Beauty of the Perfected Bride [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 4:1–7]

How beautiful is the church on her wedding day? Song of Songs 4:1–7 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, on their wedding day, the Lord will have made His church faultlessly beautiful with His own beauty. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: Song of Songs 4:1–7 portrays the Bridegroom’s profound love for His bride on their wedding day. Central to the message is the perfection of the bride—her beauty now complete, spotless, and fully aligned with Christ, reflecting the ultimate sanctification of the church (and her members) at the consummation of history. Through vivid imagery—dove’s eyes, flowing hair, flawless teeth, blushing temples, a royal neck, and nurturing breasts—the devotional unpacks how each feature symbolizes spiritual maturity: purity of understanding, humility, faith, modesty, dignity, and the ability to nourish others. These attributes are not mere physical descriptions but spiritual realities fulfilled in the Church’s union with Christ, culminating in His presenting her to Himself without spot or wrinkle. Pastor calls his family to long for and labor toward this perfected state, both personally and corporately, as a response to Christ’s redemptive work and a longing for His return, when the Church will be fully glorified and united with Him in eternal joy.

2026.01.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 4:1–7

Read Song of Songs 4:1–7

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Bridegroom say to His bride (Song of Songs 4:1a)? How many times (verse 1b)? What does He compliment in verse 1c? And in verse 1d–e? And in Song of Songs 4:2? What does He say about them? And in Song of Songs 4:3a? What does He say about them? And in verse 3b? And verse 3c–d? What does He say about them? And in Song of Songs 4:4? What does He say about it? And in Song of Songs 4:5? What does He say about them? Where does He say that He will go (Song of Songs 4:6c–d, cf. Song of Songs 3:6)? Until when (Song of Songs 4:6a–b)? What does He say about her in Song of Songs 4:7 (cf. Ephesians 5:27)? 

How beautiful is the church on her wedding day? Song of Songs 4:1–7 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, on their wedding day, the Lord will have made His church faultlessly beautiful with His own beauty. 

Song of Songs 4:1–5:1 take us into the conversation between the Bridegroom and the bride on their wedding day. In these seven verses, He praises her and declares His intentions to her, leading up to the invitation in Song of Songs 4:8. The inclusio in Song of Songs 4:1a–b and Song of Songs 4:7 declares her beauty. It is to the latter verse that Ephesians 5:27 refers, when describing the end goal of all Christ’s work in His bride. In Song of Songs 4:1-5, He focuses on many aspects of this beauty that He is producing in the church. The dove’s eyes (Song of Songs 4:1c) we have seen already in Song of Songs 1:15, signifying Spirit-given innocence, especially in seeing and knowing the Lord Jesus. The hair (Song of Songs 4:1d–e) being most indicative of adornment, with respect to the church must especially refer to her good works and godliness, as the apostles understood (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9–10; 1 Peter 3:3–4). The teeth (Song of Songs 4:2) have reference especially to feeding, and in the church’s case, especially the faith by which we take Christ and receive and appropriate Him to ourselves; in this case, the bride’s faith is eager (verse 2a) and clean (verse 2b) and fruitful (verse 2c–d). The lips for speaking (Song of Songs 4:3a), and the mouth for singing and kissing (verse 3b), refer to the church’s beautiful communications to her Bridegroom, which she does with the beautiful modesty and humility of one who blushes appropriately (verse 3c–d). Song of Songs 4:4 makes its own elaboration upon the neck, focusing upon its strength, strong necks being indicative of nobility and royalty. The breasts (Song of Songs 4:5) are part of the loveliness of a wife to her husband, on this her wedding day—their beauty being especially the promise of nourishing their children. Here is the church’s aptness to edify, giving the pure spiritual milk of the Word (cf. 1 Peter 2:2). This capacity for edification is obtained from her Beloved, the Shepherd, as He feeds His flock (Song of Songs 4:5c, cf. Song of Songs 2:16b). He has beautified her, and overcome the distance between them, answering her prayer (Song of Songs 4:6a–b, cf. Song of Songs 2:17). The mountains are now the mountains of her likeness to Him (Song of Songs 4:6c–d, cf. Song of Songs 3:6c–d). Her great beauty is her likeness to Him, and He will delight in her forever!

What is beautiful to Christ? How can you obtain it and grow in it? What may you look forward to by it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for loving us and giving yourself up for us, to cleanse us by the washing of water of Your Word. Continue Your Work in us, until You present us faultless to Yourself on the last day, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” 

Living in Light of His Sight [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 15:3]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should live in light of the fact that God sees all things, works in all things, and judges all things. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional meditates on the fact that God’s eyes are everywhere, constantly observing both the wicked and the righteous with perfect knowledge and divine purpose. This truth humbles humanity by emphasizing our limited perception and calling us to trust in God’s understanding rather than our own. It comforts believers, knowing that even evil is under God’s sovereign control and ultimately serves His plan, while also encouraging the righteous, who are upheld and empowered by His grace to do good. God avenges the righteous and rewards their faithful deeds as fruits of union with Christ. Living in the awareness of His ever-present gaze fosters peace, joy, diligence, and holy devotion, as all actions are done in His sight and for His glory.

Trust Only in God But Live Wisely [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 10:8–10]

What is the use of wisdom? Ecclesiastes 10:8–10 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom doesn’t guarantee desired outcomes, but rather serves God well, as it submits to His providence. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional explores the tension between human effort and divine providence, emphasizing that neither righteousness nor wisdom guarantees the outcomes we seek. It illustrates how God’s sovereignty often thwarts sinful intentions—such as a man falling into the pit he digs—while also allowing hardships to afflict even the innocent, like those quarrying stones or splitting wood. Yet, amid this uncertainty, the preacher affirms that wisdom is not futile; rather, it is useful, as a sharpened axe requires less strength and reduces danger, reflecting the value of preparation and prudence. The faithful response is not passive resignation but a balanced trust in God’s providence coupled with diligent, thoughtful living. Ultimately, believers are called to honor God in both their dependence on Him and their responsible stewardship of wisdom, knowing that true success lies not in achievement but in sovereign providence.

2026.01.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 10:8–10

Read Ecclesiastes 10:8–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What happens to the man who digs a pit in Ecclesiastes 10:8a? And what happens to the man who breaks through a wall in verse 8b? What happens to the one who quarries stones in Ecclesiastes 10:9a? And to the one who splits the wood in verse 9b? Especially if what is true of the ax (Ecclesiastes 10:10a–b)? Why (verse 10c)? So, what must one have (verse 10d)?

What is the use of wisdom? Ecclesiastes 10:8–10 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom doesn’t guarantee desired outcomes, but rather serves God well, as it submits to His providence. 

It is not only the conduct of kings that leads to results that are opposite what we intended (Ecclesiastes 10:5-7). In God’s wise, but inscrutable, providence, this happens both to those with evil intentions (Ecclesiastes 10:8) and those who are engaged in ordinary life (Ecclesiastes 10:9-10). Ecclesiastes 10:8a has its parallel in Psalm 7:15. Both this pit-digger, and the wall/hedge breacher, cannot escape the judgment that providence brings upon them. But, the stone quarrier and the wood splitter, who are engaged in ordinary labor, experience similar earthly results. Ecclesiastes 10:10, in comparison to Ecclesiastes 10:8-9, teaches something similar to Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 in comparison to Ecclesiastes 9:11–12. Though God’s providence is sovereign and unpredictable, wisdom is still valuable, under that providence—even such simple wisdom as to use a sharpened ax rather than dull one. Believers must do both: employ wisdom under God’s instruction and service, while trusting and submitting to God’s providence.

What difficult situations are you in? What wisdom should you be exercising in it? To Whom must you trust the result?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for trying to control or produce the outcomes that we want. Grant unto us cheerful submission to Your providence, as we exercise wisdom in Your service, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH131B “Not Haughty Is My Heart”

Each of Us Deserves God's Wrath [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 27:11–26]

What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 27:11–26 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: This passage presents a solemn covenantal ceremony in which the Levites pronounce curses upon individuals who commit specific abominable sins, ranging from secret idolatry and contempt for parents to exploitation of the vulnerable, sexual perversions, and murder. These curses, delivered in a public, communal setting with the people responding 'Amen' to each, underscore the individual guilt of every human before a holy God, revealing that every sin—especially those hidden in the heart—deserves divine wrath. The final curse, which condemns anyone who fails to uphold the entire law, points to the impossibility of human righteousness and the need for a substitute. The devotional emphasizes that only Christ, who knew no sin, became a curse in our place, bearing the full weight of God’s wrath so that believers might receive His righteousness—making salvation possible only through faith in Christ.

2026.01.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 27:11–26

Read Deuteronomy 27:11–26

Questions from the Scripture text: Who commanded whom, when (Deuteronomy 27:11)? Who were to stand, where, to do what, when (Deuteronomy 27:12)? And who were to stand, where, to do what (Deuteronomy 27:13)? Who begin the speaking (Deuteronomy 27:14)? How will they speak? To whom? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:15? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:16? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:17? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:18? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:19? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:20? Why? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:21? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:22? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:23? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:24? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:25? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:26? How must the people answer?

What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 27:11–26 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God.  

In the conclusion of the first commandment section (cf. Deuteronomy 11:29–32), Moses had commanded this ceremony. Now, he gives the details of the ceremony, which will take place in Joshua 8:30–35. But before the blessings spoken by the six tribes (Deuteronomy 27:12, cf. Deuteronomy 28:1–14), and the curses spoken by the four tribes (Deuteronomy 27:13, cf. Deuteronomy 28:15–68), the Levites lead all Israel in calling curses down upon any individual for his secret sins. That is what all of these sins have in common: they are done in secret, or are easily “gotten away with.” But that is not actually true! YHWH sees all of these sins, and He punishes them.

The Levites represent the people in shouting the curse, but each person affirms the curse for himself with his own “Amen!” 

The first cursed sin is for secret idolatry (Deuteronomy 27:15). False worship is an abomination to YHWH. And it is, ultimately, a matter of the heart, where He alone sees.

The next four cursed sins are for those who disregard others. As in the decalogue, this begins with parents. Just having contempt for them is accursed by God (Deuteronomy 27:16). Also cursed is the deceptive theft of a neighbor’s property (Deuteronomy 27:17) or taking advantage of those who are unable to stand for themselves, and who have no one to stand for them (Deuteronomy 27:18-19). 

The next four cursed sins are violations of the seventh commandment. Sexual sin is almost always committed in secret. These four (Deuteronomy 27:20-23) are some of the most perverted violations, driving home to us how abominable are all sexual sins.

Finally, the last two specifically cursed sins are violations of the sixth commandment. Even if an attack is in secret (Deuteronomy 27:24), or hired out (Deuteronomy 27:25), it is accursed murder before the eyes of YHWH.

The twelfth, and last, curse clarifies that these have all been representative examples. Anyone who does anything to break the law of God is accursed before Him (cf. Galatians 3:10). This is why Christ had to become a curse for us (cf. Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Dear reader, we must not tolerate sin, even in secret—especially in secret. Secret sins are an abomination, particularly because they are done only unto the face of God. For these, Christ suffered Hell for all of His elect. God forgive us for them, and deliver us from them.

What secret sins are you in most danger of committing? How can you be forgiven of them? How can you be cleansed of them? What means has He given, by which you trust Him to cleanse you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for all of our sins, especially for our secret sins. Our secret idolatries. Our secret disregard for others. Our secret corruptions and perversions. Our secret hatred and murder. Cursed is anyone who doesn’t continue in all of Your laws to do them. But Christ has become a curse for us; so, forgive us for His sake, and make us to be like Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me” 

The Glory of the Groom [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 3:7–11]

How does Christ glorify Himself? Song of Songs 3:7–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ glorifies Himself most of all in His bride. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds Song of Songs 3:7–11, which portrays Christ as the glorified Bridegroom, Whose wedding procession glorifies His redemptive work in the Church’s ultimate destiny. Through progressive praise—from His secure comfort guarded by valiant servants, to His exalted conveyance adorned with divine materials, and finally to His crowned glory—the bride redirects all admiration from herself to Christ, recognizing that every good thing in the Church is His work. The passage emphasizes that Christ’s joy is fulfilled in the perfection and glorification of His bride, who is not merely beloved, but serves as His crowning glory, reflecting His wisdom, love, and faithfulness. The devotional calls the Church to a posture of humble adoration, where every expression of praise for the Church’s beauty ultimately glorifies Christ, the Source and Sustainer of all grace. This culminates in the vision of the final day—the day of the gladness of His heart—when the Church, fully sanctified, will be presented to Him in eternal joy.

2026.01.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 3:7–11

Read Song of Songs 3:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: To what does the bride draw attention in Song of Songs 3:7a? Who are around it (verse 7b–c)? What are they like (Song of Songs 3:8)? Who made what, out of what (Song of Songs 3:9)? For whom? Of what did he make is various components (Song of Songs 3:10–c)? For whom does verse 10d–e describe him as upholstering it, with what? Whom does the bride address in Song of Songs 3:11a? Telling them to do what (verse 11a–b)? Whom will they see? With what? Received from whom (verse 11c)? On what occasion (verse 11d)? With what affection (verse 11e)? 

How does Christ glorify Himself? Song of Songs 3:7–11 prepares us for the opening portion of the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ glorifies Himself most of all in His bride. 

Whenever the church receives praise, she redirects it to Christ. So, here with the Bride (Song of Songs 3:6) and the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 3:7-11). 

She praises His comforts and security (Song of Songs 3:7-8). Solomon is a special type of Christ (cf. Psalm 72): the King in His glory, having brought peace, justice, and joy to His subjects. His couch (Song of Songs 3:7a) hearkens back to their bed in Song of Songs 1:16, the place of greatest comfort and intimacy with the King. The emphasis, here, is on the number (Song of Songs 3:7b), strength (verse 7c), equipment (Song of Songs 3:8a), ability (verse 8b), and readiness (verse 8c) of His royal guard. 

In the poetry of the song, as the King is Christ, the guard are not only angels, but all of the divine attributes and actions by which He protects His bride. And He protects her especially from herself and the effects of her sin, as the night in Song of Songs 3:8d takes us back to Song of Songs 3:1a. What comfort there is in Christ, to know that He is guarding us (even from ourselves) by His own grace!

She praises His conveyance (Song of Songs 3:9-10). It is a royal chariot, giving the queen a share in the King’s goings forth. In the chariot, she is at His side, sharing in His royal dignity. He has furnished the very best of materials by which to carry her with Him, to their wedding. 

Here is a beautiful picture of the ongoing ministry of Christ, by which He is conveying His bride to gory: His Scriptures, His sacraments, His servants, but especially union with Him and its benefits—His own grace administered by His Spirit, and His ministry of intercession. This is how He brings the bride to their wedding. 

Christ made it Himself, even adding the pavement/upholstery of the love of the daughters of Jerusalem, indicating that believers’ love to Him is also a work of grace, which He has furnished for carrying the church to the wedding day. The Lord give you such love for Him as will carry you to glory.

She praises His crown (Song of Songs 3:11). There is a progression from Solomon (Song of Songs 3:7), to Solomon the King (Song of Songs 3:9) to King Solomon with the crown (Song of Songs 3:11). In Song of Songs 3:7-9, she had commended beholding what the King had made. Now, she commends beholding the King Himself, indeed going forth to behold Him. And what do they see? They see that, of all the creatures, it is His mother that crowns Him. From the same passage (cf. Revelation 12:17) that helped us understand her mother as the church in Song of Songs 3:4d, we see that the church is also His mother (cf. Revelation 12:13). Christ’s glory is crowned most of all by the church on their wedding day (Song of Songs 3:11b–c; cf. Revelation 19:9, Revelation 21:9–11ff; Ephesians 5:25–27). She adds nothing to Him, but reflects His own glory. And His delight in His beloved bride is the display of that glory. His wedding to her is “the day of the gladness of His heart.”

When do you behold the glory of Christ’s grace to His church? What glory are you looking forward at His wedding?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, we adore Your glory in comforting us, drawing us near to Yourself, and bringing us safely and certainly to the wedding supper of the Lamb. Give us to glorify You, and to behold that glory, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking”

Conceived in Sin and Misery [Children's Catechism 35 Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 35—especially explaining how Adam’s fall means that we are conceived sinful. Q35. What effect had the sin of Adam on all mankind? All mankind are born in a state of sin and misery. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson establishes that Adam’s sin plunged all humanity into a state of sin and misery, not merely as a personal failure but as a federal representation of his posterity, resulting in every person being conceived and born in sin. In contrast, Jesus, as the Second Adam, reverses this curse by redeeming believers through His atoning sacrifice, imputing His righteousness, and initiating a process of sanctification that will culminate in final glorification.