More Love to Thee, O Christ [2025.03.29 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What the bride most desires is to please the Bridegroom more.

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

The Flood and Fire of His Wrath [2026.03.29 Morning Sermon in Nahum 1:8–11]

The Lord will remove all place and power from the wicked, pursuing them with darkness, and consuming them with fire.

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Baptism Represents Christ to Us [2026.03.29 Sabbath School lesson in WCF 27.1.3—Hopewell 101]

Like the Lord's Supper, Baptism, as a sacrament, represents to us Christ and His benefits.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Israel's Blessing [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29]

What is the blessedness of God’s people? Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God Himself is the greatest blessing of His people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Moses, at the end of his life, delivers a final blessing to the tribes of Israel, culminating in a profound declaration of God’s covenantal love and sovereignty. The passage reveals God as the ultimate source of blessing—riding the heavens, sustaining His people with everlasting arms, and defeating enemies on their behalf. The blessings to each tribe are not merely material promises but covenantal affirmations, with special emphasis on Levi’s role in spiritual leadership and the enduring significance of divine election. The climax of the blessing is the declaration that Israel’s true happiness lies not in land or wealth, but YHWH Himself, in and through Christ.

2026.04.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29

Read Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom, when (Deuteronomy 32:48)? Where does He tell Moses to go (verse 49)? To do what? What two other things will he do there (Deuteronomy 32:50)? Why must he die there (Deuteronomy 32:51)? What will he see (Deuteronomy 32:52)? What won’t he do? What does Deuteronomy 33:1 call the following verses? Who came from where (Deuteronomy 33:2a-d)? Who came with Him (verse 2e, cf. Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2)? What did He give (Deuteronomy 33:2f–g)? With what affection (Deuteronomy 33:3a)? Who are in His hand (verse 3b)? What do they do (verse 3c–d)? By whom did He command it (Deuteronomy 33:4a)? As what (verse 4b)? What does Deuteronomy 33:5a call Israel? Who was God to them? When (verse 5b–c)? What two blessings does he now pronounce on Reuben (Deuteronomy 33:6a)? Tempered by what limitation (verse 6b)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:7a)? Who will hear him (verse 7b)? And bring him where (verse 7c)? And enable him to do what (verse 7d–e)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:8a)? What will YHWH do for him (verse 8b)? What had YHWH done to him (verse 8c–d)? Whom did they resist, in order to be faithful to YHWH (Deuteronomy 33:9)? What will they do unto Israel (Deuteronomy 33:10a–b)? What will they do unto YHWH (verse 10c–d)? What will YHWH do for him (Deuteronomy 33:11a–b)? And how protect him (verse 11c–d)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:12a)? What will YHWH do for him (verse 12b–d)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:13a)? What will YHWH bless for him (verse 13b)? With what (verse 13c–d)? And with what else (Deuteronomy 33:14-16a)? But ultimately with what (Deuteronomy 33:16b)? Upon what will blessing come (verse 16c–d)? What will Joseph be like (Deuteronomy 33:17a–b)? What will he do (verse 17c–e)? In what numbers (verse 17f–g)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:18a)? With whom (verse 18c)? What will they do (verse 18b)? Whom will they lead (Deuteronomy 33:19a) in what (verse 19b)? What will they have a share in (verse 19c–d)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:20a)? By blessing whom else (verse 20b)? What does he do (verse 20c–d)? In what role (Deuteronomy 33:21)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:22a)? By describing him as what (verse 22b)? And doing what (verse 22c)? Whom does he bless next (Deuteronomy 33:23a)? With what will he be satisfied (verse 23b) and full (verse 23c)? What will he possess (verse 23d)? Whom does he bless last (Deuteronomy 33:24a)? By calling him what (verse 24b)? Who else will favor him (verse 24c)? With what richness (verse 24d)? And what strength (Deuteronomy 33:25a)? In accordance with what (verse 25b)? Whose uniqueness does Deuteronomy 33:26a declare? How does He show it (verse 26b–c)? Who is He (Deuteronomy 33:27a)? What is He to them? How are they upheld (verse 27b)? How are they protected (verse 27c–d)? What will be their security (Deuteronomy 33:28a)? How is their life described (verse 28b)? And their richness (verse 28c)? And their freshness (verse 28d)? What, therefore, is their condition (Deuteronomy 33:29a)? What makes them so happy (verse 29b)? What two things is He to them (verse 29c–d)? What will they do to their enemies (verse 29e–f)?

What is the blessedness of God’s people? Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God Himself is the greatest blessing of His people.  

Moses has preached his last sermon now, which takes up the bulk of the book of Deuteronomy. And in order that the written copy of the book might be a witness, and heaven and earth might be a witness against all Israel in the generations to come, the Lord had him conclude the book with the song that summarized the rest of the book. And he has written the song, and he speaks it all to Israel, and he finishes that and tells them what to do with it in verse forty-five and forty-six.

Now, the Lord says, it is time to die. This sentence was pronounced on Moses for failing to hallow the Lord at Meribah (Deuteronomy 32:51), when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Before he dies, Moses will see the land (Deuteronomy 32:52). As something of a father to Israel, he blesses them before dying, like Jacob had done in Genesis 49. Many blessings overlap between the two. Genesis 49:7 has already begun coming true for Simeon, who is missing from Deuteronomy 33. The curse on Reuben (cf. Genesis 49:4) is affirmed in the fewness of their number (Deuteronomy 32:46b, NKJ’s “nor” is incorrect), though Moses’s blessing preserves their existence (Deuteronomy 32:6a). Zebulun’s blessing in Genesis 49:13 is confirmed here in Deuteronomy 33:19d–e, and they continue to be connected with Issachar (Deuteronomy 33:18, cf. Genesis 49:13–14). 

Israel’s earthly blessings are rounded out by Benjamin’s security between two ranges of hills (Deuteronomy 33:12), Joseph’s many earthly blessings (Deuteronomy 33:13-17), Gad’s enjoyment of the territories of Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 33:20-21), Dan’s lion-like nature (Deuteronomy 33:22), Naphtali’s blessings around the sea of Galilee (Deuteronomy 33:23), and Asher’s riches (Deuteronomy 33:24-25).

Other nations may possess material wealth or geographical advantages, but for Israel, for God’s people, and for you who are in Christ, the good things you receive in this world come to you through the love that gave you Christ. They are manifestations of God’s special, covenantal, electing, and adopting love toward His people. Therefore, you give thanks to God for them as covenant blessings. 

This is where the emphasis ultimately lies. Enclosing these tribal blessings, Moses introduces (Deuteronomy 33:2-6) and concludes (Deuteronomy 33:26-29) with general blessings and the general blessedness, focusing upon their greatest blessing: the Lord Himself. YHWH shined forth as pillar of fire and cloud of glory (Deuteronomy 33:2). Israel are made holy ones (Deuteronomy 33:3), being consecrated to Him like the thousands of angels who had been at Sinai (Deuteronomy 33:2, cf. Hebrews 2:2). In this, we see the love of God, even for sinners, redeeming  them to be His holy ones. His law comes in that love, as their heritage (Deuteronomy 33:4). And in His love, He was king to them (Deuteronomy 33:5). He is their help (Deuteronomy 33:26), their refuge (Deuteronomy 33:27a), their support (verse 27b), their avenger (verse 27c–d), their security (Deuteronomy 33:28a), their life (verse 28b–d), their joy (Deuteronomy 33:29a), their salvation (verse 29b), their defense (verse 29c), their gory (verse 29d–f). YHWH is everything to them.

This is why Levi’s blessing is the most important (Deuteronomy 33:8-11). On several occasions, they have been faithful to YHWH, over-against the rest of Israel (Deuteronomy 33:9). Now, they are blessed to minister spiritually to man (Deuteronomy 33:10a–b) and God (verse 10c–d). 

All the blessedness that the Lord gives, and especially the blessedness of the Lord Himself being ours, belongs ultimately to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who pronounces blessing upon us, and especially the blessing of God Himself being our happiness. Happy are you, O Israel, who is like you, a people saved by YHWH, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty. This belongs to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

What material blessings have you received? How are you taking and enjoying the Lord Himself as your greater blessing?

Sample prayer: Lord, You have given us many material blessings. Forgive us for when our hearts make more of them than of You. Grant that we would receive all blessings as from the love that gave us Jesus, the love that made us Your own people. Most of all, we pray that You would enable us to receive Yourself as our great blessing and blessedness, in the Lord Jesus, and by Your Spirit. For we ask this in Jesus’s Name. Amen.

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments” 

Giving Him More of Our Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:1–4]

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the church’s longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride’s declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church’s worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church’s highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return.

2026.03.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:1–4

Read Song of Songs 8:1–4

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the bride wish about the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:1a–b)? For what circumstance (verse 1c)? To be able to do what (verse 1d)? Without what (verse 1e)? Where would she bring Him (Song of Songs 8:2a–b)? What had happened there (verse 2c)? What would she make Him to drink (verse 2d–e)? How would He support her (Song of Songs 8:3a) and hold her (verse 3b)? Whom does she address in Song of Songs 8:4a? Not to do what to what (verse 4b)? For how long (verse 4c)? 

What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (7:10–11) to enjoy the first signs (Song of Songs 7:12) of the fruits that are produced (Song of Songs 7:13) from the lives of sleepers (Song of Songs 7:9). 

Now, she expresses her desire to be more openly approved, more plentiful, more dependent, and more undisturbed in her pouring out of love to Him.

More openly approved. He has called her His sister (cf. Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:10, Song of Songs 4:12), and Scripture describes Him as our elder Brother (Song of Songs 8:1a, cf. Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11–12). Additionally, He and the saints are children of the same mother (cf. Revelation 12:1–5, Revelation 12:17). There is even a sense in which they were, indeed, nourished by that mother (Song of Songs 8:1b). 

In their culture, brothers and sisters could show affection in public, but it was frowned upon for a husband and wife. The bride is desiring that the day would come, when open affection between Bridegroom and bride would be universally approved. We ought to desire, and pray, and labor for reformation!

And, we ought to be longing for the perfect and permanent reformation that comes at last. That day is coming, dear Christian! Don’t you long for it? The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (cf. Revelation 22:17). 

More plentiful. In their reunion from her first backsliding, she had expressed a desire to bring Him to the house of her mother (Song of Songs 8:2a–b, cf. Song of Songs 3:4), and now she says it again, using His own language—the spiced wine recalling the mixed/strong wine from Song of Songs 7:2, and the pomegranate recalling Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 6:7. The pomegranate (Song of Songs 8:2e), its blush color indicating modesty, and flushing with pleasure, has thus far appeared behind her veil. Now, she desires His fellowship in the assembly of the church, where the instructional ministry of the church (verse 2c) increases the welcome and refreshment of the wine (verse 2d).

It is the church’s desire to be employed by Christ for the instruction of believers, increasing their delight in being the objects of His affection. This is like the wine of refreshment and gladness, celebration and fellowship, to Him. The bride longs to refresh the Bridegroom with more instructed, more sanctified, more delighted saints.

More dependent. Although she is producing life for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:11–12), and bearing fruit for Him (cf. Song of Songs 7:13), unto His enjoyment of the juice and wine of that fruit (cf. Song of Songs 8:2), she wants to testify that it is really He, Who does all the heavy lifting. Song of Songs 8:3 is quoting all the way back from Song of Songs 2:6, where she had fainted from His overwhelming love (cf. Song of Songs 2:5). Now, even though she is serving Him with life and vigor, He is still bearing her up in His arms (Song of Songs 8:3). In all of her love and service to Him, she continues to be sustained by Him. Such is the sweet experience of the church and the Christian—not only to serve the Lord, but to do so in entire dependence upon Him. Thus, the believer’s service to Christ produces gratitude, where the flesh would have produced a sense of accomplishment and pride.

More undisturbed. As He sustains her (Song of Songs 8:3), so that she can please Him with the final product of her ministry to the saints (Song of Songs 8:2), she now charges those saints not to disrupt this. The picture is of the Bridegroom and the bride in a loving embrace, and how hateful toward both of them it would be to disrupt them. But this is exactly what they do, who hinder the faithful preaching, teaching, and shepherding of the church—whether by diluting or altering the theology, or by deemphasizing the teaching, or distracting from the Lord’s ordinances by the ideas of men. Don’t disrupt the Lord’s delight in shepherding His church by His means!

What part does reformation have in your prayers and efforts? How does Jesus’s pleasure in the teaching ministry of the church affect your participation in it? When you serve the Lord fruitfully, do you find more of a feeling of achievement, or gratitude? How do you participate in sustaining and advancing the reformation and revival of the church? How are you in danger of disturbing or hindering it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we rejoice to be assembled with Your church, in the house of our mother. Come, and delight in the spiced wine of our pleasure in Your instruction. Sustain us, with Your left hand under our head, and Your right hand embracing us. And do not let Your love for us be disturbed until You have accomplished all Your holy will for our worship, through Your grace, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP122 “I Was Filled with Joy and Gladness” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”

Him Who Knew No Sin [Children's Catechism 46—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 46—especially explaining how in order to be our Priest, and our Substitute, Christ had to have the holiness of God Himself.

Q46. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever commit the least sin? No; He was holy, harmless, and undefiled. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson centers on the absolute sinlessness of Jesus Christ, affirming that He never committed the least sin, as required for Him to be a perfect high priest and Redeemer. Even the sinful thought, feeling, or desire is sin, reinforcing the necessity of Christ’s complete moral purity. Ultimately, Christ’s unique and indispensable role in salvation, requires His flawless character and divine righteousness.

The Safe-Keeping of the Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 23:12–24:2]

How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise’s wisdom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the vital importance of cultivating a wise and godly heart through faithful instruction, disciplined correction, and loyal devotion to godly parents and generations past and future. From Proverbs 23:12–24:2, it emphasizes that true wisdom begins with the heart’s surrender to divine truth, parental guidance, and the fear of the Lord, rather than worldly allurements such as drunkenness, gluttony, or immoral relationships.

2026.03.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 23:12–24:2

Read Proverbs 23:12–24:2

Questions from the Scripture text: What should the son do with his heart (Proverbs 23:12a)? And ears (verse 12b)? What shouldn’t be withheld from whom (Proverbs 23:13a)? What won’t happen (verse 13b)? What must a parent do (Proverbs 23:14a)? Unto what purpose (verse 14b)? Whose heart may be in what condition (Proverbs 23:15a)? Whose heart will do what (Proverbs 23:15-16a)? How will the father know, when the son’s heart is wise (Proverbs 23:16b)? What must the son keep his heart from (Proverbs 23:17a)? How (verse 17b)? Why (Proverbs 23:18)? What does Proverbs 23:19a command? Unto what end (verse 19b)? And the avoidance of whom (Proverbs 23:20)? Why (Proverbs 23:21)? What should he do with his father (Proverbs 23:22a)? And with his mother (verse 22b)? What should he get, and never give up (Proverbs 23:23)? Who will rejoice (Proverbs 23:24)? What, then, should the son do (Proverbs 23:25)? What should the son do with his heart (Proverbs 23:26a)? And eyes (verse 26b)? Why—of whom would he be in what danger (Proverbs 23:27-28)? What is the condition of the person in Proverbs 23:29? How did they get there (Proverbs 23:30)? By what mustn’t the son be tempted (Proverbs 23:31)? Why (Proverbs 23:32)? How does wine sting (Proverbs 23:33)? What sort of choices do drunks make (Proverbs 23:34)? How do they end up (Proverbs 23:35)? What should the son avoid (Proverbs 24:1)? Why (Proverbs 24:2)?

How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise’s wisdom.

The 12th–20th sayings focus on the keeping of the heart from being with and like the wicked, by giving it to the wise parent’s wise teaching. #12 (Proverbs 23:12) is an introduction to the section, recalling saying 1 (cf. Proverbs 22:17). The ears are for getting knowledge that shapes the heart. Not only his soul, but his own children’s soul’s depend, instrumentally speaking, on his being wise, and instructing (Proverbs 23:13a) and disciplining (Proverbs 23:13-14a) them wisely, in dependence upon God to save the soul (#13, Proverbs 23:13-14). So, not only should he aim at his parents’ joy, but by the time it is complete, he will be urging his children similarly from his own lips (Proverbs 23:16b); in this way, the hearts of the generations are linked together (#14, Proverbs 23:15-16). In #15 (Proverbs 23:17-18), we learn why the care of the heart is so important: it is in danger of envying sinners, (Proverbs 23:17a) and having hope cut off (Proverbs 23:18b) in the latter end (verse 18a). The fear of YHWH (Proverbs 23:17b) is the antidote that the heart-work of these sayings produces. 

So, to escape winos, gluttons, drunks, and sluggards (Proverbs 23:20-21), the son must guide his heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19b) by hearing his father (Proverbs 23:19a) and being wise (#16, Proverbs 23:19-21). It is not just the attention of the heart, but the affection of the heart, that the Lord uses. The natural affection for begetting father (Proverbs 23:22a) and aging(verse 22b)/bearing(Proverbs 23:25b) mother (Proverbs 23:22b) motivates us to give them great joy (Proverbs 23:24a), delight (verse 24b), and gladness (Proverbs 23:25a). So, we must get truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding, and never give them up (Proverbs 23:23) (#17, Proverbs 23:22-25). Aiming at his mother’s joy is urgent because of the mortal danger of lusting for the harlot or seductress (#18, Proverbs 23:26-28). But it’s not just harlots that seduce; wine also seduces (Proverbs 23:30-31), destructively (Proverbs 23:29), painfully (Proverbs 23:32), deludingly (Proverbs 23:33), derangingly (Proverbs 23:34-35b), and addictingly (Proverbs 23:35c) (#19, Proverbs 23:29-35). The last thing one should want is what the wicked have, or to be with them, lest your own heart and lips become like theirs (#20, Proverbs 24:1-2).

What dangers is your specific heart most prone to? How are you using your eyes and ears to protect it? To whom (Whom) are you giving it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, please help us to give our ears, eyes, and hearts to You by hearing and heeding those by whom You instruct us in wisdom. Make us zealous to fear You. Make us delight to delight you, and to gladden the godly. And, thus, save our hearts from envying the wicked, being seduced by them, or becoming like them. Save us from deadly pleasures, and give us eternal life, enjoying You, we ask in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us”