Grace to Love and Cling to God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 30:11–20]

How does the Christian choose life? Deuteronomy 30:11–20 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 the Christian chooses life by God’s grace, which gives him to love and cling to God, in Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Deuteronomy 30:11–20 reveals that God’s commandments are not distant or unattainable, but near—accessible through His Word and Spirit, Who makes them real in the heart and mouth of the believer. The passage emphasizes that true obedience is not mere external compliance but a life of loving, hearing, and clinging to God, rooted in His grace and made possible only by the Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration.

2026.02.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 30:11–20

Read Deuteronomy 30:11–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What is not true of the Word that Moses preached (Deuteronomy 30:11)? Where wasn’t it (Deuteronomy 30:12)? What wouldn’t they have to do? Where else wasn’t it (Deuteronomy 30:13)? What wouldn’t they have to do? But where was it (Deuteronomy 30:14)? In what particular places? So that they might do what with it? What two pairs of things has Moses set before them on that day (Deuteronomy 30:15)? What primary thing has he commanded them to do with YHWH their God (Deuteronomy 30:16)? In what other four commandments does he describe what it means to love God? How would YHWH their God respond to their doing this? How does he describe the heart that fails to do this (Deuteronomy 30:17)? Whom are they worshiping and serving, if they do not keep his commandments, statues, and judgments? What will happen then (Deuteronomy 30:18)? What will they not prolong? Whom does Moses call as witness against them (Deuteronomy 30:19)? What two pairs of things does he now say that he has set before them? What does he urge them to choose? So that they may do what (Deuteronomy 30:20)? What does loving YHWH mean obeying? To what (Whom!) does loving YHWH mean clinging? As what two things for them? How does he describe the land in which they will dwell, if they do this?

How does the Christian choose life? Deuteronomy 30:11–20 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 the Christian chooses life by God’s grace, which gives him to love and cling to God, in Christ.  

“Deuteronomy” means second law. It is a sermon on the ten commandments, given by Moses, as he is about to die, and Israel is about to cross over to enter the land. Just as with YHWH’s giving of the original ten commandments, this giving of the law is couched within the covenant of grace. It is just when He has finished telling them that He must be the One to circumcise their hearts that He comes and points out the great instrument that He uses to do this, and the great result that it produces in the redeemed. 

The great instrument is the Word of God, which He has brought near. And the great result is that they cling to YHWH, and are not put to shame, but live righteously and blessedly with Him, enjoying the fulfillment of all of His promises. This is why this is the passage to which the apostle refers in Romans 10:4–17. He goes directly to the place where the legalist, or Judaizer, or Pharisee, would go to demonstrate law-keeping as the hope of the godly, to announce that the hope of the godly is God’s grace, through God’s means, to produce clinging to God. And God Himself puts His Son forward, as Christ, as the One in Whom we especially know His grace, have His means, and cling to Him.

So, in our passage, Moses begins with the nearness of the Word (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). It is not mysterious or far off (Deuteronomy 30:11). It does not require heroic effort (Deuteronomy 30:12-13). God circumcises the heart to bless us by means of a submission that His Spirit produces. His providence brings His Word to our eyes and ears. And, His grace brings that Word into our mouth, heart, and hands (Deuteronomy 30:14).

The choice of life and death (Deuteronomy 30:15, Deuteronomy 30:19) is a choice to love YHWH as our very own God (Deuteronomy 30:16, Deuteronomy 30:20), and to cling to Him (verse 20). Love walks in ways because they are His (Deuteronomy 30:16). Love keeps commandments, statutes, and judgments (verse 16), because it is in these that He has given us to hear the voice of YHWH Whom we love, and to cling to YHWH Whom we love (Deuteronomy 30:20). We cling to Him as our life. We cling to Him as the length of our days. And we cling to Him in the fulfillment of all His promises, which He has sworn.

This enriches our understanding, not only of the obedience of the believing life, but of the horror of disobedience. Disobedience is much worse than the violation of standards and terms, which incurs particular punishments. Disobedience is to turn our hearts away from YHWH (Deuteronomy 30:17a), and to reject Him from being our own covenant God. Disobedience is to turn our hearts unto another than YHWH (verse 17b). Whomever, or whatever, we obey—it is they that we worship and serve (cf. Romans 6:16–19). 

So, dear reader, let us embrace God’s good law, through which He brings us into eternal life and blessedness, because it is His. He has given Himself to us in Christ. In Christ He gives us His grace—blessing, where we deserve only curse, and strength, where we have only weakness… especially the ministry of His Spirit to circumcise our hearts. His Spirit has given the Word, and preserved the Word, and brought us into contact with it. And it is His Spirit Who gives us tender hearts, so that the Word will penetrate our hearts, fill our mouths, and move our hands. And, it is this Word that speaks to us of Christ (cf. John 5:39). So, as we love Him and cling to Him, by His Spirit’s work, it is especially Christ Whom we love, and Christ to Whom we cling; for, YHWH God has given us to know Him especially in Christ.

What place has love had, in how you have responded to God’s commandments, statutes, and judgments? What place has clinging had, in how you have responded to them? What might it look like for you to grow in loving and clinging? What (Who!) is your hope for this growth? What means does He use to give this? How will this loving, clinging, speaking, and obeying be especially centered upon Jesus Christ?

Sample prayer: Lord, as we have learned that to love You and cling to You means to walk in Your own ways, and to obey Your own voice, and those to keep Your commandments, statutes, and judgments, we have realized something horrible about ourselves. When we have not kept Your commandments, statutes, and judgments, it is because we have worshiped and served another, instead of You. When we have disobeyed, it has been because we were not loving You or clinging to You. Truly, we deserve to perish. But You have given Christ to suffer in our place. And You have given Christ to be our goodness and strength. Help us, now, by Your Spirit. Apply Christ to us. For His sake, forgive us. And by His life, make us to live in love to You, and in clinging to You, in obedience to You, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

He Is Altogether Lovely [2026.02.22 Evening Sermon in Song of Songs 5:9–16]

The believer's great desire is to hear the altogether-loveliness of Christ, and the church's great privilege is to proclaim that loveliness

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

Sovereignly Saving Providence [2026.02.22 Morning Sermon in Matthew 27:55–56]

God uses the insignificant, the unlikely, and even His enemies, in accomplishing His salvation and applying it to us.

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

The Covenant and It's Sign [2026.02.22 Sabbath School in WCF 27.1—Hopewell 101]

We learn, from Gen 17, the way that the sign of the covenant relates to the covenant itself. God uses the sign to strengthen our faith, and He honors His sign by taking it seriously. So, we should take the sign seriously, both in being diligent to apply it and meditate upon it, and in taking to heart the hope and comfort of it. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson centers on the theological significance of signs and seals—particularly circumcision in Abraham’s life and baptism in the lives of believers—as divine means of strengthening faith and reinforcing God’s covenant promises. Drawing from Romans 4 and Genesis 17, it emphasizes that these sacraments are not magical rituals but meaningful signs and seals that reinforce faith in God’s power to give life to the dead and call into existence what does not yet exist. The narrative traces Abraham’s journey from unbelief, marked by the birth of Ishmael through human effort, to renewed faith at age 99, when God reaffirms His covenant and institutes circumcision as a sign and seal of the faith already credited to Abraham. The lesson warns against both the superstitious use of the sacraments and the neglect of their spiritual significance, affirming that their true power lies not in the ritual but in God Himself, Who uses them. It applies this truth to Christian parenting, highlighting how baptism serves as a seal of God’s promise to save children by the same grace, through the same faith, that saved their parents.

The Altogether Loveliness of Christ [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 5:9–16]

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. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional presents a rich portrait of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine beauty, purity, and relational intimacy as the Beloved and Friend of the church. Central to the message is the call for believers—especially those in spiritual slumber—to rediscover and deeply cherish Christ’s full glory, not merely as a doctrinal truth but as a living, personal reality. Through vivid imagery—His white and ruddy complexion, golden head, dove-like eyes, fragrant countenance, and majestic works—the passage reveals Christ as supremely pure, vigorous, gentle, and majestic, worthy of wholehearted devotion. The church’s revival is portrayed as a return to this intimate knowledge of Christ, fueled by the Spirit and nourished by Scripture. Ultimately, the devotional affirms that Christ is not only the object of our affection but also the source of our transformation, and that knowing Him as 'altogether lovely' is the essence of eternal life.

2026.02.24 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 opening portion of public worship 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,” verse 10a). 

As the greatest head there is (verse 10b), His authority exceeds all others in value (“gold,” Song of Songs 5:11a) and His vigor 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 hasn’t meant enough to you? 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”

A Covenant That Can Only Kill [Children's Catechism 41—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 41—especially explaining how the Covenant of Works can only kill us; for salvation, we need Christ, and His Covenant of Grace.

Q41. Can any one be saved through the covenant of works? None can be saved through the covenant of works. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson affirms that no one can be saved through the covenant of works, as all humanity has already failed it through Adam’s disobedience, resulting in universal sin and death. It emphasizes that salvation cannot be earned by human effort, even when the Holy Spirit produces good works, because justification is only through a second covenant head—Jesus Christ—in Whom God establishes the covenant of grace. Scripture, particularly Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15, and Genesis 3, underscores that redemption cannot come through the Covenant of Works.

Incomparable Glory, Invincible Grace [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 21:30–31]

From where does the salvation of the righteous come? Proverbs 21:30–31 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the salvation of the righteous comes from their incomparable, invincible God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the sovereign supremacy of YHWH, emphasizing that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against His will. Pastor underscores that the righteous find unshakable confidence not in their own strength, but in the God, Who works all things according to the counsel of His will (cf. Eph 1:11). This truth establishes the certainty of both the demise of the wicked and the deliverance of the righteous.

2026.02.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 21:30–31

Read Proverbs 21:30–31

Questions from the Scripture text: What three things cannot stand (Proverbs 21:30)? Against Whom? What is prepared for the day of battle (Proverbs 21:31a)? But from where does deliverance come (verse 31b)?  

From where does the salvation of the righteous come? Proverbs 21:30–31 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the salvation of the righteous comes from their incomparable, invincible God.  

These verses bring chapter 21 to a conclusion, mirroring the opening bookend (cf. Proverbs 21:1-3).  The entire chapter has been about the difference that living before the face of YHWH, and having to answer to YHWH, makes between the righteous and the wicked. But it is at the bookends that YHWH Himself is named. And, that is the emphasis in Proverbs 21:30.

In the original, the poetry is very staccato, back and forth. No! Wisdom! No! Understanding! No! Counsel! If you’ve ever been at a rally, and heard the leader and the crowd going back and forth antiphonally, you get a sense of the rhythm here. So, when you get to the fourth “No!,” but are surprised with “for against” (i.e., “can be” against), it sets up a dramatic climax, which is filled by the divine “name YHWH!” So, there is a crescendo to a climax to His incomparable glory, in His unassailable invincibility.

Then, Proverbs 21:31 provides us with something of a dénouement: the place where this climactically great God makes His greatness to have its impact: in saving His people. Any king—especially Solomon, who accumulated them, and established a trade in them between east and west—who had “horse superiority” could assure himself of victory against another kingdom. But, here is a superiority that guarantees victory not just to kingdoms, but in everything: to have this glorious YHWH (Proverbs 21:30) as your preparation for life, death, and eternity (Proverbs 21:31).

The more you adore, Christian reader, the more confident and hope you will have in the face of anything and everything. The greater you know the Lord’s glory to be, the greater an asset you will know His grace to be in your life. So adore, and honor, and serve, and obey… and rejoice with confident hope!

What place does adoration of God have in your heart and life? How do you know that you have Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for teaching us about Your incomparable glory. We praise You, our great and glorious God! And, thank You for giving Yourself to be ours, and for teaching us that this is so. Make us confident that deliverance is from You, for us, in life and death and eternity, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH148B “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah”