2025.03.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 7

Read Revelation 7

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does John see, where (Revelation 7:1)? What are they holding? In order to keep it from doing what? What does he then see in Revelation 7:2? What did this angel have? To whom did he cry? What did he say not to do (Revelation 7:3)? Until when? What does John hear in Revelation 7:4? What is the number? Of whom? How many from which groups in Revelation 7:5-8? What does John now see in Revelation 7:9? What is the number of this multitude? From what nations are they? Where are they? How are they clothed? What do they have in their hands? What are they doing (Revelation 7:10)? What do they cry? Who else are around the throne (Revelation 7:11)? What do they do? What do they say (Revelation 7:12)? Who answers in Revelation 7:13, asking what? How does John answer him (Revelation 7:14)? What does the elder say about them? How did they whiten their robes? Where are they (Revelation 7:15)? What do they do? When? Who will do what with them? What doesn’t happen to them anymore (Revelation 7:16)? Who sees to this (Revelation 7:17)? What will He do for them? What will God do for them? 

What comfort do believers have in this age of tribulation? Revelation 7 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers in this world are sealed unto salvation, and go to the blessedness of this salvation when they pass from this world.

There are two multitudes in this chapter, one on earth and one in heaven. 

The timing of the first multitude is made plain by the positioning of the angels in Revelation 7:1 and the prohibition in Revelation 7:3. The end of this world is not permitted until God’s seal has been placed upon the elect in this world. That is to say: the world cannot end until they have been brought to faith in Jesus Christ and received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (cf. Ephesians 4:30). 

As indicated by the number 12 (12 tribes of 12 thousands), these belong to the church in this world. The number 12 has this designation from God Himself, being the number of tribes that He gave the church in the administration under Moses, and the number of apostles by whom the Lord Jesus laid the foundation of the church in the administration under Him as Christ. 

It is a great comfort to know that, in this age of so many tribulations (cf. Revelation 6:3–8), not only is the gospel successfully conquering (Revelation 6:1–2), but God has a specific regard for ensuring the salvation of every, specific believer. He has specific regard for you, dear Christian.

The second multitude is not on earth but in heaven. And, while 144,000 is a comparatively small number, the emphasis with this second multitude is how many they are. They are, of course, a set number (cf. Revelation 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:19). But, there are so many that it’s higher than you can count. Believers are a sealed minority in this world, but in eternity there are more than can be counted (cf. Luke 13:23–30). 

The timing of this group is also clear, as this is the same assembly (Revelation 7:11) that has been seen in chapters 4–5, dressed in the same garments (Revelation 7:9) as those in the fifth seal (cf. Revelation 6:9–11), participating in the same activity that we have seen from that assembly (Revelation 7:11-12). 

As they pass from this life, they pass from the experiences in seals 2–4 (the “great tribulation” of Revelation 7:14) and into the experiences of chapters 4–5, the “resting” referred to in Revelation 6:11. More attention is given, now, to their white robes. What laundry detergent has gotten them so white? The blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14)! Now they worship, night and day, with absolutely no tribulation whatsoever (Revelation 7:16-17). They have come to experience the blessedness of Psalm 23 in its ultimate form. 

What a great comfort to know that, throughout this entire age of tribulation, there is that innumerable multitude of witnesses (cf. Hebrews 11:39–12:1) that has come through already, with whom the church on earth joins, when in public worship (cf. Hebrews 12:22–24). We join with them now, Sabbath by Sabbath, by faith. And we shall soon join them finally and fully.

Who is keeping this world from being destroyed? Why? What comfort does this give you, if you are sealed by the Holy Spirit? How are you participating in the gathering in of believers? What are you looking forward to when you leave this world?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we are more impressed with the tribulations of this age, than with Your preservation of Your saints in it. Forgive us for when we do not value visible church membership, when You number every church member. And forgive us for how we have not found our rest in Your public worship, the way that You have given Your glorified saints to find rest in the worship of heaven. Be our Shepherd, and grant that we would lack nothing, until You bring us into everlasting and perfect blessedness, we ask, through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation” 

Who Should Take the Supper? [Children's Catechism 136—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 136—especially explaining how to partake of Christ, one must be genuinely converted.

Q136. Who should partake of the Lord's Supper? Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation, and love their fellow men.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Saved from Popular Worship [Family Worship lesson in Hosea 4:11–19]

How does grace respond to the stubborn sinners whom it is redeeming? Hosea 4:11–19 looks forward to 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 grace constrains those whom it is redeeming by making them ashamed of the very sin that they once loved and were proud of.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hosea 4:11–19

Read Hosea 4:11–19

Questions from the Scripture text: Against what things does Hosea 4:11 warn? Whose are the people in Hosea 4:12? But from whom do they ask counsel (verse 12a)? Or get information (verse 12b)? What does verse 12c call this, and what has it done to them? What have they done (verse 12d)? How are “harlotry” worship decision made (Hosea 4:13a–d)? What has this spiritual harlotry resulted in (Hosea 4:13-14b)? And to what was the harlotry of the daughters and wives a response (Hosea 4:14c–d)? What will be the outcome of this spiritual, and actual, harlotry (verse 14e)? To whom does Hosea 4:15a–b especially present this as a warning? What other aspects of Israel’s false worship are described in Hosea 4:15c–e)? How does Hosea 4:16a–b now describe Israel? And how do verse 16c–d describe YHWH’s response? What reversal does Hosea 4:17 command? How do they feel about their rebellion, harlotry, and dishonor (Hosea 4:18)? In what will a spirit (NKJ “wind”) wrap Israel up (Hosea 4:19)? And what will they be brought to think of their sacrifices?

How does grace respond to the stubborn sinners whom it is redeeming? Hosea 4:11–19 looks forward to 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 grace constrains those whom it is redeeming by making them ashamed of the very sin that they once loved and were proud of.

The Ultimate Seeker-Friendly Church, Hosea 4:11-14. The line between physical fornication in cult ritual and spiritual fornication against YHWH is blurred in these verses. It is difficult to know which is being described when. However, the picture is clear: the mixing of true worship with man’s desires, in the north, is just a whole lot more “fun” than sticking to YHWH’s own prescribed methods of worship. After all, the Reformed Church of YHWH in Jerusalem doesn’t offer such community ministries as happy hour in the fellowship hall or a ritual harlotry after morning worship. They even decide where to hold services by selecting whatever location is most convenient and enjoyable—“The shade is good.” Attendance at this contemporary service is apparently so good, that the men enjoy so much harlotry that their daughters and wives become harlots elsewhere. 

Charge to the Faithful, Hosea 4:15. With such an attractive church nearby, it is necessary to charge the members of the Reformed Church of YHWH (see above) not to cross over and make the very short trek to Bethel or Gilgal to attend services, even though those services might be held “in the Name of YHWH.” Those in more biblical churches (in this case, Judah) may be tempted to follow the methods of those who have achieved greater popularity or desirability to men. But one of the reasons for the public judgment of Israel/Ephraim (the northern kingdom) is as a caution to Judah (the south).

Grace Wins, Hosea 4:16. After the interruption of Hosea 4:15, YHWH declares His intentions of grace once more. We have seen the amazing logic of grace in the first three chapters, but the picture here is so stark, it is still hard to swallow. Even some the best English translations change the second half of Hosea 4:16 to a rhetorical question to try to negate it, although there is no evidence in the text. In the text, however, it is a statement. Precisely because Israel is stubborn as a calf, YHWH will show the greatness of His power by restoring them to His sheep. Because we are sinners, He glorifies Himself in overcoming our sin’s guilt, power, and consequences.

The Mechanism of Grace, Hosea 4:17-19. Here we see how grace works. Since they are united to their idols, YHWH orders that they be caused to rest alone. He will remove them from that to which they are joined, to make them to be by themselves (Hosea 4:17). Even separated from the revelry of the false worship, they continue to fornicate against YHWH (Hosea 4:18). They are determined in their infidelity and shame. Yet, a spirit (NKJ, “wind,” Hosea 4:19) shall bind them. 

The chapter ends with grace—the simple statement that they will be ashamed. Though they are determined to enjoy shame, His determination toward grace makes it inevitable that they will be ashamed of it. It is not good when we can sin shamelessly. Grace will make us ashamed of it, as it made Israel ashamed of their sacrifices.

Would you like to have worship decisions made according to what seems pleasant to men? Why or why not? When do you need to remind yourself of that the most? What does this passage warn you against, in thinking of more “popular” churches? Why would grace choose to operate upon you? Of what might you need to be ashamed?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us, for just as with harlotry and alcoholism, we have even thought of worship in terms of how we could indulge ourselves. And, even when we have been more faithful, like Judah, we have been jealous of those whose worship is more popular, as Israel’s was. We are sinners. Just as you did with Israel, the stubborn calf, overcome and overrule our sin by Your grace. Don’t permit us to be happy with our sin, but constrain us, like those being wrapped with wings, and make us ashamed of all our sin. Thus, make us to turn from it to You, by Your Spirit, we ask through Your Son, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP51AB “God, Be Merciful to Me” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

Grieving for Public Worship [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 137]

How should we grieve over the church’s chastening? Psalm 137 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should grieve over the church’s chastening by longing for her restoration and worship, and desiring her vindication. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 137

Read Psalm 137

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the setting for this psalm (Psalm 137:1a)? What were its singers doing (verse 1b)? What did they remember (verse 1c)? What did they do with what in Psalm 137:2? Why–what had who requested (Psalm 137:3)? What sort of song? What rhetorical question does Psalm 137:4 ask? What is the implied answer? What would it be to sing a song of YHWH for entertainment, rather than for worship (Psalm 137:5a)? What does the psalmist call upon himself if he does forget (Psalm 137:5-6b)? What place should God’s church and worship, properly remembered, have in our hearts (Psalm 137:6c–d)? What does the psalmist ask YHWH to remember against whom (Psalm 137:7)? And what remembrance/curse against whom in Psalm 137:8-9?

How should we grieve over the church’s chastening? Psalm 137 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should grieve over the church’s chastening by longing for her restoration and worship, and desiring her vindication.   

Avail yourself of worship privileges while you have them. The sadness of the exiled worshipers in this psalm is even sadder in light of how they had failed to esteem God’s church and God’s public worship until His chastening fell upon them.

Beware of a taunting spirit. A taunting spirit is presented here (Psalm 137:3) as especially marking those who deserve to be destroyed and have their little ones dashed upon the Rock. Though God’s justice, especially concerning His church, ought to be so loved that its vindication is greatly desired (Psalm 137:7), Scripture teaches us to love and pity even our enemies, as Christ did on the cross, Stephen at his stoning, and Paul for the Jews who had murdered him many times.

Worship is not entertainment. It was not appropriate to sing Zion’s songs for the entertainment of men (Psalm 137:3), rather than the worship of God. In an “evangelical” world where there are things like “worship concerts,” we would do well to learn from this psalm to keep sacred songs for sacred occasions. Singing YHWH’s songs outside that context is regarded here as “forgetting Jerusalem” (Psalm 137:5a)—failing to value properly the church and her public worship. Indeed, we are forgetting God’s Jerusalem if we do not value the church and her public worship above every merely individual joy (Psalm 137:6d).

Value wrath. Love for Jerusalem, remembering Jerusalem, is not merely a duty of the believing man. It is an imaging of God Himself, Who remembers against her oppressors (Psalm 137:7), every harm done to the church. Men deserve not only a full reciprocation for what they have done (Psalm 137:9), but indeed destruction itself for their sin against God (Psalm 137:8). Love for God’s church, and love for God, includes a desire that He vindicate her honor and repay her harm. 

Cyrus the Great, who was the temporal fulfillment of Psalm 137:8-9, was comparatively blessed among emperors of the ancient world. But the Blessed One to Whom this refers is Christ Himself. Those who have difficulty with severe and covenantal judgments must wrestle with Hell, which comes upon us both for sin committed in our first father and sins that we ourselves perpetrated. Indeed, He is the Rock (singular, with definite article, Psalm 137:9!) upon Whom the enemies of the church will be dashed forever (cf. Matthew 21:44; 2 Thessalonians 1:9).

What use do you make of public worship? How does your treasuring corporate worship over any individual joy show itself in your life? What distinctions safeguard the sacredness of worship to differentiate it from entertainment in your life? What is your reflex response to the wrath of God? What does this indicate about your valuing of His glory and His church’s honor?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how we thank You that, instead of the grief that we deserve by the chastening of Your church, we are instead gathered to You to sing Your songs. How great has been Your mercy to us! You have fully repaid our sin upon Christ. And He will fully repay all harm done to us. So, fill our hearts with Your adoration, and our mouths with Your praise, and gather us to Yourself in Christ now, we ask, through Him, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP137 “By Babylon’s Rivers” or TPH137 “By Flowing Streams in Babylon” 

Discrete Words and Diligent Work [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 12:15–28]

What does walking with God involve? Proverbs 12:15–28 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture. the Holy Spirit teaches us that walking with God involves godly speech, and diligence, in the path that leads to eternal life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.10 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 12:15–28

Read Proverbs 12:15–28

Questions from the Scripture text: What does a fool think of his way (Proverbs 12:15a)? What does the wise man do instead (verse 15b)? When is a fool’s wrath known (Proverbs 12:16a). What does a prudent man do instead (verse 16b)? What does the truth-speaker declare (Proverbs 12:17a)? What does the false witness declare (verse 17b)? What can a man speak like (Proverbs 12:18a)? But what does the wise tongue do (verse 18b)? How long will the truthful lip be established (Proverbs 12:19a)? How long the lying tongue (verse 19b)? What is in the heart of the deviser of evil (Proverbs 12:20a)? But what does a counselor of peace have (verse 20b)? What cannot overtake whom (Proverbs 12:21a)? What will the wicked have a filling of (verse 21b)? Who abominates the lying lip (Proverbs 12:22a, cf. Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 11:20)? What does He think of the truthful (Proverbs 12:22b)? What does a prudent man do with some of his knowledge (Proverbs 12:23a)? What does a fool’s heart proclaim (verse 23b)? Whose hand will rule (Proverbs 12:24a)? But what will happen to the lazy man (verse 24b)? What does anxiety lead to (Proverbs 12:25a)? What has the opposite effect (verse 25b)? What should the righteous diligently do (Proverbs 12:26a)? What does the lazy man fail to cook (Proverbs 12:27a)? What, therefore, has great value (verse 27b)? To what does the way of the righteous lead (Proverbs 12:28a)? What does it certainly avoid (verse 28b)? 

What does walking with God involve? Proverbs 12:15–28 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, )? the Holy Spirit teaches us that walking with God involves godly speech, and diligence, in the path that leads to eternal life.  

The second section of chapter 12 also (cf. Proverbs 12:1) begins with an introduction about the need to be instructible (Proverbs 12:15). And it ends with a conclusion that is a synthesis of how the difference in ways, that was introduced in verse 15, makes quite literally all the difference for the righteous (Proverbs 12:28). Just as in the first half of the chapter, the core of this second half are two subsections, one on wise words (Proverbs 12:16-23) and another on wise work (Proverbs 12:24-27). In both sections, the instruction is given almost entirely by way of comparison.

Proverbs 12:16-23 address the subject of wise words. A fool always expresses his emotions (Proverbs 12:16a), is willing to lie from his own false heart that devises evil (Proverbs 12:17b, Proverbs 12:19b, Proverbs 12:20a), uses words like sword thrusts (Proverbs 12:18a), and expresses all of his thoughts (Proverbs 12:23b). However, the prudent man conceals wrong emotions (Proverbs 12:16b), speaks only truth in righteousness that seeks peace (Proverbs 12:17a, Proverbs 12:19a, Proverbs 12:20b), uses words to heal others (Proverbs 12:18b),  and keeps most knowledge to himself (Proverbs 12:23a). How important (and beneficial) a part of walking with God is godly speech!

Proverbs 12:24-27 address the subject of wise work. The man who can’t make himself work will be forced to by others (Proverbs 12:24b), allow himself to be easily discouraged (Proverbs 12:25b), be lazy even about choosing friends (Proverbs 12:26b), and even too lazy to benefit from work that he has already done (Proverbs 12:27a). However, the diligent will rule others (Proverbs 12:24a), employ good words to stir up gladness to live (Proverbs 12:25b), be diligent even about choosing friends (Proverbs 12:26a), and treasure the diligence that improves all else to him (Proverbs 12:27b). How important (and beneficial) a part of walking with God is diligence!

The conclusion (Proverbs 12:28) is set up by the pathways in Proverbs 12:15 and the outcomes in Proverbs 12:19, Proverbs 12:21. Now, the conclusion synthesizes these two themes. The reason that there is only life and no death in the well-counseled way of the righteous is because death is a just sentence from YHWH, while life (in Him!) is His reward to the righteous. In the same manner as Proverbs 11:20 (cf. Proverbs 11:1), Proverbs 12:22 reminds us of the personal nature of these outcomes from His hand.

How are you relating to God in your words? How are you relating to God in your work?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us to be righteous in Your Son, our Lord Jesus. And thank You for Your Spirit’s ministry in applying His character to us in the areas of our words and our work. Glorify Yourself in Him, by conforming us to His image, and rewarding us with His inheritance, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.03.09 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a)

Click below for the:

March 9 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 16:18–20 sermon outline

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

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

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

2025.03.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 16:18–20

Read Matthew 16:18–20

Questions from the Scripture text: Who is speaking to whom in Matthew 16:18? What does He name him? What does He say He is going to build? Upon what? What won’t prevail against it? What will Jesus give to him (Matthew 16:19)? What will he do on earth? What will have been done to it, already, in heaven? What else will he do on earth? What will already have been done to that in heaven? Whom does Jesus now command (Matthew 16:20)? That they not do what? 

What is the foundation of the church? Matthew 16:18–20 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus Himself, as confessed by the apostles to be Christ and God, is the only foundation of the church.  

Jesus has asked the disciples (plural, Matthew 16:15) Who they say that He is. Simon, speaking for the group, has answered that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16). 

Now, Jesus offers a play on words. He calls Simon “Peter” (Petros), but then refers to “this rock” (petra). What is the rock upon which Jesus will build His church? Ultimately, the answer is not “Peter” but “Jesus.” Even here, we can plainly see that He calls the church “My church.” 

But, the Spirit also answers this question in other places. The household of God is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (cf. Ephesians 2:19–20, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Revelation 21:14). 

Some have made the mistake of thinking that Jesus was establishing Peter himself as the foundation. But He Himself initiated this conversation about what the apostles say about Jesus. This is the foundation: the apostolic witness to Jesus’s Christhood and Godhood. Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone, and the foundation of the church is the apostolic witness to Who He is.

A foundation is necessary, because the church will be under attack. The gates were the place of public discourse and government. All of the counsels and influence of Hell itself are bent on destroying the church (cf. Genesis 3:15; Revelation 12:13–17). But the church is built upon the testimony of Who Jesus is: “Who do ye [apostles] say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). They overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and by not loving their lives to the death (cf. Revelation 12:11). 

And the foundation holds because of Who is building upon it! The Lord Jesus Himself. It’s His church. He is the One building upon it. And the foundation of it is the confession of Who He is. 

It would be a travesty to take this passage and make Peter the foundation, as if Jesus were ordaining some sort of first pope. Although Peter is privileged, both here and in Acts 2, with making an initial and remarkable confession of the Lord Jesus, he is not the leader of the church in its first general assembly in Acts 15 and has to be openly rebuked by Paul in Galatians 2:14. To take a passage (and a church) that is all about Christ, and attempt to make it about Peter is surely the spirit and pattern of antichrist.

That said, just like confessing Christ must be done individually; so, also, individual church officers must confess Christ and exercise the keys of the kingdom. What Jesus is saying about Himself and His church applies personally, individually to Peter, as he confesses Christ—just as it applies to each apostle and elder. They are to confess that which has been revealed from heaven (cf. Matthew 16:17b), because this is the first and great way in which they open and shut the kingdom to those for whom this has already been done in heaven. Matthew 16:19 more literally says “will have been bound” and “will have been loosed,” indicating that heavens determinations govern the earthly results in the ministry of those who preach Christ. This is not license for church officers to bend the church according to their will, but rather a heavenly mandate that they preach and practice only according to God’s expressed will in Scripture. 

That this is primarily what is mean by the keys is confirmed in Matthew 16:20. The kingdom is not yet open to the nations, and so the foundational confessors of Christ (the disciples) are not yet to tell people that He is Jesus the Christ. The day will come when the kingdom is open, and then the keys of the preaching of the gospel will be employed on earth to open it to those who are being brought in. Isn’t that wonderful to know, dear reader? Whenever the gospel is preached to us by Christ’s ordained officer, he is taking Jesus’s own keys, and putting them into the doors of heaven to open them for us. But, let us seek that God would reveal Jesus to us from heaven, because the sobering reality is that this same preaching shuts heaven up against those who refuse the gospel of Jesus Christ.

How is the identity of Jesus foundational to your Christian life? How is it evident that it is foundational to your church’s ministry (or, perhaps, do you need to go to a true church, instead)? What is happening when your elders or pastor are preaching the gospel of Jesus as the Chris to you? How can you come to respond rightly? What would that response look like?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for revealing to us from heaven what flesh and blood could never discover: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Grant that by Your grace in Your ordained servants, heaven would be opened to us week by week in the preaching of the gospel. And, grant that by Your grace to us, we would enter the open door by faith in Jesus Christ, through Whom also we ask this, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP110B “The LORD Has Spoken to My Lord” or TPH332 “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”