2026.03.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 1:7–11

Read Nahum 1:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Nahum 1:7a summarize YHWH’s character (verse 7a)? How is this goodness expressed and experienced by believers, at what time in their lives (verse 7b)? What is His relation to those who take refuge in this stronghold (verse 7c)? What pursues those who are His enemies, instead of His friends (Nahum 1:8c)? What does He do to them (verse 8b)? In what manner (verse 8a)? What are they doing, as implied by the rhetorical question in Nahum 1:9a? What, specifically, are they conspiring/devising (verse 9c)? Why won’t this affliction arise a second time (verse 9b)? What will ultimately happen to these oppressors (Nahum 1:10c)? In what manner (verse 10a–b)? Who is taking this lead in the plot against YHWH (Nahum 1:11a–b)? What does this plotter of evil counsel (verse 11c)? 

How is God’s glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love.  

YHWH the Stronghold, Nahum 1:7. In Nahum 1:7, Nahum returns to the goodness of YHWH, briefly mentioned in Nahum 1:3a. There, he had explained the reason for the delay in YHWH’s wrath—not because of inability or unwillingness, but because of patience. But God’s patience means salvation for some (cf. Romans 2:6–7, Romans 2:10), and greater wrath for others(cf. Romans 2:4–5, Romans 2:8–9). 

YHWH’s wrath is delayed (cf. Romans 9:22), because He especially delights to glorify His goodness (cf. Romans 9:23–24). Everyone in this world experiences goodness from God continuously in this life. But it is in our afflictions that we really see the difference. When the believer goes through trouble (Nahum 1:7b), YHWH is a stronghold to him. But, when His enemies experience trouble, that is just the beginnings of absolutely complete wrath (Nahum 1:8).

YHWH knows those who trust in Him. They come to trust in Him, because He has known them—chosen them in love. This is what is meant by the language of “knowing” (Nahum 1:7c). Genesis 15:19 uses “known” in the same way. He choses them. He loves them. He is not just a secure place for them (Nahum 1:7b). He, personally, knows them always; and, when they are in trouble, His knowing them makes Him their stronghold.

YHWH the Flood, Nahum 1:8. The security of those who trust in YHWH (Nahum 1:7) is equaled by the destruction that will come to His enemies (Nahum 1:8). Ever since Genesis 6, the overflowing flood had been the ultimate expression of God’s wrath. Now, verse 8a describes what’s coming as an overflowing flood. Jesus describes God’s wrath as “outer darkness” (cf. Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30). Here, Nahum 1:8c describes what is coming as darkness pursuing His enemies. Not only they, but their place, will come to an utter end. 

If you live in God’s world for anything other than His glory, you act as His enemy (cf. Romans 1:18–25). You might live for yourself. You might live for your pleasures. You might live for your possessions. You might live for your praise, and your prominence in this world. But if you are not righteous with God through faith in Jesus Christ, then all that you lived for will come to an utter end.

YHWH, Nineveh’s Consuming Fire, Nahum 1:9-11.  In Nahum 1:9, we go from the general to the very specific. We expected this, since the book was titled as the weight that is against Nineveh. Just as every believer must know not only that God is a general Savior, but his own, personal Savior, so also the analog is true for the unbeliever. He must know not only that God is a God of complete vengeance and wrath against His enemies generally, but that God is his own, personal enemy, specifically. God will take vengeance upon Him.

The plural “you” in Nahum 1:9a matches up with a singular, feminine “you,” in Nahum 1:11a, indicating the city of Nineveh. That plural “you,” then, indicates her citizens. They were happy enough to benefit from the ruthless oppression of Sennacherib. The affliction that came out of Nineveh upon the people of God (Nahum 1:9c) would never again arise, once God had judged them (verse 9b). 

Whoever attacks the Lord’s people attacks the Lord (cf. Matthew 25:41–46; Acts 9:4). But Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, whose capital was Nineveh, was especially bold about this. He directly insulted and blasphemed YHWH (cf. 2 Kings 18:30, 2 Kings 18:35; 2 Kings 19:22–23). YHWH will give themselves over to being physically (Nahum 1:10a) and mentally (verse 10b) inept, so that they will be quickly and completely destroyed (like a fire in dry stubble, verse 10c). 

YHWH is a consuming fire (cf. Deuteronomy 9:3–4). Let the wicked nation, city, king, people, or individual know that He is their own, personal consuming fire.

What trouble are you going through? How is YHWH a stronghold for you in it? What sin, in you, is at enmity with YHWH? How are you demonstrating that you are at enmity with it? Who are the enemies of the true church in the world? What is their sure end?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are good, our stronghold in the day of trouble. Thank You for choosing us and loving us and giving to us to know You as our stronghold. Forgive us for when we have not been at enmity with our sin. Make us to hate it with complete hatred. We thank You for the certainty that You will destroy all of Your and our enemies. We praise You for Your justice and wrath, and especially for the riches of Your glory in Your mercy in Christ, through Whom we pray, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP7B “God, Is My Shield” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage”

Delighting to Delight Jesus [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 7:9b–13]

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage reveals the deep, mutual delight between Christ and His church, portrayed through intimate imagery of love, spiritual awakening, and shared mission. Central to this vision is the church’s joyful, grace-enabled ministry—evangelism, discipleship, and worship—performed not for self-gain but to fulfill Christ’s heart, delighting Him by nurturing spiritual life in the 'sleepers' and celebrating every sign of resurrection, growth, and fruitfulness. Ultimately, the church’s purpose is to reflect Christ’s glory, to be conformed to His image, and to find its deepest joy in giving Him what He delights in—His people alive, growing, and bearing fruit in His likeness..

2026.03.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Read Song of Songs 7:9b–13

Questions from the Scripture text: How does the wine go down, for whom (Song of Songs 7:9b)? Whose lips does it move (verse 9c)? In what manner?  To Whom does she belong (Song of Songs 7:10a)? What is the object of His desire (verse 10b)? What does she invite Him to do (Song of Songs 7:11a)? To go where (verse 11b)? And lodge where (verse 11c)? Getting up when (Song of Songs 7:12a)? To go where? And see what (Song of Songs 7:12b–d, cf. Song of Songs 6:11)? What will she do, there, when these things have happened (Song of Songs 7:12e)? What give off what (Song of Songs 7:13a)? What are at their gates (verse 13b)? Of what kinds (verse 13c)? For Whom has she laid them up (verse 13d)?

What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. 

Desiring the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:9-10. The bride delights in His delighting in her—not in the pride of her delightfulness, but in the love of giving Him delight. It is for Him. It is “for her Beloved” (Song of Songs 7:9b) that the wine goes with uprightness. “Smoothly” is a fine contextual translation, but the more literal meaning is even better, when we remember that the wine refers to the reviving, strengthening, gladdening ministry of the church.

The verb in the last part of the verse appears only here in the Hebrew Bible. Most scholarly guesses about what sort of movement it is describing come from its connection to the wine, but in the context of what has happened in the song, and the nature and purpose of wine, we get a better sense from the fact that it is doing this to “the lips of sleepers.” We have seen, in Song of Songs 3:1, Song of Songs 5:2–3, what these sleepers are. When the bride has slept, it has been an indication that she needs reviving. Now, we see that a revived church loves to delight the Bridegroom by herself being the means by which sleepers are revived. 

Here is one thing that especially delights the Lord Jesus in a church: when her ministry is such as He uses to give life to those who are spiritually dead, and to recover saints who have backslidden into a spiritual slumber.

Just as her spiritual labor is entirely unto her Beloved (Song of Songs 7:9), His desire is entirely unto her (Song of Songs 7:10). She is His delight.

Sharing the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:11-12. With His eagerness to see revival in mind, she invites Him to come and watch for it with her. The exercise in Song of Songs 7:12 is one that she learned from Him, in Song of Songs 6:13, where He had described His eager watchfulness to see any signs of new growth in her, during her time of backsliding: watching for new buds (Song of Songs 7:12b), new blossoms (verse 12c), or new blooms (verse 12d). Wherever these sleepers are found—whether field (Song of Songs 7:11b), village (verse 11c), or vineyard (verse 11d)—she invites Him to look for signs of life. He delights to see the new life that He gives, and she delights to be the means of producing that new life as an expression of her love to the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 7:12e). 

She expresses action in looking for these signs of life by “going forth” (Song of Songs 7:11b). She expresses persistence in looking for these signs of life by “lodging” (verse 11c). She expresses earnest eagerness in looking for these signs of life by “getting up early” (Song of Songs 7:12a). In all of these, she is happy to share with Him in looking for signs of new life.

Multiplying the Bridegroom’s Delight, Song of Songs 7:13. From Genesis 30:14–16, we know that mandrakes (Song of Songs 7:13a) were thought to improve fertility. The idea here is that the bride is bearing fruit in the sense of child-bearing. New birth. Her spiritual fertility produces fruit (verse 13b) of all kinds. She is happy to see new life in new saints, and continued life in old saints (verse 13c). All of her ministry, to all of them, is especially for the Beloved. The church loves to multiply fruit, new and old, for Christ.

How do you enjoy, and express, delight at being Christ’s own delight? What action are you taking to see new fruit in yourselves and others? How are you persisting in that action? How are you demonstrating eagerness and diligence to see that fruit? What fruit are you laying up for Christ in your own life? And to whom are you fulfilling your duties, as a church member and a neighbor, out of a desire that fruit would be laid up for Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are amazed that Your church is Yours, and that Your desire is toward her. Come, our Beloved, and let us go now together to see new buds and blossoms of life in Your church. We are here to give You our love. By Your Spirit, produce pleasant fruits in those whom You newly convert, and in those Who older believers, of long standing. Come, and make us fruitful, so that we might lay up for You all the fruit that we can, through Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH403 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” 

Humble Savior of Lowly People [Family Worship lesson in Mark 1:12–20]

What kind of Savior is Jesus, of what kind of people? Mark 1:12–20 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is a Savior Who humbled Himself to save a lowly people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a striking portrayal of Jesus’ humble and sacrificial entrance into His ministry, marked by wilderness temptation, and the imprisonment of His forerunner, John the Baptist. Rather than ascending to power in Jerusalem, Jesus begins His mission in Galilee, proclaiming the kingdom of God with a call to repentance and faith, emphasizing that true salvation requires radical transformation. He calls ordinary, lowly fishermen—men of no social standing or wealth—demonstrating that His power is revealed through weakness. The narrative underscores the profound mystery of divine glory revealed in humility. This paradox of glory in humility invites believers to worship not only Christ’s exalted majesty but also His willing descent into human frailty.

2026.03.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 1:12–20

Read Mark 1:12–20

Questions from the Scripture text: Where does the Spirit send Jesus, right after He is baptized? What does Satan do to Jesus in the wilderness? How long does that happen? What happens to John the Baptist in Mark 1:14? Where does Jesus go, when that happens? What is Jesus preaching? What were Simon and Andrew doing when Jesus saw them? What did He tell them to do instead?

What kind of Savior is Jesus, of what kind of people? Mark 1:12–20 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is a Savior Who humbled Himself to save a lowly people. 

After a very impressive introduction to Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, this week’s Gospel reading gets “down to earth” very quickly. John the baptizer had announced that the God of Isaiah 40 would show up (Mark 1:1-3), and then Jesus did (Mark 1:9-11). 

But where does He immediately go? This is not at all what we might have expected—a triumphant march to a throne, surrounded by worshipers who sing His praises, and servants’ constant attendance to His every desire. Instead, the Spirit sends Him into the wilderness (Mark 1:12), to have wild animals as His companions, and Satan’s constant attacks to occupy His time (Mark 1:13).

And what happens to Jesus’s herald? He ends up in prison (Mark 1:14a). Not exactly confidence-inspiring for this “kingdom movement.” Where does Jesus go? Into the backcountry (Galilee, verse 14b). What does Jesus start doing? Preaching (verse 14c): “Have your mind transformed from being for-sin to against it, and respond to news of my kingdom by trusting in the good news about Me” (Mark 1:15).

Then, look at where Jesus goes to recruit His first followers and primary helpers: the seaside. Have the nobles gone on a beach holiday? Did the top theology school students take a break to go swimming? No, Jesus is looking for… fishermen?! 

Perhaps it is fitting that the very first mentioned is Peter (Simon, Mark 1:16). His love and enthusiasm for Christ come in admirable bursts. But his mistakes, failings, and foot-in-his mouth moments stick out just as plainly. Mark doesn’t even call him Rocky (Peter) yet, which is a name that Jesus will give him in one of his better moments. Simon is one disciple to whom the rest of us can often relate.

Even with hired men (Mark 1:20), Zebedee still operates from the boat. You get the idea that James and John are quite young. Christ is going to astound us with His power. Astound us with His mercy. Astound us with His wisdom. So, we are going to worship in awe at Christ’s greatness. 

But the passage that we have before us today has us worshiping at His humility. Look at how low God Himself has stooped to save us! Look at what unworthy people He saves, at what lowly places and people He cares about, and at what flawed people He uses! Look at how troubling and discouraging are the circumstances in which He works!

Thus, the Holy Spirit prepares us to worship—and trust in—a Savior, Who became like us in every way except without sin. He prepares us to worship, and trust in, One Who saves people just like us.

In what current situation do you need to be reminded that Jesus is working? What person are you hoping that Jesus will save, but have been discouraged about whether that can happen? Whom have you been too proud or lazy to serve? What in yourself has you tempted to view yourself as unusable or perhaps even unsaveable? Behold Your Savior who is willing to stoop to do it! As Mark will tell us later, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many!” Let us repent and believe the gospel. And let us follow Him in serving/retrieving others.

Sample prayer:  Lord, have mercy on us, sinners. We take heart from the humility to which our Lord Jesus went, for our poor sakes. Truly, we must have His atonement for our guilt, and His resurrection for our liberty. Through Him, forgive us, and free us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH492 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”

2026.03.18 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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

Witnesses from God for Our Good [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:14–29]

What is Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: In this passage, God prepares Israel for the transition after Moses’ death by establishing three enduring witnesses to testify against their inherent tendency toward rebellion and forgetfulness. Through the prophetic song, the written Law placed beside the Ark, and the testimony of heaven and earth, God provides lasting reminders of His holiness, faithfulness, and judgment. These witnesses are not merely historical records but living tools to confront the heart’s inclination toward idolatry, especially in times of prosperity when spiritual complacency threatens. Ultimately, the message calls the church to steward these divine witnesses—Scripture, song, and creation—so that they may not testify against us, but instead draw us into deeper faith, obedience, and love for the living God.

2026.03.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 31:14–29

Read Deuteronomy 31:14–29

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (Deuteronomy 31:14)? What days were approaching? Whom was he to call? Where were they to go? For what? What did they do? Who appeared (Deuteronomy 31:15)? In what? What did the pillar do? What did YHWH tell Moses that he would do (Deuteronomy 31:16)? What did He tell him that the people would do? Then what will YHWH do (Deuteronomy 31:17)? With what results for the people? What will they say? And what will God continue to do (Deuteronomy 31:18)? What does He tell Moses to do as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:19)? What will YHWH have done for them (Deuteronomy 31:20)? And what will they still do to Him? And what will witness against them, as they are being punished for it (Deuteronomy 31:21)? So what did Moses do (Deuteronomy 31:22)? And what did YHWH do (Deuteronomy 31:23)? And what did Moses complete (Deuteronomy 31:24)? Whom did he command (Deuteronomy 31:25)? To put what where (Deuteronomy 31:26)? What would be a witness? What does Moses know about them (Deuteronomy 31:27)? What will happen after his death (cf. Deuteronomy 31:16)? Whom does Moses say to gather (Deuteronomy 31:28)? For what purpose will he speak the words of the song in their hearing? What does he know (Deuteronomy 31:29)? And what will happen to them for this?

What is Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses’s last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord.  

If you’ve ever been surprised by Joshua 24:19, it might help you to remember that back on his ordination day, Joshua heard YHWH tell Moses, from out of the pillar of cloud, what Israel would do after Moses’s death. On that occasion, also, Joshua appeals to the people as witness against themselves (cf. Joshua 24:22), and he erects a stone as a witness against them (cf. Joshua 24:27). 

That is all reminiscent of our passage, today, and God’s three witnesses against the nation of Israel, which testify to how treacherous and evil their turning against God will be.

The first witness is this song (Deuteronomy 31:19). One wonderful reason for singing Scripture is that it makes these words of Christ to dwell richly in us. But the Lord is going to make this song get stuck in their heads for another reason (Deuteronomy 31:21): so that the Lord’s greatness, and His goodness to them, and patience with them, will never be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants. This is so significant, that our passage combines the commission to write this song with Joshua’s ordination, identifying the song as Moses’s last “official” act as the leader of Israel. As for Joshua, the need for strength and courage from YHWH’s being with him (Deuteronomy 31:23) is directly tied to these sure prophecies of Israel’s betrayal and wickedness. For parents who know our own, and our children’s sin, this is a charge to take heart from the Lord to be strong and courageous. Strength and courage are more needful for leading sinners than for facing enemies.

The second witness is the Book of the Law, which was put next to ark of the covenant as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:26). It is a wonderful thing to have the written Word of God. But it is also a weighty thing. How many of us have Bibles that testify against us for our not reading them. Or for our reading our own ideas into them. Or for our careless forgetting of what they say. Or our living in disregard of them. The Scriptures that He has given His people are a witness against them. What Moses knew about the rebellion and stiff neck of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:27) was not exclusive to Israel. Indeed, it was written down for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11). 

The third witness is heaven and earth (Deuteronomy 31:28). All of God’s creation would “be there,” in God’s providence, as Moses spoke the words of the song. His presence is infinitely penetrating; everything, everywhere continually depends upon His being. But, being weak of eyesight and hard of hearing, we do not perceive His presence, or heed its witness against us. So, He has surrounded us with His creation. All of heaven and earth is witness.

The Lord keep us from forsaking Him, lest His comfortable presence forsake us, dear reader. The Lord keep our churches from breaking covenant with Him, because Christ will never break covenant with Him. He would remove our lampstand first. The Lord keep us from doing evil in His sight and provoking Him to anger through the work of our hands.

What would your Bible witness about your use (or not) of it? What would it witness about your behavior? In what circumstances are you most forgetful that you are in the presence of God? What does the creation witness about you in those circumstances?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for failing to take Your Word as a witness in our lives. Forgive us for doing evil in Your sight and provoking You to anger through the work of our hands. Truly, You have left us with the Scriptures as witness, and even with all of heaven and earth as witness against us. By Your Spirit, soften our hearts, and give us repentance, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP34C “O Sons and Daughters, Come” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”

The Bride’s Crowning Beauties [2026.03.15 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 7:1–9a]

The Lord delights in His church as the place where His elect have safety and growth.

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

Who Can Endure His Wrath? [2026.03.15 Morning Sermon in Nahum 1:1–6]

Though YHWH is slow to anger, it is not from inability to judge, nor unwillingness. And, He tells us about His wrath, so we will respond rightly to it by faith, as if we had already seen it by sight—by fleeing to Jesus from the wrath to come.

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