Truly Sweet Friendship [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 27:9]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that truly sweet friendship is friendship that is good for the soul, before God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional explores the biblical concept of friendship as a spiritual discipline rooted in Proverbs 27:9. It argues that true companionship transcends superficial enjoyment and must include hearty counsel that benefits the soul. Believers are called to interact with mutual encouragement that deepens their knowledge of God and the gospel. Such relationships reflect the dignity of having souls rather than merely earthly desires. The message concludes by praying for grace to be and find friends who glorify God together.

The Power at Work Within Us [Family Worship lesson in Ephesians 1:20–23]

How great is the power at work in us? Ephesians 1:20–23 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the power that is at work in us is the power that is at work in Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional expounds on Ephesians 1:20-23, emphasizing that the same mighty power which raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand is actively at work in believers. This divine strength flows through the profound union between Christ and His Church, establishing believers as members of His body and heirs to His glory. The text contrasts Christ's supreme authority over all spiritual powers with the intimate, marriage relationship He shares with the Church. Understanding this reality dispels doubt and discouragement by revealing that believers share in Christ's victorious life through grace. The devotional concludes with a prayer for spiritual illumination to grasp the depth of this union and the sustaining power available to those who believe.

2026.06.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 1:20–23

Read Ephesians 1:20–23

Questions from the Scripture text: In Whom did God’s mighty power work (Ephesians 1:20)? When? At what did He seat Him? In which places? Far above what for things (Ephesians 1:21)? And above which names? At what times? What has God put where (Ephesians 1:22a)? As what did He give Christ, and to whom (verse 22b)? What two things does Ephesians 1:23 call the church? What does verse 23 call Him?

How great is the power at work in us? Ephesians 1:20–23 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the power that is at work in us is the power that is at work in Christ. 

What is the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward us (Ephesians 1:19)? 

The same power by which He raised Christ from the dead. And, greater still—the power by which He seated Christ at His right hand in the heavenly places. 

This power did not merely restore life to a body and raise it from the grave. It raised this body and transported it through the heavens to the very throne of glory!

How far? 

Above all principality and power and might and dominion. Above the vast angel armies, above the most blazing of the seraphim, the most powerful of the cherubim, above the highest of the arch angels. Above the living creatures and the whole holy host. 

And the power that seated Christ there is the power that works in Ephesian believers. 

And American believers, whom the Lord has joined to Jesus by faith.

It’s astonishing and humbling. Jesus is Head over all things, but the Lord has given Him as Head to the church. All things are under His feet, but we ourselves are His body. His beloved bride, as chapter 5 will teach. Hallelujah!

God has granted that Christ, in His role as our Mediator, would be completed by His bride—not that there is anything lacking in Him, but that He has chosen to form a union with His bride as His very own body, of His flesh and of His bone. 

By reminding us that Jesus “fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:23), the Scripture reminds us that it would be a great blasphemy if, of ourselves, we had claimed to be the “fullness of Him.” But He has so joined Himself to the church, that she is seated with Him there on the throne. Unto all eternity, He refuses to be considered apart from her.

But we are not the ones who claim it. 

God is the One who declares it. 

God is the One who designed it. 

God is the One who did it. 

How great is His love toward us, and how great is that power by which His love has decided to work in us!

For what parts of your Christian life do you most feel the need for divine power? How can you bring the knowledge of the greatness of that power from this passage into your mindset about those things?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for seating Christ high above all else. And we marvel that He would so unite us to Himself that we would be His fulness. Give us to know that reality when it comes to the power that we need for our own Christian life, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72C “May Waving Grain on Hilltops Thrive” or TPH448 “Union with Thee” 

Wait for the LORD [Family Worship lesson in Zephaniah 3:1–8]

What do we do, when we see unfaithfulness in the government and the church? Zephaniah 3:1–8 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the faithful remnant waits upon the Lord’s faithfulness. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional examines Zephaniah 3:1–8 to highlight Jerusalem's persistent rebellion despite God's numerous privileges and corrective judgments. It contrasts the faithlessness of Israel's leaders with YHWH's unwavering righteousness and justice. The text emphasizes that human failure necessitates a future divine intervention where God will gather the nations for judgment. Believers are urged to remain faithful and not be discouraged by current wickedness, trusting in God's sovereign plan. The message concludes with an exhortation to wait patiently for the Lord's promised day of deliverance and blessing.

2026.06.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Zephaniah 3:1–8

Read Zephaniah 3:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What is pronounced in Zephaniah 3:1? Upon the city described which 3 ways? What four things hasn’t she done (Zephaniah 3:2)? How can we tell which city this is? What four types of people have conducted themselves in what four ways (Zephaniah 3:3-4)? But Who has conducted Himself in what ways (Zephaniah 3:5)? What has He done to the nations (Zephaniah 3:6)? In order to compel His own nation/city to do what (Zephaniah 3:7a–d)? But what has she done (verse 7e)? Since this has not worked, what should they anticipate (Zephaniah 3:8a) coming (verse 8b–f)? 

What do we do, when we see unfaithfulness in the government and the church? Zephaniah 3:1–8 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the faithful remnant waits upon the Lord’s faithfulness.  

Despite all that the Lord has done to the nations (Zephaniah 3:6), and even His chastening of Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:2b, Zephaniah 3:7d), she has been eager to corrupt their deeds (verse 7e). 

Neglected Privileges. Let us hear the woe that is pronounced upon her now, and let us tremble to disregard when the Lord corrects us. Look at the privileges that she had in Zephaniah 3:2: His voice, His correction, Him in Whom to trust, Him to Whom to draw near. And we have these, even more so, in Christ. Dear Christian, dear church, let us not fail to make use of our privileges.

Failed Leadership. And let those who are in leadership not miscarry their responsibilities. Four different types of leaders, civil (Zephaniah 3:3) and religious (Zephaniah 3:4), have failed to lead Israel in obeying the Lord. The civil leaders have been in it for themselves, devouring the flock of God (Zephaniah 3:3, cf. Ezekiel 22:27, Ezekiel 34:2–4). The religious leaders have led in corruption and wickedness, rather than holiness and faithful obedience (Zephaniah 3:4, cf. Ezekiel 22:23–26). 

The One Who Doesn’t Fail. The princes, judges, prophets, and priests are not the only ones that Jerusalem has in her midst. YHWH is in her midst (Zephaniah 3:5a), and He is righteous. Though His people may do much unrighteousness, He will do no unrighteousness (verse 5b). For the unjust (verse 5e), this is a constant danger. But for the faithful remnant, this is a comfort, when all around them they see injustice and corruption. 

Therefore, Wait for Him. The message in Zephaniah 3:8 is clear: it is absolutely sure that the Lord will answer not only the wickedness of the nations, but the wickedness among His own people. That remnant who would have justice will surely have it in the great day in which YHWH’s wrath is poured out. Dear reader, faith is at the heart of faithfulness. When all around you are unfaithful, have faith in His faithfulness, and rest upon His grace to sustain your own.

When have you been discouraged by corruption and injustice in the world and in the church? How are you waiting upon the Lord’s faithfulness? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your perfect faithfulness. Forgive us our selfishness, our unholiness, and our unbelief. Make us to be those who are confident in Your faithfulness, and who seek, by Your grace, to be faithful. Give us that grace, by Your Spirit, in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear” 

Faith Only by Grace [Children's Catechism 58—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 58—especially explaining how we can repent and believe only by the Spirit’s grace.

Q58. Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power? No; I can do nothing good without the help of God's Holy Spirit. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson addresses the theological impossibility of human beings repenting or believing in Christ through their own power due to spiritual death. It emphasizes that these acts are gifts enabled solely by the Holy Spirit, Who provides the necessary strength and goodness found in Jesus. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge their inability and actively pray for divine assistance when they desire to repent or strengthen their faith. This approach shifts the focus from self-effort to reliance on God's grace, mirroring the plea to help unbelief. The central message affirms that all spiritual good originates from God rather than human capability.

Death of a Prophet [Family Worship lesson in Mark 6:13–29]

What may happen to faithful servants? Mark 6:14–29 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that faithful servants of Christ may, in this life, find themselves brutally and treacherously murdered. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This devotional examines the tragic execution of John the Baptist to illustrate how faithful and holy believers may suffer despite their righteousness. Pastor analyzes King Herod's sinful self-indulgence and rash oath as catalysts for this injustice, emphasizing that such events do not contradict God's sovereign rule. Believers are encouraged to humble themselves before divine providence rather than placing their hope in earthly success or personal plans. The message urges the hearer to maintain confidence in Christ, and remain steadfast in holiness, regardless of external circumstances. Ultimately, hope is placed in God's secret will and the certainty of salvation rather than immediate earthly vindication.

2026.06.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 6:14–29

Read Mark 6:14–29

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom did Herod think Jesus was (Mark 6:14)? What had Herod done to him (Mark 6:16)? What had John the Baptizer said to Herod (Mark 6:18)? Who wanted to kill him for that (Mark 6:19)? Why couldn’t she (Mark 6:20)? What had Herodias done to please Herod (Mark 6:22)? What did He swear to her (Mark 6:23)? Whom did she ask for advice about what to ask for from Herod (Mark 6:24)? What did Herodias ask for (Mark 6:25)? How did the king feel about this (Mark 6:26)? But what did he do and why (verse 26)? What had John’s disciples done with the body (Mark 6:29)?

What may happen to faithful servants? Mark 6:14–29 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that faithful servants of Christ may, in this life, find themselves brutally and treacherously murdered. 

The way we get the account of John’s beheading is by a sort of flashback, in which we are learning why Herod might think that Jesus was actually John the Baptizer, resurrected. Herod had a strange esteem for John. He didn’t lie and pretend in order to try to get the king to like him. He told it like it is. “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18). Herod knew him to be just and holy (Mark 6:20). Obviously, something about John’s character had struck a chord with Herod that he could think that Jesus was John, resurrected back to life. 

It also seems that his disciples’ earnestness to retrieve and bury the body—even without a head!—had left an impression upon Herod (Mark 6:28), so that he now thought that John had risen. Burial is a way of saying, “he’s not done with this; we expect resurrection.” Christ’s burial was the same way: an expectation of resurrection. And I hope that your burial will be as well, dear Christian. 

So Herod was impressed with John. This wasn’t a faker. This was a just man, an upstanding man, a righteous man, a holy man. In fact, Mark 6:20 tells us that Herod did many things to protect John, and that he heard him gladly. That should be terrifying. How few of us “would do many things” in order to “hear gladly” a faithful preacher, who isn’t afraid of offending us with the truths of God’s Word? 

On the one hand, many of us will have to admit to being less zealous to hear faithful preaching than Herod!! On the other hand, even those with this zeal may fall into great wickedness. Let us beware of worldly pleasure such as feasting our eyeballs upon a dancing girl. Guard the eye-gates of your hearts, men! 

And let us beware of pride similar to that, in which a man could be so impressed with himself and his property, that he considers it half-disposable. Let us beware of its evil twin, immodesty, in which a man makes display of himself by grandiose gifts and rash vows. The presence of his guests contributed to his ordering this horrific act (Mark 6:26). 

Finally, as this passage interrupts the successful mission of the disciples, let us see here that the Lord’s servants may suffer brutal execution, even in the midst of the advance of the kingdom. Even if we were holy, just, and effective as John, we ought to entrust ourselves to the providence of God, knowing that such things happen to faithful servants in this life.

How can you strengthen yourself against peer pressure? In what situations are you in danger of lust entering your heart through the eye-gate? What have you suffered, as a faithful servant of Christ? What might you yet suffer?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the grace by which You keep men like John faithful. Forgive us for how we have been like Herod: self-indulgent, lustful, proud, and ready to do evil out of the fear of men. Forgive us also for how we have expected more comfortable providence than John endured. Grant that we would keep ourselves pure, and that we would be confident in the coming of Your kingdom, we ask through Christ, AMEN.

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH509 “Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me”

2026.06.24 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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

Christ Alone the King [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 9:35–10:14]

Who will be king? 1Chronicles 9:35–10:14 looks forward to 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 only Christ’s kingdom is forever. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional contrasts the tragic end of King Saul with the enduring faithfulness of God's covenant promises. It highlights Saul's unfaithfulness, specifically his consultation of a medium and failure to inquire of the Lord, as the cause of his downfall and the transfer of the kingdom. The text emphasizes that merely human kingship is insufficient and points ultimately to Christ, the true King from David's line. Believers are called to reject self-reliance and instead place their hope and submission in Jesus alone. This trust shapes every aspect of life, ensuring a legacy defined by faith rather than unfaithfulness.