Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 63—especially explaining how all God-given sacrifices pointed sinners to believe in Christ. Q63. What did these sacrifices represent? Christ, the Lamb of God, Who was to die for sinners. The lesson explores the theological significance of Old Testament sacrifices as pointing to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. It traces this theme from the first gospel promise in Genesis through Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting his faith that God would provide a substitute. The message emphasizes that salvation has always been only through faith in Christ, whether prospective or retrospective, as illustrated by the Passover and affirmed in Revelation. By examining these passages, the teaching reinforces that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all God-given sacrifices. This understanding assures believers that redemption is found exclusively through faith in Jesus.

In order to respond rightly to providence, believers must come, with humility and praise, to consider Whose work it is, and what He has already done, in accordance with His character.

In order to respond rightly to providence, believers must come, with humility and praise, to consider Whose work it is, and what He has already done, in accordance with His character.

Christ is believers' peace with one another, with God, and in their own consciences.

Christ is believers' peace with one another, with God, and in their own consciences.

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.

How do we have peace with one another? Ephesians 2:14–18 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ Himself is how we have peace with one another. The devotional exposits Ephesians 2:14-18, identifying Jesus as the source of a comprehensive peace that operates in multiple dimensions. It outlines how Christ abolishes the ceremonial law separating Jews and Gentiles, creates a new unified humanity, and removes the enmity between sinful humans and God. The message emphasizes that this reconciliation is applied personally to the conscience through faith, granting believers direct access to the Father via the Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian fellowship establishes a profound bond among believers, transcending ethnic and national divisions. Consequently, the congregation is called to live in harmony with one another, grounded in the reality of the peace Christ has secured.

How does the Lord answer Habakkuk's concerns? Habakkuk 1:5–11 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 we must remember God Himself, when we consider His providence. This devotional explores the theme of divine providence through Habakkuk's encounter with God regarding the rise of the Chaldeans. Pastor emphasizes that God's ways are beyond human scrutiny, requiring believers to cultivate humility rather than judgment. By examining the wickedness of the Babylonians, the text illustrates how God sovereignly uses even evil nations to accomplish His purposes for discipline and justice. The message encourages trusting in God's character and wisdom despite present hardships, pointing to the cross as the ultimate proof of His goodness. Ultimately, the devotional calls for a posture of faithful submission and confidence in God's control over all circumstances.

How much evidence is enough to resolve unbelief? Mark 8:11–21 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that unbelief is not resolved by more evidence, but by eliminating the unbelief itself. The devotional examines Mark 8:11-21 to find that the root of spiritual blindness is a hardened heart rather than a lack of evidence. The Pharisees' demand for signs results in Jesus's warning against the leaven of unbelief and skepticism. Pastor emphasizes that believers also struggle with doubt, when they judge by external circumstances instead of God's Word, character, and work. True faith requires the Holy Spirit to soften the heart and enable perception. Ultimately, living by faith depends on continual reliance on God's grace to overcome remaining sin.

What does God do for His people and His anointed? 1Chronicles 14 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 God blesses His people, through His blessed anointed one. The devotional notes how 1Chronicles contrasts King David's faithfulness with Saul's unfaithfulness. It emphasizes that while David sinned by multiplying wives, God's mercy and the exaltation of his kingdom point toward the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The text serves to encourage believers to persevere in loyalty to the Davidic line, recognizing Jesus as the sinless King who intercedes for His people. This theological perspective moves us to live with greater courage and joy under God's sovereign purpose.

What hope can a sinner have before God? Job 11 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, though sinners may be tempted to find hope through their repenting, the only true hope that they can have is in God's mercy. The devotional analyzes Zophar's speech in Job 11 to illustrate the danger of relying on theological knowledge without humility or self-awareness. Although Zophar speaks truths about God's sovereignty, his pride and misrepresentation of Job's condition reveal a lack of true understanding. Job contrasts this with the gospel, emphasizing that human righteousness is insufficient for standing before God. Instead, justification comes solely through faith in Christ, not through self-improved behavior or repentance efforts. The message calls believers to cling to Christ alone and seek humility from the Holy Spirit.

Believers must look to the Lord, as they wrestle with the burden of experiences that don't seem to correspond to the gospel.

Believers must look to the Lord, as they wrestle with the burden of experiences that don't seem to correspond to the gospel.

God gives us specific motivations and helps, in Christ, for our walking in good works.

God gives us specific motivations and helps, in Christ, for our walking in good works.

By the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.

What has Christ's reconciliation done? Ephesians 2:11–13 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 Christ's reconciliation has brought us near to a holy God. The devotional expounds on Ephesians 2 to establish a triple foundation for believers to walk in good works. It highlights that Christians are created anew for this purpose, incorporated into the commonwealth of Christ, and bound to God through the new covenant. The text contrasts the former state of Gentiles as aliens from these promises with their current status as brought near by Jesus's blood. This theological framework provides hope and obligation, motivating believers to live out the good works prepared by God. Pastor concludes with a call to remember these truths as a help to walking faithfully.

Whom does Jesus save? Mark 7:25–8:10 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is an abundant Savior for a multitude from all the nations. The devotional explores Jesus's ministry in Gentile territories to demonstrate that He is the Savior for all nations, not just Israel. Through the accounts of the Syrophoenician woman and the healing of the deaf man, the text highlights how Christ fulfills Old Testament prophecies by extending grace and power beyond Jewish boundaries. The feeding of the four thousand further illustrates His abundant provision and the profound spiritual hunger that He gives even Gentile sinners. These events collectively affirm that Jesus does all things well, fulfilling every promise regarding His role as Mediator and Redeemer. Believers are encouraged to trust in His complete sufficiency and prioritize nearness to Him above physical comfort.

Laziness requires a combination of folly and pride that will destroy the sluggard.

Laziness requires a combination of folly and pride that will destroy the sluggard.

What is Job's biggest concern? Job 9:27–10:22 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Job's biggest concern is that, while he had been hoping for mercy through a Mediator, it does not seem to him that he actually has this with God. The devotional explores Job's desperate transition from addressing his friends to directly pleading with God, highlighting his fear that he is being judged by strict justice rather than grace. It emphasizes Job's longing for a Mediator who can bridge the gap between humanity and the holy and just God, contrasting this need with Bildad's insufficient advice to simply improve one's behavior. Pastor applies Job's anguish to the terror believers may feel when their assurance of salvation is shaken by suffering or doubt. Rather than offering false comfort, the text encourages genuine wrestling with God, pointing to Christ as the ultimate Mediator who lays His hand on both parties. The message concludes with a call to rely on sovereign grace and the finished work of Jesus rather than personal merit or outward appearances of piety.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 61—especially explaining how Jesus is the only Savior that sinners could ever have. Q61. How were pious persons saved before the coming of Christ? By believing in a Savior to come. The lesson clarifies that pious individuals before Christ were saved by faith in a coming Savior, not by animal sacrifices which could not remove sin. It highlights Genesis 15:6 to show that Abraham's righteousness came through belief, establishing a continuity of salvation by faith across both testaments. Pastor explains the early biblical hope found in Genesis 3 and 4, where Adam and Eve anticipated a Descendant who would crush the serpent's head. This expectation underscores the necessity of an eternal Savior Whose atonement matches God's infinite glory. Ultimately, the message affirms that salvation has always been rooted in trusting in Jesus Christ alone as the promised Redeemer.

Why should we watch against laziness? Proverbs 26:13–16 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that laziness is a very deadly folly. This passage exposes the great danger of laziness. Pastor describes how the lazy person fabricates excuses, mimics activity without making real progress, and feels weary simply at the thought of work. A central theme is the delusion of self-wisdom, where the lazy individual considers himself superior to those who act justly. This hardened state of foolishness leaves little hope for deliverance. The message concludes with a call to seek God's mercy and cultivate genuine diligence in life.

God's redeemed remnant will rejoice over the God Who rejoices over them.

God's redeemed remnant will rejoice over the God Who rejoices over them.

God glorifies Himself by justifying us apart from any works of our own, and by producing in us works that could not have come from us.

God glorifies Himself by justifying us apart from any works of our own, and by producing in us works that could not have come from us.

The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.

Since he is a danger to himself and others, a fool must be handled with care.

Since he is a danger to himself and others, a fool must be handled with care.

For the redeemed remnant, the great day is a day of grace.

For the redeemed remnant, the great day is a day of grace.

Salvation must be entirely by grace, because it takes us from the lowest we could possibly be; and, it must be only by God's own grace, because it takes us as high as we can possibly be.

Salvation must be entirely by grace, because it takes us from the lowest we could possibly be; and, it must be only by God's own grace, because it takes us as high as we can possibly be.

Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it, or that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.

The sinful fool makes a harmful friend.

The sinful fool makes a harmful friend.

The only hope of the believing remnant is the Lord Himself.

The only hope of the believing remnant is the Lord Himself.

Christ's supreme glory is the church's supreme grace.

Christ's supreme glory is the church's supreme grace.

Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized.

Truly Sweet Friendship [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 27:9] Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that truly sweet friendship is friendship that is good for the soul, before God. The devotional explores the biblical concept of friendship as a spiritual discipline rooted in Proverbs 27:9. It argues that true companionship transcends superficial enjoyment and must include hearty counsel that benefits the soul. Believers are called to interact with mutual encouragement that deepens their knowledge of God and the gospel. Such relationships reflect the dignity of having souls rather than merely earthly desires. The message concludes by praying for grace to be and find friends who glorify God together.

What do we do, when we see unfaithfulness in the government and the church? Zephaniah 3:1–8 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 faithful remnant waits upon the Lord's faithfulness. The devotional examines Zephaniah 3:1–8 to highlight Jerusalem's persistent rebellion despite God's numerous privileges and corrective judgments. It contrasts the faithlessness of Israel's leaders with YHWH's unwavering righteousness and justice. The text emphasizes that human failure necessitates a future divine intervention where God will gather the nations for judgment. Believers are urged to remain faithful and not be discouraged by current wickedness, trusting in God's sovereign plan. The message concludes with an exhortation to wait patiently for the Lord's promised day of deliverance and blessing.

How great is the power at work in us? Ephesians 1:20–23 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the power that is at work in us is the power that is at work in Christ. The devotional expounds on Ephesians 1:20-23, emphasizing that the same mighty power which raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand is actively at work in believers. This divine strength flows through the profound union between Christ and His Church, establishing believers as members of His body and heirs to His glory. The text contrasts Christ's supreme authority over all spiritual powers with the intimate, marriage relationship He shares with the Church. Understanding this reality dispels doubt and discouragement by revealing that believers share in Christ's victorious life through grace. The devotional concludes with a prayer for spiritual illumination to grasp the depth of this union and the sustaining power available to those who believe.

What may happen to faithful servants? Mark 6:14–29 prepares us for 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 faithful servants of Christ may, in this life, find themselves brutally and treacherously murdered. This devotional examines the tragic execution of John the Baptist to illustrate how faithful and holy believers may suffer despite their righteousness. Pastor analyzes King Herod's sinful self-indulgence and rash oath as catalysts for this injustice, emphasizing that such events do not contradict God's sovereign rule. Believers are encouraged to humble themselves before divine providence rather than placing their hope in earthly success or personal plans. The message urges the hearer to maintain confidence in Christ, and remain steadfast in holiness, regardless of external circumstances. Ultimately, hope is placed in God's secret will and the certainty of salvation rather than immediate earthly vindication.

Who will be king? 1Chronicles 9:35–10:14 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that only Christ's kingdom is forever. The devotional contrasts the tragic end of King Saul with the enduring faithfulness of God's covenant promises. It highlights Saul's unfaithfulness, specifically his consultation of a medium and failure to inquire of the Lord, as the cause of his downfall and the transfer of the kingdom. The text emphasizes that merely human kingship is insufficient and points ultimately to Christ, the true King from David's line. Believers are called to reject self-reliance and instead place their hope and submission in Jesus alone. This trust shapes every aspect of life, ensuring a legacy defined by faith rather than unfaithfulness.

We must love our enemy with the heart and the hand.

We must love our enemy with the heart and the hand.

What should we do, when we do not feel like God cares? Job 7 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, even (and especially) when we feel like God does not care, we should pray to Him out of the conviction that He does!

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 58—especially explaining how we can repent and believe only by the Spirit's grace. Q58. Can you repent and believe in Christ by your own power? No; I can do nothing good without the help of God's Holy Spirit. The lesson addresses the theological impossibility of human beings repenting or believing in Christ through their own power due to spiritual death. It emphasizes that these acts are gifts enabled solely by the Holy Spirit, Who provides the necessary strength and goodness found in Jesus. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge their inability and actively pray for divine assistance when they desire to repent or strengthen their faith. This approach shifts the focus from self-effort to reliance on God's grace, mirroring the plea to help unbelief. The central message affirms that all spiritual good originates from God rather than human capability.