2026.07.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Habakkuk 1:1–11

 Read Habakkuk 1:1–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the prophecy called in Habakkuk 1:1? Who saw it? What was his office? What question does he ask in Habakkuk 1:2a? What has he been doing? Whom is he addressing? What is He not doing (verse 2b)? What, specifically, has Habakkuk cried (verse 2c)? What, specifically, does YHWH not seem to have done (verse 2d)? What six things does he say that YHWH has been making him to see (Habakkuk 1:3)? What conclusion has he drawn about the law (Habakkuk 1:4a)? And about justice (verse 4b)? Why—what do the wicked do (verse 4c)? With what effect (verse 4d)? With what double command does Habakkuk 1:5 begin? What will astound them? What cannot even enable them to believe? Whom is He about to raise up (Habakkuk 1:6)? What are they like, and what will they do (Habakkuk 1:6-11)?

How can believers respond, when providence is heavy? Habakkuk 1:1–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, when dealing with heavy providence, we must remember God Himself.  

How long? Why? These are questions that believers who experience life in this world end up asking. There are many things that we encounter that seem inconsistent with what we know of God’s character and Word. What Job personally experienced, in an extreme instance of this, Habakkuk is experiencing 

This is why Habakkuk’s prophecy is called a “burden” (Habakkuk 1:1), literally “a weight.” In the midst of God’s plan of redemption, weighty experience casts us upon the Lord. The theme of Habakkuk, through the dialog with God in chapter one, the woes of chapter two, and the psalm of chapter three, is learning to persevere in trusting and enjoying God, even in the absence of all situational comfort and encouragement.

Habakkuk isn’t doubting God like many skeptics who ask these questions, nor is he doubting his own assurance. In his inability to reconcile what he experiences, with the surer knowledge of the character and word of God, Habakkuk cries out to God Himself. 

It is God Himself that he needs. It is God Himself that we need. The people of Judah have the Word of God, the law, but it is stunned/paralyzed (v4a). It is the same word as what happened to Jacob’s heart in Genesis 45:26. The people of Judah have God-given authorities, but the judgments are ineffective (Habakkuk 1:4b). 

One thing that life in this world certainly teaches us is that we must have God Himself acting, not merely the other good provisions that He gives us. Even with those things, the transition from Josiah to Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim, find Judah filled with the three pairs of evils in Habakkuk 1:3: iniquity and toil, plundering and violence, and strife and contention. Habakkuk cries out in the singular, but the Lord answers in the plural (“Look,” in Habakkuk 1:5, is plural). 

Behold what God is doing (Habakkuk 1:5a–b). The Lord answers in the plural: look (y’all) and watch (y’all); be utterly astounded (y’all). God’s people should consider, with wonder and astonishment, what the Lord is already doing among the nations. In this case, the Lord has already punished the northern kingdom. In addition to what we know from Scripture, there is plenty food for praise and thanks in what the Lord has already done in history. 

Remember Whose work it is (Habakkuk 1:5c–d). Verse 5c–d literally says, “a working work in your days which you would not believe if told.” Providence is God’s work, not ours. God tells us that even if He were to tell us in advance how it all fits together, we wouldn’t believe it. One reason that we are discouraged is the fleshly desire to be on the throne ourselves, or to be able to see into God’s mind, and to give our own assessment of whether things are going well. The secret things belong to God, and the revealed things are for us and our children. Duty is ours; events are God’s.

Wait for what the Lord is yet to do (Habakkuk 1:6-11). God’s interest in His people, but His domain is everywhere. He will use the most powerful resources of the whole world to sanctify Judah. In comparatively few words, He gives twenty frightful descriptions of the Babylonians. What the Lord has yet to do may include much that is frightful (cf. 2 Timothy 3:1–9). But in all that He does, He does it for the gathering and perfecting of His church. World history is full of people and peoples like the Babylonians, and it will continue to be. But through it all, the Lord is building His church.

Know that the Lord is just. The Lord’s assessment of Babylon is that “he transgresses, he commits offense.” Though Babylon is used by the good God to do His good work, Babylon himself is evil and does evil things. God sees this; God assesses it; and, God will repay it. His sovereign employment of the wicked does not excuse them for their wickedness.

What circumstances in your life are too heavy for you? What, in the condition of the nation or the church, is too heavy for you? What has God done in history that astounds you with His wisdom, power, and goodness? How are you humbling yourself before the fact that He is sovereignly at work in the world? What can you know about what God will do next? What wicked people and actions trouble you? What is God doing through them? What will God do about them? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, how long will we cry out, and it does not seem as if You are doing anything? But we know that You are working, and that Your work is good. Give us to humble our understanding before You and persist in crying to You, trusting You, and even rejoicing in You. Thank You for reminding us that the secret things belong to You. We are so glad that they do, and we are content to entrust all unto You. Grant unto us to behold Your work with wonder and praise. We look forward to what You will do, and cry out for Your justice upon the wicked. Thank You for punishing our sin at the cross. Give us to receive all of Your providence as coming in the same love that gave us Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

2026.07.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 2:14–18

Read Ephesians 2:14–18

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the peace between the Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14)? What has Jesus done to them? What has He broken down? What did He do to the enmity (Ephesians 2:15)? How? What had sealed this enmity? What has Christ done to it? What has He created in Himself? To Whom has He reconciled them (Ephesians 2:16)? How? What did this put to death? What did He come and preach (Ephesians 2:17)? To whom? What do we both have (Ephesians 2:18)? Through Whom? By Whom? To Whom?

How do we have peace with one another? Ephesians 2:14–18 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 Christ Himself is how we have peace with one another. 

He has broken down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14). The wall, in verse 14, refers to an actual wall that separated the court of the Gentiles from the consecrated part of the temple. A Gentile could be killed for going beyond it. The wall physically represented the law of commandments, in ordinances, that consecrated Israel unto God and separate from the nations. But Christ has come as the Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, and where there is a new priesthood, there is a new ceremonial law (cf. Hebrews 7:11–12). Now, through the new way of drawing near to God that is in Jesus Christ Himself, one’s nationality does not make him an outsider or enemy. Jews and Gentiles may come equally near to God, in Christ.

He has created one new man (Ephesians 2:15). There is one race that descended from Adam (cf. Acts 17:26). But that race had been divided into two, between Jew and Gentile. Over against this, Christ is the last Adam, the Head of a new humanity who have their unity in Him, each as much as the other.

He has reconciled us to God (Ephesians 2:16). We needed peace, not only among ourselves, but especially with God. Jesus Christ has reconciled us—that wonderful exchange in which He gives us friendship and adoption in place of the enmity with God into which we had fallen by our sin in the first Adam. The only way for a Jew to be reconciled to God is in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. The only way for a Gentile to be reconciled to God is in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. We had made ourselves God’s enemies by our sin, and Jesus has killed that enmity for all who are in Him.

He applied that peace to our conscience (Ephesians 2:17). Jesus came to Ephesus and preached! This is truly a wonder, for He never physically visited Ephesus. But He is the One Whom we hear through the preachers whom He sends (cf. Romans 10:14–16). He is the One Who address us from heaven (cf. Hebrews 12:24–26). Just as He did to the Ephesians, so He does to you, dear reader—especially in the preaching of the Word. Jesus has not just won peace with God for all who trust in Him, He brings us to trust in Him through His proclaiming that peace to us. The gospel addresses Gentiles as much as Jews, proclaiming the same peace to both. It proclaims to you peace with God, in Christ, regardless of how far from Him you might be.

He brings us into fellowship with the triune God (Ephesians 2:18). Here is the greatest peace, the greatest unity that there can be: to have access to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. In Christ, we are brought into fellowship with the Triune God, and each of the Persons particularly (cf. John 17:20–23). There can be nothing so unifying as to come into this fellowship. 

When we fail to leave peacefully toward each other, we live in contradiction to some of the most important truths about Christ, and being in Him. Here is one of the greatest among the good works in which God has prepared believers to walk: to live at peace with one another.

With what believers do you have the most difficult time living at peace? How do you and they draw near to God? Of what humanity are you and they a part? How did you and they exchange enmity for adoption? How did you and they come to know peace with God? What fellowship do you and they enjoy with the triune God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for making Christ Himself to be our peace, both with You and with one another. Grant that we would live in accordance with that peace, bringing glory and honor to Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP67 “O God, Give Us Your Blessing” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage” 

Christ, the Lamb of God [Children's Catechism 63—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 63—especially explaining how all God-given sacrifices pointed sinners to believe in Christ.

Q63. What did these sacrifices represent? Christ, the Lamb of God, Who was to die for sinners. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson explores the theological significance of Old Testament sacrifices as pointing to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. It traces this theme from the first gospel promise in Genesis through Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting his faith that God would provide a substitute. The message emphasizes that salvation has always been only through faith in Christ, whether prospective or retrospective, as illustrated by the Passover and affirmed in Revelation. By examining these passages, the teaching reinforces that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all God-given sacrifices. This understanding assures believers that redemption is found exclusively through faith in Jesus.

2026.07.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 2:11–13

Read Ephesians 2:11–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the initial/primary command at the beginning of Ephesians 2:11? What does the apostle say that they were in the flesh (verse 11)? What are they called? In what and how were “the Circumcision” circumcised? When they were Gentiles in the flesh, Whom were they without (Ephesians 2:12)? From what had they been aliens? What had been their relationship to the covenants of promise? What did they not have? What were they without in the world? What are they now in (Ephesians 2:13, as opposed to when they were in the flesh in Ephesians 2:11)? What has happened to them, in contrast to their being far off? By what had they been brought near?

What has Christ’s reconciliation done? Ephesians 2:11–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s reconciliation has brought us near to a holy God. 

The apostle begins “Therefore, remember.” Since we have been created to walk in good works, there is something that we are supposed to keep in mind. Hopefulness in Christ obligates us to holiness in Christ. Christians have been brought into a citizenship with responsibilities: “Be holy, for I am holy.”

The Israelites knew this; the Lord had constituted them into a commonwealth (Ephesians 2:12, the word means “a people held together by a common citizenship”), brought near not only to one another but especially to God in the covenants of promise.

Including the preceding verse, we are given three foundations of believers’ duty to holy living: creation (Ephesians 2:10), commonwealth (Ephesians 2:12a), covenants (Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:12b). We are a people created for these good works. We are a commonwealth of people who have been separated from the rest of the world to be holy together. And we are a people who have been joined unto God by covenant, and must live as those who are bound unto Him and His holiness.

But despite this great obligation to live a life that is set apart unto God, according to the law of God, and for the glory of God, our passage will not allow us to think that we live this way in order to show our worthiness or earn anything from the Lord. 

For, Ephesians 2:10-12a are bookended by grace. It was by grace that we were saved through faith that God gave us (Ephesians 2:8-9), and it was the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13) that has brought us into this position of holiness from a place of alienation from God and hopelessness (Ephesians 2:12b).

Praise be to our God of grace! And how shall we thank Him? By this life of holiness for which He has created us new in Christ Jesus, and brought us into the commonwealth of His people, and covenanted us to Himself by His promises!

What do you spend most of your time doing? What does holiness look like in that? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for bringing us near to Yourself through the blood of Christ. By His grace, grant unto us to live in a way that shows that we are Your new creatures, citizens of Your commonwealth, who are bound to You by covenant. Make us to live as those who are holy, since You are holy, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace!”

2026.07.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 2:8–10

Read Ephesians 2:8–10

Questions from the Scripture text: By what have we been saved (Ephesians 2:8)? Through what? And not of whom? Of whom is it a gift? If it is a gift of God, what is it not of (Ephesians 2:9)? What does this prevent anyone from doing? What are we, according to Ephesians 2:10? What has been done to us in Christ Jesus? For what were we created? From where did these good works come? For what purpose did God prepare these good works beforehand?

How is God’s glorious grace displayed in the redeemed? Ephesians 2:8–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glorious grace is displayed in both our justification apart from works and our sanctification unto doing good works. 

In Ephesians 2:1-7, the apostle wrote about our utter deadness in sin, as the black velvet backdrop against which shine the diamonds of God’s rich mercy, great love, and exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness. Ephesians 2:6 took us back to Christ’s seat, from Ephesians 1:20–23—to the highest height of heaven, whereupon God has placed this dazzling trophy of His grace.

But that is not the only place where it is displayed. God displays the glory of His grace down in the nitty gritty of our lives on earth as well, both in our justification and in our sanctification.

In our justification, God is pleased to display His glory in what we do not do. We do not save ourselves; we are saved by grace. Grace supplies righteousness, because we have only guiltiness to offer. Grace absorbs wrath for us, because we have nothing worthful with which to atone. Grace supplies life for us, because we have only death in us. All of this is supplied in Christ, but we are unable even to produce from ourselves the faith that makes us Christ’s and Christ ours. So grace supplies the faith too; even that is not of ourselves.

In our sanctification, God is pleased to display the glory of what He has done through what we do. Having invalidated all boasting by saving us only through union with Christ, the Lord begins to turn that black velvet into a mirror in which the dazzling glory of Christ’s goodness is reflected. 

Those who began dead in sin actually begin to do good works! Not meritorious works, to be sure, but genuinely good. God beings demonstrating His workmanship (us, Ephesians 2:10) by the good works that we do. A Christian is a good-works-doing creature that did not previously exist, created in the same Christ through Whom the original creation was made. 

God is displaying His workmanship when believers submit and learn under their shepherd-teachers (Ephesians 4:7–12). God is displaying His workmanship when believers study doctrine to get it right instead of “celebrating diversity of thought” (Ephesians 4:13–14). God is displaying His workmanship when no church member is dispensable, but the God-assigned role of each is understood to be used by Christ in building up all the others (Ephesians 4:15–16). God is displaying His workmanship when believers refuse to be controlled by desires and feelings, but rather control them with truth (Ephesians 4:17–24). God is displaying His workmanship when believers do good to one another and take care not to offend one another, not to be quick to be offended, and to be quick to forgive offenses (Ephesians 4:17–5:2). God is displaying His workmanship when believers refuse to live in the fleshly or careless way of this dark world, but as the children of light whom they have been re-created to be (Ephesians 5:3–21). God is displaying His workmanship when believing wives submit to their husband (Ephesians 5:22–24). God is displaying His workmanship when husbands give themselves for their wives’ sanctification (Ephesians 5:25–33). God is displaying His workmanship when children honor and obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1–3). God is displaying His workmanship when fathers take the lead in their children’s discipline and instruction as something that belongs to the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). God is displaying His workmanship when employers and employees serve Christ first and foremost in all workplace interactions (Ephesians 6:5–9). And that is why all of these works must be supernaturally sustained by God through spiritual means that e has appointed (Ephesians 6:10–20).

Where is this great glory of God displayed? In the most mundane, everyday lives of those who began as darkness but whom He has created anew as children of light. Good works are essential, even before our needing to be holy for admittance into glory, because God has given them such a central place in displaying His glory in our sanctification. God prepared them beforehand for this!

How do you emphasize your not doing anything for your right standing with God? How do you emphasize the transforming power of God’s sanctifying grace in the transformed character of what you do? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for glorifying Yourself by making us right with Yourself entirely by Your grace in what Christ has done outside of us. And, thank You for glorifying Yourself by making us to live holy lives in good works. Please make us to walk, by Your grace, in those good works that You prepared beforehand for us to do, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace!” 

2026.07.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 104:1–15

Read Psalm 104:1–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Psalmist command his soul to do (Psalm 104:1a)? What does he call YHWH in verse 1b? For what does he first praise Him (verse 1b–c)? For which creatures does he praise God in Psalm 104:2? And what part of creation in Psalm 104:3? And whom in Psalm 104:4? For what action does he praise God in Psalm 104:5? And what part of it in Psalm 104:6-9? In what way does He leave water on land (Psalm 104:10)? For what purpose in Psalm 104:11? And what other in Psalm 104:12? And what other in Psalm 104:13? What does He provide for what creatures in Psalm 104:14? What three things has He especially given man, for what three purposes, in Psalm 104:15?

For what does our soul bless the LORD? Psalm 104:1–15 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our souls are to bless the LORD for His Creator-goodness to all His creatures and especially to us among them.  

In the previous Psalm, our souls blessed the LORD among those blessed hosts who will bless Him forever. Now in this Psalm, our souls bless the LORD among those needy creatures who have a mighty Creator.

God is glorious in Himself, Psalm 104:1-4. YHWH, our God, is very great (Psalm 104:1b). And how has He given to us to begin to conceive of His greatness? With things like light itself (Psalm 104:2a), the heavens (Psalm 104:2-3a), the clouds (verse 3b), and the wind (verse 3c). We see these, and we don’t see the greatness of God Himself; we see “clothes” that He has set out for us by which we can see an infinitely greater (but invisible) greatness. That’s His “clothing.” Then there are His servants, who are also invisible to us (Psalm 104:4a) and sometimes appear as flames of fire (verse 4b, cf. Isaiah 6:2). There is a similarity here to the display of Solomon’s greatness in 1 Kings 10:4–5. The Lord has made all this display to take our breath away with His glory!

God acted generously in the creation, Psalm 104:5-14. These verses praise especially the work of the first three days of creation, preparing where the creatures would live. An established earth, gathered seas, and grown plants were all expertly and lovingly designed for the good of His creatures. Even the creature’s neediness—the thirst of the donkeys (Psalm 104:11), vulnerability of birds (Psalm 104:12), and hunger of cattle and men (Psalm 104:14) are all part of the plan for the creature to enjoy the goodness of God’s design.

God acts graciously in providence, Psalm 104:15. Before the Psalm turns back to the creation in the portion that we hope to have next week, verse 15 focuses on what God does for man as His special creature. God made us capable of gladness so that He would gladden us (verse 15a). God made us capable of a blessed countenance, that images His blessing by His countenance, so that He would make our face shine (verse 15b). God made us capable of resolve, diligence, and courage, so that He would strengthen our heart (verse 15c). 

Later, He would make use of the common elements of bread and wine to communicate to us that Christ gives Himself immediately to us to be our strength and our gladness. So, He both makes creational provision for how these are affected by our bodies and spiritual provision directly to our souls. Thus, He has arranged His providence so that by responding to the provision of wine and oil and bread as means, we would glorify the God Who has made us in His image to enjoy Him.

Let us learn from this portion of the Psalm to reflect make us of God’s goodness to all His creatures  to stir our hearts up to praise—and especially things like wine, oil, and bread… every good provision of His providence, throughout every day, as opportunities to enjoy Him Who gave us to know Him.

What examples of the goodness and beauty of creation has the Lord especially presented you with? What good use are you making of things like wine, oil, and bread for the purpose of turning your heart to the Lord in joy and strength?

Sample prayer:  Oh YHWH, our God, You are very great! You are clothed with honor and majesty! You have made light itself, as if a garment to tell us Your greatness. You stretched out the heavens like a beautiful curtain to tell us the greatness of the One Who made this house and rules over it. Your perfect wisdom and love are on constant display in Your care for the creatures. But You have displayed that wisdom and love most of all to us. Just as You made wine to gladden the heart, be the gladness of our hearts in worship now. Just as You made oil to make our face shine, come now and be the brightness of Your people’s coutnenance. Just as You made bread to strengthen man’s heart, come now by Your Spirit, and grant that Your Son would be the true bread that strengthens our heart in this worship, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP104AB “Bless the LORD, My Soul” or TPH104B “My Soul, Bless the LORD” 

Our Fivefold Peace [Family Worship lesson in Ephesians 2:14–18]

How do we have peace with one another? Ephesians 2:14–18 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ Himself is how we have peace with one another. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional exposits Ephesians 2:14-18, identifying Jesus as the source of a comprehensive peace that operates in multiple dimensions. It outlines how Christ abolishes the ceremonial law separating Jews and Gentiles, creates a new unified humanity, and removes the enmity between sinful humans and God. The message emphasizes that this reconciliation is applied personally to the conscience through faith, granting believers direct access to the Father via the Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian fellowship establishes a profound bond among believers, transcending ethnic and national divisions. Consequently, the congregation is called to live in harmony with one another, grounded in the reality of the peace Christ has secured.

2026.07.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 2:14–18

Read Ephesians 2:14–18

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the peace between the Jews and Gentiles (v14)? What has Jesus done to them? What has He broken down? What did He do to the enmity (v15)? How? What had sealed this enmity? What has Christ done to it? What has He created in Himself? To Whom has He reconciled them (v16)? How? What did this put to death? What did He come and preach (v17)? To whom? What do we both have (v18)? Through Whom? By Whom? To Whom?

How do we have peace with one another? Ephesians 2:14–18 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ Himself is how we have peace with one another. 

He has broken down the middle wall of separation (v14). The wall, in v14, refers to an actual wall that separated the court of the Gentiles from the consecrated part of the temple. A Gentile could be killed for going beyond it. The wall physically represented the law of commandments, in ordinances, that consecrated Israel unto God and separate from the nations. But Christ has come as the Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, and where there is a new priesthood, there is a new ceremonial law (cf. Heb 7:11–12). Now, through the new way of drawing near to God that is in Jesus Christ Himself, one’s nationality does not make him an outsider or enemy. Jews and Gentiles may come equally near to God, in Christ.

He has created one new man (v15). There is one race that descended from Adam (cf. Ac 17:26). But that race had been divided into two, between Jew and Gentile. Over against this, Christ is the last Adam, the Head of a new humanity who have their unity in Him, each as much as the other.

He has reconciled us to God (v16). We needed peace, not only among ourselves, but especially with God. Jesus Christ has reconciled us—that wonderful exchange in which He gives us friendship and adoption in place of the enmity with God into which we had fallen by our sin in the first Adam. The only way for a Jew to be reconciled to God is in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. The only way for a Gentile to be reconciled to God is in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. We had made ourselves God’s enemies by our sin, and Jesus has killed that enmity for all who are in Him.

He applied that peace to our conscience (v17). Jesus came to Ephesus and preached! This is truly a wonder, for He never physically visited Ephesus. But He is the One Whom we hear through the preachers whom He sends (cf. Rom 10:14–16). He is the One Who address us from heaven (cf. Heb 12:24–26). Just as He did to the Ephesians, so He does to you, dear reader—especially in the preaching of the Word. Jesus has not just won peace with God for all who trust in Him, He brings us to trust in Him through His proclaiming that peace to us. The gospel addresses Gentiles as much as Jews, proclaiming the same peace to both. It proclaims to you peace with God, in Christ, regardless of how far from Him you might be.

He brings us into fellowship with the triune God (v18). Here is the greatest peace, the greatest unity that there can be: to have access to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. In Christ, we are brought into fellowship with the Triune God, and each of the Persons particularly (cf. Jn 17:20–23). There can be nothing so unifying as to come into this fellowship. 

When we fail to leave peacefully toward each other, we live in contradiction to some of the most important truths about Christ, and being in Him. Here is one of the greatest among the good works in which God has prepared believers to walk: to live at peace with one another.

With what believers do you have the most difficult time living at peace? How do you and they draw near to God? Of what humanity are you and they a part? How did you and they exchange enmity for adoption? How did you and they come to know peace with God? What fellowship do you and they enjoy with the triune God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for making Christ Himself to be our peace, both with You and with one another. Grant that we would live in accordance with that peace, bringing glory and honor to Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP67 “O God, Give Us Your Blessing” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage”

Viewing History in His Light [Family Worship lesson in Habakkuk 1:5–11]

How does the Lord answer Habakkuk’s concerns? Habakkuk 1:5–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must remember God Himself, when we consider His providence. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This devotional explores the theme of divine providence through Habakkuk's encounter with God regarding the rise of the Chaldeans. Pastor emphasizes that God's ways are beyond human scrutiny, requiring believers to cultivate humility rather than judgment. By examining the wickedness of the Babylonians, the text illustrates how God sovereignly uses even evil nations to accomplish His purposes for discipline and justice. The message encourages trusting in God's character and wisdom despite present hardships, pointing to the cross as the ultimate proof of His goodness. Ultimately, the devotional calls for a posture of faithful submission and confidence in God's control over all circumstances.

2026.07.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Habakkuk 1:5–11

Read Habakkuk 1:5–11

Questions from the Scripture text: With what double command does v5 begin? What will astound them? What cannot even enable them to believe? Whom is He about to raise up (v6)? What are they like, and what will they do (v6b–11)? 

How does the Lord answer Habakkuk’s concerns? Habakkuk 1:5–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must remember God Himself, when we consider His providence.  

Behold what God is doing (v5a–b). The Lord answers in the plural: look (y’all) and watch (y’all); be utterly astounded (y’all). God’s people should consider, with wonder and astonishment, what the Lord is already doing among the nations. In this case, the Lord has already punished the northern kingdom. In addition to what we know from Scripture, there is plenty food for praise and thanks in what the Lord has already done in history. 

Remember Whose work it is (v5c–d). v5c–d literally says, “a working work in your days which you would not believe if told.” Providence is God’s work, not ours. God tells us that even if He were to tell us in advance how it all fits together, we wouldn’t believe it. One reason that we are discouraged is the fleshly desire to be on the throne ourselves, or to be able to see into God’s mind, and to give our own assessment of whether things are going well. The secret things belong to God, and the revealed things are for us and our children. Duty is ours; events are God’s.

Wait for what the Lord is yet to do (v6–11). God’s interest in His people, but His domain is everywhere. He will use the most powerful resources of the whole world to sanctify Judah. In comparatively few words, He gives twenty frightful descriptions of the Babylonians. What the Lord has yet to do may include much that is frightful (cf. 2Tim 3:1–9). But in all that He does, He does it for the gathering and perfecting of His church. World history is full of people and peoples like the Babylonians, and it will continue to be. But through it all, the Lord is building His church.

Know that the Lord is just. The Lord’s assessment of Babylon is that “he transgresses, he commits offense.” Though Babylon is used by the good God to do His good work, Babylon himself is evil and does evil things. God sees this; God assesses it; and, God will repay it. His sovereign employment of the wicked does not excuse them for their wickedness. 

What has God done in history that astounds you with His wisdom, power, and goodness? How are you humbling yourself before the fact that He is sovereignly at work in the world? What can you know about what God will do next? What wicked people and actions trouble you? What is God doing through them? What will God do about them?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for reminding us that the secret things belong to You. We are so glad that they do, and we are content to entrust all unto You. Grant unto us to behold Your work with wonder and praise. We look forward to what You will do, and cry out for Your justice upon the wicked. Thank You for punishing our sin at the cross. Give us to receive all of Your providence as coming in the same love that gave us Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

The Heart Is the Problem [Family Worship lesson in Mark 8:11–21]

How much evidence is enough to resolve unbelief? Mark 8:11–21 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that unbelief is not resolved by more evidence, but by eliminating the unbelief itself. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional examines Mark 8:11-21 to find that the root of spiritual blindness is a hardened heart rather than a lack of evidence. The Pharisees' demand for signs results in Jesus's warning against the leaven of unbelief and skepticism. Pastor emphasizes that believers also struggle with doubt, when they judge by external circumstances instead of God's Word, character, and work. True faith requires the Holy Spirit to soften the heart and enable perception. Ultimately, living by faith depends on continual reliance on God's grace to overcome remaining sin.

2026.07.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 8:11–21

Read Mark 8:11–21

Questions from the Scripture text: What are the Pharisees seeking from Jesus as they dispute with Him and test Him (Mark 8:11)? How does Jesus respond even before He talks (Mark 8:12a)? What does He say after He sighs like this (verse 12b)? Where does He go now? What had the disciples forgotten (Mark 8:14)? How many loaves did they have with them? If five loaves fed five thousand families, how many could Jesus feed with one loaf? What does Jesus warn them to watch out for in Mark 8:15? Why do the disciples think He said this (Mark 8:16)? What does this show Jesus about their understanding and their hearts (Mark 8:17-18)? What questions does He ask them, and how do they answer, in Mark 8:19-20? What question does He leave them with in Mark 8:21?

How much evidence is enough to resolve unbelief? Mark 8:11–21 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that unbelief is not resolved by more evidence, but by eliminating the unbelief itself. 

In this passage, everyone is disappointing Jesus.

First, the Pharisees exasperate Him (Mark 8:12) by asking for a sign (Mark 8:11). When someone says, “I don’t believe you; prove it,” the problem isn’t necessarily that there hasn’t been enough evidence. Jesus had shown plenty signs. The problem was in the Pharisees themselves. This is why Jesus calls this “an evil and adulterous generation” (cf. Matthew 12:39). 

We want to distance ourselves from the Pharisees, and say, “See! They hated Him so much that they still refused to believe in Him!” 

But, if we pay careful attention to Jesus’s response, we see that this is a problem with a much wider group than the Pharisees. 

Jesus says that this problem was one that belonged to their generation as a whole (Mark 8:12)! And the warning in Mark 8:15 is not just about the Pharisees; it’s about Herod as well.

Don’t we, sometimes, respond in unbelieving ways, when our experiences and emotions don’t line up with what we had expected from the Lord? Isn’t this a sort of “asking for a sign” from Him? We, too, must beware of evil unbelief in our hearts. We, too, must beware of picking this up from the leaders of the world, and perhaps even some leaders in the churches.

That brings us to Jesus’s disappointment with the disciples. A parallel passage tells us at the end that they later understood that He was warning them about the teaching of Pharisees (cf. Matthew 16:12). The Holy Spirit has Mark leave that part out so that their lack of understanding will be front and center.

It’s kind of humiliating actually: “Do you mean you guys still can’t count to 12 (Mark 8:19) or count to 7 (Mark 8:20)?” “Do you mean that you guys can’t remember all the way back to like… yesterday?” Obviously, they could. Jesus says that the problem with their perception and understanding is a hard heart (Mark 8:17).

But that’s just the point. No sign is necessary for the Pharisees or for the disciples or for Herod, because Jesus has given more than ample demonstration of Himself!

And this is true not only in Scripture but even in your own life, isn’t it dear Christian? 

How can you not count, and recognize, and remember how He continually spares you from the consequences of your sin? How He continually treats you, according to His own love, based upon what His own righteousness deserves? How is it that we do not understand? God graciously give us believing hearts!

What “signs” do you tend to seek from Jesus? In what ways is your heart hard and unbelieving?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our hard hearts that still have so much unbelief in them. This hardness is the reason that we don’t perceive and understand. Forgive us for when we doubt about You, because You do not seem to meet our expectations. We see how backward this is. It is we who should be meeting Your expectations. Forgive us, cleanse us, and help us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23B “The LORD’s My Shepherd” or TPH273 “Break, Thou, the Bread of Life”

2026.07.22 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

The True King [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 14]

What does God do for His people and His anointed? 1Chronicles 14 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God blesses His people, through His blessed anointed one. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional notes how 1Chronicles contrasts King David's faithfulness with Saul's unfaithfulness. It emphasizes that while David sinned by multiplying wives, God's mercy and the exaltation of his kingdom point toward the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The text serves to encourage believers to persevere in loyalty to the Davidic line, recognizing Jesus as the sinless King who intercedes for His people. This theological perspective moves us to live with greater courage and joy under God's sovereign purpose.

2026.07.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 14

Read 1 Chronicles 14

Questions from the Scripture text: Who sent whom to whom (1 Chronicles 14:1)? With what gifts, for what purpose? Whom did David know to have done this (1 Chronicles 14:2)? What conclusion did he draw from this? But then what did David do (1 Chronicles 14:3)? Yet with what result? Which children to 1 Chronicles 14:4-7 list? How do the Philistines respond to the news of David being anointed king over all of the tribes (1 Chronicles 14:8)? And how does David respond to that? Then what do the Philistines do (1 Chronicles 14:9)? To whom does David address his response (1 Chronicles 14:10)? What does he ask? What does YHWH answer? Where do the Philistines go (1 Chronicles 14:11)? What happens there? How did it get its name? To Whom does David give the credit for this? What do the Philistines leave behind (1 Chronicles 14:12)? And what does David command to be done with them? What do the Philistines do in 1 Chronicles 14:13? What does David do again (1 Chronicles 14:14)? How is God’s response different than before (1 Chronicles 14:14-15)? What did David do (1 Chronicles 14:16)? With what immediate result? And what further result (1 Chronicles 14:17)?

What does God do for His people and His anointed? 1 Chronicles 14 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God blesses His people, through His blessed anointed one.  

The point of the passage is pretty clear. “His kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel” (1 Chronicles 14:2). “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand” (1 Chronicles 14:10). “God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water” (1 Chronicles 14:11). “God has gone out before you” (1 Chronicles 14:15). “YHHW brought the fear of him upon all nations” (1 Chronicles 14:17). 

There is much here that distinguishes David from Saul. He is obviously YHWH’s choice. He inquires of God Himself (1 Chronicles 14:10, cf. 1 Chronicles 10:14). He is diligent in the destruction of all that is against God (1 Chronicles 14:12, cf. 1 Samuel 15:8–14). And the Lord builds his house (1 Chronicles 14:1) and expands his household (1 Chronicles 14:4-7), whereas He had destroyed both Saul and Saul’s household, in judgment (cf. 1 Chronicles 10:6). 

Even now, after the exile, the Chronicler is pressing the point that God has chosen David’s royal line. But it is not all positive. Although the Lord mercifully strengthens David in the multiplication of his children, David sins grievously in the multiplication of his wives. This violates Genesis 2:21–24, which Jesus authoritatively interprets in Matthew 19:4–6. And, more specifically for a king, it violates Deuteronomy 17:17. 

David’s line is the chosen line, so the people are to find their blessing in their loyalty to him and his line. David’s line is the chosen line, but God’s people are looking for a King Who is even better than David. 

We have great David’s greater Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for our King. He commits no sin. All of the blessing of God upon David was for His sake, and now that blessing falls upon Him and His people. He is building His church, and the gates of Hell cannot prevail against it. He is God’s chosen, and all of our loyalty and hope belong with Him. 

How does your allegiance to Christ as your King appear in your life? How does your sure hope in Christ for blessedness appear in your life?

Sample prayer: Lord, just as You established the kingdom of David, how much more sure is the greatness and success of the kingdom of Jesus! Forgive us for when we serve Him without hope or confidence and joy. Forgive us for when we fail to serve Him at all. And, often, as with David and the many wives through which You strengthened Him with many children, You have blessed us despite our own sin and folly. Forgive us for that sin and folly, and forgive us for downplaying its sinfulness on account of Your mercy to us. For the sake of King Jesus, forgive us and strengthen us against all of our sin, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside” or TPH406 “Jesus, with Thy Church Abide”

Hopelessness of Legalism [Family Worship lesson in Job 11]

What hope can a sinner have before God? Job 11 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, though sinners may be tempted to find hope through their repenting, the only true hope that they can have is in God’s mercy. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional analyzes Zophar's speech in Job 11 to illustrate the danger of relying on theological knowledge without humility or self-awareness. Although Zophar speaks truths about God's sovereignty, his pride and misrepresentation of Job's condition reveal a lack of true understanding. Job contrasts this with the gospel, emphasizing that human righteousness is insufficient for standing before God. Instead, justification comes solely through faith in Christ, not through self-improved behavior or repentance efforts. The message calls believers to cling to Christ alone and seek humility from the Holy Spirit.

2026.07.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Job 11

Read Job 11

Questions from the Scripture text: Who now answers (Job 11:1)? How does he describe him in Job 11:2? What does he say about Job’s speech in Job 11:3a? And in verse 3b? What is he excusing himself for doing? What does he claim has been Job’s primary message (Job 11:4)? What does he claim to wish (though contradicted by his own behavior) in Job 11:5? What true, but utterly obvious, yet nonetheless cruel, point does he make in Job 11:6? What is his main theme in comparing Job’s knowledge to God’s (Job 11:7-9)? What does he suggest Job is trying to do by his own wisdom (Job 11:10-12)? What does he suggest Job could do (Job 11:13-14) to achieve what outcome (Job 11:15-19)? What does he conclude must surely be the case with Job thus far (Job 11:20)? 

What hope can a sinner have before God? Job 11 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, though sinners may be tempted to find hope through their repenting, the only true hope that they can have is in God’s mercy. 

Zophar now accuses Job of speaking too much (Job 11:2) and too foolishly (Job 11:3). But he hasn’t heard Job rightly at all. Zophar also accuses Job of claiming to know it all and do everything rightly (Job 11:4). But Job has actually openly confessed that his highest knowledge is infinitely below God’s (cf. Job 9:3–4, Job 10:4), and that his comparative righteousness cannot stand the scrutiny of God’s perfect justice (cf. Job 9:2, Job 9:15, Job 9:20). So, when Zophar waxes eloquent about God’s wisdom (Job 11:7-9) and God’s justice (Job 11:10-11), he is not saying more than Job has already said.

Zophar doesn’t seem to see that in excusing himself for answering for Him, Zophar accuses his version of God of failing to answer Job well enough (Job 11:5-6). In fact, God has spoken. He has spoken of the Mediator and mercy in which Job is attempting to hope, so that he might receive the opposite of what he ultimately deserves. But Zophar is either ignorant of that speech, or ignoring it. The end of Job 11:6 would be a cruel zinger “God is actually forgetting some of your iniquity!” But Job knows exactly what he actually deserves and has expressed it. 

Where Zophar’s ideas and Job’s ideas diverge is in Zophar’s proposed solution. Like Bildad and Eliphaz, he thinks that if Job would just do better (Job 11:13-14), then everything would get better (Job 11:15-19). But this contradicts what he himself has said about man’s wisdom and righteousness. Job, much more wisely, has already ruled this out as a solution, because a man can never achieve the righteousness and justice of God (cf. Job 9:1–2). He can never repent himself out of the category of those in Job 11:20, who have no hope. 

Job’s friends do not speak the truth about God (cf. Job 42:7). They do not assure Job of the reality of the Mediator, His atonement, His intercession, and God’s mercy in Him. But this is the only hope that sinners may have. If we are to be genuine comforters, whether of ourselves or others, it is the hope that we must offer.

What difficult situations are you in? What difficult situations are people you know in? In these situations, what does it look like to offer hope by doing better? And what does it look like to offer hope in God’s Mediator and God’s mercy?

Sample prayer:  O Lord, we are unable to search out the deep things of God or to find out the limits of the Almighty. Indeed, they are higher than the heavens, and deeper than the grave, longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. We could never prepare our hearts well enough for You, or stretch out our hands with no iniquity. So, we come to You not by the worthiness of what we do, but by the worthiness of Christ, and what He has done. Through Jesus, we come to You with our faces lifted up—secure in the hope of the Mediator Whom You have provided. Receive us in Him, and give us help from Him by His Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP80 “Hear, O Hear, Us” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

2026.07.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 26:17–19

Read Proverbs 26:17–19

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the man in Proverbs 26:17a doing? What is he like (verse 17b)? What does the man in Proverbs 26:19 do? What is he like (Proverbs 26:18)?

What harm is there in a little mischief? Proverbs 26:17–19 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that mischievous people harm themselves and others.

Having warned his son about the fool and the sluggard, Solomon closes out the warnings with a trio of people to warn about: the troublemaker, the slanderer, and the hater. Here with the troublemaker, as with the slanderer and the hater, we find that he harms both himself and others.

The busybody of Proverbs 26:17 thinks that he fixes others, but he ends up hurting himself. There will be many disputes or contentions that you observe, that really don’t belong to you. The first sort of troublemaker that Solomon identifies is the confrontational and outspoken busybody who inserts himself into such disputes. The word translated “meddles” actually means to be furious… even before either of the disputing parties “bites back” like a dog, the meddler has already harmed himself by entering into the discomfort of fury for no reason.

Of a similar spirit is the jokester of Proverbs 26:18-19. He makes himself the center of attention by stirring the pot with some sort of deception. He claims, literally, to have been “making merry,” teaching others to lighten up. He is like a madman, because he cannot discern right from wrong. 

But he is worse than the madman, because he launches his deadly weapons with more intent than the ignorant madman would. While others can clearly see what is (or isn’t) appropriate, the man in Proverbs 26:19 has a self-blinding agenda that disregards the propriety that sane people understand. Thus, he does much harm to all around him, even in the midst of contending that it’s no big deal.

Dear reader, let us watch against being the sort of person who takes it upon ourselves to fix others’ disputes, or teach them to lighten up. Let us serve others, instead, in those ways that we have been commanded, and in those offices and roles to which we have been legitimately called. 

What are some people’s disputes, in which you are tempted or prone to meddle, that really aren’t yours to solve? Whom might you be tempted to “lighten up” with some mischief or joking? How do these warnings help you restrain yourself? Whom do you know, that these verses aptly describe? How will you steer clear of them?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for warning us against both meddling and mischief. Make us of a humble and gentle spirit, so that we would not insert ourselves into others’ affairs in the ways that You warn about here. Forgive us our sins, and keep them from bringing much harm upon either ourselves or others. Instead, deal with us according to what Christ deserves, and make us to be more and more like He is, we ask in His Name, AMEN! 

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

2026.07.19 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.

Foundation for Holy Living [Family Worship lesson in Ephesians 2:11–13]

What has Christ’s reconciliation done? Ephesians 2:11–13 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s reconciliation has brought us near to a holy God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional expounds on Ephesians 2 to establish a triple foundation for believers to walk in good works. It highlights that Christians are created anew for this purpose, incorporated into the commonwealth of Christ, and bound to God through the new covenant. The text contrasts the former state of Gentiles as aliens from these promises with their current status as brought near by Jesus's blood. This theological framework provides hope and obligation, motivating believers to live out the good works prepared by God. Pastor concludes with a call to remember these truths as a help to walking faithfully.

2026.07.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 2:11–13

Read Ephesians 2:11–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the initial/primary command at the beginning of v11? What does the apostle say that they were in the flesh (v11)? What are they called? In what and how were “the Circumcision” circumcised? When they were Gentiles in the flesh, Whom were they without (v12)? From what had they been aliens? What had been their relationship to the covenants of promise? What did they not have? What were they without in the world? What are they now in (v13, as opposed to when they were in the flesh in v11)? What has happened to them, in contrast to their being far off? By what had they been brought near?

What has Christ’s reconciliation done? Ephesians 2:11–13 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s reconciliation has brought us near to a holy God.

The apostle begins “Therefore, remember.” Since we have been created to walk in good works, there is something that we are supposed to keep in mind. Hopefulness in Christ obligates us to holiness in Christ. Christians have been brought into a citizenship with responsibilities: “Be holy, for I am holy.”

The Israelites knew this; the Lord had constituted them into a commonwealth (v12, the word means “a people held together by a common citizenship”), brought near not only to one another but especially to God in the covenants of promise.

Including the preceding verse, we are given three foundations of believers’ duty to holy living: creation (v10), commonwealth (v12a), covenants (v11, 12b). We are a people created for these good works. We are a commonwealth of people who have been separated from the rest of the world to be holy together. And we are a people who have been joined unto God by covenant, and must live as those who are bound unto Him and His holiness.

But despite this great obligation to live a life that is set apart unto God, according to the law of God, and for the glory of God, our passage will not allow us to think that we live this way in order to show our worthiness or earn anything from the Lord.

For, vv10–12a are bookended by grace. It was by grace that we were saved through faith that God gave us (v8­–9), and it was the blood of Christ (v13) that has brought us into this position of holiness from a place of alienation from God and hopelessness (v12b).

Praise be to our God of grace! And how shall we thank Him? By this life of holiness for which He has created us new in Christ Jesus, and brought us into the commonwealth of His people, and covenanted us to Himself by His promises!

What do you spend most of your time doing? What does holiness look like in that?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for bringing us near to Yourself through the blood of Christ. By His grace, grant unto us to live in a way that shows that we are Your new creatures, citizens of Your commonwealth, who are bound to You by covenant. Make us to live as those who are holy, since You are holy, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace!”

2026.07.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Habakkuk 1:1–4

Read Habakkuk 1:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the prophecy called in v1? Who saw it? What was his office? What question does he ask in v2a? What has he been doing? Whom is he addressing? What is He not doing (v2b)? What, specifically, has Habakkuk cried (v2c)? What, specifically, does YHWH not seem to have done (v2d)? What six things does he say that YHWH has been making him to see (v3)? What conclusion has he drawn about the law (v4a)? And about justice (v4b)? Why—what do the wicked do (v4c)? With what effect (v4d)?

What should a believer do, when his experience of God’s providence is too heavy for him? Habakkuk 1:1–4 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 cry out to God Himself.  

How long? Why? These are questions that believers who experience life in this world end up asking. There are many things that we encounter that seem inconsistent with what we know of God’s character and Word. What Job personally experienced, in an extreme instance of this, Habakkuk is experiencing with respect to the people of God as a whole.

God Himself has asked the question “How long?” even though He obviously knows the answer. “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?” (Ex 16:28). “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?” (Num 14:11). There, the Lord confronts Moses with the peoples’ sins that are incompatible with God’s Word and character.

This is why Habakkuk’s prophecy is called a “burden” (v1), literally “a weight.” In the midst of God’s plan of redemption, weighty experience casts us upon the Lord. The theme of Habakkuk, through the dialog with God in chapter one, the woes of chapter two, and the psalm of chapter three, is learning to persevere in trusting and enjoying God, even in the absence of all situational comfort and encouragement.

Habakkuk isn’t doubting God like many skeptics who ask these questions, nor is he doubting his own assurance. In his inability to reconcile what he experiences, with the surer knowledge of the character and word of God, Habakkuk cries out to God Himself.

It is God Himself that he needs. It is God Himself that we need. The people of Judah have the Word of God, the law, but it is stunned/paralyzed (v4a). It is the same word as what happened to Jacob’s heart in Gen 45:26. The people of Judah have God-given authorities, but the judgments are ineffective (v4b).

One thing that life in this world certainly teaches us is that we must have God Himself acting, not merely the other good provisions that He gives us. Even with those things, the transition from Josiah to Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim, find Judah filled with the three pairs of evils in v3: iniquity and toil, plundering and violence, and strife and contention.

Habakkuk cries out in the singular, but the Lord will answer in the plural (“Look,” in v5, is plural). He will teach His people as a whole the humility and faith, by which He brings us through to joy. As God answers Habakkuk’s questions, Habakkuk will become more perplexed, before he finds his footing in the character of God Himself. From this passage, we learn to cry out to the Lord Himself, when our experience of His providence is too heavy for us.

What circumstances in your life are too heavy for you? What, in the condition of the nation or the church, is too heavy for you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how long will we cry out, and it does not seem as if You are doing anything? But we know that You are working, and that Your work is good. Give us to humble our understanding before You and persist in crying to You, trusting You, and even rejoicing in You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP80 “Hear, O Hear Us” or TPH131B “Not Haughty Is My Heart”

Almighty Savior for All People [Family Worship lesson in Mark 7:24–8:10]

Whom does Jesus save? Mark 7:25–8:10 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is an abundant Savior for a multitude from all the nations. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional explores Jesus's ministry in Gentile territories to demonstrate that He is the Savior for all nations, not just Israel. Through the accounts of the Syrophoenician woman and the healing of the deaf man, the text highlights how Christ fulfills Old Testament prophecies by extending grace and power beyond Jewish boundaries. The feeding of the four thousand further illustrates His abundant provision and the profound spiritual hunger that He gives even Gentile sinners. These events collectively affirm that Jesus does all things well, fulfilling every promise regarding His role as Mediator and Redeemer. Believers are encouraged to trust in His complete sufficiency and prioritize nearness to Him above physical comfort.

2026.07.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 7:24–8:10

Read Mark 7:24–8:10

Questions from the Scripture text: Into what region did Jesus go in Mark 7:24? What couldn’t He do? Why not—who found Him (Mark 7:25)? What ethnicity was the woman (Mark 7:26)? What did Jesus imply about her in Mark 7:27? Did she deny it in Mark 7:28? How did she respond? What does Jesus say is a result of her response in Mark 7:29? What did the woman find when she went home (Mark 7:30)? To what region does Jesus then go in Mark 7:31? Interestingly, in this Gentile region, what does He say in Aramaic in Mark 7:34? In addition to regaining his hearing, what other miracle does the man in Mark 7:35 experience? What does He command them in Mark 7:36 (something He usually commands in Jewish territory)? What do people say about Him in Mark 7:37 (that demonstrates that though Gentiles, they had Messianic expectations)? What size multitude had Jesus gathered now, even in this Gentile territory (Mark 8:1)? What did Jesus have on the multitude in Mark 8:2? How long had they stayed with Him, even without food? Why would some of them have passed out on the way home, if He sent them away to eat (Mark 8:3)? Why didn’t the disciples think they had any other options (Mark 8:4)? How many loaves did they have (Mark 8:5)? What did Jesus command the multitude to do in Mark 8:6? What two things does Jesus do with the loaves before giving them to the disciples? What else did they have (Mark 8:7)? How much did these people who hadn’t eaten for three days eat (Mark 8:8)? How many, of what size baskets of leftovers, did they take up? How many had eaten? To what (Jewish) region did Jesus now go (Mark 8:10)?

Whom does Jesus save? Mark 7:25–8:10 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is an abundant Savior for a multitude from all the nations. 

Jesus goes into Gentile territory and shows that He is making for Himself children from among the Gentiles too.

First, we find Him in Tyre and Sidon (Mark 7:24), coastal trade-port cities with terrible reputations for wickedness. In fact, these cities often find themselves targets of condemnation in the Minor Prophets, and even appear in Jesus’ pronouncements against the Jewish cities on Galilee.

There, a woman somehow finds out that He is there and comes to ask Him to save her daughter from the control of a demon (Mark 7:25-26). The woman is a Gentile, and Jesus basically says, “Don’t you know that I’m a Jewish Messiah Who came to a Jewish nation?” (Mark 7:27). In fact, His word picture for her and her daughter is “dogs” as opposed to “children.” However, this woman’s love for her daughter, and faith in Christ, foster a humility that doesn’t take offense at this but rather insists that Christ has more than enough grace for all—even unclean Gentiles (Mark 7:28). Jesus recognizes this and tells her that her daughter has been healed (Mark 7:29-30).

Jesus moves on to the Decapolis (Mark 7:31)—a region populated by Gentiles and Samaritans, but we find in Mark 7:37 especially that there are many here expecting the Christ. He was prophesied to make the deaf to hear and the mute to speak (cf. Isaiah 35:5–6), and here Jesus does both in one case (Mark 7:32-35). Those who are expecting Isaiah’s Messiah say, “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:37). 

And He has, dear Christian. He has fulfilled every prophecy and completed every task of the Messiah. He is a victorious and complete Savior. You may cling to Him with absolute confidence!

The final episode may be the strongest statement that Christ is every bit as much a Messiah for the Gentiles as for the Jews. The Jews had recognized whom He was claiming to be, when He fed a multitude in the wilderness. Now, there is a multitude who are willing to stay with Him without food for three days (Mark 8:2, their willingness a small miracle in itself), but this multitude is Gentile. What does He do? Reproduce the wilderness feeding, still with seven large baskets left over (Mark 8:8). Jesus is a more-than-abundant Savior for the whole world!!

Have you ever wondered if Jesus is a Savior for you? What’s it look like for you to cling to Him, even if you’re not “in”? What does it look like to cling to Him, even when difficult or inconvenient? How much is He able to save you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for reminding us that Jesus is saving people who are not yet part of His church. Thank You for reminding us that He is an abundant Savior for as many as come to Him. Forgive us for when we are reluctant or hesitant to come to Him. Make us like those four thousand Gentiles, Who stayed with Him three days, even though they had no food. Make us hunger and thirst for Him, more than for bread or any other earthly good, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23B “The LORD’s My Shepherd” or TPH273 “Break, Thou, the Bread of Life”