The latest feed from Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian on SermonAudio.com.
How does God judge unfaithful preaching? Micah 3:5–8 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God judged unfaithful preaching by removing His Word. The sermon examines the failings of unfaithful prophets who prioritized personal gain over faithful proclamation, selecting messages based on audience favor rather than divine truth, and ultimately facing divine judgment and humiliation. Drawing from Micah's prophetic ministry, the message contrasts these mercenary preachers with the ideal of a Spirit-filled prophet, foreshadowed by Micah and perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, who faithfully declares sin and offers redemption. The sermon underscores the necessity of biblically grounded preaching, emphasizing that Scripture, breathed out by God's Spirit, reveals our hearts and offers both condemnation and mercy, ultimately highlighting Jesus as the ultimate Prophet Whose faithfulness ensures God's Word is proclaimed to those who are His.
How does man compare to the creation as a whole? Ecclesiastes 1:4–11 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that man's life is brief and unimpactful, by comparison to the creation as a whole. The sermon grapples with the fleeting nature of human existence, contrasting our brief lives with the enduring cycles of the earth, sun, wind, and rivers. It challenges the notion that unique impact is essential for a meaningful life, asserting that humanity's attempts at uniqueness are ultimately futile, as each generation repeats the patterns of those before. Instead, the message emphasizes finding purpose and pleasure through knowing, enjoying, and glorifying God, participating in His work of transmitting wisdom to future generations, and embracing the ordinary tasks He assigns, thereby transcending our temporary nature and finding lasting value in Him.
What are the benefits of humility before the Lord? Proverbs 15:30–33 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek meeting this week. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility before the Lord brings understanding through rebuke and joy through the gospel. The sermon emphasizes the vital connection between humility, God's Word, and spiritual well-being, drawing from Proverbs 15:30-33. It highlights that receiving both rebuke and the "good report" of the gospel—the message of God's saving grace—is essential for a healthy spirit and a rejoicing heart, ultimately leading to wisdom and honor. The central message underscores the need to trust God's promises and submit to His instruction, recognizing that true joy and understanding stem from a humble acceptance of His Word and a belief in the transformative power of the gospel, which declares that God saves sinners.
The God Who put His image in us has appointed to us our possessions and the right means of acquiring them.
The God Who put His image in us has appointed to us our possessions and the right means of acquiring them.
Real sight is trusting Jesus to be as He is in Himself—as the Scriptures describe Him to be—and following Him with all the ability that He gives us.
Real sight is trusting Jesus to be as He is in Himself—as the Scriptures describe Him to be—and following Him with all the ability that He gives us.
Who can truly see? Matthew 20:29–34 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the one who can see his own great need, and Jesus's great compassion and ability for that need, is the one who sees truly. The sermon centers on the encounter between Jesus and two blind men outside Jericho, contrasting their heartfelt cries for mercy with the misguided noise of a surrounding multitude focused on outward displays of greatness. Drawing from Psalm 72 and Matthew 20, the message emphasizes that true recognition of Jesus lies not in worldly acclaim but in acknowledging his compassionate nature and willingness to personally engage with the needy, as demonstrated by his touch and subsequent healing. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to emulate the blind men's faith, recognizing their own neediness and using any newfound ability or strength to follow Christ with humility and confidence, trusting in his divine compassion and ability to remedy their spiritual and physical limitations.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 8—especially explaining how we know the persons of the Godhead by His own revelation of Himself. Q8. What are they? The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The sermon explores the foundational Christian doctrine of the Trinity, identifying the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as the three distinct persons within the singular Godhead. Drawing primarily from Scripture, particularly the baptismal formula in Matthew 28, it emphasizes the biblical basis for these designations. The presentation clarifies that the second person of the Godhead is known as both the Word and the Son, reinforcing the importance of understanding these names as revealed in the Bible. Ultimately, the message aims to provide a clear and concise explanation of this core theological concept for believers.
The God Who created marriage has honored and blessed it, and so must we.
The God Who created marriage has honored and blessed it, and so must we.
We see Jesus's glory through His wisdom, gentleness, and service.
We see Jesus's glory through His wisdom, gentleness, and service.
How do saints come to glory? Matthew 20:20–28 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that saints come to glory through service and suffering with Christ. The sermon explores the disciples' request for positions of prominence in Jesus's kingdom, contrasting it with the model of selfless service exemplified by Christ. Drawing from Matthew 20, the message emphasizes humility and the prioritization of serving others, rather than seeking authority or recognition. It clarifies that true greatness lies in emulating Jesus's example of sacrifice and submission, ultimately trusting God's sovereign plan for their places in His kingdom, while acknowledging the patience and wisdom of Christ in guiding his followers towards a deeper understanding of his will.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 7—especially explaining how the Triune God has been pleased to make Himself known as Triune, especially through His Son. Q7. In how many persons does this one God exist? In three persons. The sermon explores the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing that the one God exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It clarifies that while hints of the Trinity are present in the Old Testament, the full revelation of this truth is uniquely associated with the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The presentation highlights the personal properties of each person within the Godhead—the Father begetting, the Son being begotten, and the Spirit proceeding—and underscores the significance of understanding this doctrine for authentic Christian faith, asserting that belief in the Trinity is essential for belonging to Christ and becoming a Christian.
Those who rejoice in the Lord have true joy.
Those who rejoice in the Lord have true joy.
Valuing God in others means especially valuing man as made in the image of God.
Valuing God in others means especially valuing man as made in the image of God.
Jesus summons us to consider His cross with Him, so that we will take Him Himself as the sign of His salvation
Jesus summons us to consider His cross with Him, so that we will take Him Himself as the sign of His salvation
Happiness is gained not by improved circumstances but by godliness with contentment, the fear of the Lord
Happiness is gained not by improved circumstances but by godliness with contentment, the fear of the Lord
It can only be the last who will be first, because the reward of the kingdom is entirely of grace
The Lord starts us out with the best of authorities, so that we will learn to honor authorities as part of His means of bringing us into the blessings that He has promised us.
The Lord starts us out with the best of authorities, so that we will learn to honor authorities as part of His means of bringing us into the blessings that He has promised us.
It can only be the last who will be first, because the reward of the kingdom is entirely of grace.
What is the nature of the rewards of the kingdom? Matthew 20:1–16 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the rewards of the kingdom are given not by merit, but by grace. The sermon explores the parable of the vineyard workers, illustrating that receiving grace from God is not earned through merit or labor, but freely given according to His benevolent will. Drawing from Matthew 20, the message emphasizes that God's goodness is the source of reward, even for those who begin late, contrasting this with the offense of those who believe they are owed recognition for their efforts. Ultimately, the sermon reveals that true blessing lies in recognizing God's generosity and accepting His gift, distinguishing between the external call to the gospel and the internal, effectual calling that leads to salvation, concluding that many are invited but few are truly chosen.
What must we do in light of the end that is coming? Revelation 14:6–13 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 we must persevere in faith and obedience in light of the coming ends of the wicked and the righteous. The sermon explores the urgent call to worship the creator amidst the deceptive allure of a counterfeit trinity—the dragon, the sea beast, and the earth beast—which seduces humanity with promises of power and prosperity. It warns against identifying with worldly systems and taking on a mark of allegiance, emphasizing the inevitability of God's wrath for those who reject Him. Conversely, it highlights the blessedness of those who persevere in faith and obedience, enduring hardship and ultimately finding rest and reward in the presence of the Lamb, whose works will follow them into eternity, demonstrating that true worship leads to divine rest and eternal glory.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 5—especially explaining how glorifying God is the purpose of both our creation and our redemption. Q5. Why ought you to glorify God? Because He made me and takes care of me. The sermon emphasizes that glorifying God stems from His role as both Creator and Provider, drawing heavily from Psalms 95 and 100 alongside Romans 11:31. It articulates that God's act of creation and ongoing providence—His care and provision—are foundational reasons for praise, particularly highlighting the intimate and adoring relationship established through redemption. The message underscores that God's purpose in reconciliation is to bring believers near, offering Himself as the ultimate source of joy and fostering a posture of humble worship and affectionate devotion.
Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 89—especially explaining how God uses His Word in every part of saving us. Q89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation? The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation. The sermon explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in making the Word of God effectual for salvation, emphasizing that reading and, particularly, preaching are transformed into instruments of conviction, conversion, and spiritual growth through divine agency. Drawing from Romans and 2 Timothy, it highlights how the Law reveals our sin and exposes us to God's wrath, while the Gospel proclaims Christ as a propitiation, justifying those who believe. Ultimately, the Spirit softens hearts, implants the Word, and empowers believers to live a life of holiness, comfort, and mercy, demonstrating that salvation is not achieved through human effort but through God's grace and the transformative power of His Spirit.
What is the lesson from God's judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria? Micah 2:1–5 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God brought the judgment on Jerusalem and Samaria, in part, to warn us against the grief of committing similar sin ourselves.
The fear of the Lord produces correctability in those who have spiritual life
The fear of the Lord produces correctability in those who have spiritual life
Who is exalted, and why has He exalted us? Psalm 148 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH is infinitely exalted, but He has exalted His people and their praise so that they might praise Him.
God commands us not only to hallow the Sabbath, but to guard it in order to hallow it.
God commands us not only to hallow the Sabbath, but to guard it in order to hallow it.
Faith receives, rather than gives—and since it receives Jesus, it receives everything!
Faith receives, rather than gives—and since it receives Jesus, it receives everything!
How should we respond to the judgment of God's sinful people? Micah 1:10–16 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should respond to the judgment of God's sinful people with deeply felt, and expressed, grief.
We speak before the eyes of the LORD, Who justly responds to how we use our tongue
Why should we praise the Lord? Psalm 147 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that praising the Lord is a great blessing, duty, and privilege.
How should we use out tongues? Proverbs 14:33–15:4 looks forward to the sermon in this week's midweek meeting. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should use our tongues as those imaging God, before the eyes of God.
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 3—especially explaining how God made all things for His glory, and especially mankind, but most of all the elect. Q3. Why did God make you and all things? For His own glory.
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