2026.06.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 6:14–29

Read Mark 6:14–29

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom did Herod think Jesus was (Mark 6:14)? What had Herod done to him (Mark 6:16)? What had John the Baptizer said to Herod (Mark 6:18)? Who wanted to kill him for that (Mark 6:19)? Why couldn’t she (Mark 6:20)? What had Herodias done to please Herod (Mark 6:22)? What did He swear to her (Mark 6:23)? Whom did she ask for advice about what to ask for from Herod (Mark 6:24)? What did Herodias ask for (Mark 6:25)? How did the king feel about this (Mark 6:26)? But what did he do and why (verse 26)? What had John’s disciples done with the body (Mark 6:29)?

What may happen to faithful servants? Mark 6:14–29 prepares us for 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 faithful servants of Christ may, in this life, find themselves brutally and treacherously murdered. 

The way we get the account of John’s beheading is by a sort of flashback, in which we are learning why Herod might think that Jesus was actually John the Baptizer, resurrected. Herod had a strange esteem for John. He didn’t lie and pretend in order to try to get the king to like him. He told it like it is. “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18). Herod knew him to be just and holy (Mark 6:20). Obviously, something about John’s character had struck a chord with Herod that he could think that Jesus was John, resurrected back to life. 

It also seems that his disciples’ earnestness to retrieve and bury the body—even without a head!—had left an impression upon Herod (Mark 6:28), so that he now thought that John had risen. Burial is a way of saying, “he’s not done with this; we expect resurrection.” Christ’s burial was the same way: an expectation of resurrection. And I hope that your burial will be as well, dear Christian. 

So Herod was impressed with John. This wasn’t a faker. This was a just man, an upstanding man, a righteous man, a holy man. In fact, Mark 6:20 tells us that Herod did many things to protect John, and that he heard him gladly. That should be terrifying. How few of us “would do many things” in order to “hear gladly” a faithful preacher, who isn’t afraid of offending us with the truths of God’s Word? 

On the one hand, many of us will have to admit to being less zealous to hear faithful preaching than Herod!! On the other hand, even those with this zeal may fall into great wickedness. Let us beware of worldly pleasure such as feasting our eyeballs upon a dancing girl. Guard the eye-gates of your hearts, men! 

And let us beware of pride similar to that, in which a man could be so impressed with himself and his property, that he considers it half-disposable. Let us beware of its evil twin, immodesty, in which a man makes display of himself by grandiose gifts and rash vows. The presence of his guests contributed to his ordering this horrific act (Mark 6:26). 

Finally, as this passage interrupts the successful mission of the disciples, let us see here that the Lord’s servants may suffer brutal execution, even in the midst of the advance of the kingdom. Even if we were holy, just, and effective as John, we ought to entrust ourselves to the providence of God, knowing that such things happen to faithful servants in this life.

How can you strengthen yourself against peer pressure? In what situations are you in danger of lust entering your heart through the eye-gate? What have you suffered, as a faithful servant of Christ? What might you yet suffer?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the grace by which You keep men like John faithful. Forgive us for how we have been like Herod: self-indulgent, lustful, proud, and ready to do evil out of the fear of men. Forgive us also for how we have expected more comfortable providence than John endured. Grant that we would keep ourselves pure, and that we would be confident in the coming of Your kingdom, we ask through Christ, AMEN.

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH509 “Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me”

2026.06.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 Chronicles 9:35–10:14

Read 1 Chronicles 9:35–10:14

Questions from the Scripture text: Who is at the center (1 Chronicles 9:35) of the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 9:35-44? With what event does 1 Chronicles 10:1 interrupt the genealogies? How did it go for Israel (verse 1)? And for whom, specifically (1 Chronicles 10:2)? What happened to Saul in 1 Chronicles 10:3? What did he ask his armorbearer to do (1 Chronicles 10:4)? Why wouldn’t he? So, what did Saul do instead? And what did the armorbearer do (1 Chronicles 10:5)? How does 1 Chronicles 10:6 summarize all this? With what result for Israel (1 Chronicles 10:7)? And what did the Philistines do (1 Chronicles 10:8-10)? Who heard of this (1 Chronicles 10:11)? What did they do (1 Chronicles 10:12)? How do 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 summarize Saul’s demise? For what did he die? What didn’t he keep? What did he also do? Of whom did he not inquire? What did YHWH do to him? And to the kingdom?

Who will be king? 1 Chronicles 9:35–10:14 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that only Christ’s kingdom is forever.  

This passage presents us with a cautionary tale. It begins promisingly enough: with the Benjamite line that has been given special place, alongside those of Judah and Levi, because they chose to dwell in Jerusalem, alongside Judah and Levi. The line itself (1 Chronicles 9:35-44) goes from Jeiel to Azel and his sons. Saul is obviously the focus, as 1 Chronicles 10:1–14 shows, but due to his failure, he becomes little more than a speedbump in the middle of the genealogy.

The focus is on the sad end of Saul, its devastating effects upon his household and Israel, and the reasons for it. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 give us the Spirit’s own summary: Saul died for his unfaithfulness. He did not keep the Word of YHWH. He consulted a medium for guidance. He did not seek YHWH. 

In one sense, the Philistines killed him (1 Chronicles 10:2-3). In another sense, he killed himself (1 Chronicles 10:4). But, ultimately, it was YHWH Who killed him (1 Chronicles 10:14). This is the line that ends in disaster for his house (1 Chronicles 10:6), and humiliation and fasting for his people (1 Chronicles 10:12). 

We mustn’t put our hope in any king other than Christ. The next large section of 1 Chronicles focuses on David, whose house continues, and will culminate in the One Who is perfectly faithful and righteous. As Israel have returned from exile, they must continue looking forward to Him. This means reestablishing Jerusalem and continuing in the hope that the King and His kingdom will yet come. We also must hope only in Christ as King. We have other government, under His. And we have our place and duties among His people. But our hope cannot be in that government, or in the part that we have been given, but only in the Son of David.

In what ways might you be tempted to have your hope (or lack thereof) in who is in power on earth? What place have you been given among God’s people? How does taking/filling that place submit to King Jesus? How are you keeping your hope in Him alone?

Sample prayer: Lord, when Saul was unfaithful, and did not keep Your Word, or seek You, You killed Him. But there have been many times when we were unfaithful, or did not keep Your Word, or did not seek You. We thank You that, in Your mercy to us, we still live. And, though we learn from Chronicles not to rest our hope upon earthly government, yet there have been many times when we pursued politics above piety. Please give to us to be diligent and courageous in the part that You have given us among Your people, trusting in Christ alone as our great King, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP180 “Christ Shall Have Dominion” or TPH456 “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners”

Faith Only by Grace [Children's Catechism 58—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 58—especially explaining how we can repent and believe only by the Spirit’s grace.

Q58. Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power? No; I can do nothing good without the help of God's Holy Spirit. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson addresses the theological impossibility of human beings repenting or believing in Christ through their own power due to spiritual death. It emphasizes that these acts are gifts enabled solely by the Holy Spirit, Who provides the necessary strength and goodness found in Jesus. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge their inability and actively pray for divine assistance when they desire to repent or strengthen their faith. This approach shifts the focus from self-effort to reliance on God's grace, mirroring the plea to help unbelief. The central message affirms that all spiritual good originates from God rather than human capability.

Death of a Prophet [Family Worship lesson in Mark 6:13–29]

What may happen to faithful servants? Mark 6:14–29 prepares us for 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 faithful servants of Christ may, in this life, find themselves brutally and treacherously murdered. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This devotional examines the tragic execution of John the Baptist to illustrate how faithful and holy believers may suffer despite their righteousness. Pastor analyzes King Herod's sinful self-indulgence and rash oath as catalysts for this injustice, emphasizing that such events do not contradict God's sovereign rule. Believers are encouraged to humble themselves before divine providence rather than placing their hope in earthly success or personal plans. The message urges the hearer to maintain confidence in Christ, and remain steadfast in holiness, regardless of external circumstances. Ultimately, hope is placed in God's secret will and the certainty of salvation rather than immediate earthly vindication.

2026.06.24 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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

Christ Alone the King [Family Worship lesson in 1Chronicles 9:35–10:14]

Who will be king? 1Chronicles 9:35–10:14 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that only Christ’s kingdom is forever. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional contrasts the tragic end of King Saul with the enduring faithfulness of God's covenant promises. It highlights Saul's unfaithfulness, specifically his consultation of a medium and failure to inquire of the Lord, as the cause of his downfall and the transfer of the kingdom. The text emphasizes that merely human kingship is insufficient and points ultimately to Christ, the true King from David's line. Believers are called to reject self-reliance and instead place their hope and submission in Jesus alone. This trust shapes every aspect of life, ensuring a legacy defined by faith rather than unfaithfulness.

Praying in Distress [Family Worship lesson in Job 7]

What should we do, when we do not feel like God cares? Job 7 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, even (and especially) when we feel like God does not care, we should pray to Him out of the conviction that He does! (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2026.06.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Job 7

Read Job 7

Questions from the Scripture text: As Job turns his attention to God, what does he ask about man’s life (Job 7:1)? How does he describe the hopefulness with which he has lived (Job 7:2)? But what has he experienced instead (Job 7:3)? For how long? What have the nights, particularly, been like (Job 7:4)? What does he point out about his condition (Job 7:5)? How speedily is his life spent (Job 7:6-7)? But without what? What does he not think that he will see again in this world (Job 7:7b)? For Whose eyes has he lived, but what is about to happen (Job 7:8-10)? What can’t he wait for it to pass, before praying to God (Job 7:11)? From what creatures does he expect to be treated differently (Job 7:12)? What experiences make him feel like he is no better/different (Job 7:13-14)? If that is truly the case, then what would be better than the life that he now has (Job 7:15-16)? But Who has expectations of him that cannot be met from within himself (Job 7:17-19)? What does he admit to having, and request as his only hope (Job 7:20-21)? In the current conditions, what will be the outcome of God’s desire to see good from him (Job 7:21d–e, cf. Job 7:8)?

What should we do, when we do not feel like God cares? Job 7 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, even (and especially) when we feel like God does not care, we should pray to Him out of the conviction that He does! 

The troubling thing about Job’s experience of providence is that God doesn’t seem to care. 

But consider his prayer here. It assumes that God cares about his months of loneliness (Job 7:3); long, agonizing nights (Job 7:4); and excruciating physical condition (Job 7:5). We see him operating not according to how his experience feels, but according to what he knows about God. He knows that God cares, and so he will pray under that assumption—even as he is crying out that the experience itself seems to be telling a different story. 

Behind this prayer is a desire to live in a way that pleases God—to live for the eye of God. God has given Job good to see, but Job fears that he has seen his last glimpse of it (Job 7:7). And, Job has lived in the hope that God would graciously produce good in Job, for God Himself to see (Job 7:8, cf. Job 7:21d–e). 

The great irony is that what Job is describing is exactly what God sees in him (cf. Job 1:8, Job 2:3, Job 42:7)! But Job doesn’t know this. By his trial, he has also lost his sense of assurance. Like the hired man, he lived in hope of this outcome (Job 7:2), but now it seems to him that God has not been pleased after all. And time is running out (Job 7:6)! 

So, he can’t afford to wait to pray until he is in a better condition to compose his thoughts. Maybe you have found yourself in a similar situation, dear reader. Maybe your agony has been such that you thought you had better wait to open your mouth to God until you could trust yourself to say something better. Eliphaz sure wished that Job had done this. But Job cannot afford to wait (Job 7:11). And neither can you. Knowing that He cares, regardless of whether it feels like He cares, don’t wait for the anguish and bitterness to dissipate first. Come to Him now, and lay it before Him!

Job finds himself quite unimpressive by comparison to other creatures (Job 7:12). In himself (i.e., apart from grace), there is no reason that he should be expected to produce anything worthy of God’s observation or pleasure (Job 7:17-18). Indeed, Job knows what comes from within himself—transgression and iniquity (Job 7:21). He does not claim that God is mistreating him, as Eliphaz has asserted. Rather, he is alarmed that the forgiving and sanctifying grace, in the hope of which he has lived, might not really be his after all.

Forgive me, and make me holy, so that I may please you in this world before I vanish from it!

That is the gist of Job’s prayer here, presented in all of the raw agony of his circumstances. And let that be your prayer, too, however comfortable or painful your circumstances may be.

Who is always watching you? What do you hope for Him to see? What is your only hope for this? What are your circumstances like? Why can’t you afford to wait for them to change, before you cry out to God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving to us to be able to come to You, in whatever circumstances in which we find ourselves. Please, give us the conviction of Job, that we would not act based upon what we feel, but that we would come to You because what we know about Your compassion and love toward us, even when we cannot feel it. 

It is true that our lives are very short, and our opportunity for pleasing You in this life is vanishing. But it is also true that we cannot please You at all unless You pardon our transgression, take away our iniquity, and sustain us in holy living before You. It would be better to be dead than to live a life without Your grace, but it is better still to live before You by grace, for the brief opportunity that we have here. 

So, sustain us by Your grace to worship You in the times of worship, and sustain us by Your grace to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to You, which is our logical response to Your mercies, as a life of worship. Give us this grace, by Your Spirit, in Your Son, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

2026.06.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 25:21–22

Read Proverbs 25:21–22

Questions from the Scripture text: To whom does Proverbs 25:21 teach us how to relate? What might his condition be? What should we do then? What else might his condition be? What should we do then? What will we do by this (Proverbs 25:22a)? And what will YHWH do (verse 22b)?

How should we treat our enemies? Proverbs 26:21–22 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should love our enemies and do good to them.

This chapter has been teaching us how to conduct ourselves with authorities (Proverbs 26:1-5), in public life (Proverbs 26:6-10), as citizens (Proverbs 26:11-15), and with our neighbors (Proverbs 26:16-20). But there is a special sub-case that belongs to any of these situations. We live in a fallen world of sinners, and so we will have enemies. This is particularly difficult for us, because we ourselves are only partially sanctified, and the ordinary responses of our flesh may be to be anxious over, fearful of, obsessive about, or especially vengeful toward our enemies. 

But none of those are the right way of responding to our enemy. The Lord reigns over all now, and His ultimate justice is righteous and full. Our conduct toward our enemies must be in service of this justice, not a substitute for it. And how does our conduct serve His justice? Well, if we are in civil office, we do serve that justice by way of rendering just judgments (cf. Romans 13:1–7). But, just before saying that in Romans 13, the apostle quotes from our passage, because more frequently, the believer is not in the place of an authority.

A believer is a former-enemy, who has been loved. When we love our enemies, we are glorifying the Lord by imitating His sweet love to us. And, our loving our enemy serves His justice by exposing, further, the wickedness of this enemy. Thus, the burning coals of His wrath are heaped up on their heads—not an incentive to a vindictive spirit in us, but an incentive to bring glory to our God in His justice.

So, how do we go about loving the enemy? In order to obey Proverbs 26:21, you need to care enough about your enemy to have consideration of what he is experiencing and observe it. You need to care enough that he might be hungry or thirsty, in order to observe whether he’s hungry or thirsty. And then you need to do something about it. There is no room here for ill will in the heart, or inner gloating over your enemy’s difficulty. There is compassion and action. After all, you were an enemy. And you weren’t just hungry or thirsty; you were under wrath and curse. 

Who have been enemies to you in the government? In the neighborhood? In the church? Who else? How are you fostering genuine compassion for them in your heart? How are you staying aware of what they might need? What do they need most of all? How are you praying, and acting, for these needs of theirs to be met?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for loving us, when we were Your enemies. Please grant unto us to love our enemies, so that whether You are glorified by their redemption, or by their just condemnation, our attitude and action toward our enemies will bring you glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside?” or TPH73B “Yes, God Is Good to Israel” 

Love Your Enemy [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 25:21–22]

How should we treat our enemies? Proverbs 26:21–22 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should love our enemies and do good to them. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This devotional explores the biblical command to show active kindness to enemies by meeting their physical needs, such as hunger and thirst. It explains that this behavior requires genuine observation and empathy, reflecting Christ's love for sinners while leaving ultimate vengeance to God. The text clarifies that such acts do not excuse the enemy's sin but rather highlight its severity through continued rebellion against grace. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's righteous judgment and rely on His grace rather than personal merit when responding to hostility. The central message calls for a transformative attitude of love and service toward those who oppose the faithful.