Christ's Family [2026.02.07 Pastoral Letter and Hopewell Herald]

Hopewell Herald – February 7, 2026

Dear Congregation,

We’ve been learning much, from Song of Songs, about the desires and delights of Christ. In Mark 3:34–35, Jesus says, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

Sometimes, we speak of one another as “church family,” but the truth and reality is much better: that Jesus has made us to be His own family.

It truly is a wonderful thing that we are about to do—entering heaven with Him, Who presents us there, saying, “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me” (Heb 2:13).

Looking forward to going to heaven with you, Christ’s family,

Pastor

 

Audio lessons to help you prepare for the Lord’s Day:

▪Theology Simply Explained — CC38, The Holiness Needed for Heaven 
▪Theology Simply Explained — WSC15, The Fall as Covenant-Breaking
▪Song of Songs 4:16, “The Desires of the Delightful Bride”
▪Deuteronomy 29:2–21, “Covenant with God, Now and Forever”
▪Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, “Delighted, Dependent Diligence”
▪Matthew 27:26–44, “An Overpowering Salvation”
▪Song of Songs 5:1, “Glorious Answer to Prayer”
 

LORD'S DAY – February 8, 2026 

9:50 a.m. Breakfast Line Opens

10 a.m. Sabbath School
We are preparing our minds and hearts for public worship by studying our Confession of Faith from Scripture, affirming that Scripture is our only ultimate authority, but also discovering that what we confess is thoroughly Scriptural.

11 a.m. Public Worship

▫Children’s Catechism for February 8. Q38 Can anyone go to heaven with this sinful nature? No; our hearts must be changed before we can be fit for heaven. [CC 38 Simply Explained: “The Holiness Needed for Heaven”]

▫Shorter Catechism for February 8. Q15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created? The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit. [WSC 15 Simply Explained: “The Fall as Covenant-Breaking”]

▫Songs for public worship on February 8:  TPH400 [mp3], ARP22A [mp3], ARP2 [mp3]

Scripture Text for first portion of worship service
Song of Songs 4:16

Scripture Readings and basis for confession of sin and petition for help
Deuteronomy 29:2–21
Ecclesiastes 11:1–6

Sermon Scripture text and topic
We will be hearing the sermon from Matthew 27:26–44 about “Against YHWH and Against His Christ”

Lord’s Supper! (Please see the section at the end of the Worship Booklet on how rightly to prepare for and take it).

1 p.m. Coffee Fellowship and Catechism Class

1:30 p.m. Fellowship Lunch
▫Memory Verse for February 8, Matthew 27:41–42, Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.”

3:00 p.m. Evening Praise and Preaching

We will be singing at least ten Psalm selections and hearing the sermon from Song of Songs 5:1 about “Enjoying the Church with Christ”

Hopewell this Month

Hopewell’s Presbytery Prayer Focus for February
Madison-Monrovia ARP in Harvest, AL

February Psalm of the Month
ARP22A My God, My God

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday, February 11, Midweek Prayer Meeting. 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel. We will hear a sermon from Proverbs 21:10–18 then pray until 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 11, Session Meeting, 8 p.m. in the Pastor’s Study
• Saturday, February 14, Covenant Child Celebration Brunch, 10a in the Fellowship Hall
• Saturday, February 14, Storm Debris Cleanup, 12p
• Saturday, February 28, Men’s (and future men) breakfast, 7a in the Fellowship Hall

An Overpowering Salvation [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 27:26–44]

How must we respond to the dying Christ? Matthew 27:26–54 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must respond to the dying Christ by abandoning all resistance to Him, and trusting Him Who ruled over all things to die for us. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on Jesus's divine kingship and sonship, amid relentless mockery and resistance from Roman soldiers, passersby, and religious leaders. Pastor highlights humanity’s innate rebellion against God’s authority, rooted in unregenerate hearts that demand signs or rational justifications before believing. Yet, in sovereign providence, even the smallest details—such as the casting of lots for His garments, the use of sour wine mixed with gall, and the conscription of Simon of Cyrene—are shown to be divinely orchestrated for redemptive purposes. Jesus’s refusal of the pain-numbing drink reflects His intentional, conscious sacrifice, maintaining full mental clarity to fulfill His mission of atonement, evangelism, and care for others even in agony. Ultimately, the devotional calls believers to abandon skeptical resistance, to 'kiss the Son' in faith, and to trust in Christ for salvation and blessing. The tone is both convicting and comforting, urging repentance while affirming God’s faithful, meticulous work in salvation..

2026.02.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 27:26–44

Read Matthew 27:26–44

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom did Pilate release (Matthew 27:26)? What did he do with Jesus? What did the soldiers do to Jesus in Matthew 27:27? What did they do to Him in Matthew 27:28? What did they do to Him in Matthew 27:29? How did they mock Him? What did they do to Him in Matthew 27:30? What did they finally get around to doing in Matthew 27:31? Whom do they find in Matthew 27:32? What do they compel him to do? To what place do they come (Matthew 27:33)? What do they give Him (Matthew 27:34)? But what does He do with it? What do they do to Jesus in Matthew 27:35? And with His garments? Why (cf. Psalm 22:18)? What do they proceed to do (Matthew 27:36)? What do they put over His head (Matthew 27:37)? Whom do they add in Matthew 27:38? What do passers-by do (Matthew 27:39)? Saying what (Matthew 27:40)? Who else join (Matthew 27:41)? Saying what (Matthew 27:42)? What do they say that they will do, in what circumstance? How else do they mock (Matthew 27:43)? Who joins all of this mocking (Matthew 27:44)? 

How must we respond to the dying Christ? Matthew 27:26–54 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must respond to the dying Christ by abandoning all resistance to Him, and trusting Him Who ruled over all things to die for us.

For the soldiers, it was not enough to crucify Jesus as assigned (Matthew 27:26). They show that their participation in the spirit of Psalm 2:1–3 by the extra effort for mockery in Matthew 27:29-31.  

But the Lord is also going above and beyond. Simon is compelled to carry the cross to Golgotha, and later his sons, Alexander and Rufus, are known both to Mark (cf. Mark 15:21) and Paul (cf. Romans 16:13) as eminent believers. Though not via His humanity, the Lord Jesus is working here to bring His elect, literally, to behold Him and His cross. Furthermore, the Lord Jesus rejects the pain-numbing cocktail in Matthew 27:34, insisting upon enduring the cross as clear-mindedly as possible. Seemingly random details fulfill prophecy, demonstrating that the Lord is sovereignly superintending all of this (Matthew 27:35, cf. Acts 4:24–28). 

Finally, Matthew 27:36-44 pull together all parts of humanity in their Psalm 2:1–3 collusion. The soldiers, the passers-by, the chief priests and scribes and elders, even the robbers who were crucified with Him. Be careful that you do not join them, dear reader, with demands of what sign from Jesus would convince us to believe. They said, “let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him” (Matthew 27:42). The Lord Jesus is in the midst of giving the fullest demonstration that He is God, Who came to die for sinners, and they are setting terms of faith. Don’t set terms, dear reader. Trust in the dying God-Man to be your Savior!

When do you find yourself doubting Christ? Whom would you be joining if you do? What do you need to do instead? Where must you get the grace to do so? 

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for ruling and overruling all things to die for us. Forgive us, for we often are sluggish to believe, or even resistant. Don’t let us join the nations that rage, and the kings and peoples that plot in vain. Make us those who kiss the Son, those blessed who trust in Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH341 “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed”

Countering Contentious Wifery [2026.02.04 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 21:10–18]

A godly wife keeps the home as a place of peace and thriving for her husband, but a contentious wife robs her house of both of these.

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

Glorious Answer to Prayer [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 5:1]

How does Christ answer the prayers of the bride? Song of Songs 5:1 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ answers the prayers of the bride instantly and abundantly. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the profound intimacy between Christ and His church, drawing from Song of Songs 5:1 to reveal Christ’s joyful, abundant presence and delight in His bride. Central to the message is the divine provision of communion—Christ not only answers the bride’s prayer for His coming but declares His full enjoyment of her, having gathered her myrrh and spices, eaten her honeycomb, and drunk her wine and milk, symbolizing His pleasure in her sanctified character, works, fellowship, and nourishing grace. He affectionately calls her garden, sister, and spouse, affirming her identity in Him, while extending the invitation to all believers to partake in His joy as His own friends and beloved ones. The tone is pastoral and celebratory, emphasizing that Christ’s presence is not only real but actively communicated, assuring believers of His delight and inviting them to savor His nearness, the fruit of His Spirit, and the joy of eternal fellowship. Christ’s provision is not only for the church corporately, but for each individual believer, who is personally cherished and invited into the eternal enjoyment of His delights.

2026.02.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 5:1

Read Song of Songs 5:1

Questions from the Scripture text: Where does the Beloved say He has come (Song of Songs 5:1a)? What three things does He call her? Whose? What has He gathered (verse 1b)? Whose? What has He eaten (verse 1c)? Whose? What has He drunk (verse 1d)? Whose? Whom does He call (verse 1e, g) to also do what (verse 1e)? What else does He also call them also to do (verse 1f)?

How does Christ answer the prayers of the bride? Song of Songs 5:1 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ answers the prayers of the bride instantly and abundantly. 

The bride’s last request was that the Beloved would come to His garden and eat its pleasant fruits. Behold, how He answers while her words still hang in the air. He declares her to be His: His garden, that produces the pleasant fruits; His sister, Who is near to Him and like nature with Him; His spouse, Who is united and bound to Him forever. Behold how quickly the Lord Jesus comes to His own, when they ask.

He answers not only quickly, but abundantly. She asked only that He would come and eat, but He answers that He has also gathered. Her myrrh and spice, her likeness to Him, is His own, and He has gathered. And He has drunk, both the wine of refreshment and celebration, and the milk of nourishment—He has been satisfied with every sort of good thing from His bride.

What a comfort it is to the church, when the Lord comes to her and communicates, by His Word and Spirit, that He is indeed present with her, and the He is indeed pleased with her! Such a season in the life of the church is to be much sought after, and much rejoiced over and thanked for.

Finally, we see that He answers not just the bride corporately, but the members of the church individually. Elsewhere, the bride has called them the “daughters of Jerusalem,” but here, He calls them “friends” and “beloved ones.” That in which the Lord Jesus delights, He gives to His beloved ones to delight in. He needs no benefit from the church, but He invites His friends to enjoy the same provision, strengthening, refreshing, and nourishment that He has sampled with such pleasure. Where Christ enjoys the fruits of His work in the church, He calls believers to come and enjoy and benefit. 

What fruit and fragrance (graces) is your church producing that Christ enjoys? What sense, or evidence, do you have of His pleasure in it from Scripture? How are you answering His summons to eat, drink, and enjoy it yourself?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the fruit and fragrance that Your Spirit produces in Your church. And thank You for answering our prayers for Your presence and pleasure in her. Now, grant that we would answer Your summons to eat and drink from what Your church has to offer, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

Becoming Transmitters of Wisdom [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 5:1–2]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us the action (listen diligently), attitude (bow our ears), and addition (dispense wisdom to others with your lips).(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional, on Proverbs 5:1–2, calls believers to actively and reverently engage with divine wisdom through attentive listening and humble submission. It emphasizes that true wisdom is not merely acquired through external practices but cultivated through intentional worship, meditation, and a posture of reverence before God’s Word. The passage highlights a transformative purpose: to preserve discretion and guard knowledge so that one’s words may pass wisdom to future generations.

Delighted, Dependent Diligence [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 11:1–6]

What should we do? Ecclesiastes 11:1–6 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, since we cannot comprehend all of the work of God, we should be diligent and active, entrusting the outcome to Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, the devotional presents a call to faithful, joyful diligence in all aspects of life, grounded in the recognition that God’s purposes are beyond human comprehension. It emphasizes that, just as the wind and the growth of a child in the womb are mysteries beyond our control, so too are the outcomes of our labor and generosity. Therefore, believers are urged to act with wisdom and generosity—sowing seed in the morning and not withholding effort in the evening—without waiting for perfect conditions or guaranteed results. The passage teaches that true faithfulness lies not in understanding or controlling outcomes, but in trusting God’s sovereign work, even when the results are uncertain. Ultimately, the devotional calls for a life of consistent, humble diligence, rooted in the assurance that God is working all things according to His will, and that our faithful labor, though unseen, is part of His greater design.

2026.02.05 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 11:1–6

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1–6

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Ecclesiastes 11:1a say to do? Then, what will happen, when (verse 1b)? What does Ecclesiastes 11:2a say to do? Why (verse 2b)? What promising circumstance is in Ecclesiastes 11:3a? Then, what will happen (verse 3b)? What happens in verse 3c? Then, what happens (verse 3d)? What is the man in Ecclesiastes 11:4a doing? What won’t he do, then? What is the man in verse 4b doing? What won’t he do, then? What don’t we know (Ecclesiastes 11:5a)? What else don’t we know (verse 5b)? What should this humble us into admitting we cannot know (verse 5c)? What should one do in the morning (Ecclesiastes 11:6a)? When else might he have opportunity to do so (verse 6b)? Which one does he know will work (verse 6c–d)? What might even happen (verse 6e)?

What should we do? Ecclesiastes 11:1–6 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, since we cannot comprehend all of the work of God, we should be diligent and active, entrusting the outcome to Him. 

First, be diligent in commerce. Casting the bread “on the waters” (Ecclesiastes 11:1) likely refers to shipping. Work to ensure your future by being diligent in commerce, even if you don’t immediately see the desired returns.

Second, be diligent in generosity. Since seven is a number of completeness, eight (Ecclesiastes 11:2a) means “be generous to whom providence brings you, and then some.” If everyone does this, there will be a neighborly charity that mitigates unexpected famine. There is also an implication here that you don’t know when you will be the one in need, so generosity now may prepare you to be an object of generosity later (cf. Luke 16:8–9). 

Third, be diligent in your labor, even if you aren’t guaranteed to be the beneficiary of your outcome. Clouds empty themselves indiscriminately (Ecclesiastes 11:3a–b). A tree might fall into your neighbor’s land, or into yours, and that providence will decide who gets the wood (verse 3c–d). 

Fourth, be diligent, even when the circumstances do not appear to be optimal. The man in the two illustrations in Ecclesiastes 11:4 is relying upon what he observes. But the believer doesn’t need to observe optimal circumstances, because the same Lord upon Whom He depends for the outcome is the Lord Who governs the circumstances. It’s always the optimal time to trust God and be diligent. 

Fifth, be diligent, even if you don’t understand how it will fit into God’s plan. You depend upon the wind, though you don’t know how to generate it (Ecclesiastes 11:5a). Your bones formed in your mothers womb, without you understanding how (verse 5b). So, participate in the plans of the only uncreated Creator, Who sovereignly works all things (verse 5c, cf. Ephesians 1:11), even though you don’t understand the part that your efforts will have in His plan. 

Sixth, be diligent at all times, even though you don’t know if it will bear fruit at all (Ecclesiastes 11:6a–c). Something will be fruitful (verse 6d), maybe everything (verse 6e). But again, that is in the Lord’s hands, the safest place for it to be.

When do you find yourself struggling with lack of diligence? Of the six obstacles to diligence above, which are the most challenging for you? What truths about God, and about Christ, will be helpful against these obstacles?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have tried to guess what You are doing, or have talked ourselves into laziness, by the idea that we could control the outcomes of our efforts. Thank you for Christ’s diligence, which is counted for us. By His blood, cleans us from our sin. And by His resurrection, make us to walk in newness of life, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2026.02.04 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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