The latest feed from Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian on SermonAudio.com.
Who is good enough to go to heaven? Mark 10:17–31 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's goodness is the only goodness good enough to bring us into the kingdom. This devotional examines the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler to distinguish between superficial religious effort and true saving faith. The central argument posits that the man's failure stems not merely from his attachment to wealth, but from a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' divinity and the depth of God's law, which requires holiness of the heart rather than merely external compliance. The text contrasts the man's sorrow over losing possessions with the Christian's gratitude for gaining everything in Christ, challenging the common assumption that material prosperity or personal sacrifice constitutes spiritual merit. The message urges hearers to recognize their own spiritual poverty and rely entirely on the sufficiency of Christ. The tone is convicting yet pastoral, emphasizing that true salvation is found in knowing Jesus as Yahweh and resting in the grace that provides all spiritual riches.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 70—especially explaining that we need a Priest Who can bring us near to God, and Who can atone for sin that is as big as God. Q70. Why do you need Christ as a priest? Because I am guilty. The lesson addresses the theological necessity of a priest by considering human guilt in light of divine holiness. It argues that, even in a state of perfect righteousness, humanity requires a mediator to approach the holy-holy-holy Creator, but the reality of sin further necessitates a priest who is also a Redeemer. Christ is presented as the ultimate mediator, Who offers atoning sacrifice, transforming the certain expectation of divine wrath into unassailable expectation of favor and blessing. The central message emphasizes that access to God is secured not by human merit, but by the consecrating work of Christ as the High Priest who bridges the gap between the sinner and the Holy.
God has given image-bearers, and especially His people, the greatest value in all of creation; and they are to be treated as such.
God suits men to minister His Word to His people, and sustains them in it. And He suits you, also, to the way that He will use you, and sustains you in it.
God suits men to minister His Word to His people, and sustains them in it. And He suits you, also, to the way that He will use you, and sustains you in it.
In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead, but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably injurious to Christ's one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.
Friendship guards us from harm, strengthens and sharpens us, and is a proving ground for our character.
Friendship guards us from harm, strengthens and sharpens us, and is a proving ground for our character.
A prophecy, a prayer, a song. Intended for the instruction, prayer, and praise of His people through the ages.
A prophecy, a prayer, a song. Intended for the instruction, prayer, and praise of His people through the ages.
Because Scripture prayer is according to God's greatness and goodness, its goal and delight is God's glory.
Because Scripture prayer is according to God's greatness and goodness, its goal and delight is God's glory.
In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead, but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same; so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably injurious to Christ's one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.
What do those who are entering life do? Mark 9:43–50 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that those who are entering life are in the business of putting sin to death. The devotional examines Mark 9:43-50 to explain the dual nature of God's fire as both purifying for believers and condemning for the unsaved. It emphasizes that mortifying sin is not a means to earn salvation but evidence of genuine faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Pastor clarifies that hell involves eternal conscious punishment, described through imagery of unquenchable fire and an undying worm, representing inner agony. True sanctification is presented as a work completed by Christ, assuring believers of their ultimate glorification despite present struggles. The message calls listeners to rely on the Spirit's power to fight sin and rest in the certainty of God's preserving grace.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 68—especially explaining Christ's various actions as our King. Q68. How is Christ a king? Because he rules over us and defends us. The lesson explores the nature of Christ's kingship by drawing parallels between His role and the earthly reign of King David. It highlights how Christ fulfills the promises made to David by gathering all believers, governing through His Word and Spirit, and establishing spiritual and civil administrations. The text emphasizes Christ's ultimate victory over Satan, sin, and death, contrasting His complete rule with David's limited successes. This kingship is characterized by both authoritative governance and protective defense for His subjects. The central message affirms that Christ rules over and defends His people in fullness.
Humility, gentleness, discernment, and loyalty are essential to making good use of God's good gift of friendship.
Humility, gentleness, discernment, and loyalty are essential to making good use of God's good gift of friendship.
What is good to do in YHWH's sight? 1Chronicles 19–20 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it is good in YHWH's sight to establish and complete the kingdom of Christ. The devotional examines 1 Chronicles 19 and 20 to illustrate how God's providence advances the kingdom of Jesus Christ even amidst human betrayal, sin, and overwhelming odds. It highlights Joab's strategic reliance on divine will rather than military strength, showing that Yahweh does what is good in His sight by subduing enemies for His anointed King. The text contrasts David's historical failures with the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise in Christ, encouraging believers to remain faithful despite mischaracterization and internal church strife. Listeners are urged to serve with wisdom, diligence, and courage, trusting that God is building His church against the gates of hell. The message concludes with a call to reject discouragement and rest in the certainty of Christ's eternal reign.
How should we navigate friendship? Proverbs 27:1–10 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility, gentleness, discernment, and loyalty are essential to making proper use of God's good gift of friendship. This devotional explores biblical principles of friendship, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in a friend's judgment. It warns against associating with those who are easily angered, jealous, or deceitfully pleasant, while highlighting the value of a friend who offers faithful correction. The text encourages believers to remain content in their current relationships rather than pursuing ambitious social elevation. Finally, it calls for loyalty to established neighbors and friends over distant relatives or new acquaintances during times of trouble.
How do legalists respond to the gospel? Job 15 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we find that legalists respond to the gospel with accusations and arrogance. This devotional contrasts the gospel of grace with the self-righteousness of legalism by analyzing Eliphaz's rebuke of Job in Job 15. Eliphaz holds to a tradition of works-based righteousness that ridicules and accuses Job's gospel hope. While Eliphaz claims Job is unrepentant and condemned, whereas Job's hope is in God Who regenerates, gives faith, forgives, and makes clean. The message warns against adopting legalistic standards that demand better behavior to earn God's favor, which ultimately rejects Christ's sufficiency. Believers are encouraged to cling to Christ and trust in God's grace even when facing accusations from religious traditionalists.
The wicked are to be neither feared nor envied, for they are about to be destroyed.
The wicked are to be neither feared nor envied, for they are about to be destroyed.
We pray for the riches of God's Spirit to give us the knowledge of God's love in His Son, so that we may be filled with the fullness of adoption by the Father
We pray for the riches of God's Spirit to give us the knowledge of God's love in His Son, so that we may be filled with the fullness of adoption by the Father.
To snuff out the strife that God hates, neither be, nor be around, the gossip, the quarreler, nor the listener to gossip.
What hope can Job have in the midst of his pain in this world? Job 13:20–14:22 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the believer's hope is in God Himself, Who makes us new, forgives our sins, and desires us as the work of His hands. The devotional explores Job's desperate plea for God to reveal his sins and cease terrifying him, highlighting the brevity and misery of human life compared to the regenerative power found in Christ. Job's hope is the believer's assurance of fellowship with God through Jesus. Pastor emphasizes that while humans cannot cleanse themselves from sin, God offers forgiveness as the ultimate refuge. Believers are encouraged to maintain their hope in God's kindness and salvation regardless of earthly circumstances. The message concludes by urging his family to live and die with faith in Christ's covering of their iniquities.
God gives us a sure Word, written and preached, by which to live.
God gives us a sure Word, written and preached, by which to live.
In the hardships of this life, Christians are to be encouraged by the eternal weight of glory that those hardships are accomplishing.
In the hardships of this life, Christians are to be encouraged by the eternal weight of glory that those hardships are accomplishing.
To be a bond and pledge of their communion with Him, and with each other, as members of His mystical body.
A deep, soul-level thirst for God can ultimately only be satisfied by Yahweh himself, by his steadfast love, that which is more valuable than life itself.
If we are going to see things correctly, we need to look at them eyes for God, as instructed by His Word.
If we are going to see things correctly, we need to look at them eyes for God, as instructed by His Word.
God uses the least worthy to give to His saints to know His extreme worthiness by means of the gospel.
God uses the least worthy to give to His saints to know His extreme worthiness by means of the gospel.
Their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body.
Why does God use the weak and unworthy? Ephesians 3:7–9 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God uses the weak and unworthy to steward the gospel of the riches of the glory of God in Christ. The devotional expounds on Ephesians 3:7-9, revealing that God chose the most unworthy individual to demonstrate that the power of the gospel originates entirely from Him rather than human merit. It defines the 'mystery' as the eternal plan where God redeems a people for Himself and gives Himself to them, a truth hidden for ages but now revealed through Jesus Christ. The text emphasizes that spiritual gifts are not personal possessions but entrusted responsibilities given by God for the benefit of the church from all the nations. By highlighting Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle, the message illustrates that believers are stewards of this infinite treasure, called to pass it on to others with humility and responsibility. The central intent is to comfort the faithful with God's sovereign grace while convicting them to faithfully dispense the gospel to their communities.
To snuff out the strife that God hates, neither be, nor be around, the gossip, the quarreler, nor the listener to gossip.
To snuff out the strife that God hates, neither be, nor be around, the gossip, the quarreler, nor the listener to gossip.
Whom must we hear? Mark 9:1–13 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must hear Christ, telling us that God the Son became a man to suffer abuse and die, and that His people must expect similar experience. The devotional examines the Transfiguration narrative to reveal Jesus's divine glory and authority as the beloved Son of God. It contrasts the radiant revelation on the mountain with the subsequent necessity of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. Pastor highlights how Peter's misunderstanding serves to correct any notion of equality between Jesus and the Old Testament prophets. This event confirms that the kingdom of God arrives through the Son's sacrificial work rather than earthly power. The message calls believers to worship Jesus alone and trust in the redemptive power of His cross.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 65—especially explaining Christ's anointing as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Q65. What are they? The offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king. The lesson explains the three anointed offices of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, derived from the meaning of the title 'Christ'. It contrasts Jesus's perfect fulfillment of these roles with the incomplete types found in Moses, Aaron, and David. The text highlights how Jesus serves as the ultimate Prophet revealing God's word, the eternal Priest offering a final atoning sacrifice, and the Forever King from David's line. These offices were inaugurated, in His earthly ministry, at His baptism when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The central message affirms that Jesus alone fully embodies these roles to redeem His people.
God gives us grace to serve King Jesus, and His body, and its members from all the nations.
God gives us grace to serve King Jesus, and His body, and its members from all the nations.
The sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him,
If we are going to see things correctly, we need to look at them eyes for God, as instructed by His Word.
If we are going to see things correctly, we need to look at them eyes for God, as instructed by His Word.
The union of believers is a union of consecration, participation, and growth—a union that is in Christ Himself.
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