Determined to Adoption [Family Worship lesson Ephesians 1:5–6]

What is predestination? Ephesians 1:5–6 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that predestination is God’s good pleasure to adopt children by His glorious grace. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the doctrine of predestination as a profound expression of God’s eternal love, rooted not in human merit but in the good pleasure of His will. From Ephesians 1:5–6, it emphasizes that the substance of predestination is adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, not merely forgiveness or justification, highlighting God’s desire to expand His family. The source, standard, and success of this divine plan are all grounded in God’s grace—His unearned, self-giving love that culminates in believers being accepted in the Beloved, already pleasing to God through union with Christ. The ultimate purpose is the praise of God’s glorious grace, calling for a response of worship, deep comfort, and joy.

2026.05.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 1:5–6

Read Ephesians 1:5–6

Questions from the Scripture text: Who predestined whom (Ephesians 1:5a)? To what? By Whom? As sons to Whom? According to what? Unto what end (Ephesians 1:6a)? What had He done by that grace? In Whom?

What is predestination? Ephesians 1:5–6 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that predestination is God’s good pleasure to adopt children by His glorious grace. 

The gospel is about God expanding His family. Though it sounds almost blasphemous to talk that way, Romans 8:29 tells us that, from before time began, God foreknew (meaning “loved in advance”) certain people, whom He determined that He would make into the likeness of His Son and into a multitude of siblings for His Son.

In this week’s Ephesians passage, we read of that determination in relation to the Father: if someone is a believer, it is because before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), God determined to adopt him as a son to Himself (Ephesians 1:5a), as well as a sibling to the Son (cf. Romans 8:29). Of course, there is only one way that this adoption could be conceived from all eternity—by His loving us (end of Ephesians 1:4) in the eternally Beloved (Ephesians 1:6b) His, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5a).

And lest we have any ideas that this could happen by some version of divine foresight in which our own choices determine God’s (which would have the ludicrous effect of making us sovereign instead of God), the Scripture tells us exactly the criteria of this choice (“according to the good pleasure of His will,” Ephesians 1:5b) and the ultimate purpose of this choice (“to the praise of the glory of His grace,” Ephesians 1:6a). The only cause of the choice is His own glorious grace.

This destiny, to which He has predestined us, requires that, in time, His grace would bring us to faith (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9). It is this faith through which the Spirit unites us to the Beloved One, in order that in Him (and only in Him) would we be made accepted (Ephesians 1:6b). We don’t “believe into” predestination. We believe in Jesus, as God has predestined us to do. And God has indeed given that grace. He graciously gave His Son for us. And He graciously gave His Spirit, Who graciously gives us faith to believe in His Son and be joined to His Son. Thus, over and over again, our salvation is “to the praise of the glory of His grace.”

Our justification (being given righteous standing with God) and adoption (being made children of the Father and siblings of the Son) happen at the same time. But the justification is a means unto the adoption—which is the great occasion of the praise of God’s glorious grace.

This is what predestination is all about—not nit-picking over doctrinal logic, but everlasting love that has a 100% success rate of bearing fruit, as sinners have this adoption bestowed upon them, and God’s grace is gloriously displayed, in order to be eternally praised. Hallelujah! Literally.

How ought you to respond to Jesus? How ought you to respond to predestination?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for the glorious grace in which You were well pleased to adopt us, in Your love, to Yourself, by Jesus Christ. Grant the ministry of Your Spirit, that we would not only be accepted in Him, but that we would be made like Him, to live acceptably forever.

Suggested songs: ARP65A “Praise Awaits You, God” or TPH425 “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place”

Judgment Begins at God's House [Family Worship lesson in Zephaniah 1:4–7]

Upon whom does the wrath of YHWH focus? Zephaniah 1:4–7 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 the wrath of YHWH focuses especially upon the false worshipers among His own people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: [transcription not available at time of publication].

2026.05.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Zephaniah 1:4–7

Read Zephaniah 1:4–7

Questions from the Scripture text: What will YHWH do (Zephaniah 1:4a)? Against whom (verse 4a–b)? To cut off what (verse 4c–d)? And who do what (Zephaniah 1:5)? And who do not do what (Zephaniah 1:6)? What must the people do (Zephaniah 1:7a)? In Whose presence? Why—what has arrived (verse 7b)? Who has prepared what (verse 7c)? Whom has He invited (verse 7d)? 

Upon whom does the wrath of YHWH focus? Zephaniah 1:4–7 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 the wrath of YHWH focuses especially upon the false worshipers among His own people.  

Judgment begins at the household of God. In Zephaniah 1:1-3, we heard God’s judgment that echoes the flood (Zephaniah 1:2) and undoes the creation (Zephaniah 1:3). Now he zeroes in on Judah—those who have been given YHWH’s Name by which to swear their oaths (Zephaniah 1:5b, cf. Deuteronomy 6:13, Deuteronomy 10:20), but who have combined the divine worship with many idolatries (Zephaniah 1:4-5). Greater spiritual privileges increase our responsibility. God will clean the place where He has put His Name (Zephaniah 1:4). The description is very vivid: “I will stretch out my hand, and I will cut them.” Judgment begins with the household of God (cf. 1 Peter 4:17). How great is our danger, if we think that we can combine drawing near to God in His own worship, while resting upon and delighting in the same things as the worldlings. 

Syncretism is apostasy. Syncretism is the idea that we can combine worshiping the Lord with other worship practices that are not from Him. But this is simply an impossibility: one cannot combine the worship of the Lord with the religious practices of men, because God defines such people as “those who have turned back from YHWH, and have not sought YHWH, nor inquired of Him” (Zephaniah 1:6). This would have been news to the people of Jerusalem; after all, Zephaniah 1:5 says they “worship and swear by YHWH.”  But the prepositions in verse 5b and verse 5c are slightly different, implying that they only swear to YHWH (outward expression of worship), whereas they swear by their king (“Milcom” means “their king,” and the preposition implies that this swearing is the “real” one in their heart). No one can serve two masters, and those who try become functional atheists (cf. Zephaniah 1:12). So God says, of those who attempt to combine His religion with their own, that they don’t worship Him at all. They have turned away from Him.

Better just to be silent. The “noise” that they were making in the presence of the Lord YHWH (Zephaniah 1:7a) was their worship and vows (Zephaniah 1:5b). But the Lord doesn’t want any of it. Whatever they were seeking of Him, He rejects it by saying that they were not seeking of Him at all (Zephaniah 1:6b). But this does not mean that they will get nothing from Him. The reality is much worse than that. They will get wrath from Him! 

The meeting to which they are coming now is not one that they can fake their way through. In this “day of YHWH” (Zephaniah 1:7b), YHWH engages in a solemn ceremony (“prepared a sacrifice,” verse 7c), for which He prepares/consecrates/sets-apart His guests (verse 7d). Idolaters, and other wicked ones, are bold to sin because they have no true sense of the majesty of Him against Whom they sin. But they will! And their mouths will be stopped in His presence (verse 7a, cf. Romans 3:19, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 106:40–42, Habakkuk 2:20). This language of “sacrifice” is frequently used of YHWH cutting off His enemies (cf. Isaiah 34:5–8; Ezekiel 39:17–20; Revelation 19:17–18). It is a slaughter that glorifies God by vindicating His righteousness. Have Judah failed to hold a proper sacrifice to YHWH? Then He will hold one for Himself!

How might you be tempted to feel safe on account of your church membership or worship attendance? What manmade things are you tempted to wish for, or do, in the worship of God? Whom do you think of as being the focus of God’s wrath, and how does this passage inform that? In what ways are you too quick to speak, and too slow to listen, when you are in the majestic presence of the Lord?

Sample prayer:  Lord, help us to remember that judgment begins in the household of God. Don’t let us think of ourselves as the ones who are safe to sin, but as the ones for whom sin is most dangerous. Forgive us those sins, for the sake of Christ, and give us to come to You only through Him, and only in the ways that You have said. So, give us to know the greatness of the majesty of what it is to draw near to You, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH177 “Before Thee, God, Who Knowest All” 

Shine, and Trust God with the Fruit [Family Worship lesson in Mark 4:21–34]

What should believers do? Mark 4:21–34 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers should show the fruit of the gospel in their lives and tell the gospel with their lips. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The kingdom of God is revealed by means of the transformative power of divine truth, which must not be hidden but lived out visibly in the believer’s life and shared boldly with others. Central to this message is the call to heed God’s Word faithfully, for those who truly receive it will be given more, while neglect leads to loss—highlighting both the responsibility and the promise of spiritual growth. The parables of the lamp, the growing seed, and the mustard seed illustrate that God sovereignly works in unseen ways, producing fruit beyond human comprehension, from small beginnings to great expansion. These images encourage faithful stewardship of the Word, trusting that God will bring forth harvest in His time, while also calling believers to live with integrity and witness. Ultimately, the devotional affirms that God’s grace is both the source and the sustainer of spiritual life, inviting believers to depend on Him with confidence and obedience.

2026.05.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 4:21–34

Read Mark 4:21–34

Questions from the Scripture text: Where is a lamp to be set (Mark 4:21)? What will happen to hidden and secret things (Mark 4:22)? What should believers do with what they hear, according to Mark 4:24-25? What doesn’t a person who scatters seed know (Mark 4:27)? Who makes the things in Mark 4:28 happen? Who enjoys the result in Mark 4:29? How big is a mustard seed? How big is a mustard tree? For how much of Jesus’ public teaching did He use parables? When and to whom did He explain them?

What should believers do? Mark 4:21–34 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers should show the fruit of the gospel in their lives and tell the gospel with their lips. 

We continue to hear about those to whom Jesus has “given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:10) by giving them “ears to hear” (Mark 4:9, Mark 4:23). The first question for us, of course, is whether that describes me?

Have I responded to the Scriptures as a divine rescue mission to bring me to faith in Jesus Christ, freeing me from slavery to sin and Satan (cf. Mark 3:22–30)? Have I rejected worry to have Christ as my confidence, and rejected worldliness to have Christ as my joy (Mark 4:19)? Do I take His Word, day by day and week by week, as the operating system of my heart—directing how to think about, feel about, and respond to everything and everyone in my life (Mark 4:20)? 

Note that this isn’t the same as doing so perfectly, or even particularly well—but it is a habit of heart and mind in our life of clinging to Christ. Indeed, the Word to which we cling tells us that we will fail often, but it gives us a prescription for renewed faith and reinvigorated repentance whenever we do: coming again and again to Him to whom we eternally belong by His blood.

The next question is: what now? The answer: testify to this gospel by our lives and our lips; be light in a dark world (Mark 4:21). They won’t be in the dark forever. One day, they will know plainly about Jesus—and they will know that you knew, and could have shown them and told them (Mark 4:22). If you had light and hid it, they will find out. That’s the convicting message of Mark 4:22-23. So, Mark 4:24 tells us, remember what to do with what you heard, because in addition to their finding out (Mark 4:22), the Lord Himself responds with reward. Tell others about Christ!

Perhaps you don’t think it will have much effect. This is one reason that we often shrink away from telling others. But Mark 4:26-29 rebuke us in this. Simply put: you do your part, and let the Lord be the Lord. You have no idea when He is going to make that word you speak bear an abundant crop in those who hear. You just scatter the seed, and when the Lord produces the harvest, you rejoice!

In fact, it is the Lord’s pleasure to take even the smallest evangelistic moments to produce the biggest results (Mark 4:30-32). So, let us be generous in our scattering, and see what He might do. What are we waiting for? What good reason could we possibly have for keeping the gospel to ourselves?

After all, since it glorifies God to be the One who opens the eyes, ears, and hearts, we should not be surprised when He takes what we thought would be nothing and makes it great—that way, it is all the more obvious to everyone that God alone has done this!

How many conversations with unbelievers have you had this week? Where and how could you have more? What are some ways of bringing into those conversations what Jesus has done for sinners?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us ears to hear. We confess that, apart from Your grace, we would refuse even the blessed gospel of Christ. And thank You for giving to us to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. Forgive us for how little we show the fruit of Your gospel in our lives. And, forgive us for how we have missed opportunities to tell the gospel to those who will one day see the hidden truth about Christ, and even about us. Give us to love our neighbor, and to love Christ’s glory, enough to be unashamed tellers of the truth about Jesus. We confess that one reason that we haven’t done so is that we have unbelievingly expected that it would do no good. But make us to learn the lesson of the scattered seed, that God is the One Who makes it grow. And make us to learn the lesson of the mustard seed, and expect great things from God, out of the small things that we do. Forgive us, and help us, by Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP180 “Christ Shall Have Dominion” or TPH291 “O, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

2026.05.13 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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Redemption Applied by His Spirit [Westminster Shorter Catechism 29—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 29—especially explaining how Christ, Who has accomplished our redemption, is also the One Who applies it to us, by His Holy Spirit.

Q29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The central message of this lesson is that believers are made partakers of Christ's redemption not through their own efforts, but through the sovereign and effective work of the Holy Spirit, Who applies Christ's saving work to individual lives. Drawing from John the Baptist’s contrast between water baptism and the Spirit’s baptism, and Paul’s teaching in Titus 3, the lesson emphasizes that salvation is not based on human righteousness but on God’s mercy, accomplished through the 'washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.' This divine operation—justification, faith, and eternal hope—is not merely imputed but personally experienced as the Spirit indwells and transforms the believer. The tone is both pastoral and doctrinally precise, underscoring the necessity of the Spirit’s work in making Christ’s redemptive sacrifice personally effective. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the active Agent through Whom the benefits of Christ’s atonement are applied, securing the believer’s union with Christ and inheritance of eternal life.

Consuming the Stumbling Blocks [2026.05.10 Evening Sermon in Zephaniah 1:1–3]

Men, by whom sin came into the world, must be consumed by God's wrath.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The book of Zephaniah confronts the reality of God’s righteous wrath against sin, vividly portrayed through imagery of cosmic judgment and the destruction of all creation, echoing the flood of Noah’s day. Yet amid this terrifying proclamation, the central message emerges: God does not abandon His people, but hides them as His treasured possession in Christ, just as He preserved Noah in the ark. The prophet’s warnings, rooted in divine authority and echoing the language of Deuteronomy, serve not only to convict but to point to the ultimate refuge in Jesus, who bore the full weight of God’s wrath on the cross, rendering it powerless over those who trust in Him. This divine hiding is not a mere escape, but a promise of future glory, where believers will shine with Christ in the kingdom of God, having been preserved from the consuming fire of divine judgment. The sermon calls the hearer to pay close attention to God’s word, not in fear alone, but in faith, recognizing that the same God who judges sin is also the God who hides His people in Christ, securing their salvation through grace.

Fully, Forever Blessed in the Son [2026.05.10 Morning Sermon in Ephesians 1:3b–4]

In Christ, God has given us such immense blessing, that we ought to be blessing Him already with the praise with which we will bless Him forever.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The sermon unfolds the profound truth that believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, by God’s eternal, loving choice before the foundation of the world. Central to this message is the triune God’s sovereign grace, revealed in the personal, complete, and eternal union with Christ, Who is both the source and the substance of all spiritual life. The blessing is personal because it is not abstract or impersonal, but rooted in a living relationship with Christ, the eternal Son, in Whom believers are chosen, adopted, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This union guarantees a future of unbroken holiness and blamelessness before God, not as a human achievement but as a divine work fulfilled in Christ. The sermon calls for worship, gratitude, and a life marked by joy, peace, and holy obedience, all flowing from the certainty of being eternally secured in Christ for the praise of God’s glorious grace.

Baptism: a Seal of Ingrafting into Christ [2026.05.10 Sabbath School lesson in WCF 28.1.d—Theology Simply Explained]

Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ,(a) not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible Church,(b) but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace,(c) of his ingrafting into Christ,(d) of regeneration,(e) of remission of sins,(f) and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life:(g) which sacrament is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in his Church until the end of the world.(h) (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson centers on baptism as a sacred sign and seal of union with Christ, emphasizing that true faith involves being spiritually engrafted into Christ, the true vine, where believers are no longer dead in sin but alive in Him. Drawing from Romans 6:3–5 and Galatians 3:27, it explains that baptism symbolizes not merely ritual washing but a profound spiritual reality: dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ, a union that secures all of Christ’s benefits and demands total allegiance. The preacher underscores that this union is not partial or conditional but comprehensive—believers receive the whole Christ, and Christ receives the whole believer, making continued sin incompatible with genuine faith. Through pastoral insight and biblical exegesis, the message confronts the dangerous logic of using grace as license for sin, instead calling for a life of obedience and sanctification rooted in the believer’s identity in Christ. Ultimately, baptism serves as a divine guarantee and a continual call to live as one who has been united to Christ, walking in newness of life and resting wholly in Him.

The Centrality of Christ's Priesthood [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 6]

Why are the Levites so central to Israel? 1Chronicles 6 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eighty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Levites are central to Israel because their priesthood anticipates the great benefits and privileges into which Christ Himself brings us. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This passage centers on the tribe of Levi, particularly the priestly line of Aaron and the Levitical musicians, highlighting the centrality of worship in God’s people. The detailed genealogies trace the unbroken lineage of high priests from Aaron to Jehozadak and Joshua, affirming divine preservation of the priesthood despite exile. The chronicler emphasizes the Levites’ roles in music and service, underscoring that their ministry—especially the singing—anticipates Christ, Who is both the ultimate High Priest and the One Who leads worship in the heavenly sanctuary. Unlike other tribes, Levi received no territorial inheritance, as God Himself is their portion, pointing to the believer’s eternal inheritance in Christ. The devotional concludes with a call to recognize Christ as the sole mediator, the true temple, and the source of all worship, inviting believers to serve as a priesthood of all believers through Him.

2026.05.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 6

Read 1 Chronicles 6

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose families do 1 Chronicles 6:1–3 trace? What direct line do 1 Chronicles 6:4-15 trace? Which two events receive special mention in this line (1 Chronicles 6:10, 1 Chronicles 6:15)? What branches are traced further in 1 Chronicles 6:16-30? Upon which priestly service do 1 Chronicles 6:31-47 focus? Who appointed them (1 Chronicles 6:31)? When was this initiated (1 Chronicles 6:32)? In anticipation of what? Who joined their fathers in this? What is noted in 1 Chronicles 6:39, 1 Chronicles 6:44? What other service is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:48? And whose service, where, is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:49-53? With repetition from which line (cf. 1 Chronicles 6:4-8)? Finally, what provision is listed in 1 Chronicles 6:54-81?

Why are the Levites so central to Israel? 1 Chronicles 6 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eighty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Levites are central to Israel because their priesthood anticipates the great benefits and privileges into which Christ Himself brings us.  

Just as with the order of camping in the wilderness, the Levites occupy the center of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles. 

The Lord redeems a people in order to make His presence to dwell among them. We are also reminded of this by the fact that the Levites were spread throughout Israel (1 Chronicles 6:54-81). This was, in part, because the Lord was their portion (cf. Deuteronomy 10:9). But it was also so that the Levites would be throughout Israel, to teach them God’s judgments and law (cf. Deuteronomy 33:10). 

The Lord also provides mediators to atone for His people. We see this in the double repetition of the high priests’ line in 1 Chronicles 6:4-8 and 1 Chronicles 6:49-53. It began with Levi, came into a new phase with the temple (1 Chronicles 6:10), and was preserved despite the exile (1 Chronicles 6:15). The mention of Jehozadak is important, because is son Joshua (or Jeshua, cf. Ezra 5:2) would be high priest for the returned exiles. The chronicler here puts his legitimacy beyond a doubt.

The Lord gives to His people to praise Him. It is interesting that the priestly singers are given seventeen verses (1 Chronicles 6:31-47), and the rest of the service of the tabernacle is given just one (1 Chronicles 6:48). These singers were specially appointed by David (1 Chronicles 6:31) in anticipation of the temple (1 Chronicles 6:32). 

Thinking about our Lord Jesus’s priesthood, it becomes clear why the Levites would be so “central” in the chronicler’s account after the exile. They needed to be encouraged that God’s plan to bring the Christ into the world was still in full force, and they needed to take up the responsibility of rebuilding the temple and resuming the priestly service in it. Two other contemporary books (Haggai, Zechariah) emphasized this. 

Jesus ministers the presence of God to us. He is “God with us,” Immanuel. Christ’s Spirit comes to dwell in us; He unites us to Christ and enables us to draw near to God through Christ. We realize how wonderful true Christian worship is, as we see the importance of the priesthood that anticipated God’s presence with us in Christ.

Jesus is the Mediator Who atoned for us once for all. This He did at the cross. Then, He ascended into glory—that reality of which the Holy of Holies was a shadow copy—consecrating our worship there by virtue of His blood. And not only did He ascend, but He is our anchor there, and we enter past the veil through Him.

Jesus leads us in praise to God. He is the great Singer in Christian worship (cf. Hebrews 2:12). He leads us in praise to God. The fact that we all sing is a great privilege of New Testament worship, for the melody now is not played upon priestly instruments but by the grace of Christ in the heart (cf. Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). 

How is drawing near to God, through Christ, central to each day of your life? How is it central to each week of your life? How do your habits reflect the importance of drawing near to God? Why do you need Jesus to be Your Priest? What use are you making of His provision of atonement? What does it mean to you that Jesus is the One Who leads us in praise?

Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You for the priesthood of Christ. Please forgive us for how we have taken for granted the marvelous privilege that we have, that we may draw near to You in Him. We confess that we have much neglected this privilege, failing to appreciate it in our hearts and failing to make good use of it in our habits. And thank You for His offering His own blood as an atoning sacrifice at the cross. Sometimes, we have made too little of our sins, rather than seeing how dreadful they must be to require such a Priest and such a Sacrifice. At other times, we have made too little of His atonement, continuing under the weight of our guilt, rather than knowing our full and free forgiveness in Him. Finally, we thank You for the honor of singing Your praise in the public worship. How marvelous that Jesus sings through us! But we have often failed to sing in the awareness of the glory that was occurring. Please forgive us, and cleanse us from our sin, through Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH456 “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners”

For His Sheep [Children's Catechism 52—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 52—especially explaining how Jesus laid down His life for His sheep, whom He received from His Father.

Q52. For whom did Christ obey and suffer? For those whom the Father had given Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Christ's obedience and suffering were specifically for the people the Father has given to Him, a definitive and exclusive group whom He calls His sheep. Drawing from John 6:37, 10:11–15, and 17:6, 11, the lesson emphasizes that Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection are not universal in application but are rooted in a divine, covenantal relationship between the Father and the Son.

Integrity in Adversity [Family Worship lesson in Job 2:1–10]

What is happening when the devil attacks us? Job 2:1–10 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, when the devil attacks believers, the Lord is doing them good through it. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on Job’s unwavering faith amid profound suffering, highlighting the tension between human experience and divine sovereignty. Drawing from Job 2:1–10, it emphasizes that despite Satan’s malicious intent, Job's confidence that God is sovereign over all, enables him to remain blameless, upright, and committed to trusting God in both prosperity and adversity. The passage underscores the theological truth that all circumstances—good and evil—are ultimately under God’s sovereign control, and that true faith involves accepting both as expressions of His goodness and wisdom. Pastor contrasts Job’s steadfast integrity with the spiritual danger of grumbling, especially within close relationships, warning that discontentment can harm others and reveal a failure to trust God’s providence. Ultimately, the devotional calls believers to emulate Job’s contentment, rooted in the knowledge that God, who gave His Son for us, is faithful and good, and thus worthy of praise even in suffering.

2026.05.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Job 2:1–10

Read Job 2:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What was there in Job 2:1? Who came to do what on that day? Who came among them? What does YHWH ask in Job 2:2? How does the adversary answer? About whom does YHWH ask him (Job 2:3)? What does He call him? What does He say about him? What does He point out that Job is still doing? Despite what? But how does the adversary answer now (Job 2:4)? What does he say will happen, under what circumstances (Job 2:5)? What does YHWH permit (Job 2:6)? Within what limit? From where does the adversary go (Job 2:7)? What does he do to whom? How much? What does Job take, to do what, where (Job 2:8)? Who speaks to him in Job 2:9? What is the point of her rhetorical question? What does she tell him to do instead? What does Job say about her speech (Job 2:10)? What is the point of his rhetorical question? What assessment does the text make about him?

What is happening when the devil attacks us? Job 2:1–10 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, when the devil attacks believers, the Lord is doing them good through it. 

God still sovereign. The superintending sovereignty of God over the actions of demons and angels is again explained to us in terms of a council meeting, in which the subordinate powers report before the Lord (Job 2:1-2). Notice that, while Job was “in the adversary’s hand” (cf. Job 1:12), YHWH does not diminish His own superintending sovereignty (“you incited Me against him, to swallow him without cause,” Job 2:3). Now, more than ever, Job is YHWH’s servant, blameless, upright, fearing God, shunning evil. As always ultimately occurs, Satan’s attack has backfired. Job has been sanctified, and God has been glorified.

Satan still satanic. Alas, the adversary’s malice is not satisfied (Job 2:4). The selfishness described in Job 2:5 is characteristic of Satan, but at this point it rings hollow about Job. Again, we have the “two hands”: “stretch out Your hand” in verse 5, and YHWH saying, “he is in your hand,” in Job 2:6. Satan’s evil is his own, but YHWH’s good and sovereign hand overrules. Satan’s malice is restrained by the good will of God: “spare his life.” This is always the case, dear Christian. The almighty providence of God is always overruling; the good providence of God is always prevailing. Truly, His goodness and mercy are hot on your heals, always.

Job still being sanctified. Job is left miserable from head to toe, but we find out from his wife that he continues to be YHWH’s servant, blameless, upright, fearing God, shunning evil. She is actually irate that he continues to “hold fast to [his] integrity” (Job 2:9), even suggesting that he do precisely as Satan had said (Job 2:5). Without knowing it, she has been left alive as a tool of the devil. What a danger there is, when think according to the flesh, of becoming a tool of the devil! And this is most of all the case with those to whom we are closest. God gives man a wife to be his helper for worship and obedience; let her not influence him otherwise. For Job’s part, since he knows that God is good, he is willing to accept whatever He sends, whether pleasant or painful (Job 2:10). Dear Christian reader, whether in pleasantness or pain, trust the goodness of your God!

What hardship in your life do you need to be reminded is under God’s almighty and good providence? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your almighty, sovereign, wise, good providence. Truly, You accomplish all Your holy will, and all the malice of men or demons cannot hinder that. So receive our worship, and help us in it. Grant that, by Your Spirit, You would be everything unto us, in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right” 

Wisdom's Necessary Vigilance [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 24:30–34]

Why must the wise be vigilant about wisdom? Proverbs 24:30–34 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must be vigilant about wisdom, because of the creation’s cursedness, our remaining corruption, and folly’s capacity for harm. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Proverbs 24:30–34 uses the image of a neglected field overrun by thorns and thistles to illustrate the destructive consequences of laziness and spiritual complacency. It emphasizes that even small, seemingly harmless indulgences—like a little sleep or rest—can spiral into ruin when unchecked, revealing that there is no tolerable amount of folly or sin. The passage calls believers to constant reflection and vigilance, reminding them that wisdom is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong practice. The tone is both convicting and pastoral, urging a zero-tolerance attitude toward spiritual negligence, as harm from folly can come suddenly, like a prowler or an armed man. Ultimately, the devotional underscores the necessity of disciplined diligence and continual dependence on God’s Word to resist the creeping decay of apathy and sin.

2026.05.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 24:30–34

Read Proverbs 24:30–34

Questions from the Scripture text: By what two things did the teacher go (Proverbs 24:30)? Whose? In what condition did he find them (Proverbs 24:31)? What did he take away from this (Proverbs 24:32)? How much of what (Proverbs 24:33) does it take for what to come (Proverbs 24:34)? In what manner?

Why must the wise be vigilant about wisdom? Proverbs 24:30–34 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that  we must be vigilant about wisdom, because of the creation’s cursedness, our remaining corruption, and folly’s capacity for harm.

Vigilant wisdom in light of a cursed world (Proverbs 24:30-31). The thorns and thistles in Proverbs 24:31 are not just inconvenient accidents of nature. They are the embodiment of the fall (cf. Genesis 3:17–18). The thorns and nettles are presented as an invading army, even breaking down the stone wall. Creation’s being bound to corruption and decay (cf. Romans 8:19–22), together with our own original sin and remaining corruption, demand constant, vigilant exercise of wisdom. To be lazy is to lack understanding of ourselves and of God’s world (Proverbs 24:30).

Vigilant wisdom in light of remaining corruption (Proverbs 24:32). One of the most repeated themes in the book of Proverbs has been the father’s urging the son to see, consider, look, and receive instruction. But in verse 32, it is Solomon who is doing the considering and receiving instruction. We never mature past learning. In fact, it is a sign of maturity that we continue to reflect, meditate, learn, receive instruction. Obviously, Solomon already knew that laziness is destructive (cf. Proverbs 6:9–11). But, he knows that laziness continues to be a threat from within him. Just as with the condition of the creation, our remaining corruption means that we need to maintain constant vigilance against folly.

Vigilant wisdom in light of folly’s great potential for harm (Proverbs 24:33-34). The triple repetition drives home the point. How much sleep does it take? A little! How much slumber does it take? A little! How much folding of the hands to rest does it take? A little! Now, we know that the Lord gives to His beloved to sleep (cf. Psalm 127:2). So this isn’t establishing a zero-tolerance policy for sleep. Rather, Proverbs 24:33 is what the lazy men tells himself when it is time, not for sleep, but for work. He seems to know that it is folly, or he wouldn’t justify it to himself by saying that it is only a little. But even “a little” folly can bring sudden, overwhelming harm (Proverbs 24:34). So we must have a zero-tolerance policy for folly. 

Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ, our righteousness. He watched and prayed, when none of His disciples were able. He grew in wisdom His whole life long. He never indulged in folly, even for a moment. And it is His righteousness that is both counted for the believer, and worked out by His Spirit in the believer’s life.

What aspect of the broken creation has been threatening to sneak up on you? How are you continuing to observe things and receive instruction? In what folly are you tempted to indulge “a little”?

Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You for the wisdom and righteousness of Christ. Please work in us, by Your Spirit, making us to be like unto Him. Keep us from indulging in laziness or any other folly. And, hasten the day when our folly will be eliminated altogether, and a new creation will enjoy sharing in the glorious freedom that belongs to us as Your children, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH73B “Yes, God Is Good to Israel”

Be Covenantally Faithful [2026.05.05 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 24:26–29]

The Lord has bound us to various people to whom we must be faithful.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage calls believers to covenantal faithfulness in three key relationships: the community, the household, and the neighbor. It emphasizes truthful public testimony—especially in judicial settings—as a reflection of marital covenant loyalty, where honesty is not merely ethical but a sacred duty. The command to prepare one’s field before building a house underscores a moral and spiritual responsibility to provide for future family, both materially and spiritually, rooted in the biblical imperative to care for one’s household as a sign of genuine faith. The prohibition against bearing false witness against a neighbor without cause exposes the danger of harboring resentment and seeking personal vengeance, which distorts truth and leads to deceitful speech; instead, believers are to trust God as the ultimate judge and refrain from usurping His role. Ultimately, all relationships are seen as divinely ordained, requiring integrity, self-control, and grace, with the heart’s posture toward others being the foundation of faithful action.

2026.05.10 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

To tune in for the Lord's Day streams, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

The Ultimate Glory of Marriage [2026.05.09 Pastoral Letter and Hopewell Herald]

Hopewell Herald – May 9, 2026

Dear Congregation,

Matthew 22 begins, “And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son…’”

This is a parable about those who hear the gospel but refuse to enter the kingdom, and even those who are part of the visible church (so, in the kingdom in some sense)—but who do not have Christ and His righteousness counted for them by faith, so they never come to have His righteousness clothing them in personal holiness either.

But the choice of a wedding intends to remind us of something that is more than a parable: THE parable, or as Ephesians 5:31–32 puts it, “the mystery” of Christ and the church. Hebrews 1:8 teaches us to understand Jesus as the great Bridegroom of Psalm 45 (and, of its parallel song, the Song of Songs).

Marriage is the parable of Christ and the church. It is secondary to God’s eternal intention to wed the Son to a bride whom He would redeem, and betroth to Himself, and perfect, and marry.

It is on account of this intention that God creates and designs man to be married. The startling “it is not good” (that the man would be alone), in Genesis 2, after five repetitions of “it was good,” shows us how central marriage was to the creation plan and the creation order. Rapidly, at the end of day 6, the first marriage takes things from, “it is not good,” to the triumphant, “it was very good.”

So, it is not surprising that the first place the devil attacked humanity was in the context of their failings as wife and husband in Gen 3. And the nature of marriage itself has been under attack in every single generation since then. The consequence is the corruption of man’s purpose, the destruction of man’s joy, and the obstruction of this glorious parable of Christ and His church.

Marriage, well-understood and faithfully lived by grace, is the greatest earthly blessing. It is not surprising that the Lord would make it so, in light of the great glory of what it shows forth.

But, an approach to marriage that pursues it for oneself, rather than in self-sacrificial love to one another, to show forth Christ and His church, is the most common of the nearly innumerable perversions with which marriage has been attacked.

As we increasingly discovered, under the preaching of the Song of Songs, it is the sweetest possible thing to know the greatness of Christ’s delight in His bride, and His relentless efforts to produce in her that which is delightful, and to be with her. Enjoying Him, and His love to us, and His work in stirring up our love to Him… this is the pleasure of heaven. And we can have it already on earth. Meditating much upon this does much to motivate us to the most faithful and affectionate earthly marriage that grace gives us. Best of all, it prepares us for the marriage supper of the Lamb!

Looking forward to the Bride’s meeting with her Betrothed tomorrow,

Pastor

Audio lessons to help you prepare for the Lord’s Day:

▪Theology Simply Explained — CC51, God's Workmanship for God Works 
▪Theology Simply Explained — WSC28, Christ Exalted Yesterday, Today, and Forever
▪Job 1:6–22, “When God Is Everything to You”
▪1Chronicles 5, “Historically Sad Sin and Chastening”
▪Mark 4:1–20, “The Hearing Heart That We Need”
▪Ephesians 1:3–4, “Blessed in the Blessed One”
▪Zephaniah 1:1–3, “YHWH's Word of Warning”

LORD'S DAY – May 10, 2026 

9:50 a.m. Breakfast Line Opens

10 a.m. Sabbath School
We are preparing our minds and hearts for public worship by studying our Confession of Faith from Scripture, affirming that Scripture is our only ultimate authority, but also discovering that what we confess is thoroughly Scriptural.

11 a.m. Public Worship

▫Songs for public worship on May 10: ARP73C [mp3], ARP80 [mp3], ARP65A [mp3]

Scripture Text for first portion of worship service
Job 1:6–22

Scripture Readings and basis for confession of sin and petition for help
1Chronicles 5
Mark 4:1–20

Sermon Scripture text and topic

We will be hearing the sermon from Ephesians 1:3–4 about “Every Spiritual Blessing”

Lord’s Supper! (Please see the section at the end of the Worship Booklet on how rightly to prepare for and take it).

1 p.m. Coffee Fellowship and Catechism Class

1:30 p.m. Fellowship Lunch

▫Children’s Catechism for May 10. Q51 What is sanctification? It is God's making sinners holy in heart and conduct. [CC 51 Simply Explained: “God's Workmanship for God Works”]

▫Shorter Catechism for May 10. Q28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation? Christ’s exaltation consisteth in His rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. [WSC 28 Simply Explained: “Christ Exalted Yesterday, Today, and Forever”]

▫Memory Verse for May 10, Ephesians 1:4, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.

3:00 p.m. Evening Praise and Preaching
We will be singing at least ten Psalm selections and hearing the sermon from Zephaniah 1:1–3 about “Man, the Stumbling Block”

Hopewell this Month

Hopewell’s Presbytery Prayer Focus for May
Prosperity ARP in Taft, TN

May Psalm of the Month
ARP80 Hear, O Hear Us

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday, May 13, Midweek Prayer Meeting. 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel. We will hear a sermon from Proverbs 24:30–34 then pray until 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13, Session Meeting, 8 p.m. in the Pastor’s Study
• Saturday, May 23, Men’s (and future men) breakfast, 7a in the Fellowship Hall
• Thursday, June 4, Diaconate Meeting, 8 p.m.

Blessed in the Blessed One [Family Worship lesson in Ephesians 1:3–4]

What effect should the great truths of the faith have upon us? Ephesians 1:3–4 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the great truths of the faith should make us burst forth with praise unto God for their reality. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the profound truth that believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, rooted in God’s eternal election before the foundation of the world. It emphasizes the triune nature of God, the hypostatic union of Christ, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting how Christ’s incarnation, sacrifice, and exaltation secure our blessedness with Him in the heavenly realms. Central to this message is the doctrine of unconditional election—God’s sovereign, loving choice of believers in Christ for the purpose of their ultimate holiness and blamelessness before Him, a goal guaranteed by divine grace. The passage calls for worship and joy, not only because of past redemption but because of the certain future fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose. Pastor underscores that these truths, though often opposed, are foundational to Christian confidence, comfort, and praise, urging believers to live in the strength and gladness they provide.

2026.05.09 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 1:3–4

Read Ephesians 1:3–4

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose God does Ephesians 1:3 begin to praise? What else does it call Him? What does this combination remind us about Jesus (cf. WSC 21)? Whom has this God blessed? With what? Where? In Whom? What did God do to us (Ephesians 1:4)? In Whom? When? To what end? Before Whom? In what?

What effect should the great truths of the faith have upon us? Ephesians 1:3–4 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the great truths of the faith should make us burst forth with praise unto God for their reality. 

After the greeting—which was already rich with the glory and grace of God in Christ—the apostle explodes with a twelve-verse run-on sentence of praise. Just the first two verses’ worth are full of so much rich doctrine…

Christ’s humanity and deity. God is both His God (in His humanity) and His Father (in His deity). 

Christ’s person and work. He is the Lord—the eternally blessed and only living and true God, Who created all things and rules over all things. He is Jesus, for He is the One by Whom the Lord saves. He is Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed Prophet who reveals God’s will, Priest who intercedes for God’s people, and King who exercises God’s authority.

The completeness and greatness of God’s blessing. Every blessing. Even in heaven.

The means and Mediator of that blessing. The Holy Spirit (it is “spiritual” blessing) is the One Who applies it to us, and He applies it to us by uniting us to Christ. We know that it would be impossible for us to be seated in heaven, let alone blessed in heaven, apart from Christ. But every blessing of God comes to us in this same way: in Christ.

The source of that blessing: unconditional election. God’s free choice. The nature of election. Not just a bare choosing, but a choosing in which God considers someone in connection and unity with His Son. The timing of election. Before the foundation of the world. The end result/goal of election. Holiness and blamelessness. The greatness of this holiness. It is not merely a blamelessness before creatures, but a blamelessness and holiness before the holy, holy, holy God!

It is no surprise that many of these are the very truths that have been compromised and attacked throughout the history of the church. The world, the flesh, and the devil hate the glory of God. And so these truths are to be defended vigorously!

But not just defended. Delighted in. Rejoiced over. Turned back Godward in praise! This is, after all, the use of these truths in Scripture and the reason for defending them to begin with.

Why is each of these truths important? How is it precious? How would you defend it? How are you responding to it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank you for blessing us from all eternity in Christ, in heaven in Christ, unto our final holiness and blamelessness in Christ. We bless Your Name for this, in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH448 “Union with Thee”