True Unity with the True Church [2024.05.18 Pastoral Letter and Hopewell Herald]

Hopewell Herald – May 18, 2024

Dear Congregation,

Due to the weakness of our faith, we overvalue what we can see. So, we are helped by God’s designed (commanded!) simplicity for worship under the administration of Christ (New Testament worship). In the administration under Christ, we have Him Himself incarnate, Him Himself dead and risen, Him Himself ascended and seated. Thus, the age of earthly and outward divinely-ordained worship helps has given way to the age of heavenly and spiritual worship. Our Great High Priest, Himself, is physically in glory!

How important, then, is desire for Jesus Christ, delight in Jesus Christ, dependence upon Jesus Christ, and devotion to Jesus Christ! Each of these fruits of faith draws the thoughts, affections, and will to Him. By faith, we perceive Him. By faith, we prioritize Him. By faith, we are joined to Him. By faith, we are not merely led by Him, but even worship with Him. By faith, it is He Who worships even through us who are on earth.

In this, we have a great and glorious unity with the perfected souls of the righteous who worship there, in glory, with Him. Their bodies rest in the grave, but their souls have passed through heavens, where our faith also brings us by virtue of our union with Christ. And this great and true unity protects us from doing that which is false in order to have more uniformity with other congregations of the visible church on earth.

However many are the congregations of the visible church that may be doing something that is not commanded by Christ, it is no expression of biblical unity to join them in it. For, if we add to what Scripture has instituted, we depart from that in which Christ Himself is leading us from glory, and we depart from the fellowship of the angels and of the souls of the just made perfect. Such is not Christian unity, however theologically-themed, spiritual affection-inducing, or well-intended. For, however much a manmade addition might add uniformity to the churches on earth, it does so at the prohibitive cost of fracturing their unity with the church in glory.

Happily, the converse is also true. When we worship only in the way that Christ has commanded, and embrace simplicity on earth, addressing the senses only with that which Christ has instituted to address our senses, we are led by Him from glory. In such worship, we join the angels. In such worship, we are one with the souls of the just made perfect. In such worship, we draw near, in living and real truth, to God our Father. In such worship, we come through Christ our Mediator, Whose physical flesh and blood are truly in glory, speaking more excellent things, more excellently, than the blood of Abel. Does true, simple, biblical worship splinter us off from a large majority of the visible church? In seasons of spiritual and theological famine, it will do so more. In seasons of revival and reformation, it will do so less. But, always, some loss of uniformity with the churches on earth is a small price to pay for unity with the church in glory.

Again, the key is Christ Himself. Desire for Christ. Delight in Christ. Dependence upon Christ. Devotion to Christ. An increasing measure of each of these makes His simple, spiritual worship more perceptible and palatable. But He has designed for us a virtuous cycle here. For, He uses this very worship to increase our faith. He uses this very worship to increase our desire for Him. He uses this very worship to increase our delight in Him. He uses this very worship to increase our depending upon Him. He uses this very worship to increase our devotion to Him.

If we are in a low spiritual condition, where our faith perceives so little of Him that simple, biblical worship leaves us cold and dead—so that we think we would benefit from what man has added to His worship, or that we would prefer what joins us to other churches on earth rather than what has been instituted by Christ Himself—the remedy is near to hand. The remedy is Him Himself, by His gracious working, using His prescribed means, in His prescribed worship!

May the Spirit stir up our faith in the Son, preparing us for that worship by which He increases our faith in the Son!

Looking forward to His ministry among us in the worship of God,

Pastor

The Dependence and Devotion of True Disciples [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 8:18–22]

What can get in the way of true discipleship? Matthew 8:18–22 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that pride and half-heartedness are two obstacles to true discipleship.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 8:18–22

Read Matthew 8:18–22

Questions from the Scripture text: What did Jesus see in Matthew 8:18a? What command did He give (verse 18b)? Who came to Him in Matthew 8:19? What did he call Him? What did he say that he would do? What two things does Jesus mention to him first (Matthew 8:20)? What does Jesus call Himself? How does He compare to the foxes and birds? Who addresses Him in Matthew 8:21? What does he say that he will do, and when? What does Jesus tell him to do instead (Matthew 8:22)? Whom does He say to leave to bury their own? 

What can get in the way of true discipleship? Matthew 8:18–22 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that pride and half-heartedness are two obstacles to true discipleship.

Matthew reminds us again of the point about the many and the few by pointing out to us Jesus’s response to the multitudes around Him (Matthew 8:18a). He does not lean into their enthusiasm, but rather increases the difficulty of following Him by commanding to depart to the other side of the lake. So rather than jumping to judgment of this scribe and this other follower/disciple, we should remember that they have put some effort into staying with Jesus. Thus, the Spirit encourages us to identify with these followers and take to heart our own susceptibility to the same spiritual dangers: pride and half-heartedness.

Pride, Matthew 8:19-20. The first disciple here is “a certain scribe.” To his credit, he has not been repulsed by all that Jesus has had to say about the scribes and the Pharisees. But, he speaks with the hubris of Peter (and all the disciples! Matthew 26:35), when he says, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go” (Matthew 8:19b). The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. So, let us be measured in the weight to which we give our intentions and sincerity. Rather, let us watch and pray so that we might not enter into temptation (cf. Matthew 26:41). And even more than that, let us take our hope and encouragement from Jesus’s own praying for us and sustaining us (cf. Luke 22:32). 

Here, the lesson is to count the cost. Jesus’s answer (Matthew 8:20) implies that the scribe has no idea what he’s getting himself into, and that the cost is beyond what he would be willing to lay out. A recent list of membership vows from a South Asian congregation supposedly asks, in a series of questions, whether the new member is willing to leave his home, lose the blessing of his father, lose his job, forgive and evangelize those who persecute him, give what little he has, and maintain his faith even if he is beaten, imprisoned, or even killed. 

I do not know the authenticity of the questionnaire, but I do know of the reality that it represents and that Jesus teaches us to humbly consider that we must lose everything in order to gain Him. Even that which is not providentially taken will not continue to be ours in the same way as before. Our very life will not continue to be ours! So, let us not hastily presume that our intentions or sincerity could ever keep us in the way of discipleship.

Half-heartedness, Matthew 8:21-22. Now, another disciple who has noticed the degree of following-difficulty increased, wishes to be excused from following Jesus (Matthew 8:21). Jesus, Who went to Bethany for the death of His friend Lazarus, is not here suggesting that only the spiritually dead bury those close to them—let alone one’s father! Rather, He indicates that the one who thinks that following Him is something that can be turned on and turned off is still spiritually dead. A Christian must not have shifting priorities, where sometimes he is following Christ, and other times taking care of other business. Whether at a parent’s funeral, carrying out a civic duty, at his place of employment, or the dinner table, he must do all as a disciple, doing all for the sake of Christ and following Him. If we approach our lives otherwise, we live like those who are spiritually dead!

What difficulty have you faced on account of following Christ? What difficulties may you likely face in this life? What difficulties have other Christians faced? What are you willing to face? How would you be able to do so? In what part of life are you tempted to be forgetful of following Christ or even treat it as “taking time off” from being a Christian?

Sample prayer:  Lord, pray for us and help us, so that we would follow You even if it cost us prison and death. And, grant that we would do all things in Your Name and for Your sake, we ask in that Name, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP26 “Lord, Vindicate Me” or TPH533 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord!”

Partaking in Christ’s Pleasure by Welcoming One Another [Midweek Sermon in Romans 15:1–7]

Christians must delight most of all in God and His glory, leading them to prefer their brothers to themselves, just as Christ did.

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

God Gives Order, Leadership, Expertise, but Most of All, Himself! [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 10:11–36]

What does the Lord provide His church for her task in this world? Numbers 10:11–36 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, among other things, the Lord provides His church with order and leadership, expertise, and His own power and presence.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 10:11–36

Read Numbers 10:11–36

Questions from the Scripture text: On what day was the cloud taken up (Numbers 10:11)? From where did the children of Israel go (Numbers 10:12)? To where? What was unique about this specific journey (Numbers 10:13)? Who led the first camp (Numbers 10:14)? Under whom? Who went with them  (Numbers 10:15)? Under whom? Who else went with them (Numbers 10:16)? Under whom? What was taken down next (Numbers 10:17)? Who set out with it? Who led the next camp (Numbers 10:18)? Under whom? Who went with them (Numbers 10:19)? Under whom? Who else went with them (Numbers 10:20)? Under whom? Then who went, carrying what (Numbers 10:21)? Why were they behind the actual tabernacle? Who led the third camp (Numbers 10:22)? Under whom? Who went with them (Numbers 10:23)? Under whom? Who else went with them (Numbers 10:24)? Under whom? Who led the last camp (Numbers 10:25)? Under whom? Who went with them (Numbers 10:26)? Under whom? Who else went with them (Numbers 10:27)? Under whom? How does Numbers 10:28 summarize the section thus far (cf. ch2)? Whom did Moses invite to go with them (Numbers 10:29)? What did he promise, on what basis? How did Hobab answer in Numbers 10:30? But what new request did Moses make in Numbers 10:31? And what did he promises him in return (Numbers 10:32)? How long did they journey (Numbers 10:33)? Who (what?) is said to have done the searching for a resting place? What was leading them (Numbers 10:34)? What would set out (Numbers 10:35a)? And what would Moses pray that YHWH would do (verse 35b)? To accomplish what (verse 35c–d)? And what would rest (Numbers 10:36a)? And what would Moses pray that YHWH would do (verse 36b)? Unto whom (verse 36c)?

What does the Lord provide His church for her task in this world? Numbers 10:11–36 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, among other things, the Lord provides His church with order and leadership, expertise, and His own power and presence.

According to Numbers 10:11-13, this passage is covering the first three-days’ worth of journeying (cf. Numbers 10:33) from the Wilderness of Sinai to the Wilderness of Paran. By the time we get to Paran (Numbers 12:16), we will be shocked by how long Israel’s wickedness could make a three-days’ journey actually take!

But in this passage, there is no hint of this trouble. The focus is upon the Lord’s provision to His people.

The Lord had provided order and leadership, Numbers 10:11-28. The order matches up with what was commanded in chapter 2. Now, we learn the added details of the Gershonite and Merarite position (Numbers 10:17), carrying the tabernacle structure on wagons (cf. Numbers 4:21–32, Numbers 7:7–8), and the Kohathite position (Numbers 10:21a), carrying the holy things on poles (cf. Numbers 4:1–20, Numbers 7:9). This was wisely timed so that the structure could be set up beforehand, to receive the holy things. The wisdom of the entire order is emphasized with the naming of the camp standards and the leader of each tribe/army.

The Lord provided expertise, Numbers 10:29-32. YHWH Himself is leading His people where to go, and now He adds a local expert in wilderness-living. Moses himself is a bit of an expert, and the Lord adds his brother-in-law to help. Moses tries to convince Hobab (Numbers 10:29) to come. This is a difficult thing to do, since Hobab has land and people already (Numbers 10:30). But, twice, Moses urges him that YHWH is doing good to Israel, and that there will be an abundance of good for him to share in (end of Numbers 10:29; Numbers 10:32b). The text seems to assume that verse 32 has settled the matter, and indeed we find Hobab still with them in the land (cf. Judges 4:11). The Lord Himself, Who leads us, continues to send and use human servants whom He equips for usefulness to His people.

The Lord provided His power and presence, Numbers 10:33-36. The ark itself may have been physically out in front (Numbers 10:33). Or, it may be that verse 33 is a way of saying that the cloud’s resting place determined the location of the ark, and thus the location of the entire camp by relation to it. Either way, the point is that YHWH Himself was leading them (Numbers 10:34). Indeed, when the ark itself moved, Moses prayed to YHWH Himself to arise and scatter His enemies (Numbers 10:35, cf. Psalm 68:1–2, Psalm 68:7). And, when the ark itself rested, Moses prayed to YHWH Himself to return to the multitudes of His people (Numbers 10:36, cf. Psalm 68:3–6). It is not as if YHWH can “move.” But these visual tokens that He had given His people reminded them that He Himself would assure them success, and that He Himself is the One Who is with them. We, too, continue to need that assurance, but we have something better than the ark. We have our Kinsman Redeemer, sitting on the throne of glory, having His enemies being made a footstool for His feet. The fact that we do not have all of these externals now, and that the only sacraments and holy days are the ones that Jesus has instituted, announces to us that our Prophet, Priest, and King has passed through the heavens for us and brought us into the true Holy of Holies by union with Him!

What sort of order and leadership has the Lord provided His church generally? What has He provided your congregation, specifically? What sort of expertise has He provided those who lead His church? How does He communicate to us His own power and presence in the church?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for so wisely, carefully, and powerfully providing for Your church. Forgive us our sins, and grant unto us that we would not complain or doubt, but trust You and do our part cheerfuly, through Christ—in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH68A “God Shall Arise, and by His Might” 

The Hallmark of True Christianity [Family Worship lesson in 1John 3:24–4:6]

How can we test for true Christianity? 1John 3:24–4:6 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we may test for true Christianity by righteousness and love, by the doctrine of a true incarnation of Christ, and by adherence to the teaching of the apostles.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.05.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 John 3:24–4:6

Read 1 John 3:24–4:6

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the person in 1 John 3:24 keeping? In Whom does he abide? Who abides in him?  How do we know that Christ abides in us? How does 1 John 4:1 address the readers? What are they not to believe? What are they to do with the spirits? Test them for what? Why? What test does 1 John 4:2-3a give? Of whom are those who do not confess a true incarnation of Christ (1 John 4:3b)? But of Whom are the “beloved” “little children” (1 John 4:4)? Whom have they overcome? How did this happen? To whom do false prophets belong (1 John 4:5)? What “language” do they speak” Who hears them? But to whom do the apostles belong (1 John 4:6)? Who hears them? Who does not hear them? How does the end of verse 6 summarize this section?

How can we test for true Christianity? 1 John 3:24–4:6 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we may test for true Christianity by righteousness and love, by the doctrine of a true incarnation of Christ, and by adherence to the teaching of the apostles.

As the apostle continues giving his readers tests by which they may know that they believe, he now gives three of them that relate to the Spirit’s work in the believer.

Test one: righteous works and brotherly love, 1 John 3:24. In the previous section, we learned that working righteousness and loving others is a mark of the children of God. Now, verse 24 sheds some light on how this gives us assurance: the only way that we could become commandment-keeping lovers of the brethren is by union with Christ (1 John 3:24a). And it is God’s own Spirit Who gives us the faith that unites us to Christ, and Who produces Christ’s own righteousness and love in our lives (verse 24b). If you have faith in Christ, then you are united to Him, and it is His own Spirit Who has done this.

Test two: true incarnation of true God, 1 John 4:1-3. Sadly, even in the apostolic period, there were those who claimed to be speaking from the Spirit, who did not produce righteousness and love (1 John 4:1, cf. Matthew 7:15–27). So, the apostle commands that the spirits be tested. Some tests take longer than others to indicate one way or another, but he gives a “rapid test” to his readers that was especially useful in his day. 

At the time of writing, there were false teachers that taught that the physical is inherently evil and that Jesus, therefore, had not been genuinely incarnated. These same false prophets also taught that Jesus was not fully God, the second Person of the triune God. So, they could very easily tell a false spirit of a false prophet, because he would not be preaching that Jesus is God the Son, Who took to Himself a true human body and a true human soul (1 John 4:2-3a).  Just as he had said in 1 John 2:18–19, he reminds them that we have been warned by God that such antichrists would appear and preach in the churches (1 John 4:3b).

The distinguishing doctrinal mark of true Christianity is that the true God has become true man to redeem sinners. Dear reader, is this the heart of your theology?

Test three: listening to the world vs listening to the apostles, 1 John 4:4-6. It is very important that we guard against the temptation to judge a preacher as true because he has a wide appeal. Praise God that the Spirit’s dwelling in believers (v4) makes them listen to and heed the apostles, prophets, and evangelists of Christ (1 John 4:6a, 1 John 4:6c; cf. Ephesians 2:19–22, 1 John 4:11). It is only the Spirit Who can make someone hear and heed them (1 John 4:6b). But the whole world will listen to those whose preaching and power are worldly (1 John 4:5). Let us be watchful against the sort of teaching that even a worldling can approve of.

What are the evidences of the Spirit’s work in your life? In your doctrine? In your teaching ‘preferences’?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us, for we have often shrunk from or slacked off in keeping Your commandments. And, when we have kept Your commandments, we have often failed to conscientiously acknowledge that this comes only by union with Christ. Forgive us for having been too tolerant of those who question either His true deity or His true humanity. And forgive us for being willing to hear the sort of teaching that the world can get onboard with. When we have done these things, we have foolishly sabotaged our own assurance. So, grant us repentance, by Your Spirit, and thus assure us again that we are abiding in Christ, and He in us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP118A “Because He’s Good, O Thank the LORD” or TPH406 “Jesus, with Thy Church Abide” 

2024.05.15 Prayer Meeting Live Stream (live at 6:30p)

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May 15 Prayer Meeting Folder

Romans 15:1–7 Sermon Outline

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

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

The Two Families [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 56:9–57:21]

What sinner can find peace? Isaiah 56:9–57:21 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the only sinners who find peace are those whom the Lord heals and brings from the family of idolatry into His own family. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)