Christ, Our Confessed Rock [2025.03.09 Morning Sermon in Matthew 16:18–20]

The foundation of the church and of all Christian life is the apostolic confession of Jesus as Christ and God.

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

Benefits of Union with Christ [2025.03.09 Book Study in How to Live as a Christian]

Elder Mangum led us through chapters 3–5. Those things that flow from union with Christ: justification, adoption, sanctification, assurance, and perseverance.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Trustworthy Lord and Word [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 2:1–25]

What did Israel see, when they approached to enter the land? Deuteronomy 2:1–25 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel saw just how foolish and wicked their unbelief had been.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.03.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 2:1–25

Read Deuteronomy 2:1–25

Questions from the Scripture text: After the rebellion about the report of the spies, what did Israel do (Deuteronomy 2:1, cf. Deuteronomy 1:40)? What did they skirt around, for how long? Who spoke to whom in Deuteronomy 2:2? What did He say about their time going around Mt. Seir (Deuteronomy 2:3)? What did He now tell them to do? Where did He say this would take them (Deuteronomy 2:4)? How did He say Esau would respond? What did He say they should do? What did He tell them not to do (Deuteronomy 2:5)? Why not? How did He tell them to get food and drink (Deuteronomy 2:6)? What had YHWH done for them (Deuteronomy 2:7)? How much? For how long? With what results? So, what route did Israel take (Deuteronomy 2:8)? Where did this take them? What did YHWH say not to do (Deuteronomy 2:9)? Why not? To whom had He given it? Who had previously dwelt there (Deuteronomy 2:10)? What/whom were they like (Deuteronomy 2:10-11)? And who had previously dwelt in Seir (Deuteronomy 2:12)? But who had come and done what? In what fashion? What did the Lord command in Deuteronomy 2:13? And what did Israel do? How long passed between what two events (Deuteronomy 2:14)? In order for what to happen? In accord with what? How did this occur (Deuteronomy 2:15)? What occasioned a new phase (Deuteronomy 2:16)? Who spoke to whom in Deuteronomy 2:17? What did He say to do, when (Deuteronomy 2:18)? What did He say not to do (Deuteronomy 2:19)? Why not? To whom had He given it? To what sort of people had it previously belonged (Deuteronomy 2:20)? Like whom (Deuteronomy 2:21)? But Who had done what to them? Just as He had done for whom (Deuteronomy 2:22)? And to whom else (Deuteronomy 2:23)? So, where did the Lord now command Israel to go (Deuteronomy 2:24)? Whom, and what, had He given into their hand? What did He command them to do? What did He say that He would begin doing, when (Deuteronomy 2:25)? To whom? From where? How?

What did Israel see, when they approached to enter the land? Deuteronomy 2:1–25 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel saw just how foolish and wicked their unbelief had been.

Probably every believer has had this experience: he was anxious, or he doubted, or he disobeyed—then the Lord brought him out of it, and through it. He saw, and remembered, the greatness of God’s love and wisdom and power, and he began to realize just how ridiculous that anxiety, or doubt, or disobedience, had been.

This is Israel’s experience after thirty-eight years going around Mt. Seir (Deuteronomy 2:14). The Lord begins to direct them toward the promised land, and everywhere they go, YHWH has taken that land from a people as intimidating and numerous as the Anakim (Deuteronomy 2:11, Deuteronomy 2:20, Deuteronomy 2:23), and given it to some underpowered people from Abraham’s extended family (Deuteronomy 2:5, Deuteronomy 2:9, Deuteronomy 2:19). How silly our unbelief is! Whenever we are tempted to anxiety or doubt, let us remember that the Lord has done harder things before. Would He do that for Edom, or Moab, or Ammon, and then not do it for Israel themselves?! 

And applying the logic of the text to your own life, dear Christian reader, will He do such things throughout history, and then stop short of perfect faithfulness, deliverance, and blessing for one who is united to His beloved Son?! Indeed, the logic of even this passage is dwarfed by that in Romans 8:32. He Who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not, together with Him, freely give us all things?! His resumé and track record are such that we must give Him our full trust. And therefore follow Him with full obedience.

Now, we might chide ourselves for our unbelief. And well would we do so. But let us not miss that the point of this passage is not merely that the generation that was consumed in the wilderness richly deserved it (Deuteronomy 2:15-16). Rather, the point is that the Lord keeps His Word. He kept His Word, in which He had sworn to consume them (Deuteronomy 2:14). And now He was keeping His Word to give Israel the land, and particularly to give the children of that generation the land (Deuteronomy 2:7, Deuteronomy 2:25). He was beginning to do, for the children, the very thing that the foolish and wicked parents had doubted that He could or would do.

How faithful is our God! His promises can never fall to the ground. And what marvelous patience He extends to us, in that faithfulness! If this passage has exposed your heart, behold how worthy He is of your repentance, and how entirely He welcomes it and extends to You His grace to sustain it! He has given you Christ. He will surely give you all things.

When have you had anxieties or doubts that the Lord subsequently proved were misguided? What anxieties and doubts do you have now? Into what disobedience do they threaten to lead you? What is your habit for reminding yourself of what the Lord has promised? What is your habit for reminding yourself of what the Lord has already done?

Sample prayer: Lord, we are so grateful for Your reminding us of Your wonderful works—and especially the wonderful work of Christ’s accomplishing our redemption. Now, make us to live in the confidence that the redemption that You have accomplished, Your Spirit will most assuredly apply to us. So, make us respond in faith and love that produce every good work in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”

Split-Screen of Encouragement [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 7]

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.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

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)