Getting the Heart of Worship [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 29]

What is the most important provision we need from the Lord for the work of the church? 1Chronicles 29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the most important provision that we need for serving the church is the provision of a willing heart. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional explores 1 Chronicles 29, highlighting David’s exhortation to the people to offer willingly to the Lord for the construction of the temple. It emphasizes that the true provision for worship lies not in the material resources provided but in the willing heart that God grants to His people, contrasting this divine gift with the inherent evil of the human heart described in Genesis. Pastor connects the post-exilic use of this narrative to the New Testament reality of the church as a spiritual house built by Christ, where believers are transformed by the Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices. The message encourages believers to rejoice in God’s grace, which enables them to serve with wholehearted devotion, and to submit fully to Christ as the King who builds His temple. This perspective calls for a life of worship and service that is rooted in gratitude for God’s initiative rather than human effort.

2026.10.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 29

Read 1 Chronicles 29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom in 1 Chronicles 29:1? What did he say about whom? And about the work? What made the work great? How has David prepared (1 Chronicles 29:2)? What things? What has he done to the house of God (v3)? With what result (1 Chronicles 29:3-5)? What challenge does he now give? Who responded in what manner (1 Chronicles 29:6)? With what resultant action (1 Chronicles 29:7-8)? And what resultant affection (1 Chronicles 29:9)? What did David then do to Whom (1 Chronicles 29:10)? Before whom? What did he ascribe to Him (1 Chronicles 29:11)? What belongs to Him? What comes from Him (1 Chronicles 29:12)? What is in His hand (verse 12)? Therefore, how do David and the people respond (1 Chronicles 29:13)? And what does David acknowledge about himself and them (1 Chronicles 29:14-15)? Where did their contributions come from (1 Chronicles 29:16)? What is the most important part of a contribution (1 Chronicles 29:17)? Where does that come from (1 Chronicles 29:18)? For whom does David especially pray this (1 Chronicles 29:19)? What does David then command the assembly to do (1 Chronicles 29:20)? How do they extend this (1 Chronicles 29:21)? And what do they reenact in this context (1 Chronicles 29:22-24)? What is summarized in 1 Chronicles 29:26-27? How long had it been? What concluding and transitional statements does 1 Chronicles 29:28 make? What else can be found where (1 Chronicles 29:29-30)? 

What is the most important provision we need from the Lord for the work of the church? 1 Chronicles 29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the most important provision that we need for serving the church is the provision of a willing heart. 

In this passage, David proclaims to all Israel how important it is to contribute to the worship and work of the kingdom in this world.

It is not for man, but for YHWH God (1 Chronicles 29:1).

It is something to be done with all one’s might (1 Chronicles 29:2).

It is something that is first done by setting one’s affection upon it, so that he is willing to give what is most precious to him (1 Chronicles 29:3). 

On the basis of what the Lord has done in David himself, he proceeds to challenge all the assembly: “who is willing to fill his hand this day for YHWH?”

How about you, dear reader? What is the level of your willingness to fill your hands for the Lord? To fill them with work, to fill them with wealth, to fill them with worship for the Lord?

This is one of the areas in which we are to encourage one another. When the people find that they are able to offer willingly, it makes everyone rejoice (1 Chronicles 29:6-9). 

This becomes an occasion upon which David composes a psalm of praise in 1 Chronicles 29:10-15. It is marked by honor: ascribing greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:11). It is marked by deference: acknowledging that all things, an their wealth and honor and authority belong to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). It is marked by dependence: acknowledging that any power or might or greatness that anyone else has must come from Him (1 Chronicles 29:12). It is marked by gratitude: giving praise by way of thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 29:13). And it is marked by humility: recognizing that there is nothing in us/them to make us worthy to receive any of this (1 Chronicles 29:14-15). 

But the greatest gift of the Lord is actually described after the psalm: it is not just the abundance that is from God’s hand (1 Chronicles 29:16), but the upright and willing heart are also from the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:17). Thus, David is emboldened to pray both for the people (1 Chronicles 29:18), and especially his son (1 Chronicles 29:19), that YHWH God would give them, also, loyal hearts toward the Lord.

Here, we learn that the greatest provision for which we pray is a good heart. And, we learn that, when we have had a willing, upright, and loyal heart toward the Lord, this is cause for humble gratitude. For, these things did not come from us! 

In their joy over the Lord’s provision, the people pledge themselves , again, under Solomon as king and Zadok as high priest (1 Chronicles 29:21-25), bringing the Davidic portion of the Chronicles material to a close (1 Chronicles 29:26-30). In all of this, we remember that this is forward-looking. It has not been so much about David, as it has been about the Son of David.

So, we rejoice in the reign of the King with the perfect heart, Who is God Himself. And we look to His Spirit, to give us to have hearts like His, by His grace.

With what kind of heart are you participating in the public worship? How are you filling your hand with wealth and work for God in His church? With what kind of heart are you doing so? Over whose willing contributions have you rejoiced? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us Christ as the One Who builds your temple out of living stones. And thank You for making us to be those living stones. Forgive us, for when we have not had willing and eager hearts for Your worship, or for the work of the church, or for giving our wealth. Grant that Your Spirit would cleanse our hearts and make us to be more like Christ, we pray in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH274 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”

2026.10.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Job 22

 Read Job 22

Questions from the Scripture text: Who answers (Job 22:1)? What rhetorical questions does he ask (Job 22:2-3)? What is the implied answer? What does he imply about Job’s behavior in Job 22:4? What point does he make in Job 22:5? But what specific accusations does he make in Job 22:6-7, Job 22:9? What evidence does he suggest for the superiority of the mighty and honorable man (Job 22:8)? And what evidence for Job’s supposed wickedness (Job 22:10-11)? What truth about God does he declare in Job 22:12? But how does he accuse Job of responding to this (Job 22:13-14)? Whom else does Eliphaz say have done this (Job 22:15-16)? What did they do to God (Job 22:17), despite His having done what for them (Job 22:18)? Who have what response when God cuts down such wicked (Job 22:19-20)? What does this imply the “righteous” would do about Job’s suffering? What does Eliphaz tell Job to do (Job 22:21a)? With what promised result (verse 21b)? What does he tell him to do in Job 22:22? By taking what action (Job 22:23)? What does Eliphaz say he would then have (Job 22:24)? With what ultimate pleasure (Job 22:25-26)? And what spiritual ability (Job 22:27-28)? Even in what case (Job 22:29-30)? 

How does one come to delight in the Lord? Job 22 looks forward to the opening portion of the public worship of God on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that one comes to delight in the Lord, not by works, but by grace. 

Ironically, Eliphaz makes the true point that God needs nothing from men (Job 22:1-3). So, how can the friends’ message of “earn blessing by doing better” be true, if man can do nothing for God? Eliphaz is actually wrong about his implied question in Job 22:3a. The Almighty does take pleasure in Job’s righteousness. We saw that in Job 1:8 and Job 2:3. And the reason that He takes pleasure in it, as we know from Scripture as a whole, is because it is God’s grace that has produced this righteousness. God’s pleasure is not only in the righteousness, but especially in His own grace that has produced it.

Sadly, Eliphaz concludes, from Job’s suffering, that God has no pleasure in Job (Job 22:4-5). The specific accusations in Job 22:6-7 and Job 22:9 are desperately wicked, despising the image of God in men. Job is exactly opposite this (cf. Job 29:12–13). Eliphaz accuses Job of thinking that he can get away with evil because he thinks God is not paying attention (Job 22:12-14), and warns that those who have done so in the past (Job 22:15-18) have perished, to the delight of the righteous (Job 22:19-20).

So, one more time, Eliphaz suggests that Job return to the Almighty by rejecting iniquity (Job 22:21-23), in order to get material (Job 22:24) and spiritual (Job 22:25-26) blessing, and become the sort of person whose prayers God hears (Job 22:27-29), even when he prays for the wicked (Job 22:30). 

This is actually true (cf. Job 42:7–8)! But if Eliphaz actually believed that he himself is righteous, and that the righteous can do this, why didn’t he just pray for Job?

Oh, let us be careful about drawing conclusions about others based upon difficult providences coming upon them! Many a Pharisee probably thought his opinions about Christ were confirmed at the cross, but he couldn’t have been more wrong. 

God does delight in the grace-produced righteousness of His saints, even when His mysterious providence includes much suffering for them. Let us not be “Eliphazes” who merely talk about having the Almighty as our delight, but let us be “Jobs” who actually persist in faith to have Him as our delight, until He graciously hears us and brings us into the experience of that joy. 

What Christians do you know who have suffered much? What conclusions should you be careful not to draw about this? What righteousness is there in your own character and conduct? Why would/does God actually delight in this righteousness? For what blatantly wicked people are you praying?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how merciful and gracious You are to us sinners, for indeed our wickedness is great, and apart from Christ, our iniquity is without end. But, Your grace brings us to repentance and faith, and makes us more and more holy like Christ. We are amazed that You do take pleasure when we are righteous, because it is Your grace which produces it, and You delight in that grace. Grant that You, the Almighty, would be our delight! Lift up our faces to You. Give us to make our prayer to You, and hear us. And make Your light shine on our ways, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly, I Am with You” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace!”

Loving Men in Light of the Lord [Children's Catechism 75—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 75—especially explaining how the last six commandments apply the knowledge and love of God to how we love ourselves and others.

Q75. What do the last six commandments teach? Our duty to our fellow men. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This lesson explores the theological foundation of the last six commandments, identifying them as a summary of humanity's duty to fellow men. It clarifies that these commandments are not merely social rules but are rooted in the reality that all people are created in the image of God. The teaching corrects the modern notion of self-love as self-indulgence, arguing instead that proper self-regard and neighborly love are derived from, and defined by, God's law. By examining specific commandments regarding authority, life, marriage, property, truth, and desire, the lesson demonstrates how interacting with others is fundamentally an act of interacting with God. The central message emphasizes that our conduct toward neighbors is a direct reflection of our understanding of God's character and our own identity as His image-bearers.

Training the Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 29:1–15]

Why are the Rod and Reproof so necessary? Proverbs 29:1–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rod and reproof are means that God uses to conform a child to Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional explores the divine purpose behind parental discipline, explaining that the combination of verbal rebuke and physical correction is essential for training a child to receive God's Word. It contrasts the tragic trajectory of a child left to himself, who hardens his heart and harms self and others, with the wisdom cultivated through consistent, loving correction. The text emphasizes that this discipline is not an end in itself but serves the rebuke, which is a means of grace by which Christ brings the child to repentance and faith in Himself. The message urges parents to trust in God's sovereignty to use these instruments for the spiritual formation of their children, lest they end up in themselves rather than in Christ and like Christ.

2026.10.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 29:1–15

Read Proverbs 29:1–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the person in Proverbs 29:1 do often? What will happen to him? How quickly? How surely? What two situations does Proverbs 29:2 contrast? What does the son in Proverbs 29:3a love? With what result? What does the son in verse 3b do? How does a king establish the land (Proverbs 29:4)? Who does the opposite? What does the man in Proverbs 29:5 do? With what result? What happens to the evil man, in what way (Proverbs 29:6a)? What does the righteous man do instead (verse 6b)? Whose cause does the righteous consider (Proverbs 29:7)? Who does not understand this? What do scoffers do (Proverbs 29:8)? Who else does what else? What is the situation in Proverbs 29:9? What are the two possible responses, but the one certain outcome? Whom do the bloodthirsty hate (Proverbs 29:10)? But who seeks his soul? What contrast is presented in Proverbs 29:11? What does the ruler in Proverbs 29:12 do? With what result? Who have what in common (Proverbs 29:13)? What does the king in Proverbs 29:14 do? With what result? What two things give wisdom (Proverbs 29:15)? What other option is there with a child? With what result?

Why are the Rod and Reproof so necessary? Proverbs 29:1–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rod and reproof are means that God uses to conform a child to Christ.

The rebuke is necessary (Proverbs 29:15) as a means by which God gives wisdom. But what if a child hardens his neck (Proverbs 29:1)? The one who hardens against rebuke is in great danger. He is on the path to sudden, irremediable destruction (verse 1b), and if he somehow makes it into authority, others will suffer too (Proverbs 29:2).

How will this unrestrained child end up? Lusting for harlots, instead of loving wisdom (Proverbs 29:3). Acting in mercenary interest instead of justice (Proverbs 29:4). Flattering his neighbor in a way that ends up harming him too (Proverbs 29:5). Harming himself in his own sin (Proverbs 29:6). Ignorant of the value of God’s image in others (Proverbs 29:7). The sort of man who inflames conflicts instead of defusing them (Proverbs 29:8). One who is either a rager, or a mocker, but never peaceful (Proverbs 29:9). Hating those who aren’t wicked like he is (Proverbs 29:10). Venting all his feelings, and lacking self-control (Proverbs 29:11). Willing to lie, in a way that corrupts those around him (Proverbs 29:12).

Of these disastrous consequences of the undisciplined, unchastised child, the worst is apparently the ignorance of God’s image in others (Proverbs 29:7). Proverbs 29:13-14 return to this theme, reminding us that to despise God’s image is to despise God Himself (Proverbs 29:13), which is exactly the opposite of what Christ is like (Proverbs 29:14). The point of employing the rod and rebuke as means of God’s grace (cf. Proverbs 23:13–14) is the conforming of the child to Christ! He is the forever-King Who judges the poor with truth, because He treasures God and His image-bearers.

How are you at receiving rebukes? How are your children at receiving them? When you have experienced hardness to rebuke, how have you employed the rod? Whom are you trusting to make it effective? To what end?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank you for giving Your Son, our lord Jesus, to be the King Who judges the poor with truth, and Whose throne will be established forever. By His grace, make us to be parents such as You are in Your Fatherhood, and make us to be children who heed rebukes. Thus, make us to be those who love wisdom, make people rejoice, care for God’s image in others, diffuse conflict, and have self-control. Thus do for us, and our children, by the grace of Christ, we ask, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH100B “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”

2026.10.18 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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2026.10.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 11:27–12:12

Thursday, October 15, 2026 ▫ Read Mark 11:27–12:12

Questions from the Scripture text: To where did they come again in v27? Where was Jesus walking? Who came to Him? What did they ask Him (v28)? What did Jesus tell them they would have to do if they wanted Him to answer them (v29)? What does He ask them (v30)? Why didn’t they want to say “from heaven” (v31)? Why didn’t they want to say “from men” (v32)? So, what do they answer (v33)? And what does Jesus say? In what did Jesus then begin to speak to them (12:1)? What is this parable about? Where does the owner of the vineyard go? What does he do at vintage-time, when there should be grapes ready (v2)? What do they do to the servant (v3)? What do they do with the second servant (v4)? And the third (v5)? How many sons did the owner have (v6)? What did the vinedressers say among themselves in v7? What do they do to the son (v8)? What does Jesus say that the owner will do in v9? What Scripture quote does He say in v10-11? About whom did the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders know that Jesus had spoken this parable?

Who is in control of the cross? Mark 11:27–12:12 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 Jesus is in total control, as He goes to the cross.

In this serial reading, we are starting to feel the buildup of pressure that leads to the cross. The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders have all joined forces now (Mk 11:27). The scribes and the elders were very hostile to Rome, while the chief priests were very friendly to Rome, who had permitted them to continue operating the temple. The others saw the priests as sellouts.

But, these enemies can finally agree on something: they hate Jesus and want to destroy Him. When they come and ask the question about authority (Mk 11:28), it is a catch-22 for Jesus.

If Jesus claims a divine authority to act against the temple order, as currently backed by Rome, the Romans would see it as a crime of rebellion against Rome, and punishable by death.

If Jesus somehow claimed Roman authority for his actions, then the scribe/elder party would consider His selling out to be on the level of blasphemy for desecrating the temple, and they would execute Jesus for that.

In the end, this was, indeed, the charge that they were trying to line up (false!) testimony to prove: that Jesus had spoken against the temple (cf. Mk 14:58). But Jesus confessed Himself to be the Son of God (cf. Mk 14:61–62), and so they based the blasphemy charges upon that instead (cf. Mk 14:63–64).

In the parable, Jesus exposes just how bad this really is. They know that He is from God (Mk 12:6–7). The very thing that they are trying to get Him to admit is that God has invested Him with His own authority to give God the fruit that God has always sought from Israel.

They know that He is from God, and they want to destroy Him anyway. But notice which one is afraid, and which One is in control here. They come to trap Jesus with a question, and He traps them with one instead (Mk 11:29–33). They are out to destroy Jesus, but Jesus is not the One who is afraid. Rather, twice it says that they are afraid of the people/multitude (Mk 11:32, 12:12).

Jesus is in control, and that’s super-important.

It means that the cross was not some tragic miscalculation or accident. The cross was not the Jews or the Romans or even the Devil overpowering Jesus.

The cross was Jesus, intentionally, in total control, laying down His life for His people.

It is so important, dear reader, that you see how powerful and in-control Jesus is, as He goes to the cross. Behold Him who laid down His life for sinners!

When have you felt out of control? Who is really in control of that? What else has He done for you, of which He was in complete control? What does this mean He is doing now?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how forgetful we are of how intentionally Jesus went to the cross. Give us to remember His authority and His intentionality as He laid down His life for us. Our loving too little is a result of failing to dwell upon how much He has loved us, and how much He has forgiven us. Grant that we would love Him because He first loved us. Grant that we would love much, because we have been forgiven much. And grant that we would trust Him as the One Who is sovereign over all things—even over His own death on the cross, we ask in His Name, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP118D “Now Open Wide the Gates” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation”

2026.10.14 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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2026.10.11 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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