2026.05.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 1:7–8

Read Ephesians 1:7–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What do we have in Jesus (Ephesians 1:7a)? Through what? What does this redemption entail? According to what was this redemption purchased? What does Christ make this redemption do unto us (Ephesians 1:8a)? In what two things does this redemption abound?

How great is redemption? Ephesians 1:7–8 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that its greatness corresponds to God’s grace and God’s wisdom. 

Through hundreds of pages of Scripture, the Holy Spirit prepares us to understand the RICHES of Ephesians 1:7–8. Redemption was something that the life of the firstborn was given to purchase for Israel. And redemption was something in which money could be offered to purchase the life of that firstborn, in memory of when the blood of the Passover lamb protected that life. Redemption was something that could be purchased for anyone who ended up in slavery through debt.

But never was there a redemption like this. Redemption through His blood! All the wealth in the world—indeed, every created thing—together cannot begin to indicate the value of Him from Whom, and through Whom, and for Whom all things exist. And yet, He took to Himself flesh and blood that He might spill that blood in order to purchase us!

What bank is so flush with wealth that it can afford such a payment as the blood of Christ? The bank of the riches of God’s grace. We often talk about depending upon grace, but I think we could do with more meditating upon the greatness of that grace upon which we depend, praise God! It is a grace so rich that it was according to these riches that the blood of Jesus purchased us for adoption as sons of God.

Indeed, of all of the things that God’s wisdom and understanding has devised, here is one thing that Scripture describes all of His wisdom and understanding bending itself upon: purchasing us through the blood of Christ according to the riches of His grace.

Truly, our redemption is a marvel at which we will wonder in praise for unending ages. And it makes one’s heart ache with a desire that the flesh would be mortified more even now, in order that we might wonder and praise more even now. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:3)!

From what are you redeemed? At what cost? How are you responding to the riches of His grace? The abundance of His wisdom?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we bless Your Name, Whose redemption is not just from the riches of Your grace, but with a lavishness that is according to those riches. We thank You for the precious blood of Christ, and praise You for the divine wisdom that devised such a glorious salvation. Make Your grace to keep abounding to us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP65A “Praise Awaits You, God” or TPH425 “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place”

To Whom Judgment Comes [Family Worship lesson in Zephaniah 1:8–13]

Whom will God judge? Zephaniah 1:8–13 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 God will judge all, and especially those in leadership. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: [transcription service unavailable at the time of publication].

2026.05.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Zephaniah 1:8–13

Read Zephaniah 1:8–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What day is this telling us about (Zephaniah 1:8a–b)? Whom will YHWH punish (verse 8c)? Whom else (verse 8d)? Whom else on that day (Zephaniah 1:9a–b)? What do these people do (verse 9c)?  What will be heard, from where, on that day (Zephaniah 1:10a–b)? And what from where else (verse 10c–d)? And what from where else (verse 10e)? Who else will make what noise (Zephaniah 1:11a)? For what two reasons (verse 11b–c)? When will Zephaniah 1:12a occur? Who will do what, where (verse 12b)? In order to do what (verse 12c)? To whom (verse 12d)? Why are they complacent—where (verse 12e) do they say what (verse 12f–g)? What will happen to what two things in Zephaniah 1:13a–b? And what other curse will come upon them (verse 13c–d)? 

Whom will God judge? Zephaniah 1:8–13 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 God will judge all, and especially those in leadership.  

At first, Zephaniah prophesied wrath of cosmic proportions (Zephaniah 1:2-3). Then, he made it clear that judgment begins at the household of God (Zephaniah 1:4-7, cf. 1 Peter 4:17). Now, he narrows the focus of his prophecy even more, to specific individuals.

God’s judgment will focus especially upon the political, religious, and economic leaders. Although Josiah would seek the Lord, his children wouldn’t, and they will be punished (Zephaniah 1:8c). Verse 8d alludes to the same sort of thing as in 2 Kings 10:22 with the special outfits for Baal worship, and Zephaniah 1:9a alludes to a Philistine religious superstition (cf. 1 Samuel 5:5) that begin with the humiliation of their false god, but now has been imported into the religious traditions of Israel! The religious leadership meticulously holds to the religious dress and traditions of men, but they turn their Lord’s house into a den of robbers (Zephaniah 1:9c, cf. Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17, Luke 19:46, Jeremiah 7:11). The weeping and wailing will come not only from the high places (Zephaniah 1:10d), but especially from the economic district of Jerusalem (Zephaniah 1:10-11). Those who are in leadership must expect a greater judgment (cf. James 3:1, Luke 12:48). 

But the “common” person must not think that he will escape. Though a man flatters himself that the Lord isn’t really going to judge him in His wrath (Zephaniah 1:12d–g), the word-picture in verse 12a–c is exactly the opposite: YHWH making a systematic search with the spotlight of His all-penetrating gaze and knowledge. They had God’s Word inscribed to them, recounting the covenant curses of Zephaniah 1:13 in Deuteronomy 28:30, Deuteronomy 28:39. And we, dear reader, have God’s Word inscribed to us in Zephaniah 1:8–13. Let none of us think that there is any way to escape the wrath of God. The only way out is to go through, and the only way through is hidden in Jesus Christ at His cross! Do not think or live as if the Lord somehow might not judge your sin. Turn from your sin and hide in Christ!

What has God given you, which subjects you to a greater judgment? What do you do, hoping God will somehow overlook it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, have mercy upon us! For, You have given us much, and of us, much will be required. Don’t let us deceive ourselves about Your wrath, but give us to consider it seriously, and to hide ourselves in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH177 “Before Thee, God, Who Knowest All”

Wrongful Fear Comes from Unbelief [Family Worship lesson in Mark 4:35–41]

Who can Jesus be? Mark 4:35–41 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus can only be YHWH God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over nature by calming a violent storm, revealing His identity as the sovereign Lord who commands even the forces of creation. The disciples’ fear of the storm gives way to profound awe when they realize that the One Who stills the winds and waves is also the One who cares deeply for them, as evidenced by His willingness to endure human weakness and suffering for their salvation. Their question, 'Teacher, do you not care?' exposes a subtle but dangerous unbelief—the assumption that God’s power is not matched by His personal concern—yet Jesus responds with gentle rebuke and grace, inviting them to trust in His care, which is fully secured in His sacrificial death. The devotional underscores that true faith is not the absence of fear, but the recognition that God’s love and power are most fully revealed in the cross, where His care is proven beyond doubt. The response to doubt, therefore, is not merely intellectual assent, but a return to the cross, where Christ’s compassion and sovereignty are eternally confirmed.

2026.05.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 4:35–41

Read Mark 4:35–41

Questions from the Scripture text: Whose idea was it to cross over to the other side of the lake (Mark 4:35)? What size boats were they in (Mark 4:36)? What happened to the boats (Mark 4:37)? Where was Jesus (Mark 4:38)? What do they ask Him? How does Jesus stop the storm in Mark 4:39? Whom else does He rebuke in Mark 4:40? What does He rebuke them for? What do they fear even more in Mark 4:41? What do they ask?

Who can Jesus be? Mark 4:35–41 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus can only be YHWH God. 

In this passage, we learn what to fear and what not to fear.

Just as God was the One Who “picked the fight” that led to the situation with Job, so now it is Jesus Who initiates the situation with the boats (Mark 4:35-36). The disciples are about to become witnesses of astonishing power (over nature in this passage, and over demons in the next one, cf. Mark 5:1–20). 

Because we know the greatness of what Jesus is about to do, we should be particularly impressed with Mark 4:38: our Savior needs sleep. Our Creator needs sleep. Our God needs sleep! He’s exhausted—so tired that even the storm doesn’t wake Him. The disciples have to do that, themselves. The disciples seem to know that Jesus could do something about the storm. Perhaps He could pray. Perhaps He would give them some instruction, as He had with catching fish, that would astonish with the effectiveness of His wisdom. 

Sadly, it is not His ability that they question. In Mark 4:38, they do not doubt His power, but His care. But are we not, often, like they were? Do we not sometimes, in prayer, cry to the Lord, knowing that He can do something, but secretly doubting, in our hearts, that He will do anything? The Lord’s question is valid for us: why are we so fearful? How is it that we have no faith? So… let us not fear our circumstances. After all, we have an almighty and all-loving Savior who rules and overrules in everything that happens to us!

But let us also learn to fear. It is one thing to heal diseases, and even to command evil spirits, but it is something else altogether to command the very creation. At the end, they fear exceedingly (Mark 4:41). Before, they had merely thought they were dying. Now they realize that they are in the very presence of God (cf. Psalm 65:7, Psalm 89:9, Psalm 93:4). They know the answer to their question: Who can this be that wind and sea obey Him? We know Who He is. He is YHWH! And the most amazing thing isn’t that He would be so tired that we find Him asleep on a pillow in a boat. The most amazing thing? It is that we would find Him dying on a cross, and bearing God’s wrath for us!

Of what circumstances have you been afraid? How is Jesus more fearful than those? How can this be the greatest possible comfort to you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have been afraid of circumstances, as if You either were not strong enough, or did not care enough, to work those circumstances to our good. Grant that we would be amazed that Jesus, YHWH Himself, became a sleep-needing man, so that He could suffer and die on the cross for our sins. And, make us to know that He rules over all creation for our good, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP180 “Christ Shall Have Dominion” or TPH291 “O, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

2026.05.20 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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

Judgment Begins at God’s House [2026.05.17 Evening Sermon in Zephaniah 1:4–7]

Those who are near to God must reverently and ruthlessly eliminate all manmade worship.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The sermon, from Zephaniah 1:4–7, confronts the peril of spiritual complacency within God’s people by emphasizing that divine judgment begins with the household of God, warning that outward religious affiliation and ritual observance do not guarantee safety. It exposes the danger of syncretism—blending authentic worship of YHWH with manmade practices—revealing that such compromises are not mere additions, but acts of apostasy that betray a heart turned from God. The call to silence before the Lord underscores the need for reverent humility, urging believers to listen to God’s Word rather than rely on human traditions or self-generated religious expressions. The passage portrays the Day of the Lord as a sacrificial judgment in which the unrepentant, even within the covenant community, become the offering. Ultimately, the message is a sober exhortation to genuine faith: true worship is found only in Christ, Whose righteousness alone makes believers acceptable to God, and requires constant dependence, repentance, and a posture of listening rather than self-assertion.

The God Who Extends His Family [2026.05.17 Morning Sermon in Ephesians 1:5–6]

Predestination is God's pleasure to give us pleasure.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The sermon unfolds Ephesians 1:5–6 as a profound meditation on divine predestination, not as a cold decree but as the loving, sovereign act of God the Father, rooted in His eternal joy and pleasure in the Son. It emphasizes that predestination is about the gracious purpose to adopt believers as sons through Jesus Christ, culminating in their full conformity to His image and eternal fellowship with Him. The central message is that this doctrine, far from being a cause for pride or defensiveness, should inspire deep joy, worship, and delight in God’s infinite grace—especially in the Father’s pleasure toward us in Christ, where we are accepted not by our merit but by His divine favor. The preacher calls the congregation to embrace predestination not as a theological abstraction, but as the sweet, life-giving reality of being eternally loved, adopted, and made pleasing to God through union with Christ. Ultimately, the doctrine is presented as the very means by which God glorifies His grace and invites all who believe into the eternal delight of His presence.

Baptism a Seal of Regeneration [2026.05.17 Sabbath School in WCF 28.1.e—Hopewell 101]

Baptism is a sacrament of the new testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life. Which sacrament is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in his church until the end of the world. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

All Parts of the Body Necessary [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 7:1–19]

What should we do about those who don’t really seem to be as much a part of the church as others? 1Chronicles 7 looks forward to 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 God has a special care for the inclusion in His church of those among His people who seem weak or unworthy. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a detailed genealogical record of several tribes—Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, and Manasseh—emphasizing their numbers and valor, not for pride but to affirm God’s sovereign blessing and purpose in every lineage. Though some tribes were small or marginalized, such as Issachar or Naphtali, or descended from concubines and daughters without male heirs, the Chronicler highlights their inclusion and significance as part of God’s unified people. The central theological theme underscores the divine order of the body of Christ, where every member, regardless of perceived status or size, is essential and valued according to God’s will. This historical account serves as a pastoral reminder to the post-exilic community that no part of God’s people is expendable, and all are vital to His covenant purposes. Ultimately, the passage calls for humility, unity, and trust in God’s wisdom in assembling His church, where every individual, by divine design, contributes to the whole.