Him Who Knew No Sin [Children's Catechism 46—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 46—especially explaining how in order to be our Priest, and our Substitute, Christ had to have the holiness of God Himself.

Q46. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever commit the least sin? No; He was holy, harmless, and undefiled. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson centers on the absolute sinlessness of Jesus Christ, affirming that He never committed the least sin, as required for Him to be a perfect high priest and Redeemer. Even the sinful thought, feeling, or desire is sin, reinforcing the necessity of Christ’s complete moral purity. Ultimately, Christ’s unique and indispensable role in salvation, requires His flawless character and divine righteousness.

The Safe-Keeping of the Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 23:12–24:2]

How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise’s wisdom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the vital importance of cultivating a wise and godly heart through faithful instruction, disciplined correction, and loyal devotion to godly parents and generations past and future. From Proverbs 23:12–24:2, it emphasizes that true wisdom begins with the heart’s surrender to divine truth, parental guidance, and the fear of the Lord, rather than worldly allurements such as drunkenness, gluttony, or immoral relationships.

2026.03.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 23:12–24:2

Read Proverbs 23:12–24:2

Questions from the Scripture text: What should the son do with his heart (Proverbs 23:12a)? And ears (verse 12b)? What shouldn’t be withheld from whom (Proverbs 23:13a)? What won’t happen (verse 13b)? What must a parent do (Proverbs 23:14a)? Unto what purpose (verse 14b)? Whose heart may be in what condition (Proverbs 23:15a)? Whose heart will do what (Proverbs 23:15-16a)? How will the father know, when the son’s heart is wise (Proverbs 23:16b)? What must the son keep his heart from (Proverbs 23:17a)? How (verse 17b)? Why (Proverbs 23:18)? What does Proverbs 23:19a command? Unto what end (verse 19b)? And the avoidance of whom (Proverbs 23:20)? Why (Proverbs 23:21)? What should he do with his father (Proverbs 23:22a)? And with his mother (verse 22b)? What should he get, and never give up (Proverbs 23:23)? Who will rejoice (Proverbs 23:24)? What, then, should the son do (Proverbs 23:25)? What should the son do with his heart (Proverbs 23:26a)? And eyes (verse 26b)? Why—of whom would he be in what danger (Proverbs 23:27-28)? What is the condition of the person in Proverbs 23:29? How did they get there (Proverbs 23:30)? By what mustn’t the son be tempted (Proverbs 23:31)? Why (Proverbs 23:32)? How does wine sting (Proverbs 23:33)? What sort of choices do drunks make (Proverbs 23:34)? How do they end up (Proverbs 23:35)? What should the son avoid (Proverbs 24:1)? Why (Proverbs 24:2)?

How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise’s wisdom.

The 12th–20th sayings focus on the keeping of the heart from being with and like the wicked, by giving it to the wise parent’s wise teaching. #12 (Proverbs 23:12) is an introduction to the section, recalling saying 1 (cf. Proverbs 22:17). The ears are for getting knowledge that shapes the heart. Not only his soul, but his own children’s soul’s depend, instrumentally speaking, on his being wise, and instructing (Proverbs 23:13a) and disciplining (Proverbs 23:13-14a) them wisely, in dependence upon God to save the soul (#13, Proverbs 23:13-14). So, not only should he aim at his parents’ joy, but by the time it is complete, he will be urging his children similarly from his own lips (Proverbs 23:16b); in this way, the hearts of the generations are linked together (#14, Proverbs 23:15-16). In #15 (Proverbs 23:17-18), we learn why the care of the heart is so important: it is in danger of envying sinners, (Proverbs 23:17a) and having hope cut off (Proverbs 23:18b) in the latter end (verse 18a). The fear of YHWH (Proverbs 23:17b) is the antidote that the heart-work of these sayings produces. 

So, to escape winos, gluttons, drunks, and sluggards (Proverbs 23:20-21), the son must guide his heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19b) by hearing his father (Proverbs 23:19a) and being wise (#16, Proverbs 23:19-21). It is not just the attention of the heart, but the affection of the heart, that the Lord uses. The natural affection for begetting father (Proverbs 23:22a) and aging(verse 22b)/bearing(Proverbs 23:25b) mother (Proverbs 23:22b) motivates us to give them great joy (Proverbs 23:24a), delight (verse 24b), and gladness (Proverbs 23:25a). So, we must get truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding, and never give them up (Proverbs 23:23) (#17, Proverbs 23:22-25). Aiming at his mother’s joy is urgent because of the mortal danger of lusting for the harlot or seductress (#18, Proverbs 23:26-28). But it’s not just harlots that seduce; wine also seduces (Proverbs 23:30-31), destructively (Proverbs 23:29), painfully (Proverbs 23:32), deludingly (Proverbs 23:33), derangingly (Proverbs 23:34-35b), and addictingly (Proverbs 23:35c) (#19, Proverbs 23:29-35). The last thing one should want is what the wicked have, or to be with them, lest your own heart and lips become like theirs (#20, Proverbs 24:1-2).

What dangers is your specific heart most prone to? How are you using your eyes and ears to protect it? To whom (Whom) are you giving it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, please help us to give our ears, eyes, and hearts to You by hearing and heeding those by whom You instruct us in wisdom. Make us zealous to fear You. Make us delight to delight you, and to gladden the godly. And, thus, save our hearts from envying the wicked, being seduced by them, or becoming like them. Save us from deadly pleasures, and give us eternal life, enjoying You, we ask in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us” 

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YHWH Our Stronghold [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 1:7–11]

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a powerful contrast between God’s role as a stronghold for those who trust in Him and His role as a consuming fire of judgment against His enemies, particularly the Assyrian empire and its leader Sennacherib. Central to the message is the truth that God’s goodness—eternal and self-sufficient—is the foundation of His mercy and the reason for creation. The text emphasizes that to conspire against God’s people is to conspire against God Himself, and that all who live for anything other than His glory will face utter destruction. The devotional calls both believers and unbelievers to recognize their true position before God: either as those sheltered by His grace or as those consumed by His justice.

2026.03.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 1:7–11

Read Nahum 1:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Nahum 1:7a summarize YHWH’s character (verse 7a)? How is this goodness expressed and experienced by believers, at what time in their lives (verse 7b)? What is His relation to those who take refuge in this stronghold (verse 7c)? What pursues those who are His enemies, instead of His friends (Nahum 1:8c)? What does He do to them (verse 8b)? In what manner (verse 8a)? What are they doing, as implied by the rhetorical question in Nahum 1:9a? What, specifically, are they conspiring/devising (verse 9c)? Why won’t this affliction arise a second time (verse 9b)? What will ultimately happen to these oppressors (Nahum 1:10c)? In what manner (verse 10a–b)? Who is taking this lead in the plot against YHWH (Nahum 1:11a–b)? What does this plotter of evil counsel (verse 11c)? 

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love.  

YHWH the Stronghold, Nahum 1:7. In Nahum 1:7, Nahum returns to the goodness of YHWH, briefly mentioned in Nahum 1:3a. There, he had explained the reason for the delay in YHWH’s wrath—not because of inability or unwillingness, but because of patience. But God’s patience means salvation for some (cf. Romans 2:6–7, Romans 2:10), and greater wrath for others(cf. Romans 2:4–5, Romans 2:8–9). 

YHWH’s wrath is delayed (cf. Romans 9:22), because He especially delights to glorify His goodness (cf. Romans 9:23–24). Everyone in this world experiences goodness from God continuously in this life. But it is in our afflictions that we really see the difference. When the believer goes through trouble (Nahum 1:7b), YHWH is a stronghold to him. But, when His enemies experience trouble, that is just the beginnings of absolutely complete wrath (Nahum 1:8).

YHWH knows those who trust in Him. They come to trust in Him, because He has known them—chosen them in love. This is what is meant by the language of “knowing” (Nahum 1:7c). Genesis 15:19 uses “known” in the same way. He choses them. He loves them. He is not just a secure place for them (Nahum 1:7b). He, personally, knows them always; and, when they are in trouble, His knowing them makes Him their stronghold.

YHWH the Flood, Nahum 1:8. The security of those who trust in YHWH (Nahum 1:7) is equaled by the destruction that will come to His enemies (Nahum 1:8). Ever since Genesis 6, the overflowing flood had been the ultimate expression of God’s wrath. Now, verse 8a describes what’s coming as an overflowing flood. Jesus describes God’s wrath as “outer darkness” (cf. Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30). Here, Nahum 1:8c describes what is coming as darkness pursuing His enemies. Not only they, but their place, will come to an utter end. 

If you live in God’s world for anything other than His glory, you act as His enemy (cf. Romans 1:18–25). You might live for yourself. You might live for your pleasures. You might live for your possessions. You might live for your praise, and your prominence in this world. But if you are not righteous with God through faith in Jesus Christ, then all that you lived for will come to an utter end.

YHWH, Nineveh’s Consuming Fire, Nahum 1:9-11.  In Nahum 1:9, we go from the general to the very specific. We expected this, since the book was titled as the weight that is against Nineveh. Just as every believer must know not only that God is a general Savior, but his own, personal Savior, so also the analog is true for the unbeliever. He must know not only that God is a God of complete vengeance and wrath against His enemies generally, but that God is his own, personal enemy, specifically. God will take vengeance upon Him.

The plural “you” in Nahum 1:9a matches up with a singular, feminine “you,” in Nahum 1:11a, indicating the city of Nineveh. That plural “you,” then, indicates her citizens. They were happy enough to benefit from the ruthless oppression of Sennacherib. The affliction that came out of Nineveh upon the people of God (Nahum 1:9c) would never again arise, once God had judged them (verse 9b). 

Whoever attacks the Lord’s people attacks the Lord (cf. Matthew 25:41–46; Acts 9:4). But Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, whose capital was Nineveh, was especially bold about this. He directly insulted and blasphemed YHWH (cf. 2 Kings 18:30, 2 Kings 18:35; 2 Kings 19:22–23). YHWH will give themselves over to being physically (Nahum 1:10a) and mentally (verse 10b) inept, so that they will be quickly and completely destroyed (like a fire in dry stubble, verse 10c). 

YHWH is a consuming fire (cf. Deuteronomy 9:3–4). Let the wicked nation, city, king, people, or individual know that He is their own, personal consuming fire.

What trouble are you going through? How is YHWH a stronghold for you in it? What sin, in you, is at enmity with YHWH? How are you demonstrating that you are at enmity with it? Who are the enemies of the true church in the world? What is their sure end?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are good, our stronghold in the day of trouble. Thank You for choosing us and loving us and giving to us to know You as our stronghold. Forgive us for when we have not been at enmity with our sin. Make us to hate it with complete hatred. We thank You for the certainty that You will destroy all of Your and our enemies. We praise You for Your justice and wrath, and especially for the riches of Your glory in Your mercy in Christ, through Whom we pray, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP7B “God, Is My Shield” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage”

Giving Him More of Our Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 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 what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the church’s longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride’s declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church’s worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church’s highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return.

2026.03.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:1–4

Read Song of Songs 8:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the bride wish about the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:1a–b)? For what circumstance (verse 1c)? To be able to do what (verse 1d)? Without what (verse 1e)? Where would she bring Him (Song of Songs 8:2a–b)? What had happened there (verse 2c)? What would she make Him to drink (verse 2d–e)? How would He support her (Song of Songs 8:3a) and hold her (verse 3b)? Whom does she address in Song of Songs 8:4a? Not to do what to what (verse 4b)? For how long (verse 4c)? 

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 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 what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (Song of Songs 7:10–11) to enjoy the first signs (Song of Songs 7:12) of the fruits that are produced (Song of Songs 7:13) from the lives of sleepers (Song of Songs 7:9). 

Now, she expresses her desire to be more openly approved, more plentiful, more dependent, and more undisturbed in her pouring out of love to Him.

More openly approved. He has called her His sister (cf. Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:10, Song of Songs 4:12), and Scripture describes Him as our elder Brother (Song of Songs 8:1a, cf. Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11–12). Additionally, He and the saints are children of the same mother (cf. Revelation 12:1–5, Revelation 12:17). There is even a sense in which they were, indeed, nourished by that mother (Song of Songs 8:1b). 

In their culture, brothers and sisters could show affection in public, but it was frowned upon for a husband and wife. The bride is desiring that the day would come, when open affection between Bridegroom and bride would be universally approved. We ought to desire, and pray, and labor for reformation!

And, we ought to be longing for the perfect and permanent reformation that comes at last. That day is coming, dear Christian! Don’t you long for it? The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (cf. Revelation 22:17). 

More plentiful. In their reunion from her first backsliding, she had expressed a desire to bring Him to the house of her mother (Song of Songs 8:2a–b, cf. Song of Songs 3:4), and now she says it again, using His own language—the spiced wine recalling the mixed/strong wine from Song of Songs 7:2, and the pomegranate recalling Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 6:7. The pomegranate (Song of Songs 8:2e), its blush color indicating modesty, and flushing with pleasure, has thus far appeared behind her veil. Now, she desires His fellowship in the assembly of the church, where the instructional ministry of the church (verse 2c) increases the welcome and refreshment of the wine (verse 2d).

It is the church’s desire to be employed by Christ for the instruction of believers, increasing their delight in being the objects of His affection. This is like the wine of refreshment and gladness, celebration and fellowship, to Him. The bride longs to refresh the Bridegroom with more instructed, more sanctified, more delighted saints.

More dependent. Although she is producing life for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:11–12), and bearing fruit for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:13), unto His enjoyment of the juice and wine of that fruit (cf. Song of Songs 8:2), she wants to testify that it is really He, Who does all the heavy lifting. Song of Songs 8:3 is quoting all the way back from Song of Songs 2:6, where she had fainted from His overwhelming love (cf. Song of Songs 2:5). Now, even though she is serving Him with life and vigor, He is still bearing her up in His arms (Song of Songs 8:3). In all of her love and service to Him, she continues to be sustained by Him. Such is the sweet experience of the church and the Christian—not only to serve the Lord, but to do so in entire dependence upon Him. Thus, the believer’s service to Christ produces gratitude, where the flesh would have produced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

More undisturbed. As He sustains her (Song of Songs 8:3), so that she can please Him with the final product of her ministry to the saints (Song of Songs 8:2), she now charges those saints not to disrupt this. The picture is of the Bridegroom and the bride in a loving embrace, and how hateful toward both of them it would be to disrupt them. But this is exactly what they do, who hinder the faithful preaching, teaching, and shepherding of the church—whether by diluting or altering the theology, or by deemphasizing the teaching, or distracting from the Lord’s ordinances by the ideas of men. Don’t disrupt the Lord’s delight in shepherding His church by His means!

What part does reformation have in your prayers and efforts? How does Jesus’s pleasure in the teaching ministry of the church affect your participation in it? When you serve the Lord fruitfully, do you find more of a feeling of achievement, or gratitude? How do you participate in sustaining and advancing the reformation and revival of the church? How are you in danger of disturbing or hindering it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we rejoice to be assembled with Your church, in the house of our mother. Come, and delight in the spiced wine of our pleasure in Your instruction. Sustain us, with Your left hand under our head, and Your right hand embracing us. And do not let Your love for us be disturbed until You have accomplished all Your holy will for our worship, through Your grace, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”

Know Your Audience [2026.03.25 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 22:22–23:11]

Always know before whom you stand—especially that you're always before the Lord.

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

The Lord of Sabbath-Keeping [Family Worship lesson in Mark 1:21–39]

How does Jesus keep the Sabbath? Mark 1:21–39 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus keeps the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, and by being unto us the Lord of His holy Sabbath. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional presents the Lord’s Day through the lens of Mark 1:21–39, portraying Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, Whose actions reveal the essence of holy rest: not mere cessation from labor, but active, joyful fellowship with God. Through His authoritative teaching in the synagogue, His powerful deliverance of a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and His healing of the sick—including Peter’s mother-in-law—Jesus demonstrates that the Sabbath is a sacred gathering where Christ Himself speaks, acts, and restores. The Lord’s Day is defined by the presence and power of Christ, Who calls His people to gather for worship, hear His Word with spiritual awe, and be transformed by His grace. Even in the quiet solitude of early morning prayer, Jesus models the deeper rest of intimate communion with the Father, calling believers to extend the Sabbath’s spiritual vitality beyond public worship into private devotion. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to embrace the entire Lord’s Day as an unique engagement with God in Christ, in public and private worship.