Too Weak and Too Wicked to Escape [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 3:8–13]

Why does God call Nineveh’s attention to Thebes? Nahum 3:8–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are too weak to endure God’s vengeance, and we are too wicked to avoid God’s vengeance. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Nahum 3:8–13 confronts the illusion of security in human strength, alliances, and geographical advantage by contrasting Nineveh’s presumed power with the fall of Thebes, a city once considered invincible. Though Thebes was fortified by rivers, alliances, and a long history of greatness, it was ultimately destroyed by Assyria, demonstrating that no nation, no matter how powerful or protected, can escape God’s judgment when it opposes His holiness. The passage warns Nineveh—and by extension, Judah—that their wickedness, especially their violence against image-bearers of God and their idolatry, makes them too guilty to escape divine wrath, and too weak to endure it. The vivid imagery of drunkards, trembling fig trees, collapsing gates, and people hiding in fear foreshadows the final judgment described in Revelation, where all humanity will face the wrath of God. The devotional calls the hearer to recognize that no one can stand before God’s indignation apart from Christ, Who alone provides righteousness and atonement. Thus, the urgent call is to repent of sin and cling to Jesus, the only refuge from the coming day of wrath.

2026.04.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 3:8–13

Read Nahum 3:8–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Nahum 3:8 ask Nineveh, in comparison to whom? What was No Amon’s geographical situation? Who were her strength (Nahum 3:9a)? How great was this strength (verse 9b)? Who were her helpers (verse 9c)? But what happened to her (Nahum 3:10a–b)? And to her children (verse 10c–d)? And what, to whom else (verse 10e–f)? What three things will Nineveh have in common with No Amon (Nahum 3:11)? What are they trusting in (Nahum 3:12a)? But what will their “strength” be like (verse 12)? What will their warriors be like (Nahum 3:3a)? What will their defenses be like (verse 13b–c)? 

Why does God call Nineveh’s attention to Thebes? Nahum 3:8–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are too weak to endure God’s vengeance, and we are too wicked to avoid God’s vengeance.  

What was Nineveh trusting in? They were hoping that they would be protected by the Tigris, on their west; and, their elimination of so many of their competitors; and, those they had cowered into alliance with them; and, their own formidable forces.

But they, of all people, should have known better.

Assyria themselves had humiliated No Amon (Nahum 3:8a, Thebes’s religious name) in the deep south of Egypt. Thebes had risen to glory 1400 earlier. The Nile was much more of a protection to them (verse 8b–f) than the Tigris was to Nineveh. And Thebes had alliances that were over 2000 years old (Nahum 3:9, cf. Genesis 10:6): Cush (modern Ethiopia and Sudan), Egypt (probably referring to lower/northern Egypt), Put (roughly modern Chad), and Lubim (roughly modern Libya).

The conquering of mighty and ancient Thebes was a massive victory for the Assyrians. By comparison, Nineveh’s protections were weak and pathetic. How fool-hardy was their confidence! It was Assyria who had brutalized the children (Nahum 3:10c–d), trafficked the elderly (verse 10e), and bound all the great men (verse 10f) of Thebes. But what Assyria didn’t count on was that the Lord would avenge Thebes. Assyria may have boasted in neutralizing Amon, but Amon was no true God. 

YHWH is the avenger of all. “Also she!” led Nahum 3:10 in the original. “Also you!” leads both halves of Nahum 3:11 in the original. Nineveh, also, will stagger like a drunk (verse 11a), panic like a fugitive (verse 11c), tremble and fall apart like a fig tree (Nahum 3:12), faint like a woman (Nahum 3:13a), capitulate as a gate-breached city (verse 13b), burn as a conquered city (verse 13c).

Nineveh are too weak to survive God’s vengeance. And Nineveh are too wicked to avoid God’s vengeance.

But if Judah approvingly nod their heads at this, without responding in repentance, they will be subject to their own, dreadful “Also you!” Just as Nineveh was weaker than Thebes, Judah are far weaker. And whereas Assyria has perpetrated their wickedness upon image-bearers of God (and especially, therefore, against God Himself), Judah also has done their wickedness against God Himself. 

Indeed, the images in this passage describe what comes upon all mankind, from greatest to smallest, in the last day. “And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:13–17). Here, again, is that question from Nahum 1:6. 

We are too weak to survive God’s vengeance. And we are too wicked to avoid God’s vengeance. What shall we do? What protection can we have? Where can we go? Upon whom can we depend? The only answer to these questions is, “Jesus Christ alone!” Of course, we cannot cling to our sin and cling to Christ at the same time. Renouncing our sin is not our safety; only Christ is. But, we must renounce it and hide in Him! And, if we don’t, then let us not be surprised if, even in this world and life, visitation of that judgment comes upon us as a warning, as it did to Thebes, and Nineveh, and Judah.

How seriously have you taken the question of what will happen with you in the day of judgment? What are you hoping in, to protect you on that day? Will it hold up? What if that day was today?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are too wicked to avoid Your judgment and too weak to survive Your judgment. But the Lord Jesus Christ is righteous, and He has already endured the fullness of Your wrath for the sins of all who believe in Him. Hide us in Him, that we may be able to stand in the great day. And give each of us, our households, our church, and our nation to turn from our sin—lest Your judgment break into this world against us. Bear with us in patience, turn us from our sin in mercy and power, and forgive us through Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace” 

Getting to the Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 23:12–21]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the heart is the main thing that we must treat by the Word of the Lord, and from which we must live in the fear of the Lord. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the transformation of the heart, through divine instruction, into the fear of the Lord, as revealed in Proverbs 23:12–21. It emphasizes that true wisdom begins with applying one’s heart to God’s instruction, where discipline is driven by a loving desire to preserve the child’s soul and guide them toward eternal life. The passage calls for intentional self-examination, warning against envy and worldly indulgence—particularly in alcohol and gluttony—while affirming that a life lived in reverence for God ensures lasting hope and joy. The ultimate goal of parenting and personal discipleship is not mere behavioral compliance but the cultivation of a heart that delights in God, finds its joy in His presence, and passes on godly wisdom to future generations. Through the renewing of the mind and the daily practice of fearing the Lord, believers are equipped to resist temptation, guard their affections, and walk in the way of wisdom, knowing that their hope is secure in Christ.

Humble, Almighty Kingdom [Family Worship lesson in Mark 3:7–19]

How does Christ bring the kingdom? Mark 3:7–19 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ brings the kingdom by a humility that glorifies grace. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on Jesus’s deliberate withdrawal from public acclaim and His intentional humility in establishing God’s kingdom, contrasting sharply with worldly methods of power and popularity. Though hailed by crowds and demons alike as the Son of God, Jesus refuses to be proclaimed or exploited for His fame, instead choosing to retreat, select a small group of disciples, and focus on a mission rooted in sacrifice rather than spectacle. His appointment of twelve ordinary men—knowing one would betray Him—demonstrates that the church’s foundation is not in human impressiveness but in divine purpose. Pastor emphasizes that true spiritual impact comes not from personal charisma or impressive displays, but from the Holy Spirit revealing the glory of Christ on the cross, thus calling believers to reject self-promotion and instead magnify Christ’s humility and love. Ultimately, the church’s growth and witness are to be marked by this same self-emptying, Christ-centered humility, where the cross remains the ultimate source of awe and salvation.

2026.04.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 3:7–19

Read Mark 3:7–19

Questions from the Scripture text: Where did Jesus go, in Mark 3:7? Who followed Him? From where (Mark 3:8)? What did Jesus get into and why (Mark 3:9)? Then where did He go (Mark 3:13)? How many did He call to Himself up there? For what did He especially appoint them (Mark 3:15)? How many of their names can you remember (Mark 3:16-19)?

How does Christ bring the kingdom? Mark 3:7–19 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ brings the kingdom by a humility that glorifies grace. 

In this week’s reading, we see the Lord Jesus’s response to the plot of the Pharisees and Herodians to destroy Him (Mark 3:6). He retreats (Mark 3:7a, Mark 3:13a). He is the Son of God (Mark 3:11b). And He retreats. A multitude gathers to Him, so large that He has to be careful not to be crushed by them (Mark 3:9). And He retreats. Even demons are instantly defeated by Him (Mark 3:11a). And He retreats.

Why? Because He did not come to exercise earthly power, to rally enough people to his side to crush his enemies. No, He came to preach and save, and to send out preachers of the gospel of His salvation (Mark 3:14b).

Let us learn, here, from our Lord that the church is not given a mission of consolidating earthly power or getting its way by force. We are not trying to win friends and influence people. We don’t put our hope in stirring up great reviews on social media, or making friends with just the right community leaders.

What do we put our hope in? The Lord Jesus’s work, done the Lord Jesus’s way, by the Lord Jesus’s appointees (Mark 3:14a). 

Word, sacrament, and prayer in the services on the Lord’s Day. Telling the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to sinners. Always being ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. Bringing our little children to the Lord, and hindering them not (cf. Matthew 19:14). Bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. The ministry of pastor-teachers in the church (cf. Ephesians 4:11). Father-led, parents’ ministry in the home (cf. Ephesians 6:4). Every-member encouragement, service, and reinforcing ministry, by church members who bind themselves to one another and keep those commitments (cf. Ephesians 4:12–16).

It’s not scintillating stuff or power planning. But it is the way of the Master, and should be the way of His disciples. Notice that He only gave the apostolic call and gifting to twelve men from all this multitude. And when their ministry was completed, the miraculous and revelatory gifts ceased altogether. Why would the Lord do things (then or now) in such an unimpressive way?

Because the thing that Jesus wants to impress with is the cross. This is what He later set His face to Jerusalem to do (cf. Luke 9:51). The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (cf. Mark 10:45).

And this is what we must imitate. As Paul said, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:2). He was probably more educated than any of the false apostles, but he was careful not to impress with his own impressiveness. He learned his lesson from 2 Corinthians 12:1-13. Leave it to others to be “impressive” with their emotive worship and their (false) signs. Leave it to others to impress with how wonderful they think their own service, or knowledge, or success is. But let the disciples of Jesus Christ impress others with that which they find most impressive: Christ Himself, and Him crucified!

Whom would you like to see saved? How will you tell them about the cross of Jesus Christ? How will you get them to hear about the cross of Jesus Christ in worship?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have wished to be impressive to others. We have even thought that this would be the way to bring others into the kingdom or to grow the church. But, this is the opposite of Christ’s method. Give us to have confidence in Christ’s power, exercised Christ’s way, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP18E “How Perfect Is the Way of God” or TPH265 “In Christ Alone”

2026.04.22 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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From Whom the Ruler Will Come [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 2:3–4:23]

What do we learn from Judah’s genealogy? 1Chronicles 2:3–4:23 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these one hundred nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that history is the story of God’s grace to sinners. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2–4 serves as a theological narrative pointing forward to Christ, the promised ruler from Judah’s line, Whose coming fulfills God’s redemptive plan across generations. Despite the persistent presence of sin within Judah’s lineage, God sovereignly preserves and advances His purposes. The chronicler emphasizes that belonging to Judah does not guarantee blessing; each person must walk with God personally. Grace includes people from other nations and overturns men's natural characters. Ultimately, this genealogy calls believers—now the spiritual heirs of Judah—to live as priests and kings in Christ—faithfully fulfilling their God-given roles in the world, empowered by grace and awaiting the full realization of God’s kingdom.

2026.04.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23

Read 1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose sons do 1 Chronicles 2:3-4 cover? What is noted about Er? From whom to whom do 1 Chronicles 2:5-15 trace? Especially focusing upon which family (1 Chronicles 2:13-17)? What branch (cf. 1 Chronicles 2:9) do 1 Chronicles 2:18-24 trace? What branch (cf. 1 Chronicles 2:9) do 1 Chronicles 2:25-41 trace? Including a man of what nationality (1 Chronicles 2:34)? Whose further descendants do 1 Chronicles 2:42-55 trace? Including the origins of what cities (1 Chronicles 2:50, 1 Chronicles 2:51)? And what ingrafted nationalities (1 Chronicles 2:54, 1 Chronicles 2:55)? Whose sons do 1 Chronicles 3:1–9 trace? Focusing upon what (1 Chronicles 3:4)? And what lineage do 1 Chronicles 3:10-16 trace? Then whose (1 Chronicles 3:16) lineage do 1 Chronicles 3:17-24 trace? To whom does 1 Chronicles 4:1 return? Into what lineage do 1 Chronicles 4:1-23 fill gaps? Why was Jabez called that (1 Chronicles 4:9)? Upon what was his prayer especially focused (end of 1 Chronicles 4:10)? What tradesmen are highlighted in 1 Chronicles 4:21, 1 Chronicles 4:23? 

What do we learn from Judah’s genealogy? 1 Chronicles 2:3–4:23 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these one hundred nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that history is the story of God’s grace to sinners.  

Among the sons of Israel, the chronicler focuses first, and primarily, on Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3). Reuben sinned away his birthright, which fell to Judah instead (cf. 1 Chronicles 5:2). As 1 Chronicles 3:10–24 underscore to us, at the time of writing, the promised ruler from Judah had not yet appeared. The King (and Priest and temple) to whom Chronicles looked forward is Jesus. This is why Judah and Levi are the most featured in the genealogies, and why so much of Chronicles is focused upon the preparation of the temple. It’s all about Jesus.

Jesus is your King. Jesus is your Priest. Jesus is your Temple. In Jesus, you draw near to God. Jesus is your Liturgist, your Worship-Leader. What Chronicles longs for, you actually have, dear Christian reader!

So, these nearly three chapters focus on the tribe of Judah. One of the main things we see in the genealogy is that being from a tribe of blessing didn't mean that, for every individual, they were automatically blessed of God and a blessing to others. Whether it’s Er, Onan, and Shelah (1 Chronicles 2:3, cf. Genesis 38:3–10), or Achan being called by his nickname “Achar” (i.e., trouble, 1 Chronicles 2:7, cf. Joshua 7:26), or several of the kings listed in 1 Chronicles 2:10-16, we see that the line of Judah is full of scoundrels. Those from the line through which others would be blessed, are still in danger of being cursed. Even 500 years later, this was a lesson that the descendants of Judah needed to remember as the Lord continued to bring Christ into the world. And 2500 years after that, it is a lesson that each of us still need, dear reader. Each of us, individually, need to walk with God for ourselves through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Each of us, individually, must be blessed by God. 

They also needed to hear that, although the glory days of David and Solomon were in the distant past, the Lord was still working in the world—and their service of Him, in the midst of that work, is meaningful. Several of the “father of” statements in the genealogy refer not to men but to cities (1 Chronicles 2:21–23, 1 Chronicles 2:24, 1 Chronicles 2:51, 1 Chronicles 2:54. And the genealogy reminds them that some of them were from lines of linen workers (1 Chronicles 4:21), and others potters (1 Chronicles 4:23). Now, they were returned from exile, living in those cities again, and needing to take up trades again. The work of the Lord continues in the world, and we continue to participate in it (cf. Ecclesiastes 11:1–6).

Finally, we see the grace of God in the genealogy of Judah. We see the grace of God operating to incorporate those of other nations, such as the Kenites (1 Chronicles 2:55) and Egyptians (1 Chronicles 2:34–35). And we see the grace of God that overwrites our own nature. Jabez, named for the pain he brings to others (1 Chronicles 4:9), is presented as an example, asking God that he would not bring that pain to them (1 Chronicles 4:10). Our hope, dear reader, is that the God Who brought His Son into the world through the line of Judah, would be unto us the God of grace—grace to bring us into Christ, and grace to make us the opposite of what we were in ourselves. By this bookended (n.b. the mirroring of 1 Chronicles 2:3–4 and 1 Chronicles 4:1–23) section of the genealogy of Judah, the God of grace reminds us that history is an account of His work of grace. And we see the work that he does not only in the scope of the whole, but in the lives of individuals. 

What are your biggest obstacles to finding purpose? How does this passage answer that? When have you neglected your personal, spiritual life? How does this passage remind you that that’s dangerous?

Sample prayer: Father, we thank You for Your work in the life of each of the men listed in this genealogy. We marvel at the scope of your work in everyone's life. Forgive us, for when we have wanted to be the center of our own story. Forgive us for when we have neglected our personal, spiritual life, because we have presumed upon being part of the church. Give us to recognize that being part of Christ’s church is a higher honor than being descended from Judah. But, more than that, please give us to believe into Christ, to live as those who are united to Him, to fulfill our duties by Your grace, and enjoy our privileges and adore that grace. Grant it all through Christ, by His Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The Lord’s Foundation” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation”

Giving Him What He Loves [2026.04.19 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:13–14]

The true friends of Christ long to hear the voice of His bride. The true bride of Christ gladly gives Him His desire: praise, prayer, and preaching with a voice that is shaped by His. And, the sum of her desire is that He would come quickly for His fruit.

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

Delivered by Wrath [2026.04.19 Morning Sermon in Nahum 3:1–7]

The Lord will so completely answer the deceit and destruction of the wicked that there will be no wicked left at the last.

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