Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian

A king has a duty to serve, and represent, the King of kings.

A king has a duty to serve, and represent, the King of kings.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 12—especially explaining how God knows all things. Q10. Does God know all things? Yes; nothing can be hid from God. The lesson explores the profound truth of God's omniscience, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from Him, drawing heavily from Hebrews 4 and Jeremiah 17. It highlights the mercy of God, Who, already possessing complete knowledge of the human heart's deceitfulness and wickedness, provides the Scriptures to expose and illuminate our own thoughts and intentions. The message underscores that while the human heart is inherently unknowable, God's revelation enables a degree of self-awareness, ultimately calling believers to accountability before a God who knows all things. The overall tone is instructional and comforting, presenting God's knowledge not as a source of judgment alone, but as a pathway to understanding and spiritual growth.

What is the point of life? Ecclesiastes 2 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the point of life is to receive it as from God, and to live it as for God. The devotional explores the pursuit of purpose through pleasure, productivity, and prosperity, ultimately concluding that these earthly endeavors prove fleeting and ultimately meaningless when pursued for personal gain. Solomon's exhaustive testing reveals that wisdom is preferable to folly, yet even wisdom cannot escape mortality and oblivion. The sermon emphasizes that true fulfillment arises not from accumulating possessions or achievements, but from recognizing God as the source of all good and enjoying life's blessings as gifts from Him, a perspective that transcends temporal limitations and promises enduring joy.

The last day is a day of great wrath and great salvation, but these are secondary unto it being a day of great praise.

God is faithful to discipline His people when they have false assurance

The last day is a day of great wrath and great salvation, but these are secondary unto it being a day of great praise.

God is faithful to discipline His people when they have false assurance.

God wants us to give our neighbor not only our behavior but love from a heart that is content to have God Himself.

God wants us to give our neighbor not only our behavior but love from a heart that is content to have God Himself.

Jesus is God, Who came to save us, for fellowship with Himself, unto His own glory

Jesus is God, Who came to save us, for fellowship with Himself, unto His own glory

How do we respond to the events of the last day? Revelation 19:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we respond to the events of the last day with great and universal praise unto God. The sermon explores the culmination of God's plan of salvation, vividly depicted in Revelation 19, focusing on the judgment of the "great harlot" and the subsequent celebration of the Lamb's marriage to His bride. It emphasizes God's truth and righteousness, demonstrated through both condemnation and redemption, while highlighting His almighty power manifested in the salvation and sanctification of believers, ultimately preparing them for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The message calls for active participation in summoning others to this blessed state, encouraging evangelism and discipleship as essential components of preparing the bride for her wedding day and participating in the ultimate praise of God.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 10—especially explaining how God is present everywhere but not located anywhere. Q10. Where is God? God is everywhere. The sermon explores the theological nuances of God's omnipresence, clarifying that it is not God being *in* every location, but rather that every location exists *within* God's presence. It distinguishes between omnipresence and omnilocation, emphasizing that God's inherent existence and self-sufficiency define His being, while creation depends on Him for existence. The discussion further examines the person of Jesus Christ, explaining that as the Son, He occupies a specific location – heaven – due to His divine nature and human embodiment, demonstrating that God's presence can be understood through the person of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon affirms the traditional answer to the question 'Where is God?' as 'God is everywhere,' while providing a more sophisticated understanding of what that statement entails.

The Lord has sovereignly planned all things, especially the blessedness of the righteous

The Lord has sovereignly planned all things, especially the blessedness of the righteous.

The God Who designed us to be speaking creatures requires that we use that speech for the good of our neighbor.

The God Who designed us to be speaking creatures requires that we use that speech for the good of our neighbor.

Jesus draws our attention to how He humbled Himself to the point of a Hell-experiencing death for us

Jesus draws our attention to how He humbled Himself to the point of a Hell-experiencing death for us

To what does Jesus draw our attention? Matthew 21:1–11 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus draws our attention to His kingly, divine salvation by way of humiliation. The sermon centers on Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, meticulously examining its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and highlighting its significance as a demonstration of humility and divine purpose. Drawing from passages like Matthew 21 and Zechariah 9, the message emphasizes Jesus's identity as the promised prophet, the eternal King, and ultimately, the divine Savior who willingly humbled himself to the point of atoning death. The passage underscores the contrast between outward adoration and the impending reality of sacrifice, ultimately calling listeners to trust in Jesus, submit to his sovereignty, and embrace his saving grace.

Why do we need to see and hear the greatness of God's wrath upon worldliness? Revelation 17–18 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we need to be warned about wrath, so that we will come out from among the worldly and be separate. The sermon explores the prophetic imagery of Revelation 17 and 18, portraying Babylon as a symbolic representation of worldly systems and the allure of fleeting pleasures that ultimately lead to destruction. Drawing on themes of idolatry, persecution, and divine judgment, the message warns against the dangers of prioritizing material wealth and earthly power over devotion to God, emphasizing the importance of separating oneself from such influences to avoid sharing in their fate. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a call to vigilance and faithfulness, assuring believers that God will ultimately avenge the blood of the martyrs and bring justice to those who oppose Him, while simultaneously offering a comforting assurance of divine protection for those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

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.

When God is your Audience, the heart is your focus

When God is your Audience, the heart is your focus

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