Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 26—especially explaining how God threatened Adam with spiritual, physical, and eternal death. Q26. What did God threaten in the covenant of works? To punish Adam with death if he disobeyed. The Covenant of Works threatened Adam with death as the penalty for disobedience, not merely physical demise but the immediate severance of his intimate fellowship with God, which was the very essence of his life. Though Adam was created as a living being, animated by an eternal soul and sustained in divine communion, his sin instantly severed his fellowship with God, resulting in spiritual death and the beginning of physical decay. This death was not deferred but began immediately, marking the collapse of his original state of divine intimacy and the onset of mortality. The threat encompassed both the temporary separation of soul and body and the everlasting consequence of eternal condemnation, though redemption through the Gospel ultimately reversed this fate. The lesson underscores that the penalty of disobedience was not just biological death but the loss of the life-giving relationship with God that defined Adam's existence.

For what do our souls exist? Psalm 103 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our souls exist for praising the God Who makes us objects of His steadfast love and tender mercy. This devotional unfolds Psalm 103 as a profound meditation on God's boundless mercy, structured as a 'praise sandwich' with worshipful declarations framing two central themes: divine forgiveness for human wickedness and steadfast compassion in human weakness. Pastor emphasizes that God's mercy, revealed most fully in His character as 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love,' is not based on human merit but on His eternal nature, as vast as the heavens above the earth. It is a mercy that removes sins as far as the east is from the west, redeeming believers from destruction and crowning them with lovingkindness, even as they are frail as grass and fleeting as a field flower. The devotional underscores that this mercy is both a present reality and an eternal covenant, extending to those who fear God, keep His commandments, and are adopted as His children, prompting all of creation—angels, saints, and the redeemed—to join in perpetual praise of His salvation and sustaining grace.

Christ insists the bride consider how beautiful she is to Him, especially in her own pure desire for Him

Christ insists the bride consider how beautiful she is to Him, especially in her own pure desire for Him

Because we are still imperfect, watching and waiting for Christ's return means depending upon His Spirit in the ordained means of grace.

Because we are still imperfect, watching and waiting for Christ's return means depending upon His Spirit in the ordained means of grace.

How do we watch for the Lord Jesus? Matthew 25:1–13 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we watch for the Lord Jesus by depending upon the Holy Spirit to use the means of His grace to make us ready for heaven. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 illustrates the necessity of genuine spiritual readiness for Christ's return, emphasizing that outward participation in the church is insufficient, without inward dependence on the Holy Spirit, through consistent engagement with the means of grace. Wisdom is not merely practical foresight but a moral disposition, rooted in fearing God, while foolishness reflects a self-reliant, superficial faith that also neglects spiritual disciplines. Continual, intentional reliance on the Spirit in Scripture, prayer, worship, and sacraments is vital, as we do not know when it will be too late. Ultimately, the call to watchfulness is fulfilled not only through faithful service in the church but through a personal, ongoing dependence on the Spirit, ensuring that when Christ comes, the believer's life shines with His authentic work, not mere outward appearance.

God prepares us for future service by shaping our hearts with Scripture.

God prepares us for future service by shaping our hearts with Scripture.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 25—especially explaining how God promised life in the covenant of works. Q25. What did God promise in the covenant of works? To reward Adam with life if he obeyed Him. The lesson centers on the covenant of works, in which God promised Adam eternal life upon condition of perfect obedience, with the consequence of death if he disobeyed the prohibition against eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This covenant was not merely a test of obedience but a gracious provision of fellowship with God and a life of divine blessing, contingent on faithful adherence. The failure of Adam to fulfill this covenant is contrasted with the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, the last Adam, Who atoned for violation of the covenant of works through His death, securing the greater blessings of the covenant of grace. The message underscores that while Adam's probation was temporary and ultimately failed, Christ's obedience has eternally fulfilled the promise of life, making salvation not a matter of human effort but of divine grace accomplished in Christ.

Who was the authority in Israel? Deuteronomy 16:18–18:22 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the ultimate authority in Israel was God Himself by means of His Word. This passage presents a comprehensive application of the Fifth Commandment—honoring God as the ultimate authority—within the life of Israel as they enter the Promised Land. It establishes a divinely ordered hierarchy of authority: prophets, who speak God's Word directly; priests, who teach and uphold the law; kings, who are to rule according to God's law rather than worldly ambition; and judges, who administer justice impartially in every community. Each office is grounded in obedience to God's revealed Word, with strict prohibitions against idolatry, false prophecy, and corrupt practices such as bribery or unjust judgment. The text emphasizes that true authority is not self-asserted but derived from God, and that rebellion against His appointed authorities—whether judicial, royal, or prophetic—invites divine judgment. Ultimately, the passage points forward to Jesus Christ, the final and supreme Prophet, whose Word alone is to be heeded, and whose authority supersedes all human institutions, calling believers to live in humble, faithful submission to God's revealed truth.

Christ feeds His bride not merely spiritual food, but sweet delight in, and being delighted in by, Himself

Christ feeds His bride not merely spiritual food, but sweet delight in, and being delighted in by, Himself

To live readily for Christ's return, do what He has commanded you to do, especially in His church.

To live readily for Christ's return, do what He has commanded you to do, especially in His church.

How does God prepare people do be fruitful and effective? Proverbs 19:8–12 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God prepares us for future service by shaping our hearts with Scripture. This passage emphasizes that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord and shaped by Scripture, is essential for personal flourishing and godly influence. The text warns against falsehood and uncontrolled anger, highlighting that both are destructive, while portraying the disciplined heart as one that exercises restraint and grace, even in positions of authority. Ultimately, cultivating a Scripture-shaped heart prepares every believer for whatever role or responsibility God has prepared for them, whether in humility or leadership, for the glory of God and the good of others.

How do we live as those who are ready for the return? Matthew 24:45–51 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we live as those who are ready for the return by diligently attending to the life that Christ has appointed for us in His church. The devotional centers on the urgent call to live in constant readiness for Christ's return, emphasizing that faithfulness is demonstrated not through speculation about end-time signs, but through diligent obedience to the specific duties God has assigned within the church. It highlights the danger of spiritual complacency. The parable of the faithful and evil servant warns that those who fail to steward their God-given responsibilities, especially in the public life of the church, are not merely idle but are drifting into hypocrisy, and the ultimate consequence is hell itself. The message calls believers to live with continual awareness of God's presence, not only in anticipation of Christ's return but in the reality of being always before His face.

In what manner is the church sanctified? Song of Songs 1:12–14 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the church is sanctified through mutually delighted fellowship with her beloved Lord. The passage reveals a profound spiritual intimacy between the believer and Christ, portraying divine nourishment not as mere instruction but as shared fellowship at the King's table, where both parties delight in one another. Central to this communion is the mutual exchange of fragrance—Christ's sweetness drawing forth the believer's offering of devotion, and the believer's heart finding its deepest joy in being sweet to Christ. The imagery of myrrh, henna, and En-Gedi underscores Christ's abundant, life-giving sweetness and the transformative power of His presence, turning every aspect of life into a place of delight. This relationship is not merely intellectual, but deeply personal, calling the believer to cherish Christ as the most intimate, enduring, and treasured reality—held close like a bundle of myrrh persistently held between the breasts. The passage affirms that spiritual growth occurs through abiding fellowship, where knowing Christ becomes the very means of becoming like Him, sustained by the Holy Spirit's grace.

How are earthly authorities a solution to some of the challenges of a fallen world? Read Ecclesiastes 8:1–14 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has given earthly authorities to restrain some of the effects of sin, and to remind us that He ultimately answers all sin. The devotional affirms that godly rulers are a divinely ordained gift that mitigates the chaos of human sin, yet remain inherently limited. While wise kings, who uphold justice and discern timely judgment, bring order and restraint, their power is finite—unable to control the spirit, death, or God's providence. The greater danger arises when rulers are wicked, failing to execute judgment swiftly, which emboldens sin and creates a false sense of impunity. Ultimately, earthly outcomes are fleeting and often unjust, but God's final judgment ensures that the righteous will prosper and the wicked will not endure, as their days are but a shadow. Therefore, believers are called not to place ultimate hope in any human authority, but to trust in God's sovereign justice, knowing that temporal injustices will be rectified in His eternal reckoning.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 24—especially explaining how God required perfect obedience in the covenant of works. Q24. What was Adam bound to do by the covenant of works? To obey God perfectly. The lesson centers on the theological significance of Adam's obligation under the covenant of works, emphasizing that his duty was not merely to avoid a single prohibition but to obey God perfectly in every aspect of life. Rooted in Scripture, particularly the command not to eat from the tree in the midst of the garden, the covenant underscores that even the slightest disobedience carried the full penalty of death, highlighting the absolute nature of divine obedience. Adam's creation in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, along with his moral awareness and responsibilities such as stewardship of creation and Sabbath observance, illustrates that obedience was required not only in outward actions but from the heart. The lesson underscores the gravity of moral responsibility and the impossibility of perfection from now-fallen humanity, apart from divine grace, setting the stage for the necessity of redemption. The tone is instructive and reverent, calling listeners to reflect on the seriousness of God's law and the depth of human failure.

How was Israel to keep God's prescribed holy time? Deuteronomy 14:22–16:17 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are to keep divinely consecrated time by worship that rejoices in the Lord, before the Lord, for His goodness to us in creation and redemption. This passage presents a comprehensive framework for consecrating time and resources to God, rooted in gratitude for creation and redemption. The recurring emphasis on remembering Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the inclusion of the vulnerable—Levites, foreigners, widows, and orphans—reveals that holy time includes imitation of divine kindness. Though the specific rituals have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles endure: the Lord's Day is to be a sacred time where believers gather to delight in God and extend His mercy to others.

Christ helps His bride in adoring love.

Christ helps His bride in adoring love.

We must live as always ready for Christ's return, which is unpredictable and inescapable.

We must live as always ready for Christ's return, which is unpredictable and inescapable.

What is worse than financial poverty? Proverbs 18:22–19:7 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that spiritual poverty is infinitely worse than financial poverty. The central message of the devotional is that true security comes not from wealth, status, or earthly influence, but from relationship with God through Christ, Who is the ultimate Friend. Drawing from Proverbs 18:22–19:7, it emphasizes that godly speech and a life marked by humility and wisdom are instruments through which God grants blessings such as a godly spouse and faithful friends, but these are ultimately divine gifts, not human achievements. The passage confronts the worldly illusion that wealth buys loyalty, revealing instead that the poor and righteous are often abandoned by friends, yet they are not without hope, for they have Christ—'a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother'—Who stands as their eternal advocate before God's judgment seat. The sermon warns against pride and fleshly security, highlighting that those who live in arrogance and deceit, even if wealthy, will face divine accountability, while those whose fellowship with Christ is displayed by walking in integrity, though friendless on earth, are assured of divine favor. Ultimately, believers are called to place their hope not in material prosperity or human alliances, but in Christ alone, Who is the source of true life, righteousness, and unshakable friendship.

How does the Lord respond to His Bride's discouragement over her present failings? Song of Songs 1:8–11 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord responds to His Bride's discouragement over her failings with encouragement and instruction. The devotional reflects upon the believer's identity and hope, rooted in the Bride's longing for sanctification and the Bridegroom's loving response. It emphasizes that spiritual growth is not found in novel methods or self-reliance, but in faithfully following the well-worn paths of the faithful—through the ordinary means of grace and the pastoral ministry, which Christ has appointed and employs. The Bridegroom's declaration of the bride's incomparable worth—comparing her to His prized filly among Pharaoh's chariots—affirms the dignity, value, and divine purpose of His church (and His elect), not by inherent merit, but by union with Christ. This dignity is being progressively adorned by God Himself, Who is actively refining His church through a Trinitarian work of sanctification, culminating in a glory that surpasses all earthly splendor. The passage calls the church and individual believers to hold fast to this truth, especially in seasons of discouragement, recognizing that their worth is defined not by failure or external appearances, but by the unchanging love and sovereign work of Christ, Who is both the Author and the Finisher of their faith.

What is the sign of Christ's coming? Matthew 24:1–44 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's coming is the sign of Christ's coming. Jesus teaches on the signs of the end, distinguishing between the predictable and escapable destruction of the temple—marked by the abomination of desolation—and the unpredictable, inescapable return of the Son of Man, which will be unmistakable and universal. He warns against deception by false Christs and prophets, emphasizing that no earthly signs, including wars, famines, or persecution, indicate His coming, as these are merely the 'beginnings of sorrows' characteristic of the age between His resurrection and return. The true sign of His coming is His visible, glorious appearance in the heavens, like lightning flashing across the sky, when all will see Him and the elect will be gathered from every nation. While the timing of His return remains unknown to all except the Father, believers are called to live in constant readiness, not in fear of signs, but in faithful service, knowing that their eternal destiny hinges not on external events or religious rituals, but on being united to Christ through faith. The passage concludes with a sobering call to self-examination: will His return be a day of judgment and mourning for the unprepared, or a moment of joy and redemption for those who have been gathered by grace?

Who can be truly righteous? Read Ecclesiastes 7:16–29 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is our only hope for righteousness that is according to God's standard, in God's strength, and unto God's praise. The devotional unpacks Ecclesiastes 7:16–29 as a meditation on the futility of self-righteousness, and the necessity of fearing God as the only true path to righteousness. It corrects a common misinterpretation of verse 16 by emphasizing that the warning is against self-justification—seeking righteousness for one's own glory, strength, or approval—rather than against striving for godly virtue. The passage highlights Solomon's own failure, despite his extraordinary wisdom—demonstrating that human effort, no matter how great, cannot achieve the righteousness God demands. True righteousness is found not in human wisdom or moral striving, but in the fear of the Lord and union with Christ, Who alone is the sinless, upright Man. The passage ultimately points to Jesus as the only perfect human, the one righteous Man among thousands, Whose righteousness cannot be imitated through self-achievement but imputed by grace through faith, and which transforms the believer's life to conform to God's standard, not for self-glory, but for His eternal glory.

Wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict.

Wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict.

How was Israel to apply the third commandment to their life in the land? Deuteronomy 12:32–14:21 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel was to apply the third commandment to their life in the land by carefulness in theological speech, by church discipline, and by consecration of all of life. This devotional centers on the profound responsibility of honoring God's Name in both word and life, rooted in the third commandment's call to not take His Name in vain. It emphasizes that God's Word is to be preserved without addition or subtraction, and that even miraculous signs cannot validate false teaching, as God may allow deception to test true devotion. The passage calls for rigorous personal and corporate discipline, including the removal of false prophets, family members, and entire communities that promote idolatry, underscoring the necessity of holiness to honor the sanctity of God's Name. This moral law was applied to Israel through dietary regulations and cultural practices, illustrating that holiness extends to everyday life—how believers eat, dress, and live—because they are God's chosen, holy people bearing His Name. Ultimately, the passage calls for a life marked by conscious reverence, where every action reflects the weightiness of being a child of God, a holy and treasured possession, and a living testimony to His glory.

To escape eternal death, we must not reject Christ's Word, but come to Him, Who came for us, and calls us, in love.

Why is wise speech so needed? Proverbs 18:13–21 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wise speech is designed by God to give life by resolving conflict. The devotional emphasizes the importance of wise speech in resolving conflict, drawing from Proverbs 18:13-21. It highlights the destructive nature of foolish speech and the need for prudent, knowledgeable, and impartial communication to overcome contention. The passage underscores the human tendency to be swayed by bribes and initial presentations, urging listeners to be quick to listen and slow to speak, trusting in God's providence. The power of the tongue to bring life or death is stressed, with wise speech being a means to restore peace and joy. The tone is instructional and pastoral, encouraging listeners to fear the Lord and seek His guidance in their interactions to become peacemakers.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 23—especially explaining how the covenant of works gets its name. Q23. What covenant did God make with Adam? The covenant of works. The lesson explores the covenant of works that God made with Adam, as outlined in the catechism. It distinguishes this covenant from the covenant of grace, emphasizing that Adam's obedience and works were the means to obtain the blessings of life in the first covenant, while in the second covenant, it is Jesus' works that secure blessings for believers. Pastor clarifies the terminology used in the Westminster Standards, explaining why the Standards use different various names for the covenant with Adam. The tone is instructional, aiming to educate and clarify the theological distinctions for the audience.

The Bride of Christ desires that His love would take the initiative in stirring up her love to Him

The Bride of Christ desires that His love would take the initiative in stirring up her love to Him

To escape eternal death, we must not reject Christ's Word, but come to Him, Who came for us, and calls us, in love.

Why does Jesus send us preachers? Matthew 23:34–39 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus sends us preachers out of loving desire to save our soul. The devotional centers on Jesus' lament over Jerusalem's persistent rejection of His messengers. By identifying Himself as the divine Sender—echoing YHWH's voice in Jeremiah—Jesus reveals that opposition to His prophets, apostles, and ordained pastors is ultimately opposition to Him, and thus to God. Jesus' heartbreak over Jerusalem—His desire to gather His people like a hen gathers her chicks—reveals a profound, enduring compassion, yet also a solemn warning. Ultimate confession of His lordship will come, either in joyful faith now or in eternal horror at His return. The call is urgent: examine whether one's response to Scripture and God's ordained preachers is one of repentant faith or hardened resistance, for the day will come when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord—either in blessedness or in horror.

What does the Bride of Christ desire? Song of Songs 1:2–7 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bride of Christ desires that His love would take the initiative in stirring up her love to Him. The devotional unfolds the Song of Songs 1:2–7 as a profound reflection on the believer's deep longing for intimate, experiential communion with Christ, Who is known as King, Shepherd, and Bridegroom. Central to the message is the bride's passionate plea for His kisses, which symbolize the living, transformative expressions of His grace. Her identity as both flawed and beloved—dark yet lovely—illustrates the condition of the church in this world as holy, but not yet glorified. The devotional emphasizes that true spiritual health is marked by single-minded devotion to Christ, a desire to be drawn by His grace, and a desire for genuine, Scriptural nourishment over-against merely human ministry. Ultimately, the believer is called to seek Christ in His Word and means of grace, where His love is made real, His name is exalted, and His people are gladdened and strengthened in Him.

What is the good life? Read Ecclesiastes 6:1–7:15 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the good life is one in which we trust God's providence and enjoy His goodness in every circumstance. The devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 6:1–7:15 to reveal that no earthly possession, prosperity, or even longevity can satisfy the human soul apart from God. It exposes the futility of seeking joy in wealth, power, or endless life when one lacks the divine gifts of both the opportunity and the ability to perceive God's goodness. True wisdom lies not in accumulating more, but in seeing God's hand in all circumstances—prosperity and adversity alike—and in cultivating a heart that finds rest in Him. Pastor emphasizes that the fear of the Lord, not material wealth, is the foundation of the good life, and that enduring value is found in a relationship with God, not in fleeting experiences or worldly achievements. Ultimately, the devotional calls believers to fix their eyes on eternal realities, to embrace sorrow as a means of spiritual refinement, and even to live with the awareness of death as a help to a life well-lived.

What is true worship? Deuteronomy 12:1–31 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that only God chooses what is true worship. This passage establishes that worship must be conducted exclusively according to God's sovereign choice, not according to the church's preference or the practices of the surrounding culture. It emphasizes that true worship involves the destruction of pagan altars and idols, and the exclusive offering of only what God has provided, and only in the way that God has commanded and in the place God designates, where His name dwells. The people are called to rejoice before God in gratitude for His generous provision. This reflects the broader theological truth that God alone determines how humanity may approach Him, culminating in the ultimate provision of Jesus Christ, the true dwelling place of God's Name. Therefore, worship must always be offered in the way God has commanded, not according to human desire or cultural imitation, but in joyful obedience to His revealed will. When this is followed, the worship comes through Christ.

Isolating yourself hurts both yourself and others.

Isolating yourself hurts both yourself and others.

What is the Song of Songs about? Song of Songs 1:1 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Song of Songs is about the King of kings and His marriage of marriages in His love of loves. The Song of Songs titles itself a divine, poetic masterpiece, is not merely a human love story but an allegory pointing to Christ's eternal, sacrificial love for His church, the bride. Rooted in the rich literature of corresponding Scripture, it is a song of songs—exalted in both form and content—designed to imprint divine truth on the mind, stir deep affections, and move the will of the singer and hearer. Though attributed to Solomon, the king's flawed history underscores that the true focus is not on his marriage but on that of Christ, the King of Kings—Whose love is the love of loves. The book's poetic, dense language, together with corresponding Scripture, especially Psalm 45 and Ephesians 5, reveal that the Song is about Christ and His Bride. It is the most excellent song, the central narrative of Scripture, in which all of God's redemptive history finds its fulfillment in Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

What does self-isolation do? Proverbs 18:1–12 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that self-isolation hurts you, and hurts others. Proverbs 18 contrasts the destructive power of the fool's tongue with the life-giving wisdom of the righteous, revealing how pride and isolation lead to ruin. In vv1–12, the fool, who seeks only his own desires and rejects wise counsel, exposes himself in ways that invite contempt, dishonor, and reproach, turning his speech into a snare for his own soul. His words, likened to deep, murky waters, obstruct truth, promote partiality, and fuel conflict, ultimately destroying both himself and the community. In contrast, the wise person, marked by humility and trust in God, builds relationships and finds safety in divine authority, reflecting how true honor flows from submission and faith. The devotional calls believers to guard their speech, resist gossip, and embrace humility as the path to lasting wisdom and blessing.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 22—especially explaining how a covenant joins two or more persons in a binding relationship. Q22. What is a covenant? An agreement between two or more persons. The lesson explores the biblical concept of a covenant as a sacred, binding relationship rooted in mutual commitment rather than mere contract. Drawing from Scripture, it emphasizes that God initiates, defines, and sustains the covenant through promises, obligations, and consequences for breach.