2026.02.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 5:9–16

Read Song of Songs 5:9–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What do the Daughters of Jerusalem ask the bride (Song of Songs 5:9a–c)? How do they clarify the question (verse 9d–e)? In response to what (verse 9f)? What does she say about His appearance (Song of Songs 5:10a)? And His uniqueness (verse 10b)? What does she say about His head (Song of Songs 5:11a)? And His hair (verse 11b–c)? And His eyes (Song of Songs 5:12)? And His cheeks (Song of Songs 5:13a–b)? And His lips (verse 13c–d)? And His hands (Song of Songs 5:14a–b)? And His body (verse 14c–d)? And His legs (Song of Songs 5:15a–b)? And His face (verse 15c–d)? And His mouth (Song of Songs 5:16a)? In what three ways does she summarize (verse 16b–d)? Unto whom (verse 16e)?

Why does the bride desire Christ? Song of Songs 5:9–16 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride desires Christ because He is altogether lovely. 

The bride has asked the daughters of Jerusalem to pray for her (Song of Songs 5:8), but they serve her in an additional way: they ask her about the Bridegroom. She has failed to enjoy Him, because she was consumed with herself, rather than with Him (cf. Song of Songs 5:3). But now, she is put to it to describe Him. It will always do much good to the church, when she focuses upon the glories of her Lord Jesus Christ. It is especially when the believer has learned from Christ to take His view of the church (Song of Songs 5:9, cf. Song of Songs 1:8), that he is prepared to learn from the church a proper view of Christ. The rest of the passage has the flavor of Psalm 45:1–9, “overflowing with a good theme.” He is pure (“white,” Song of Songs 5:10a) and full of life (“ruddy,” Song of Songs 5:10a). As the greatest head there is (verse 10b), His authority exceeds all others in value (“gold,” Song of Songs 5:11a) and vigor that does not decline (full, dark hair, verse 11b–c). His eyes (Song of Songs 5:12), themselves being doves, indicate the gentleness of Christ, which is ever fresh (“by rivers of waters,” verse 12b), comforting (“washed with milk,” verse 12c), and properly dignified (“fitly set,” verse 12d). The fellowship of His face is so delightful that just a fragment of it (“cheeks”) is like beds and banks of spices and flowers (Song of Songs 5:13a–b). It is especially His lips, by which the bride hears His Words and knows His kisses, that flow with abundance of myrrh (verse 13c–d). There is no end to the sweetness of His anointing that flows to her from His lips. His works (“hands,” Song of Songs 5:14a–b), strength and beauty (“body,” verse 14c–d), and ways (“legs,” Song of Songs 5:15a–b) exceed all men in dignity and royalty.  Finally, the fellowship enjoyed now in His full face (“countenance,” verse 15c, not just cheeks) and mouth (Song of Songs 5:16a) take all that He is and bring them near to His bride in incomparably sweet, intimate fellowship. To conclude, every aspect of His is lovely (verse 16b), but even above this is that He has made Himself her Beloved Husband (verse 16c) and Companion (verse 16d). Let all believers learn from the church to make their soul’s great boast in the glory of the Lord Jesus!

What glory of Christ has meant the most to you? What glory should mean more? Whom do you tell of His glory?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are the chief of ten thousand, the fairest of all, and altogether lovely. Forgive us for when we have lost the sense of the greatness of Your glory. Restore to us a true perception of Christ, and make us those who tell His praise to others, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45A “My Heart Is Greatly Stirred” or TPH282 “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art”

Living in the Knowledge of God [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 19:2–3]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us to walk straight in the knowledge of God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Living in the knowledge of God is the foundation of true understanding and righteous living, as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we forget God, our path becomes twisted. Without continual remembrance of Him, the heart loses the joy, strength, and direction that come from walking in dependence, delight, and devotion to Him.

Breaking Down of a Brief Life [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 12:1–7]

What must we do, since our abilities and capacities are destined to fail? Ecclesiastes 12:1–7 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must live unto our Creator, right now. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage from Ecclesiastes 12 calls believers to remember their Creator throughout life, especially in youth, as a response to the inevitable reality of aging and death. Through vivid imagery of physical decline—failing strength, dimming sight, loss of teeth, diminished hearing, and frailty—it underscores the fleeting nature of earthly life and the body’s return to dust. The text emphasizes that these signs of decay are not merely biological but spiritual reminders to live with joyful reverence and righteous obedience to God, Who is the source of life and the destination of the soul. Rather than viewing old age as a time of despair, the passage invites the believer to find enduring joy and purpose in God, even as physical abilities wane, because the spirit returns to Him who gave it. Ultimately, the call is to cultivate a life of continual remembrance, so that one may rejoice and remain righteous not only in this life, but eternally, in God’s presence.

2026.02.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 12:1–7

Read Ecclesiastes 12:1–7

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom are we to remember (Ecclesiastes 12:1a)? When (verse 1a–c)? Otherwise, what will happen (verse 1d)? What will eventually be darkened for us (Ecclesiastes 12:2a–c)? What will not return (verse 2d)? What will tremble (Ecclesiastes 12:3a)? And what bow down (verse 3b)? What will cease (verse 3c)? Why? What will grow dim (verse 3d)? What will be shut (Ecclesiastes 12:4a)? What will be low (verse 4b)? What will cause one to rise (verse 4c)? What else will be brought low (verse 4d)? Of what will they fear (Ecclesiastes 12:5a–b)? What will blossom (verse 5c)? What will be a burden (verse 5d)? What will fail (verse 5e)? Where will man go (verse 5f)? Who will go about the streets (verse 5g)? What will be loosed (Ecclesiastes 12:6a)? What will be broken (verse 6b)? What will be shattered where (verse 6c)? And what broken where (verse 6d)? What will return to the earth (Ecclesiastes 12:7a)? To where will the spirit return (verse 7b)?

What must we do, since our abilities and capacities are destined to fail? Ecclesiastes 12:1–7 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must live unto our Creator, right now. 

Remember your Creator: act decisively in response to Who He is to you, and what He has done for you. He has made you, and you must serve Him with your abilities and capacities, while you still have them. Toward the sunset of life, the darkness begins creeping in (Ecclesiastes 12:2). The shaking of arms and hands begins (Ecclesiastes 12:3a), and the legs and back fail and bend (verse 3b). The teeth break down, so that chewing is difficult (verse 3c), and eyesight begins to fail (verse 3d). The lips fall in for lack of teeth (Ecclesiastes 12:4a), and only soft foods are eaten (verse 4b). The first little noise wakes you up (verse 4c), and the ability to make or enjoy music fades (verse 4d). Heights and journeys that would not have been challenging are now frightening (Ecclesiastes 12:5a–b), the hair turns white (verse 5c), and walking looks like the syncopated dragging of a grasshopper (verse 5d). 

Ecclesiastes 12:5f–g sum up what is happening: the man is going to his eternal home, his body resting in the grave (Ecclesiastes 12:7a), and his spirit returning to the Lord (verse 7b, cf. Ecclesiastes 3:21). So, silvery spinal fluid ceases to flow (Ecclesiastes 12:6a), the brain ceases to operate (verse 6b), as does the pumping spring of the heart (verse 6c), and the water wheel of the circulatory system (verse 6d).

With what capacities/abilities do you need to be enjoying the Lord more? Serving the Lord more?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we have wasted so much of our lives, as if we would have our abilities and capacities forever. We have not remembered You in the days of our youth. By failing to take our pleasure in You, we have set us up for days when we will have no pleasure at all. So, forgive us, and grant that we would rejoice in You and serve You, now and forever, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH116A “I Love the LORD, for He Has Heard My Voice” 

Hearts from God That Turn to God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 30:1–10]

How can God’s people return to Him? Deuteronomy 30:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people return to Him by the work of His sovereign grace. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Deuteronomy 30:1–10 reveals God’s covenantal grace as patient, personal, powerful, prosperous, and persevering, illustrating how divine mercy responds to human failure with sovereign compassion. Though Israel will have broken the covenant and been scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, God promises to gather them, circumcise their hearts, and restore them not by their own effort but by His divine initiative. This restoration is both corporate and individual, demonstrating that true repentance and obedience are gifts of grace, not human achievement. The passage anticipates the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ, the true Root of David, through Whom the church—both visible and invisible—is preserved, prospered, and ultimately glorified. The enduring nature of God’s covenant, secured by Christ’s faithful obedience, assures believers of His unwavering commitment to His people, even in the midst of judgment and exile. Thus, the passage calls all who are far from God to cry out for His grace, trusting in His power to turn hearts and sustain faith to the end.

2026.02.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 30:1–10

Read Deuteronomy 30:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What will come upon them (Deuteronomy 30:1)? What will they do, among the nations? How will they get there? But to Whom will they return (Deuteronomy 30:2)? By doing what? Who will return with them? In what manner? What will YHWH do for them (Deuteronomy 30:3)? Why? To whom, particularly (Deuteronomy 30:4)? Even from where? What will YHWH do? Where will YHWH bring them (Deuteronomy 30:5)? What will He do to them there? More than to whom? What else will YHWH do to them (Deuteronomy 30:6)? And to whom? To do what? With what? What will YHWH do to their enemies (Deuteronomy 30:7)? But what will His people do (Deuteronomy 30:8)? In what five areas will YHWH make them abound (Deuteronomy 30:9)? What will He do “over them”? For what? Like what? What will they do (Deuteronomy 30:10)? In what manner will they return to Him? 

How can God’s people return to Him? Deuteronomy 30:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s people return to Him by the work of His sovereign grace.  

Israel will fail (Deuteronomy 30:1) to keep the first great commandment (cf. Deuteronomy 6:5). But YHWH will turn them (and their children!) back to love Him with all their heart and all their soul (Deuteronomy 30:2, Deuteronomy 30:6, Deuteronomy 30:10). They are commanded to circumcise their hearts unto Him in this way (cf. Deuteronomy 10:12–16), but the history of Israel will show that He must do this for and in them by His grace (Deuteronomy 30:6). This grace is patient: it will still seek them, after they have brought upon themselves all the curses (Deuteronomy 30:1-3). This grace is particular: it seeks out every elect individual (Deuteronomy 30:4a). This grace is powerful: it overcomes any distance or obstacle (verse 4b), including the obstacle of an unregenerate heart (Deuteronomy 30:6). This grace prospers, bringing upon them all covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 30:5, Deuteronomy 30:7, Deuteronomy 30:9). And this grace perseveres, bringing them to love Him with all the heart and soul, and to obey and do all His commandments (Deuteronomy 30:6, Deuteronomy 30:8, Deuteronomy 30:10). 

In what ways do you need to turn to the Lord? In what ways do your children? What is your hope for this?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how we have transgressed Your commands. It exposes that we do not love You with all the heart and all the soul. Our only hope is that grace which would find us, no matter how far we are, and give us new, consecrated hearts. Save us, and our children, by that grace, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

How Jesus Awakens the Church [2026.02.15 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 5:2–8]

Jesus awakens the spiritually backslidden by His Word, grace, and ordinances.

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

Truly, This Is the Son of God! [2026.02.15 Morning Sermon in Matthew 27:45–54]

We must respond to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice with awe, acknowledgement, faith, holiness, and witness.

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

Sacraments as Signs [2026.02.15 Sabbath School in WCF 27.1 — Hopewell 101]

Sacraments are signs and seals unto faith—without which faith, the sacrament does you no ultimate good.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Way Back from Backsliding [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 5:2–8]

What do the backslidden need? Song of Songs 5:2–8 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the backslidden need Christ’s Word, Christ’s grace, Christ’s ordinances, and the prayers of Christ’s people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional from Song of Songs 5:2–8 illustrates the tension between the believer’s awakened heart and the lingering lethargy of the flesh. It emphasizes that while Christians possess a new nature that longs for Christ, spiritual complacency and self-justification can lead to a state of spiritual sleep, where even the voice of the Beloved is met with excuses—inconvenient or unpleasant—against deeper communion. Christ, in His grace, does not merely knock but actively reaches through the latch of the door, symbolizing His direct, transformative work in awakening the heart, even when the response is delayed or imperfect. The passage warns of the consequences of backsliding, including the loss of spiritual assurance, the painful discipline of faithful shepherds, and the temporary removal of spiritual evidence. Yet, it ultimately points to the hope of restoration through repentance, prayer, and the intercession of the church. The call is clear: believers must resist spiritual lethargy, embrace the means of grace despite inconvenience, and actively pray for revival, both personally and corporately, so that the church may once again be filled with the presence of Christ, Whose love is both the source and the goal of all spiritual life.