is the heavenliness of heaven, and faith has Him, already, on earth.

What are you tempted to think you have “given up” for Christ? What are some tangible examples of how you have actually gained in Christ, rather than lost? What blessings do you most enjoy now? What will you most be enjoying forever?

Sample prayer:  Whom have we in heaven, but You, Lord Jesus? And there is nothing on earth that we desire beside You. Our flesh and heart fail, but You are the strength of our heart and our portion forever. Grant unto us the faith to know that in You, we have heaven itself, for we ask it in Your Name, AMEN!

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

 

2025.06.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:12–15

Read Deuteronomy 5:12–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What are they to do to the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:12)? In order to do what to it? In keeping with Whose command—Who is He, and Who is He to them? What are they to do for how long (Deuteronomy 5:13)? What special identity does the seventh have (Deuteronomy 5:14)? Whose Sabbath is it? What mustn’t they do? What eight other entities must do no work? So that who can do what? What else are they to do (Deuteronomy 5:15)? What, specifically, are they to remember? Who did what about that? How? What does this do to their Sabbath-keeping?

What are we supposed to do with the Sabbath? Deuteronomy 5:12–15 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should be guarding the Lord’s Day in order to hallow it well.  

Guard the Sabbath for yourself. The Sabbath is a perpetual, moral commandment, originating from the manner in which God created, and in His making us in His image—more for having fellowship with the Creator even than for managing the creation (cf. Genesis 2:1–3). God has already made the day happy (blessed the seventh day) and holy (sanctified it). 

In Exodus 20:8, the presiding commandment was that we should remember the Sabbath day. This is because we are so apt to forget the Sabbath day. 

Now, as the people are on the verge of entering the land, the presiding commandment is to “Guard in order to consecrate” (Deuteronomy 5:12, more literal than NKJ). This is because we are so apt to lag in our diligence for he consecration of the Sabbath day. The work of consecrating the day is done the entire week long. What we do on the other six days (Deuteronomy 5:13) is in order to the guarding of the day. If that time is going to be spent only in worship, then we must “guard” it in several ways, among them: clear the docket of our lives on the other six days, prepare mind and heart, and reflect in a way to continue benefiting from it—especially with those texts of Scripture that are read/preached/sung/prayed.

Guard the day, dear reader. Its consecration will be under constant threat. God has sanctified it; we must consecrate it; guard it!

Guard the Sabbath for others. The special concern of the list in Deuteronomy 5:14 are the male and female servant at the end of the verse. If everyone else isn’t resting, and if even the animals aren’t resting, the manservant and maidservant will be unable to rest. Guarding the Sabbath, in order to hallow it, means having regard for the effect that we will have upon others. This is especially true, when we are in positions of authority: so, parents with their children, employers with their employees, consumers and their service industry workers, etc. But, there is also application for regarding those above us and equal to us.

Guard our attitude about the Sabbath. Other than the presiding command (“guard” vs “remember”), the major difference between the presentations of the fourth commandment in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 is the supporting rationale. There, remembering went along with the Lord’s instituting the Sabbath at creation. Here, guarding means there is something else to be remembered: it is a redemptive gift. Slaves in Egypt did not get a Sabbath, but when they were redeemed to have YHWH as their God and Master, part of belonging to Him was receiving this sweet and generous command: to consecrate unto Him a day every week, not only now as their Creator, but as their Redeemer. Israel would lose sight of this, treating God’s requirements as a burden (cf. Isa 58:3), and needing Him to highlight this command, specifically, as a command to delight (cf. Isa 58:13–14). 

How much more, now that YHWH the Lord has made Himself known to us especially in the person of Jesus Christ! The Sabbath is not resurrection day, as if it commemorated an event. It is the Lord’s Day, consecrated unto a Being, Whom we know in a Person. It is the sweetest, most delightful command imaginable. And if we are going to consecrate the day well, we must guard our attitude about it.

What is your habit for clearing all earthly duties on the other six days? Whom could you better be enabling to keep the Lord’s Day? How are you using God’s means to foster delight in His Day?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for the sweet command to respond rightly to You by devoting one day in seven to drawing near to You, to act upon You in worship. Grant that, by Your Spirit, we would be enabled to guard the day well, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP122 “I Was Filled with Joy and Gladness” or TPH153 “O Day of Rest and Gladness”

2025.06.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 14:1–5

Read Revelation 14:1–5

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John do in Revelation 14:1? What did he see? Where was the Lamb standing? How many were with Him? What did they have written where? What did John hear (Revelation 14:2)? From where? What was this voice like (cf. Revelation 1:15; Ezekiel 43:2)? What else did he hear? What were these harps accompanying (Revelation 14:3)? What sort of song (cf. Psalm 33:3, Psalm 96:1, Psalm 98:1)? Before what did they sing it? Before whom? Who could learn it? With what had they not been defiled (Revelation 14:4)? Whom did they follow? Where? What had been done to them? As what were they offered unto Whom? What was not found in their mouth (Revelation 14:5)? Why not?

Who is winning in the age of the dragon? Revelation 14:1–5 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, even as the dragon rages through his beasts, the Lamb reigns for and with His sealed multitude.

In the previous chapter, we saw the dragon (Satan) and his beasts (the political and religious powers in the world). They rage and plot, and they seem to be winning (cf. Psalm 2:1–3). But chapter 14 zooms out so that we can see the whole picture. It zooms far enough out that we can now see and hear Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1). He Who sits in heaven laughs (cf. Psalm 2:4), for He has set His Christ (anointed) on Mount Zion (cf. Psalm 2:6).

The raging of the devil and the worldly political/religious powers can be seen in the images that are used for them (dragon and beasts). The Christ is gentle and quiet by contrast (cf. Isaiah 42:1–3, Matthew 12:16–20), because His genuine strength needs no such demonstrativeness to rule the world (cf. Isaiah 42:4, Matthew 12:21). So He is pictured here (as is done often in this book) as a Lamb (Revelation 14:1). He need not rage. The power of His mere Word is described here as of many waters and thunder (Revelation 14:2b).

Those who are His may not be the majority in the world, but they are a complete and great multitude. They are a complete multitude: the church throughout the ages, including both the administration before Pentecost (twelve patriarchs) and after (twelve apostles). Here, however, it is not merely additive (twelve plus twelve, as represented in the twenty-four elders) but multiplicative (twelve times twelve). And the number is not merely complete but great (one thousand times the twelve times twelve!). 

They are not only a complete multitude and a great multitude, but a secure multitude. They are the sealed (cf. Revelation 7:3–4), having the name of the Lamb (not in NKJ, but in the Majority Text) and of His Father on their foreheads. They have been marked by the triune Name of the triune God, and the Spirit has brought them to kiss the Son (cf. Psalm 2:12), in submission to the Father (cf. Psalm 2:6–11). This is signified to us by our water baptism in the Name “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” And its reality is produced in us when Jesus pours out His Spirit upon us to give us life to believe in Him, and then makes His Spirit to dwell in us. The indwelling Spirit makes us to call the Father “Abba” (cf. Romans 8:14–15) and to know and enjoy our union with the Son (cf. Romans 8:16–17). 

The fruit of that genuine mark (Revelation 14:3b) is evident in the praise (verse 3a) and purity (Revelation 14:4a–b) of the redeemed (verse 4c). The melody in the worship under Christ is not played upon stringed instruments, but rather grace in the hearts of the singing congregation (cf. Ephesians 5:19 “melody in your heart” with Colossians 3:16 “grace in your hearts). When you sing Christ’s Word with His grace in your heart, you enjoy His and your triumph over the dragon and his worldly powers (and any believer who has sung the Psalms has experienced this!). The fruit of the genuine mark is evident in their praise. 

The fruit of the genuine mark is also evident in their purity. The unconverted are especially defiled by seventh commandment violation (Revelation 14:4a), but these sealed are not defiled, because they are pure/single-minded in following the Lamb (verse 4b). The unconverted are especially marked by speaking falsehood (Revelation 14:5), but these sealed use their mouths as those whose mouths are consecrated/dedicated especially unto God’s worship (verse 5b, cf. James 3:6–10). When your commitment to Jesus precludes sexual sin, you enjoy His and your triumph over the dragon and his worldly powers. When your commitment to using your mouth for worship precludes being a speaker of falsehood, you enjoy Christ’s and your triumph over the dragon and his worldly powers. Dear believer, this is the triumphant life in Christ: a Psalm-singing, sexually pure, truthfully speaking life, following the Lord Jesus in whatever He says and does!

Whereas the mark of the beast was demanded of the world to participate in the power of the dragon and the beasts, the mark of the Lamb belongs to those whose lives show forth the power of Him Who sits on the throne and the Lamb. They are not in the majority. They are not ferocious. Yet, they overcome. They overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they love not their lives even unto death.

Following the Lamb may get you killed in the beastly world. But following the Lamb also brings you all the way home to the heavenly Zion (cf. Hebrews 12:22) with all of that triumphant company (cf. Hebrews 12:22–24). He often takes us in directions that are most undesirable to our flesh, but those genuinely sealed by the triune God “are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Revelation 14:4). 

How are you triumphing in Christ in your Psalm-singing? How are you triumphing in Christ through commitment to sexual purity? How are you triumphing in Christ through maintaining godly speech? Why shouldn’t you be intimidated by Satan or his worldly powers? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we have been intimidated by the political and religious powers through which Satan rages. And forgive us for how we have not recognized the power of the Lamb in His Word. Make us to know that power. Fill our heart with His praise. Consecrate our mouths to the truth, as those who belong before His throne. Forgive us for those parts of following Him from which we have shrunk. Make us to follow Him wherever He goes, for we ask it through His Name, AMEN!

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

2025.06.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 1:10–16

Read Micah 1:10–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Micah 1:10a–b say not to do where? What does verse 10c–d say to do where? What are the inhabitants of what three places doing (Micah 1:11a–c)? In what way (verse 11d)? Who desired what (Micah 1:12a)? But what come, instead, from Whom (verse 12b)? To where (verse 12c)? Whom does Micah 1:13a address? Telling them to do what (verse 13b)? What part did she have in Israel’s sin (verse 13c–d)? What will begiven to whom (Micah 1:14a)? What will be the outcome of Achzib’s relationship with Israel (verse 14b)? But what will the Lord bring to what places (Micah 1:15)? What do Micah 1:16a,c tell them to do to themselves? Why (verse 16b, d)? 

How should we respond to the judgment of God’s sinful people? Micah 1:10–16 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 we should respond to the judgment of God’s sinful people with deeply felt, and expressed, grief.

All Scripture is useful for teaching us. But Scripture should direct all of the faculties of our soul, not only the mind and the will, but the affections. This passage seems intended to do just that. Micah expressed his own great grief (Micah 1:8-9) over the judgment that was coming to Israel and Judah (Micah 1:2-7). Now, he summons all of Judah and Israel to join in the same grief. 

Israel’s shame (Micah 1:10a–b). This grief is not for public consumption. Gath was a famous city of Philistine enemies. As intense as their weeping is going to be, it must not be done in front of the Gittites. 

Israel’s pain (Micah 1:10c–d). In a minor Israelite city, however, they were to be rolling in the dust with their grief.

Israel’s captivity (Micah 1:11). The inhabitants of Shaphir are exiled in naked procession (verse 11a), while the inhabitant of Zaanan is confined to his city under siege, and the inhabitant of Beth Ezel grieves because his city no longer exists.

Judgment spreading from Jerusalem (Micah 1:12). We saw judgment beginning in the household of God at Jerusalem (Micah 1:9). But it does not stay there (cf. 1 Peter 4:17–18). The disaster that comes down from YHWH at the gate of Jerusalem is spreading to Maroth (literally, “bitter town”). One reason to grieve is the knowledge that it is coming to you, too.

Because sin had spread to Jerusalem (Micah 1:13). Judgment is spreading out from Jerusalem because sin had spread to Jerusalem. The people of Lachish are warned to escape as fast as they can from the wrath that is coming to them from Jerusalem. But the sins of Israel (the northern kingdom) had first migrated to Jerusalem in the first place. 

And Israel is losing what it had (Micah 1:14). Israel’s goods will be given to foreign cities (verse 14a). At one point, it they had won a victory at a place called Achzib (literally, “deception”). But this was not a sign of good things to come, but a “deceptive” hope. 

Especially their upper-class (Micah 1:15). The crown princes and “glorious” royalty of Israel would be exiled to other places, including Adullam, which was famous for being a place to which David fled while on the run.

Bringing Israel into profound mourning (Micah 1:16). Addressed to Israel as a woman (feminine verbs), verse 16 pictures her shaving her head bald as a buzzard—her shorn locks falling upon her precious children, as they are carried off away from lady Israel.

This passage communicates a grief of such intensity as can be felt. One must not respond to sin, or the judgment that comes upon it, with coldhearted indifference.

Where do we see God’s chastening coming upon the churches? How are you responding to it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us, for we have not been moved to grief by the judgments that have fallen upon the churches. We have been cold-hearted to the condition of your people. And thus, we have been coldhearted toward You, and what You love, and toward Your honor in the world. Grant that we would care deeply about the condition of Christ’s church, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP137 “By Babylon’s Rivers” or TPH79A “God, the Nations Have Invaded”