2025.01.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 128

Read Psalm 128

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of song is this (superscript)? Who is blessed (Psalm 128:1a)? What does he do (verse 1b)? What does he eat (Psalm 128:2a)? What will his condition be like (verse 2b)? What will his wife be like (Psalm 128:3a–b)? What will his children be like (verse 3c–d)? How does Psalm 128:4 summarize this? Who will bless him from where (Psalm 128:5a)? With what blessing (verse 5b)? For how long (verse 5c)? With what personal result (Psalm 128:6a)? And what corporate result (verse 6b)? 

What happiness does the Lord give? Psalm 128 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord, Who is our happiness, makes us happy in His blessing us in our work and families, and especially in His  church.   

Happy! That’s the first word in this Psalm (translated “blessed” in Psalm 128:1). This happiness comes by the fear of YHWH—living in wonder at Him and s worship unto Him. What does walking in His ways (verse 1b) look like?

It looks like diligent, fruitful labor (Psalm 128:2a).

Happy marriage, with a thriving wife (Psalm 128:3a), who is at the control center of the household (verse 3b).

Children who shoot up green and alive (verse 3c–d where “plants” is more “shoots”) but with the promise of thousands of years of strength and productivity. 

And biblical blessedness goes beyond the home to the church. The blessing comes both from Zion (Psalm 128:5a) and for the good of Zion (aka Jerusalem, verse 5b). The two are tied together. His hope and happiness is that his children’s children (Psalm 128:6a) would be used of God in giving peace, shalom, to the church (verse 6b). O let us fear the Lord, so that we will not only define happiness according to His Word, but obtain that happiness by His grace! 

How does your definition of earthly happiness compare to the happiness described in this Psalm? In particular, how does the corporate prosperity and peace of the church relate to it? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, we have our happiness in knowing You and fearing You. You have made us happy in our work, our marriages, and our generations. And, particularly, You have made us happy in Your church, which is Your holy mountain and your holy city. Now, as we gather to You as Your Israel, give us to rejoice in You with her, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP127 “Unless the LORD Build Up the House” or TPH127A “Unless the Lord the House Shall Build”

What Washing Shows in Baptism [Children's Catechism 127—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 127—especially explaining how the washing in Baptism shows the application of Christ to us for life, forgiveness, consecration, and cleansing; all of which is applied to us by His Holy Spirit, Whom He pours out.

Q127. What does this signify? That we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The LORD's Eternal Delight [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 8:22–36]

Who is Wisdom? Proverbs 8:22–36 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ is, unto us, the wisdom of God, indeed God Himself, the Creator. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.01.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 8:22–36

Read Proverbs 8:22–36

Questions from the Scripture text: Who possessed wisdom, when (Proverbs 8:22a)? Before what (verse 22b)? When was He established (Proverbs 8:23)? How was He established (Proverbs 8:24-25)? What was not yet done (Proverbs 8:26)? Who was there for the doing of what things (Proverbs 8:27-29)? What was His role (Proverbs 8:30)? What was God’s disposition toward Him (verse 30b)? What was His own disposition (verse 30c)? In what else did wisdom rejoice (Proverbs 8:31)? How does wisdom address the reader in Proverbs 8:32a? What will be their disposition/condition, if they do what (verse 32b)? So what must they do (Proverbs 8:33a)? And what mustn’t they do (verse 33b)? What does “hearing instruction” (cf. verse 33a) look like (Proverbs 8:34b–c)? What will they thus find (Proverbs 8:35)? What do they do to Him if they do not listen (Proverbs 8:36a)? And what do they do to themselves? What is their disposition to Him if they do not listen (verse 36b)? What do they love (verse 36b)?

Who is Wisdom? Proverbs 8:22–36 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ is, unto us, the wisdom of God, indeed God Himself, the Creator.  

Finally, wisdom is presented not just a personified attribute, but a Person. The second Person of the Godhead, to be exact. It’s obvious, in this passage, that this is God the Son, Who would become the Man, the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:3). YHWH’s great possession (Proverbs 8:22) is not any created thing or being, but Him Himself. This is the glorious inheritance of the saints, when they inherit together with the Lord (cf. Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:11).

Proverbs 8:25b indicates something of the union of the Triune Godhead and one of the personal properties of the Son (that He is begotten of the Father). This is the same idea that is related in the New Testament by the term monogenes, only-begotten (μονογενής, cf. John 1:14, John 1:18, John 3:16, John 3:18; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9). More than this, we cannot say, because it touches something within God Himself, and we can only say whatever He says.

Proverbs 8:26-29 poetically recap Genesis 1:1–10. Proverbs 8:30a makes clear that this personified “Wisdom” is more than just a possession; He is equal with God Himself. He Himself is Craftsman of creation. But He is something before any creation. He is both the joy of God (verse 30b) and delighter in God (verse 30c). God’s delight in Himself is further expressed in delight in His creatures, especially in His image-bearers (Proverbs 8:31). This is the Lord’s pleasure in saving: redeeming those who come to be happy (more literal than “blessed” in Proverbs 8:32b, Proverbs 8:34a) in Him. This is the ultimate nature of finding wisdom: listening to Christ (verse 34a) about Christ. Eagerly desiring Him, and doing all that we can to have Him (verse 34b–c), because having Him is having the pleasure of God Himself (Proverbs 8:35). 

Failing to value and desire Christ like this is to sin against Him (Proverbs 8:36a) and hate Him (verse 36b). Let that sink in. We must not let ourselves dismiss, as mere spiritual apathy, what is really the sinning against Jesus and hating Jesus. To do so is wicked blasphemy, and irrational self-destruction.

How is “watching daily” and “waiting for” Christ reflected in your habits and priorities? In what (Whom?) do you find your happiness? What place does the deity of Christ, as the Creator, have in your thoughts of Him? What are you hoping to inherit with the Lord Jesus?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, we praise You, Who are the delight of the Father from all eternity. Grant unto us to delight in You as He does, and to delight in the Father as You do, by the ministry of Your Spirit, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP26 “LORD, Vindicate Me” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.01.05 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11a, 3p Central Time)

Click below for the:

January 5 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 13:54–58 sermon outline

3p.m. song selections & Numbers 31:25–54 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.

Where Wisdom Takes You [2025.01.01 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 8:12–21]

Wisdom begins with the Lord's everlasting love, brings the elect into the fear of the Lord, conforms them to Him, and gives them Himself as their reward.

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

The Wickedness of Skepticism [Family Worship lesson in Matthew13:54–58]

What is doubting Christ? Matthew 13:54–58 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that doubting Christ is wicked unbelief. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.01.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 13:54–58

Read Matthew 13:54–58

Questions from the Scripture text: Where did Jesus come in Matthew 13:54? What did He do there? What impact did this have upon them? With which two things were they especially impressed? But what data do they take as reasoning against drawing the proper conclusion (Matthew 13:55-56)? What question are they still asking (Matthew 13:56)? With what result (Matthew 13:57)? Who speaks to them? About what type of person? What does this prophet have everywhere else? But, among which two groups, particularly, does he have no honor? What does Jesus not do there (Matthew 13:58)? Why not?

What is doubting Christ? Matthew 13:54–58 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that doubting Christ is wicked unbelief.  

Christ gives each of us different proof, but sufficient proof (Matthew 13:54). Up until the time of His public ministry, no one had more evidence of Who Christ is than the people of Nazareth. It is difficult even to imagine a perfectly spiritual and God-loving boy, a perfectly kind and neighbor-loving boy, a perfectly righteous and diligent and joyful and serious boy. 

Now, there has arisen a good explanation for this difference. In other places, like Capernaum, and now here in Nazareth, He has been preaching Himself as the Christ (Matthew 13:54a, cf. Luke 4:16–30) and doing mighty works (Matthew 13:54b) to show Himself to be what He has preached.

God makes undeniable display of Himself to all, so that all are without excuse (cf. Romans 1:18–21). But to some, He has given much more display of Himself in Christ. Whether Israel throughout their history (cf. Romans 9:4–5), Israel at the time of Christ (cf. John 1:9–11), here in Nazareth in our passage, those to whom the gospel has come generally (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8), or those who have had the most concentrated doses of that gospel, as in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19:10; Acts 20:20, Acts 20:31; Revelation 2:4–5), (or even here at Hopewell to a large extent!), there are those who are given so much more and therefore have so much more to answer for. 

Woe to those who believe not in God, and all the more woe to those who obey not the gospel (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8). We all have enough to answer for, but some have much more for which to answer. How wonderful, how good, how great to have Christ Himself offered to us in His means! Oh, let us come to Him, be received by Him, and receive Him as He declares Himself to us to be. 

Pride, mixed with familiarity, is dangerous (Matthew 13:55-56, Matthew 13:57b). But notice the way the speak of Him: as if He is the same as they are because He’s been a part of their economic community (“carpenter’s Son,” Matthew 13:55a) and a part of their social community (Mary’s son, verse 55b). They lump Him in with His brothers (verse 55b) and sisters (Matthew 13:56a), as if He was the same as they are. The flesh assumes that it has perceived what is true. The flesh assumes that it is morally or spiritually equal, or even superior, to whatever is around it. The more we are in His covenant, and the more we have access to the means of His grace, the more He comes to us as His own. And the more dangerous for us if, in our pride, we receive Him not (cf. John 1:9–11). We must seek from Him the tenderness to be affected by what has become so familiar. We must seek that baptizing of His Spirit that turns us stones into soft-hearted children of Abraham (cf. Matthew 3:9–11). 

We owe our faith unto Christ (Matthew 13:57). Doubt is not a virtue. The fact that they are still asking the same question at the end of Matthew 13:56, as they were at the end of Matthew 13:54, is a condemnation. Matthew 13:57’s assessment is that this is a stumbling. The verb translated “were offended” has a more fundamental meaning of “were made to stumble.” Jesus then points out that (apart from saving grace), it has been true throughout redemptive history that those who have been nearest to the revelation of Him, have actually been the hardest against them. Familiarity has bred contempt (treating Christ and the gospel as unimpressive), and that contempt must suffer condemnation.

The Scripture does not “appreciate” “honest” skepticism. It condemns it. If God has revealed Himself in the creation, we are under obligation to believe in Him and know Him. If God has revealed Christ to us in the gospel, we are under obligation to believe into Him and be united to Him. Skepticism may be an honest response, but it is an honestly wicked response. And if we remain in doubt, we must cry out for repentance from it; we must cry out for faith. If you cannot come to Christ in faith, then come to Him FOR faith!

Christ doesn’t owe us more proof (Matthew 13:58). Verse 58 is sobering, and not because we would even consider the wicked view that people take of it (and especially of Mark 6:5), saying that man’s faith gives Christ His saving power. It is a blasphemy to say that “believing enough” enables Jesus to do things for us. Rather, it is sobering, because we know that the Lord is able to do all His holy will. It is, therefore, a most severe judgment that His holy will refuses to do many mighty works. His mighty works were not the setting right of the fall, but a breaking-into-time of His power to do so. They were signs that identified Who is He is, and what He was here to do. Their opportunity to receive and respond to His witness to Himself is coming to an end.

Oh, behold how good the Lord has been to make as much declaration of Himself to you as He has! Respond in faith. Rest upon Him as God Himself, Who became man to save You—to take you to Himself as His own, as redeemed by Him, and as united to Him.

What exposure has Christ given you to His Word? What exposure to His works? How have you responded to Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are so grateful to You for declaring Yourself to us as Savior. Now, be Savior unto us by granting unto us to respond in faith. You, indeed, are very God of very God. And You have come in the flesh to redeem us by Your blood. So, receive us as that which You have desired and won, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH272 “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” 

Christ's Divine Provision [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 31:25–54]

What does the Lord show by the distribution of the plunder from the battle? Numbers 31:25–54 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord demonstrates great generosity and mercy in His provision for His people by the plunder from the battle.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.01.03 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 31:25–54

Read Numbers 31:25–54

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom in Numbers 31:25? What did He tell him to do (Numbers 31:26)? With whom? And divide it into how many parts (Numbers 31:27)? For which two groups? From which group, would how much be taken for Whose portion (Numbers 31:28)? And given to whom to do what with it (Numbers 31:29)? And from which group, would how much be taken, for Whose portion (Numbers 31:30)? And given to whom to do what with it? So who did what? How many sheep were there (Numbers 31:32)? Cattle (Numbers 31:33)? Donkeys (Numbers 31:34)? Persons (Numbers 31:35)? Which persons, specifically? How many sheep did the warriors receive (Numbers 31:36)? How many for YHWH (Numbers 31:37)? Cattle (Numbers 31:38)? And for YHWH? Donkeys (Numbers 31:39)? And for YHWH? Persons (Numbers 31:40)? And for YHWH? What did Moses give to whom (Numbers 31:41)? According to what? Whose half does Numbers 31:42 begin to detail? Separated from what? How many sheep (Numbers 31:43)? Cattle (Numbers 31:44)? Donkeys (Numbers 31:45)? Persons (Numbers 31:46)? How many did Moses give to whom (Numbers 31:47)? Of what did they keep charge? According to what pattern did they do all this? Who came near in Numbers 31:48? What did they report (Numbers 31:49)? How are they responding (Numbers 31:50)? Who do what in Numbers 31:51? How much did it all weigh (Numbers 31:52)? What had who done (Numbers 31:53)? And who brought what, where, as what (Numbers 31:54)? 

What does the Lord show by the distribution of the plunder from the battle? Numbers 31:25–54 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord demonstrates great generosity and mercy in His provision for His people by the plunder from the battle.

Disproportional Generosity for Participation. We noted, in the earlier part of the chapter, how comparatively few of Israel’s warriors were sent to the battle. Now, we see that fully half of the spoil is to go to just these twelve thousand men. How great is the generosity of God!

Disproportional Generosity for the Priesthood. The priestly family, though much smaller than one tenth the size of the rest of the Levites, receives one tenth as much as the rest of that tribe. They are to receive it in YHWH’s behalf and bear the weight of it in their hands before Him as a heave offering. Just as He gave a disproportional amount of the spoil to the warriors, to whom He gave to be the people’s special representatives in the war; so also, He gave a disproportional amount the priestly family, to whom He gave to be the people’s special representatives in the tabernacle, before God.

Generous Bounty for All. The amount received by everyone else is, taken by itself, very generous. Half a sheep per household, beside cattle, donkeys, and maidservants. Just as in Jesus’s parable (cf. Matthew 20:1–16), which treated a different point, God’s exceeding generosity to others was not a reason to be ungrateful for His rich generosity, even if proportionally smaller. The Lord even gives them the generosity of the opportunity and occasion to be generous themselves—something He continues to do, as He employs His people in providing for His preachers and for the poor among them. In all of this, His richest provision is Himself.

Miraculous/Divine Preservation. Again, we have noted how less than two percent of Israel’s warriors were sent to the battle. How vastly they must have been outnumbered! But God didn’t just give them to win the battle. He gave them to do so without losing a single man! Realizing that they had tried to keep maidservants for themselves, from among those who had brought the plague upon Israel, they now recognize the amazing patience of God with them. 

Those who had taken spoil for themselves (Numbers 31:53) bring a very generous amount of the most valuable spoil (Numbers 31:50-52) to make “atonement” for themselves by giving it to the Lord. It becomes a memorial before YHWH for the children of Israel (Numbers 31:54), a reminder that He had not only given them success but spared them from His own wrath.

Gracious Production of Gratitude. Finally, let us not leave this passage without seeing what a wonderful work of grace is this gratitude and generosity in the hearts of these men. They go from lust and selfishness to recognizing God’s great mercy to them and desiring to be reconciled with Him. This, of course, can come only by the Spirit of God. What a merciful work He did in them!

How has God been generous with you? How, perhaps, has He been even disproportionately generous beyond what He gives most of His people? How have you responded to this generosity? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your great generosity to us. Truly, we had deserved Your wrath, just as the Israelite troops did. But You have given us not just plunder from battle but Your Son Himself, together with all other things. And You have given to us to give ourselves to You as living sacrifices. So, forgive us our sin for Christ’s sake, and continue Your gracious work in our hearts, we ask through Him, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah”