2025.09.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 7:17–26

Read Deuteronomy 7:17–26

Questions from the Scripture text: Where might they speak (v17)? What might they say? What does v18 command against this? In order to counter their fear, what should they remember (v18b–19a)? What are they to conclude about the future situation (v19b)? Even whom will He destroy, in what way (v20)? What command does v21 repeat? What ground does it now give for their courage? How quickly will YHWH drive out those nations (v22)? Why? How completely will He do so (v23)? How powerfully (v24)? But what must they do (v25)? And not do? Why not? What will happen if they don’t heed this? So what must they do to the abominations?

Why mustn’t we fear? Deuteronomy 7:17–26 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that fear is the enemy of faith and obedience, but confidence in YHWH is their friend.

Moses continues to warn them against idolatry. Apparently, one of the things that can keep us from the fierce struggle required to exterminate idolatry is fear. So, v18 warns not to fear; v19 assures them of YHWH’s elimination of those whom they fear; and v21, again, commands them not to fear.

How are they to combat fear? 

Remember YHWH’s past acts of power and salvation, which are themselves signs (v19a). And has not the Lord done greater, now, in the incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Christ? Keep these in mind, that you might not fear in your efforts in the Christian life. 

Remember YHWH’s promise to do the same in the future (v19b). Those whom He justified, He also glorified (Rom 8:30). 

Remember YHWH’s sovereign control over all things; even the hornets are under His command (v20). There is not aa creature, not  circumstance, not a molecule in all creation, except that He is working it unto the end of your inheriting with Christ (cf. Eph 1:11). 

Remember YHWH’s covenant presence: He is their God, He is the great God, and He is among them (v21). He has come to be with us in His Son, by His Spirit (cf. Gal 4:4–6), and He is with us always, even to the end of the age (cf. Mt 28:18–20). 

Remember YHWH’s compassion; He knows their frame, and so He will destroy the enemy according to pacing that takes everything about their abilities and their circumstances into account (v22). He understands your weakness better than you do. And He has anticipated every difficulty and every danger in your life. 

Remember YHWH’s faithfulness; He will persist in the work that He has begun until it is completed (v23). He Who has begun the good work will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (cf. Php 1:6). 

Remember YHWH’s power; no one can stand against Him (v24). He that is in you is greater than He that is in the world (cf. 1Jn 4:4). 

There is, however, one thing to fear. Sinning. In particular, idolatry. Don’t try to benefit from it or adapt it for your own purposes even a little bit. They were not to try to recover even the silver or gold from the idols (v25). Anything associated with it, they were to hate because God Himself abominates it (v26). We must be ruthless with all sin, and especially with idolatry. Whatever the Lord abominates, we must “utterly detest” and “utterly abhor,” lest we be doomed to destruction with those things that God must surely destroy. No detestable thing can enter glory (cf. Rev 21:27). 

What should you be ruthlessly destroying? What struggles/battles may feel too fierce for you? How are you going about remembering YHWH’s salvation, promises, sovereignty, presence, compassion, faithfulness, and power? What are some examples of manmade worship that must be completely eradicated as an accursed thing?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You and praise You for Your sovereign and merciful work in saving us. Give us never to fear defeat, and always to hate idolatry. Make us to destroy every last remaining vestige of it from our life. Thus, grant us to come into the full inheritance that You have lovingly determined for us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone”

Keep the Words of This Book [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:6–11]

What is the Lord Jesus doing right now? Revelation 22:6–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is doing everything necessary for His soon return, and urging us to respond to His Bible in repentance and faith. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional emphasizes the urgency of engaging with Scripture as a direct response to the imminent return of Jesus, highlighting that His “coming quickly” is not a future event but already in process by His sovereign rule. It stresses the importance of actively hearing, reading, and applying God’s Word, rather than seeking novel revelations or relying on personal feelings, as the written Word is Jesus's revelation to us. The message underscores the finality of one’s spiritual condition at the time of Christ’s return, urging listeners to embrace Christ for righteousness and holiness now, lest they remain unrighteous and filthy, under wrath, forever.

2025.09.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:6–11

Read Revelation 22:6–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the angel say about his words in v6? How did he come to be the one who was showing this to John? When must these things happen? Who is now speaking in v7? How do you know? What is He doing? At what speed? What must the blessed one keep? Which words? What two things does John refer to experiencing at the beginning of v8? How does he respond to them? But whose feet do they turn out to be? What does the angel say in response (v9)? What three groups of servants does he identify? What does he say to do instead? What does he tell John not to do (v10)? Why not? What will happen to people, in which four conditions, upon the return of Christ (v11)?

What is the Lord Jesus doing right now? Revelation 22:6–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is doing everything necessary for His soon return, and urging us to respond to His Bible in repentance and faith.

Having climaxed the book—and the entire Bible—with the glorious end of all things in v1–5, the book winds down with a strong appeal to readers and hearers, centering on three statements that Christ is coming quickly (v7, 12, 20). In this section, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of keeping the words of the book, because of the finality of one’s condition upon the return of Christ.

The angel asserts that the words that he is giving John are faithful and true (v6). But then John hears a different voice, the voice of Jesus Himself, in v7. We know this because of the use of the first person “I,” and because of John’s response in falling down to worship. He has done this before in 19:10, but this seems to be more understandable, due to the change in the voice and the brightness of the vision that is brighter than the sun. Blinded by light, and going by his hearing, John concluded that it was Jesus Who was in front of him.

There are two wonderful things about glory here. The first is the zeal of Christ in hastening it. We are impatient, and so small-minded, that we cannot see what Jesus communicates with the present participle in v7. He is diligently doing everything to come. His coming includes not just His physical return, but the gathering of all of His elect. The second wonderful thing is the brilliance of the glory into which His coming brings us. Even the vision of it blinded John; how great will the reality of it be! What comfort and joy we should get from our Redeemer’s zealous work to bring us to such a glorious conclusion!

So, we must heed Him Who is doing all of His work with such zeal and diligence to hasten this end. For, He has also given us our part in the preparations: “Keep the words of the prophecy of this book” (v7). That is how the angel describes the elect, who are the third group of servants (together with him, and with John and the other Bible-writers, whose spirits are governed by God, v6): the elect are “those who keep the words of this book” (v9). 

Here is a magnificent vision, but the vision itself does not commend to us ecstatic or mystical experiences of Christ. Jesus Himself, instead, emphasizes words on pages. We are not to hope for new words immediately given by the Spirit, or heed what He gives us to feel, or what He “lays upon someone’s heart” (cf. Ezek 13:2–3!). Even in this most glorious and true of visions, Jesus commends to us the words on the pages of the Bible. The words of the Bible are the very words of God, and our part in being prepared for our departure from this world, or for the coming of Christ, is to keep the words on the pages of the Bible.

Jesus’s quickness about His own work is paired with an urgency for us to keep the words of the book. Daniel was told to seal up the words of his prophecy, because acting upon it belonged to future generations (cf. Dan 8:26, 12:4). John is told exactly the opposite. He was not to seal up this book, because every generation since his has needed to act upon this book immediately (v10). When we depart this world, or when Christ returns, everything will be set for eternity. Whether we are still unrighteous before God and filthy before God, or whether we have been made righteous in Christ and consecrated as holy in Him, in whichever condition we are found at the end of our life in this world, in that condition we will find ourselves for all eternity (v11)! Keep the words of this book; repent and believe into Jesus Christ

How does your perception need to change in order to see Jesus as “coming quickly” already? What would you say to someone who emphasizes immediate revelation over the words of the Bible? If you died today, or Jesus returned today, in what condition would you remain for all eternity?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for failing to see how diligently and zealously the Lord Jesus hastens to bring us into glory. And forgive us for not being urgent with ourselves and others about the condition of our souls. Grant that we would keep the words of the Bible, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.09.17 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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

Man's Eternal Soul [Children's Catechism 18—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 18—especially explaining how God has created man with an eternal soul.

Q18. What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies? He gave them souls that could never die. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The lesson explores the profound significance of the human soul, asserting that it is a unique creation of God, distinct from the spirit of beasts and possessing eternal life. Drawing from Genesis, 1 Corinthians, and Ecclesiastes, it argues that God’s act of breathing into Adam’s nostrils signifies the infusion of an immortal soul, guaranteeing both resurrection for the righteous, conformed to Christ, and a terrifying judgment for the unrepentant. Ultimately, the lesson emphasizes that the existence of this eternal soul underscores the paramount importance of caring for one's soul as the most vital responsibility entrusted by God, rooted in His covenantal purposes and the promise of redemption.

Responding to God How He's Shown Us [Family Worship lesson in Micah 6:1–8]

How should we repay God for all His goodness? Micah 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers should repay God for His goodness in the way that He says to in His Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional explores God's indictment of Israel, highlighting the contrast between divine grace and the people's unfaithfulness, ultimately revealing that true worship isn't what man comes up with, but what God has shown. Drawing parallels to Christ's redemptive work, the message emphasizes that God desires the people themselves, urging listeners to recognize God's goodness and respond with imaging Him, loving Him, and fellowship with Him.

2025.09.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 6:1–8

Read Micah 6:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does Micah 6:1 begin? Who is speaking (verse 1a)? What does He command them to do (verse 1b)? How publicly are they to plead their case (verse 1c)? Whom else will the mountains hear (Micah 6:2a)? And who else will hear Him (verse 2b)? Why (verse 2c)? What will He do (verse 2d)? What does He call them in Micah 6:3a? What rhetorical questions does He ask (verse 3a, b)? What does He invite them to do (i.e. if they can, verse 3c)? What three things had He done (Micah 6:4)? What does He urge them to do (Micah 6:5a)? Of what else does He remind them (verse 5b–d)? In order to drive home the truth about what (verse 5e)? What does v6 imply will be the people’s response, and what questions do they ask about that response (Micah 6:6)? What does he imply about the proposed answers in Micah 6:7? What do Micah 6:8a-b remind about the answer? What three requirements has He shown them (verse 8c–e)? 

How should we repay God for all His goodness? Micah 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers should repay God for His goodness in the way that He says to in His Word.

The Lord now prosecutes Israel publicly and loudly (Micah 6:1-2). Specifically, he makes the point that their guilt against Him is aggravated by all of His special goodness to them (Micah 6:3). He has redeemed them (Micah 6:4a–b), provided for them godly leadership (verse 4c), and guarding them against the most determined enemies (Micah 6:5a–c), along their entire journey (verse 5d). He has shown forth not only His great salvation, but especially His righteousness, His justness in all dealings with them (verse 5e). But God’s people go astray whenever they try to come up with their own way of worship. They treat God as if He wants calves, rams, or oil in repayment (Micah 6:6-7b). This misses that the point of the sacrifices is to draw near to Him ourselves, and it ends up in the most extreme wickedness of child sacrifice (verse 7c–d). But the wickedness begins with trying to come up with how to serve God ourselves, which is a sin against His goodness and faithfulness to have already spoken to us clearly (Micah 6:8a–b). What He requires of us is that we be conformed to His image (doing justly, verse 8c), to love His character (love covenant-love, Micah 6:4d), and to live in worshiping fellowship with Him (Micah 6:8e). Dear reader, has God not been marvelously good to you as well? Do not come up with your own response; learn from Him how to respond, and do so by His grace.

What are some of the ways that God has been wonderfully good to you? How does He want you to respond?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for redeeming us, just like You brought Israel out of Egypt; and, for giving us everything needful, just like You gave Israel good leadership; and for being with us every step of the way, just like You were with Israel from Acacia Grove to Gilgal. Forgive us for when we have come up with our own ways of repaying You, rather than doing justly, and loving Your steadfast love, and walking humbly with You. We have deserved Your chastening. But forgive us for Christ’s sake, and conform us to Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH341 “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”

2025.09.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 4:13–16

Read Ecclesiastes 4:13–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of youth is it better to be (Ecclesiastes 4:13a)? Than what sort of king (verse 13b)? From what conditions might this hypothetical youth rise to the throne (Ecclesiastes 4:14)? Who end up following him (Ecclesiastes 4:15)? And being ruled by him (Ecclesiastes 4:16a)? But how long does this last (verse 16b)? What does he conclude about honor and power (verse 16c)?

Why is noble kingship vanity, apart from God? Ecclesiastes 4:13–16 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, apart from God, even noble kingship is vanity, for it is short-lived and quickly forgotten.

The final circumstance, in chapter 4, for which the worship of God is a remedy, is the fleeting nature of honor and power. Even a great king quickly becomes old and senile (Ecclesiastes 4:13b). Only Christ’s kingdom is forever.

It’s better to have the possibility of kingship out in front of you, even if you are poor like David (Ecclesiastes 4:13a, b) or in prison like Joseph (Ecclesiastes 4:14a). 

But, even if by wisdom (Ecclesiastes 4:13a), one ascends to the throne (Ecclesiastes 4:15b), and all stand with him for a time (Ecclesiastes 4:15a, Ecclesiastes 4:16a), his honor quickly fades after a few short years (verse 16b). 

Without the God with Whom worship reacquaints us, even genuinely noble rise to genuinely effective reigning ends up fleeting as a vapor, lasting as grasping the wind. How necessary is the knowledge of God and fellowship with Him, and therefore how useful is true worship!

What honorable, useful position do you hope to attain by wisdom? But, what (Who!) alone can give it lasting value?

Sample prayer:  Lord, even being a wise king on the earth is a short-lived nobility. But, to be Your worshipers is an everlasting honor. Thank You for gathering us to Yourself for that which is truly and lastingly honorable. By His blood, Christ has made us kings and priests unto You, O God. Grant unto us the ministry of Your Spirit to give us to worship with the wisdom in which we will reign with Christ forever, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP90B “O Teach Us How To Count Our Days” or TPH212 “Come, Thou Almighty King” 

2025.09.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:10–15

Read Proverbs 17:10–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What is effective upon a wise man (Proverbs 17:10a)? What are less effective upon whom else (verse 10b)? What does the evil man seek (Proverbs 17:11a)? With what response from God (verse 11b)? What is even more dangerous than what else (Proverbs 17:12)? What wicked thing might a man do (Proverbs 17:13a, Proverbs 17:15a)? With what result for him (Proverbs 17:13b, Proverbs 17:15b)? What happens when strife begins (Proverbs 17:14a)? So, when should it be stopped (verse 14b)?

How must a fool be handled? Proverbs 17:10–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a fool must be rebuked and disciplined for his own good, carefully engaged at the optimal times, and not quarreled with but also not vindicated.

In Proverbs 16:31–17:6, we learned how to respond to the godly and wise. Now, having considered the harmfulness of the fool (Proverbs 17:7-9), we are instructed bout how to deal with a fool.

Fools need rebukes and blows, Proverbs 17:10. But the fool is not like the wise. We must not expect it to have an effect easily or quickly. Still, the evil man is in great danger; if he continues in his rebellion, the cruel messenger (death) will ultimately punish him (Proverbs 17:11; cf. Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 2:18). It is for the sake of both others, and for the fool himself, that he must be both rebuked and punished. Covering transgressions with love (Proverbs 17:9) must not be permitted to mean sweeping folly under the rug.

Fools must be handled with care, Proverbs 17:12. In the midst of his folly, the raging fool is uniquely dangerous. He is one who rewards evil for good (Proverbs 17:13a) to the Lord, most of all, but also to men, and even to the rest of the creation. Not only will death be sent against him (Proverbs 17:11b) in a definitive way, but hard providence will continually befall those associated with him (Proverbs 17:13b). Therefore, the one who handles him must be careful.

Fools must not be permitted to prolong a quarrel, Proverbs 17:14. One of the best ways to avoid the fool in the particular condition in Proverbs 17:12 is to drop quarrels preemptively (Proverbs 17:14b). Not everything that the fool wants to quarrel over is worth it, and once the damage is done, it cannot be undone (verse 14a), so don’t take the bait. This must be balanced, however, with the strength to maintain justice. The one who is in authority does not have the liberty to permit the fool to be justified, or to condemn the just (Proverbs 17:15a). This would be to have a contention with God Himself (verse 15b)! It is part of the burden of leadership to take both (prevention of contention and maintenance of justice) into proper consideration.

What fools must you deal with? How are they receiving the rebukes and blows that they need? If you are the fool, how are you receiving these? When are the fools that you are dealing with most “dangerous”? How are you managing your engagement with them to navigate those moments? How skilled are you at dropping quarrels? In what situations are you responsible for maintaining justice?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for Your patience with our folly. Forgive it, for Christ’s sake, and deal wisely with us until our folly has been eliminated. Give us grace to deal properly with others when they are foolish, and thus make us to be a blessing to our family, our church, and our community, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” 

2025.09.14 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.