2025.02.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 1:6–18

Read Deuteronomy 1:6–18

Questions from the Scripture text: Who had spoken to Israel (v6)? Whose God is He? Where did He speak? How had He assessed their situation? What did He tell them to do (v7)? Where did He tell them to go? What features does He describe? What had He done with the land (v8)? What does He tell them to do with it? How does v8b describe/define the land? Who else spoke to Israel (v9)? What was he unable to do? Who had done what (v10)? To what extent (cf. Gen 15:5)? What does Moses wish/pray upon them (v11)? According to what? What couldn’t he do alone (v12)? Whom were they to choose, for what purpose (v13)? How had the people responded (v14)? What sorts of men did they choose (v15)? What did Moses do with them? In what groupings? Whom did Moses tell them to judge (v16)? In what manner did Moses tell them to judge? What were they not to show (v17)? Whom were they to hear? Whom were they not to fear? What were they to do with the cases that were too hard? What had Moses done at that time (v18)?

How is God’s covenant administered among His people? Deuteronomy 1:6–18 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s covenant is administered, among His people, through the service of God-given leaders.

As Moses is about to give the terms for Israel’s dwelling with God in the land, he reminds them of the authority structure that had been established (cf. Ex 18, Num 11). Just as it was the Lord Who had multiplied them, so they were to pick men who had been blessed by the Lord with wisdom and understanding. Moses is about to die, but this structure is to continue, for it is from God and for God. These magistrates of the people were not to fear any man, but only the Lord. God administered His justice among the people through particular servants. Though the generation had changed, this God-given authority structure was to remain the same. 

What authority structure has the Lord given your home? Your church? Whom, most of all, do these authorities serve? According to what standard? Whom do they serve, under Him?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us Your own design for the operations of the church. Grant that, trusting You, we would follow Your design. and, grant that Your servants among us would govern wisely, in accordance with Your Word, and not showing any partiality or fear of man, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH280 “Wondrous King All Glorious”

 

Famous Last Words [2025.02.16 Evening Sermon in Deuteronomy 1:1–5]

Sermons address believers, individually and corporately, to govern and shape their interaction with their God.

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

The Great Sign [2025.02.16 Morning Sermon in Matthew 16:1–4]

Jesus Himself is the great sign of His Lordship and Christhood.

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

The Greatness of Public Worship [2025.02.16 Sabbath School in Westminster Confession 21.6]

We continued studying through the Scriptural doctrine that our congregation confesses. This week, we continued Westminster Confession chapter 21—continuing with Article 6 and how God especially emphasizes public worship over even family worship and private worship.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Righteousness Is a Blessing [2025.02.12 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 11:1–8]

Wise conduct is conduct that is done in awareness of the presence of the Lord, for the purpose of the pleasure of the Lord. It reaps its benefits not from some mechanism in the creation, but by the will and pleasure of the Creator.

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

History Under the Lamb [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 6:1–8]

What are we to make of these dreadful things described in the seals? Revelation 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is in control of all of the dreadful things that happen in this age, bringing about the spread of His kingdom and the salvation of all of His elect.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 6:1–8

Read Revelation 6:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John see the Lamb do in Revelation 6:1? What did he hear? What did its voice sound like? What did it say to do? So what did John do (Revelation 6:2)? And what did he see? What did the One on it have? What was given to Him? What did He go out to do? What does the Lamb do in Revelation 6:3? Who says what? What does John see (Revelation 6:4)? What color is it? What does it do? What is granted to the one who sat on it? What else is given to him? What does the Lamb do in Revelation 6:5? Who says what? What does John do? What does he see? What color is it? What does the one who is on it have in his hand? What does John hear (Revelation 6:6)? From where? What does the voice say? How much wheat can a day’s wage buy? How much barley? What can’t it buy at all? What does the Lamb do in Revelation 6:7? What does John hear? Saying what? What does John do in Revelation 6:8? What does he see? What color is it? What is the name of its rider? Who follows with him? What is given to them, over whom? To do what, in what ways?

What are we to make of these dreadful things described in the seals? Revelation 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is in control of all of the dreadful things that happen in this age, bringing about the spread of His kingdom and the salvation of all of His elect.

The Lord Jesus, in His earthly ministry, gave us the key to understanding the timing of the seals in Revelation 6. In Matthew 24:2–3, the disciples had mistakenly thought that the destruction of the temple would coincide with Jesus’s coming and the end of the age. But Jesus warns that this would be a deception (cf. Matthew 24:4) and that the things that we now see in Revelation 6:1-8 are merely the beginning of sorrows (cf. Matthew 24:6–8). But the things that will come in the sixth seal (cf. Revelation 6:12-17) come at the end of the period of persecution (cf. Matthew 24:29–31) that extends from the first coming of Christ until the second. More on that next week, Lord-willing.

The Spirit plainly tells us that the second through fourth seals unleash war (Revelation 6:4), poverty (Revelation 6:6), and widespread death (whether by pestilence or by some other means, Revelation 6:8). The latter is so severe that it afflicts one fourth of the earth. But we must heed Jesus’s warning not to be deceived. These are not signs of the end, but ordained occurrences throughout the entire time of His absence. 

Matthew 24 taught us not to be deceived. Now Revelation 6 teaches us not to be dismayed. Jesus is in control. The effect of these seals on the earth are dire, but He Who opens the seals in heaven is in control. This all occurs concurrently with the great throne room scenes in chapters 4–5.

And that is the point of the first seal. For, although He is bodily in heaven, the Lord Jesus is actively conquering on the earth (Revelation 6:2). Despite all of the persecution that believers face, and all of the upheaval in all of creation, the gospel goes out with conquering power. 

The eye of flesh sees only those dreadful effects of the fall all around us: wars and murders (Revelation 6:4); inflation so bad that a day’s wages can barely buy enough grain for a small loaf of bread, and oil and wine are altogether unaffordable (Revelation 6:6); a created order that spawns death, instead of life, at every turn (Revelation 6:8). But the eye of faith sees the Lamb on the throne, not only reacting to these things, but with authority to rule and overrule their unleashing. The eye of faith sees Him as going forth in His church, conquering and to conquer.

Dear reader, we must learn to see all of history this way: the acts of Jesus Christ, ruling from heaven to bring about the spread of His gospel, and complete the gathering-in of all of His elect (cf. Revelation 6:11). When you hear about war in Ukraine, or hurricanes, or persecutions, or economic crises, or world poverty… it is not merely that Christ is somehow able to bring something good out of all these things. Rather, He is worthily and ably accomplishing His plan of redemption even through these things. How comforting to know that our Redeemer rules over all; Christ is in control!

What things, currently in the news, tempt you to be anxious or discouraged? What is actually the “true story” behind all of these events? How can you be participating in the main story line of what is happening on the earth in our days?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how easily we are anxious or discouraged about events around the world. Truly, they are grievous, but You rule and overrule them for the success of Your kingdom and the gathering in of Your elect. Give us to adore the authority and glory of Jesus, the Lamb Who sits upon the throne. And give us to trust Him in all that He is doing and to participate in His kingdom-work. Thus, not only forgive us for our wrong responses, but cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making us to live in this age in faith and love, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH256 “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” 

2025.02.19 Midweek Meeting Livestream

Click below for the:

February 19 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 11:9–14 sermon outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

The Illogic of Amazing Grace [Family Worship lesson in Hosea 1:1–2:1]

What’s in a marriage and in a name? Hosea 1:1–2:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Hosea’s marriage, and children’s names, taught the greaterness of God’s grace, even to great sinners.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.02.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hosea 1:1–2:1

Read Hosea 1:1–2:1

Questions from the Scripture text: What came (Hosea 1:1)? Whose Word? To whom? Whose son was he? When did this happen, with reference to which kingdoms? To whom does YHWH begin speaking (Hosea 1:2a)? What does He tell him to go take (verse 2b)? How would this wife treat him? Who would come from this marriage (verse 2c)? Why should the prophet marry, even with such knowledge (verse 2c)? How had they committed this harlotry (verse 2d)? Whom does Hosea marry (Hosea 1:3)? What does she do? What does YHWH say to call him (Hosea 1:4)? What is YHWH about to do to whose house? With what even more significant result (Hosea 1:4-5)? What does Gomer do in Hosea 1:6? What does YHWH say to name her? Why—what won’t He continue to whom? But to whom will He continue it (Hosea 1:7)? How will He save them? How won’t He save them? What does Gomer finish doing in Hosea 1:8? What does she do then? What does YHWH say to call him (Hosea 1:9)? How does He word the covenantal rejection of Israel (verse 9)? But what will still occur (Hosea 1:10)? Even after, and in contrast to what? What will have been said to them? What will be said to them in the same place? Who will be gathered (Hosea 1:11)? In what manner? Who will be appointed for them? What will happen to them? Because of the greatness of what day? What is Hosea to preach, to whom, in anticipation of that day?

What’s in a marriage and in a name? Hosea 1:1–2:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Hosea’s marriage, and children’s names, taught the greaterness of God’s grace, even to great sinners.

Jeroboam II reigned from 793–753 b.c., and the kings of Judah in Hosea 1:1 from 791–686. But while his reign was successful (YHWH “saved” them through Jeroboam’s hand, cf. 2 Kings 14:27), it also wickedly maintained the centuries-old manmade worship of Jeroboam I (cf. 2 Kings 14:24). So, this reign is a lesson of sovereign grace over, and through, and to sinners. And Hosea’s life and prophecy are going to be an even greater such lesson.

YHWH calls Hosea to be a living picture of God’s own dysfunctional family. He is to marry Gomer, knowing that she will be unfaithful to him (Hosea 1:2-3), as a picture of the Lord, Who was not dissuaded from marrying His church, even though she would be unfaithful to Him. This adulterous woman bears him two sons and a daughter, whose names are lessons for Israel.

Jezreel (Hosea 1:3-5). This is a reference to a bloodbath that took place in 2 Kings 9-10 when Jehu completely annihilated all the descendants of Ahab and Jezebel and slaughtered all the priests of Baal.  He was the instrument of judgment which Yahweh had promised against Ahab. Some think that this passage is punishing the house of Jehu for the manner in which he carried out the executions, but not only did he do it at the command of Yahweh (2 Kings 9:7-9), he is clearly commended for it in 2 Kings 10:30.  The best way, then, to read the passage in Hosea is as a repeat of judgment for the same crime rather than judging Jehu for the manner of the previous judgment. The idolatry of Israel will be punished with a slaughter like that of Jezreel.

She-is-not-shown-compassion (Hosea 1:6-8a). The one daughter has a sad name. Scripture is replete with the idea that God’s wrath against nations relents and relents and relents… to a point.  Then there is no more relenting. Israel has come to that point. The days of compassion for the nation are running out.

Not-my-people (Hosea 1:8-9). This is the ultimate family dysfunction, divorce.  Already, Hosea has married Gomer, the wife who is a picture of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness.  Now, he must name his third child, “Not-my-people.”  God is disowning Israel as His people. The divorce is complete, the bride who spurned her husband’s love has been rejected, and the child of that marriage is orphaned from his father.  The name is a direct allusion to Leviticus 26:12. We cannot overstate what a somber and grievous thing this is that is being declared.  But the sheer tragedy of it makes what follows all the more remarkable!

The irrational logic of grace (Hosea 1:10). “Yet” is not translating an adversative particle. It would be more literally translated, simply, “and.” The reason for it is going to come at the end of Hosea 1:11, but the Spirit first presents to it in a way that is simply inexplicable. After the sure and severe judgments of Hosea 1:4-9, how can this be true? How does an obliterated people become an innumerable multitude? How does a rejected and disowned people come to be called “sons of the living God?” God’s grace gives the exact opposite of what is deserved: blessing for those who deserve only curse. 

The great reason for this irrational grace (Hosea 1:11). How do Judah and Israel come to be not only restored but reunited? Under one King? In one land? “Great will be the day of Jezreel.” The greatness of the day of the slaughter for their sin. This can be nothing less than the greatness of the death of Christ, and the redemption that is in His blood. The greatness of Judah and Israel’s “one Head,” and the greatness of this day of Jezreel, is the reason that it can be said simply to them, “My-people” and “she-is-shown-compassion.” 

What do you deserve from God? What relationship has He planned for you to Him anyway? How does this come not by lessening the punishment of your sin, but actually by the greatness of how that sin has been punished? To whom do you tell the good news that they are God’s people and that they are shown compassion?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for our sin that deserves a bloodbath on the order of what Jehu did at Jezreel. But, Christ’s death on the cross is the greatest bloodshed that there has ever been. How great has been that day of Jezreel! For His sake, do not only forgive us, but cleanse us from all our unrighteousness! Come, again, and speak to us as Your own dear people. Tell us, again, that we are shown compassion, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP130 “LORD, from the Depths to You I Cried” or TPH180 “Kind and Merciful God”