2026.03.29 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3:30p)

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YHWH Our Stronghold [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 1:7–11]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The passage presents a powerful contrast between God’s role as a stronghold for those who trust in Him and His role as a consuming fire of judgment against His enemies, particularly the Assyrian empire and its leader Sennacherib. Central to the message is the truth that God’s goodness—eternal and self-sufficient—is the foundation of His mercy and the reason for creation. The text emphasizes that to conspire against God’s people is to conspire against God Himself, and that all who live for anything other than His glory will face utter destruction. The devotional calls both believers and unbelievers to recognize their true position before God: either as those sheltered by His grace or as those consumed by His justice.

2026.03.28 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”

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.

2026.03.27 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 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. 

The bride has “taken the words out of His mouth” (Song of Songs 7:9), and made a welcome to Him (Song of Songs 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: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH95A “O Come Before the LORD, Our King”

Know Your Audience [2026.03.25 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 22:22–23:11]

Always know before whom you stand—especially that you're always before the Lord.

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

The Lord of Sabbath-Keeping [Family Worship lesson in Mark 1:21–39]

How does Jesus keep the Sabbath? Mark 1:21–39 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus keeps the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, and by being unto us the Lord of His holy Sabbath. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional presents the Lord’s Day through the lens of Mark 1:21–39, portraying Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, Whose actions reveal the essence of holy rest: not mere cessation from labor, but active, joyful fellowship with God. Through His authoritative teaching in the synagogue, His powerful deliverance of a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and His healing of the sick—including Peter’s mother-in-law—Jesus demonstrates that the Sabbath is a sacred gathering where Christ Himself speaks, acts, and restores. The Lord’s Day is defined by the presence and power of Christ, Who calls His people to gather for worship, hear His Word with spiritual awe, and be transformed by His grace. Even in the quiet solitude of early morning prayer, Jesus models the deeper rest of intimate communion with the Father, calling believers to extend the Sabbath’s spiritual vitality beyond public worship into private devotion. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to embrace the entire Lord’s Day as an unique engagement with God in Christ, in public and private worship.

2026.03.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Mark 1:21–39

Read Mark 1:21–39

Questions from the Scripture text: Where did they go (Mark 1:21)? On what day did they go where? To do what? How did they receive His teaching (Mark 1:22)? Why—how did He teach? Unlike whom? Who was there, where (Mark 1:23)? What did he have? What did he do? What did the spirit ask Jesus to do (Mark 1:24)? What two questions did it ask? What did it declare? What did Jesus do to the spirit (Mark 1:25)? With what two commands? What did the spirit do to the man (Mark 1:26)? How did it cry? Then what did it do? What effect did this have upon the people in the synagogue (Mark 1:27)? What did they do among themselves? What were they asking? Why? What effect did this have (Mark 1:28)? Where? Where did they go in Mark 1:29? When? Who was with Him? Who was in what condition (Mark 1:30)? What did they do about this? What did He do to her (Mark 1:31)? With what effect? What time was it in Mark 1:32? Whom did they bring to Him? Who was there (Mark 1:33)? What did Jesus do in Mark 1:34? What did He not allow? Why? What time was it in Mark 1:35? When had Jesus risen? Where did He go? What did He do? Who did what, in Mark 1:36? What did they do in Mark 1:37? What did they say? Where did He say to them to go (Mark 1:38)? In order for Him to do what? Why? What was He doing (Mark 1:39)? Where? Attended by doing what else?

How does Jesus keep the Sabbath? Mark 1:21–39 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus keeps the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, and by being unto us the Lord of His holy Sabbath. 

In Mark’s presentation of the gospel, we had the extraordinary beginning in Mark 1:1-11, and then the very humble—possibly even discouraging—developments in Mark 1:12-20 from last week. Then, in this week’s reading, as we follow Christ in Mark, the Holy Spirit takes us along with Him on a Sabbath.

Christ chose humble appearance, circumstances, and companions; but, now, He elects to display the greatness of His power, in connection with His Word on the Sabbath, in congregational worship.

It was a very interesting day in church. First, there’s the Man that the baptizer had gotten so excited about, before getting tossed into prison. He’s been in the wilderness and came back looking half starved. He came to their back country town and chose some young fishermen to be His companions.

Then He starts to preach (Mark 1:21). And what preaching it is. There’s never been anything like this in church—it’s as if God Himself is addressing the congregation (Mark 1:22)! Then, a man with a demon (Mark 1:23) calls Him the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24), and Jesus casts it out (Mark 1:25-28). Then later, they hear that He has miraculously healed a woman in town (Mark 1:29-31), and they swarm the house with all the people who need healing and deliverance (Mark 1:32-34).

He is the God of the Sabbath, here to save them not just from demons and disease, but from damnation. The Sabbath is all about being with Him as He shows forth to us Who He is. There is nothing so Sabbath-keeping as being with Jesus and being healed by Jesus. He has come to undo all of the effects of our sin. All of them!

Jesus, of course, knows what the Sabbath is all about. He rises early, before the sun, to have fellowship with the Father and the Spirit (Mark 1:35). Prayer is more refreshing to Him than sleeping in.

On subsequent Sabbaths, He repeated His preaching and delivering in other synagogues in other towns (Mark 1:36-39).

Is the gospel about power for salvation? Yes. But even more than that, it is about the almighty Person, Who is the Savior. And that’s Whom the Sabbath is all about.

What should our Sabbaths be about? How is that different from how we are tempted to spend them? Shall we not confess our hard hearts—that we more easily acknowledge our need of sleep or play than our need of the Lord Himself? And shall we not rejoice that Christ is our righteousness, and even His Sabbath keeping, and delight in the Lord, is both counted for us and being worked out in us?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your display of Yourself as Lord of the Sabbath. Forgive us for how we have not spent the whole of our Lord’s Days gathered to Jesus, listening to Jesus, being amazed at Jesus, being delivered by Jesus, being healed by Jesus, and having fellowship with Jesus. We grieve that we have sometimes thought sleep, or play could be more refreshing, or some other work or service could be more productive. Please forgive us. Count Jesus’s righteousness as our own, and make us also to keep the Sabbath as He did, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP118D “Now Open Wide the Gates” or TPH151 “Lord of the Sabbath, Hear Us Pray”

2026.03.25 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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

The Word Dwelling Richly in Us [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47]

How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)